A sole for an athletic shoe includes a sole plate and a plurality of openings that extend through the sole plate. A receptacle insert is embedded within the sole plate at each opening location and an inner sidewall of each receptacle insert defines a receiving opening for a cleat element. Each receiving opening has a plurality of engagement notches disposed around the periphery thereof. A plurality of detachable cleat elements including a base member and a traction member are also provided. The base member of the cleat element has a plurality of engagement projections extending outward from its periphery. For attachment, each cleat element is positioned in one of the receiving openings such that the engagement projections are aligned with the engagement notches. Rotation of the cleat element then detachably secures the cleat element within the receptacle insert of the sole plate.