Check Out the Cleat Company Seeking to Revolutionize Health
Anwar Stetson
Caddix is a footwear company with a unique hook. Founded in Baltimore, Maryland by father-son duo Jeff and Jack Rasmussen, Caddix makes specialized cleats with large studs designed to help prevent injuries.
Leagues like the NFL have been plagued with injuries on turf, thus creating a controversy about the surface. Players have complained that the style of field used in many NFL stadiums causes cleats to get stuck in the ground, which can result in serious leg injuries. Three former Baltimore Ravens—Todd Heap, Joe Flacco, and Dennis Pitta—decided to invest in the company, seeing its potential to help prevent cleats from sticking in turf.
How Does it Work?
The company’s main innovation is SmartStuds technology. Traditional cleats lock into the ground, which can put torque on joints when players pivot or cut. Caddix cleat’s studs actually flex and rotate under pressure, helping to release that force. They have a unique spiral shape, a far cry from classic spiked cleats.
“Instead of locking the foot in place, SmartStuds deform slightly during pivoting and cutting, allowing for quicker stud release from the playing surface,” Caddix describes on its website. “This reduces rotational torque on the knees and ankles without sacrificing the traction athletes need for acceleration and cutting.”
The design aims to mitigate the risks of ACL tears, rolled ankles, and other injuries that happen without contact.
The brand also uses SmartStuds tech for women’s cleats. We’ve highlighted multiple brands that are building footwear specifically to help female athletes—who often suffer higher rates of leg injuries than male athletes. Now, multiple companies like Caddix are investing in technology tailored to reduce those injuries.
Rising NWSL soccer star Zoe Matthews and collegiate lacrosse players Ava Angello, Sammy White, and Sarah Nelson are some of the women’s players using Caddix. The brand also has a handful of current NFL players like 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyck, and Miami Dolphins star Matthew Judon wearing their cleats.
Pricing and Where to Buy
Men’s cleats are specified for football and lacrosse and retail for $225 on the Caddix website. They come in an “O.G. Low” and “O.G. Mid” colorway as well as a teal low and mid edition. Women’s cleats are specified for soccer in “Blueprint” and “Women’s teal,” and retail for $250. Buy on the Caddix website here.