NFL players can wear Nike, Adidas and Under Armour cleats with approved branding visible during games. Players may also wear shoes from other manufacturers, provided they cover or remove the company’s branding and comply with NFL equipment rules.
That distinction explains why a player can face a footwear fine even when the shoes themselves are suitable for football: the violation may involve the visible logo.
Which Shoe Brands Are Approved by the NFL?
Nike, Adidas and Under Armour have footwear agreements with the NFL that allow players to display approved branding on their game-day cleats. Current reporting identifies these three companies as the league’s authorized footwear brands. Source: NBC Chicago
| Shoe brand | Can players display its branding during games? |
|---|---|
| Nike | Yes, subject to NFL approval requirements |
| Adidas | Yes, subject to NFL approval requirements |
| Under Armour | Yes, subject to NFL approval requirements |
| Other manufacturers | Generally, branding must be covered or removed |
An approved brand does not give players unrestricted freedom over their footwear. Shoes must still comply with applicable league equipment and uniform requirements.
Can NFL Players Wear Other Cleat Brands?
Yes. The NFL’s uniform inspection guidance states that players may wear other brands if they remove or cover the manufacturer’s name or logo. Inspectors check equipment and protect the league’s commercial agreements by enforcing restrictions on visible branding. Source: NFL Football Operations
For example, a player who prefers cleats from a manufacturer outside the approved group may be able to wear them with the branding concealed. Covering the logo, however, does not exempt the shoes from other equipment standards.
Why Can NFL Players Be Fined for Their Cleats?
A footwear fine can result from displaying an unauthorized manufacturer’s logo.
In October 2026, Caleb Williams was fined $11,941 after wearing cleats from Caddix, according to NBC Chicago. The report connected the fine to the league’s restrictions on displaying branding from companies without approved footwear partnerships. Source: NBC Chicago
The key issue is therefore more specific than whether a shoe brand is “allowed.” Players must consider both the footwear’s compliance with equipment rules and whether its branding can appear on the field.
Do NFL Players Have to Wear Nike Cleats?
No. Nike’s role as the NFL’s uniform supplier does not mean every player must wear Nike shoes.
Players can wear approved Adidas or Under Armour footwear, and they can wear other manufacturers’ shoes when branding is appropriately concealed and the footwear meets league requirements. The NFL treats visible equipment branding as part of its uniform inspection process. Source: NFL Football Operations
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the NFL-approved cleat brands?
Nike, Adidas and Under Armour are the approved footwear brands whose authorized logos can be displayed during games.
Can NFL players wear any brand of shoes?
Players may wear other manufacturers’ shoes, but they must cover or remove unapproved branding and comply with NFL equipment standards.
Can an NFL player be fined for a logo on their cleats?
Yes. Displaying an unauthorized footwear logo can lead to a fine, as reported in Caleb Williams’ October 2026 Caddix case.
Does covering a logo make any shoe legal?
No. Concealing unapproved branding addresses the branding requirement. The shoes must also satisfy the NFL’s applicable equipment rules.
Rules and partnership information checked October 30, 2026.