Caddix cleats are athletic shoes featuring flexible studs called SmartStuds, designed to reduce rotational stress when athletes plant, pivot, and change direction. According to Caddix, the studs flex and release under load, helping the foot turn without becoming excessively locked to the playing surface. Source: Caddix
The brand has attracted attention through NFL players such as Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. Here’s how Caddix cleats work, what makes their design different, and why they’re making headlines.
How Do Caddix Cleats Work?
Cleats provide traction by gripping the playing surface. That grip helps athletes accelerate, stop, and cut—but resistance to rotation can also transmit twisting force through the leg.
Caddix aims to manage that tradeoff with its SmartStuds technology. The company says its studs deform slightly during pivoting and cutting, allowing them to release from the surface more readily while maintaining the traction athletes need for movement. Source: Caddix
Put simply, the goal is to let the shoe give a little when the athlete turns.
What Makes SmartStuds Different?
The main distinction is how the studs respond under load. Caddix describes conventional rigid studs as more resistant to movement, while its SmartStuds flex to moderate rotational resistance.
The company says the technology is designed to work on both natural grass and artificial turf. Its focus is the interaction between the shoe and the surface, particularly during hard plants and changes of direction. Source: Caddix
“SmartStuds” is the name of this mechanical design; the company describes its function in terms of flexing and releasing under force.
Do Caddix Cleats Prevent Injuries?
Caddix markets its cleats around reducing rotational torque on the knees and ankles. However, a design intended to reduce a risk factor should not be treated as proof that wearing the shoe will prevent an injury.
The brand’s science page references research about traction, playing surfaces, and lower-extremity injuries to explain its approach. Caddix itself acknowledges that its cleats cannot prevent all injuries. Its stated benefit is risk mitigation through the way the studs interact with the ground. Source: Caddix
For readers evaluating the brand, the key distinction is between the proposed mechanical benefit and demonstrated reductions in injuries among athletes wearing the product.
Why Does Caleb Williams Wear Caddix Cleats?
Caleb Williams has said he values the cleats’ comfort and their focus on helping him stay healthy. His use of Caddix has brought wider attention to the brand and its flexible-stud design. Source: NBC Sports
The attention has also involved NFL uniform rules. As reported on October 29, 2026, Williams received a $23,882 fine for displaying an unauthorized shoe logo during Week 7, following an earlier fine. Caddix does not have a licensing agreement with the NFL. Source: NBC Sports
The reported fines concern the visible branding, rather than a finding that the cleats are unsafe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caddix Cleats
What are Caddix cleats?
Caddix cleats are athletic footwear with flexible SmartStuds designed to manage rotational traction during planting, pivoting, and cutting.
What are SmartStuds?
SmartStuds are Caddix’s proprietary studs that flex and release under load. The company says this movement reduces twisting force on the knees and ankles while preserving useful traction. Source: Caddix
Can Caddix cleats be used on grass and turf?
According to Caddix, SmartStuds are designed to adapt to both natural grass and artificial turf. Athletes should check the specifications of the particular model they are considering. Source: Caddix
Are Caddix cleats proven to prevent ACL injuries?
The company’s explanation of its technology does not establish that the cleats prevent ACL injuries. Caddix describes a design intended to reduce rotational stress and acknowledges that injuries can still occur. Source: Caddix
Why was Caleb Williams fined for wearing Caddix cleats?
According to NBC Sports, Williams was fined for displaying an unauthorized logo because Caddix does not have an NFL licensing agreement. Source: NBC Sports