Cleats and spikes are similar but not identical terms. Both refer to protrusions on the bottom of footwear designed to improve traction, but they differ in context and application. Cleats typically refer to studs or replaceable metal or plastic protrusions found on athletic shoes—particularly in sports like soccer, rugby, and football. Spikes usually describe the sharp, pointed protrusions on specialized track and field shoes designed for running on soft surfaces like grass or dirt. In everyday usage, the terms are often used interchangeably, and many people call the protrusions on soccer shoes either cleats or spikes. However, track spikes tend to be more numerous, sharper, and thinner than football or soccer cleats, which are fewer and more robust to withstand impacts. The specific design depends on the sport and surface: soccer cleats need durability for frequent contact with hard ground, while track spikes prioritize minimal weight and maximum grip on soft running surfaces. Both technologies serve the same fundamental purpose—preventing slips and providing better foot control—but have evolved differently for their respective sports and environments.