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The sheer variety of soccer cleats available today is mind-blowing. They come in all sorts of shapes, colors, and sizes, making it difficult to know which cleats to pick.
Another important consideration is the type of studs that are attached to the soles of the cleats.
In this article, we explain everything you need to know about metal stud soccer cleats and introduce you to our top pick if you’re looking to add a pair to your soccer bag this season.
What are metal stud soccer cleats for?
Metal stud soccer cleats are designed for use on soft ground. So, when the grass is wet, and the soccer field is slippery, metal stud soccer cleats provide players with more grip and support.
In the sections that follow, we take a closer look at metal stud soccer cleats and explain what you need to know about opting for this type of footwear.
When to wear metal stud soccer cleats?
Metal stud soccer cleats are perfect for playing soccer on a grass field, particularly during the winter months or rainy seasons, depending on where you live.
This is because metal studs offer a much better grip than molded or plastic studs, which make it difficult for you to keep your feet when you’re playing soccer in the rain.
If you were to show up to a soccer match in wet and muddy conditions in shallow molded studs, you would almost certainly struggle to keep your footing during the game.
Bonus tip: After playing a match in the rain or in muddy conditions, it’s super important to wash your cleats when you get home. Read our handy guide to find out how to clean your soccer cleats the right way.
When not to wear metal stud soccer cleats?
While they’re perfect for playing soccer in the rain, metal studded cleats are not suitable for playing soccer when the ground is particularly dry.
When the surface is dry, it’s difficult for the stud to penetrate the turf, which makes it difficult to retain your balance for other reasons.
What’s more, wearing metal studs on hard pitches can hurt your feet and may even lead to blisters and sores.
As well as not wearing metal studs on hard grass, you should avoid them when you’re playing on astroturf or other artificial grass surfaces.
Most artificial grass venues have specific rules about the footwear you can wear, and almost all of them ban the use of metal studded soccer cleats.
Are soccer cleats with metal studs safe?
Contrary to what you might think, metal studded soccer cleats are very safe. In fact, they’re typically rounded, which means they won’t cause significant damage if you accidentally connect with your opponent after a sliding tackle.
They’re the safest footwear that you can wear on a soccer pitch that is wet and muddy, as they will help you keep your balance and prevent you from falling over.
However, when worn on the incorrect surface, soccer cleats with metal studs can be dangerous, as the surface will feel slippery.
Also, if you wear metal cleats on a hard surface, the cleats themselves will sharpen, which means they will no longer be safe.
So, provided you use them correctly, soccer cleats with metal studs are perfectly safe and are a super important part of any soccer player’s kit.
Are metal stud soccer cleats legal?
Yes, metal stud soccer cleats are legal. Many professional soccer players wear metal stud soccer cleats, illustrating the fact that they’re suitable for playing at any level of the game.
You may have noticed that a referee is required to check the footwear of soccer players before they enter the field.
They’re checking to make sure that their footwear is safe. If any studs are sharp or missing, the referee or assistant can request that players change their cleats before entering the field.
While this doesn’t happen often, it’s worth being aware of, as it’s the referee’s job to protect players out on the field, which is why they conduct an equipment check before getting the game started.
Our top pick: Adidas World Cup Cleats
Made from 100% k-leather, these legendary metal stud soccer cleats from Adidas are the best in the business.
Widely regarded as Adidas’ best ever release, the World Cup cleat has been popular with professional soccer players for the best part of twenty years.
For a durable, classy, and high quality pair of soccer cleats with metal studs, it’s impossible to look past these timeless classics from Adidas.
The Soccer Knowledge Hub team swear by these cleats, and they’re our top pick if you’re looking for the most comfortable and durable soccer cleats on the market.
Can you replace metal studs in soccer cleats?
A great thing about this style of soccer cleat is that you can often replace the studs if they get damaged, broken, or lost.
However, it depends on the style and brand that you opt for, and you might need a special tool to fix the new metal studs in place.
But replacing metal studs is a great way of upgrading your soccer cleats without needing to replace them, saving you hassle and money when it comes to finding a new pair of cleats to wear this season.
Bonus tip: Looking for the most durable soccer cleats? Read our review on what makes soccer cleats durable and why the Adidas World Cup cleats tick all the boxes.
Recap: Metal stud soccer cleats
If you’re looking for the perfect footwear to play soccer in soft conditions, then a pair of metal stud soccer cleats is just what you need.
As explained throughout, they’re perfect for playing soccer in the rain, and they’re perfectly safe, provided you look after them.
Ultimately, metal studded soccer cleats are an essential piece of kit, so don’t hesitate to grab a pair if you’ve just started playing soccer this season.