There are two types of material from which football cleats are made: leather and synthetic material, which resembles leather. Both are highly efficient, but have certain variations that make them ideal for some scenarios and not for others. Below we review the characteristics of each material:
Leather cleats
They are usually made of cowhide, but there are also many models made of kangaroo leather. They are thicker, so offer greater protection against injury, although this makes them heavier. They are not recommended for rainy conditions, as leather absorbs a lot of water and takes a long time to dry.
If cared for, they can last much longer than synthetic studs. There are affordable leather cleaning products that can help you extend the life of your studs. They are slightly flexible, so they adapt and adjust to the shape and length of your foot, providing greater comfort.
Synthetic cleats
Synthetic cleats are much thinner and lighter than leather cleats, but at the cost of less protection against blows or kicks from other players. Synthetic materials are very versatile, so synthetic cleats come in a variety of designs, shapes and colours.
They are more suitable for rainy weather, as they absorb much less water than leather studs, and dry faster. However, they last less than leather, so they must be replaced constantly (approximately every year). They are not very flexible and do not adapt to the shape of your foot.