@stonefinger because that's not allowed, duh. The player are prone to injuries from tackle, from body contact, etc.
and where do i see anything worthy of the ref stepping in? When the cleats are off, duh.
also FIFA's rule on equipment :
"A player whose footwear or shinguard is lost accidentally must replace it as
soon as possible and no later than when the ball next goes out of play;
if before doing so the player plays the ball and/or scores a goal, the goal is
awarded. "