Nice Kicks: I noticed standout defensive backs like yourself and Patrick Peterson have chosen in some instances to utilize a lacrosse cleat. What makes lacrosse cleats good for your game?
DeAngelo Hall: It just feels so good on your foot. It’s very similar to the football cleats, but a lot of guys used to actually wear soccer cleats. I know Sean Taylor, rest in peace, was a real big soccer cleat kind of guy because he really wanted the lightest things on his feet and something that felt comfortable. For me, soccer cleats weren’t really an option. Being a defensive back and having to react in a split second, you really have to get your toes into the ground and push off. The soccer cleats don’t give you that toe spike that football cleats give you and lacrosse cleats give you. I’ve always liked Huaraches and having a mid-level shoe. When I tried on my first pair of lacrosse cleats I fell in love with them.
Nice Kicks: Being a member of the Nike family, do you have any involvement within the design process of your cleats?
DeAngelo Hall: I used to back in my heyday. [Laughs] However, for the most part we get standard cleats and every once in a while they’ll dial up a couple of different pairs. But there’s really no creative design involved, unless you’re one of the top guys and have your own signature shoe like a Calvin Johnson or someone like that.
