I'm a bit older than you so yes I used the boots with nailed on studs. That was the first thing my Dad taught me when I got boots, how to nail the studs on

The boots weighed a ton as well. These are all the reasons to be even more impressed with players like Cruyff who could move so well despite of the equipment. I used to run cross country for my school, you weren't allowed spikes. Sport has changed hugely, but players like Cruyff and Best and Greaves would still be superstars if they played today. Their skills would just be adapted to the modern game. Do you remember how Best would deliberately hit the ball at an opponent to bounce it off him to pass him, amazing skill.