Cleated: meaning, definitions and examples

👟

Add to dictionary

cleated

[ˈkliːtɪd ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

sports equipment

The term 'cleated' refers to footwear that has protruding studs or spikes on the sole. These cleats provide improved traction on various surfaces, making them especially useful in sports like soccer, football, and baseball. Cleated shoes help athletes maintain better grip and stability during their performance, allowing for quick movements and sharp turns. The design of cleats can vary depending on the specific sport and the playing surface, ranging from molded to detachable types.

Synonyms

spiked, studded.

Examples of usage

He wore cleated shoes for the soccer match.
The football player preferred his cleated boots for better grip on the field.
Cleated runners can enhance performance on the track.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Derived from the word 'cleat,' which comes from Middle English 'cliete,' meaning a fastening or a hook.
The original meaning referred to a type of fastener or type of shoe that secured rope to a post on ships.
As sport evolved, 'cleated' began to refer to footwear designed for traction in various athletic activities.

Sports

Cleated shoes are essential in sports like soccer, American football, and baseball where grip on the playing surface is crucial.
Athletes often choose cleats based on the type of field – different ground types like grass, turf, or dirt require different cleat designs.
The design and number of cleats can affect a player’s performance, providing either superior traction or agility.

Cultural Significance

In cultures where sports are a major aspect of life, finding the right 'cleated' shoes can be viewed as a rite of passage for young athletes.
The terminology and design of cleated footwear can vary from country to country, influencing local sports fashion trends.
Certain brands of cleated shoes become status symbols among athletes and fans, often leading to product endorsements and marketing campaigns.

Fashion

Cleats have evolved into stylish designs that are now often worn off the field as part of casual fashion.
The blend of functionality and style in cleated shoes has led to the rise of athletic wear as a fashion statement.
Fashion designers often collaborate with sports brands to create limited-edition cleated shoes that appeal to both athletes and fashion enthusiasts.

Physiology

Wearing cleated shoes can influence a player’s biomechanics, affecting their balance and the distribution of forces on their body.
The spikes on cleated footwear can reduce the risk of slipping, allowing for quicker starts and stops, which is essential in many sports.
Research shows that the design of cleats impacts not only performance but can also play a role in injury prevention.