An article of cleated footwear comprises an upper for holding a foot of a wearer to a sole having an outsole plate. The outsole plate includes a predetermined first metatarsal region that generally overlies the respective skeletal structure of a human foot. Several ground engaging members extend downwardly from the outsole plate to provide traction on a ground surface. The outsole plate includes a downwardly extending metatarsal head cradle located on a lateral side and a medial side of the first metatarsal region to reduce stud pressure and provide traction control. The outsole plate may include a distal phalanx region and a predetermined proximal phalanx region. A first ground engaging member is located in the distal phalanx region and a second ground engaging member is located in the proximal phalanx region for toe off movements.