Having cleats attached, usually referring to shoes with small spikes or studs for better grip on sports fields or slippery surfaces.
From 'cleat' (a projection or spike), which comes from Old English 'clēat' meaning a lump or wedge. The -ed suffix makes it an adjective describing something equipped with cleats. The word gained modern athletic popularity in the 20th century.
Cleated shoes were revolutionary for sports—soccer players discovered they could run faster and cut sharper on wet grass with cleats than smooth-soled shoes. It's why most competitive athletes wear them, even though regular shoes are more comfy for everyday life.
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