Football boot

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Football boots, also known as cleats or soccer shoes in North American English,^[1] are a type of shoe worn when playing association football (soccer), most of its variations, and some games that are played on the same surface. Those designed for grass pitches have studs on the outsole to aid grip. Modern football boots are no longer truly traditional boots, as they do not cover the ankle. As with most other types of athletic footwear, their basic design and appearance have converged with those of sneakers since the 1960s.

Football boots, having been developed for association football, are similar but not identical to footwear used for rugby football. Rugby boots feature several key design differences specific to that sport, although boots designed for soccer are often used by rugby players in certain positions.

Despite being most associated with football and rugby, the shoe is often used in other sports that are played on grass surfaces, such as touch, lacrosse, hurling, shinty, and tug of war.