shoes with raised studs or spikes on the sole to provide grip and traction on grass, ice, or soft ground.
From Middle English 'clete' or 'cleat,' possibly from Old English 'cleat' meaning a lump or wedge. Originally referred to any metal projection, then specialized to athletic footwear.
Cleats revolutionized sports—before them, athletes slipped on grass. A simple innovation of adding spikes changed how fast humans could run and made modern soccer and football possible!
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