In almost all sports, cleats are used as the chief focus is to have more grips by the player. Cleated shoes give the potential to dig heels or the front of the foot into a grassy playing field.
It also helps the player to zoom in any direction.
When it comes to the looks of cleats, they are much similar, but still, from one sport to another vary. Soccer and lacrosse are two of the sports which are popular in the United States’ northeastern part.
In this article, the main focus is on differentiating soccer cleats and lacrosse cleats.
Key Takeaways
- Soccer cleats have a low-cut design for improved agility and movement.
- Lacrosse cleats provide better ankle support with a mid to high-cut design.
- Soccer cleats lack a toe cleat, which is present in lacrosse cleats for extra traction.
Soccer Cleats vs Lacrosse Cleats
Soccer cleats have a lower cut for greater agility and they have smaller studs for better maneuverability on grass. Lacrosse cleats have a higher cut to provide more ankle support, and Lacrosse cleats also have more pronounced ridges on the sole for better traction.
Soccer cleats are the most versatile cleat. In a pinch, in other sports, it can also be worn. When it comes to soccer, lacrosse, or basketball, shoes cannot be where for playing this sport as it is not safe.
The actual cleat is shorted due to its agility and running features.
On the outside, the lacrosse cleat’s sole is for stability, movement, and side-to-side. Just like a basketball cleat, it is also a toe cleat which means it can be worn also while playing basketball and cannot be used while playing soccer.
Generally, it has a cut that supports the ankle.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of comparison | Soccer Cleats | Lacrosse Cleats |
|---|---|---|
| Available types | For both men and women-specific | Only for men specific |
| Weight | Light compared to lacrosse cleats | Bit heavier |
| Cut | Lower | Higher |
| Direction change | Easier | Bit harder |
| Size | Larger | Shorter |
What is Soccer Cleats?
A range of equipment is required while playing the sport, namely soccer. But soccer cleats are one of the most vital equipment pieces used by players. Soccer cleats are footwear worn by players while playing soccer.
Over 100 years, soccer cleats have been used, but they evolved and changed dramatically over time.
Compared to other kinds of footwear, soccer shoes look similar with the addition of shoe bottom small protrusions, which are called cleats. These cleats offer players traction as they move around the field.
They are designed to prevent a foot of the player from slipping over the ground as they move.
It is unpredictable when it comes to ground conditions. Sometimes it can be hard from a frost, sometimes wet from the rain, or sometimes slippery and dry from rain lacking.
So, cleats are essential for gripping on the ground in any ground conditions.
There are five kinds of soccer cleats, namely, firm ground cleats, which are designed for grass surfaces. Then comes hard ground cleats for dry grounds and soft ground cleats for muddy as well as soft ground.
Multi-ground cleats for multiple different surfaces and at last artificial ground cleats for artificial turf.
What is Lacrosse Cleats?
Just like other sports played on turf or grass, in order to play lacrosse requires cleats. In the lacrosse game, cleats are staples and can greatly improve a player’s performance.
They help players from potentially getting injured and slipping while running and making sharp cuts.
For at least a few seasons, lacrosse cleats can last. In case spikes begin to break, dull, or if they begin to tear, then it is recommended to go for new pair.
It can last a while if they are properly taken care of and as long as foot size remains the same.
The most common materials found in lacrosse cleats are carbon fibre, polyurethane, and leather. The common usage of carbon fibre is in the plate inserts between the spikes and soles.
Polyurethane is hardened into a plastic material to offer under-the-foot sports support.
Leather is used for uppers of lacrosse cleats and also provides ankle support. Under Armour, New Balance, and Nike are three of the most popular brands that manufacture lacrosse cleats. It comes in a range of sizes.
Main Differences Between Soccer Cleats and Lacrosse Cleats
- In terms of ankle support, soccer cleats are lower topped shoes that fail to provide much support to the ankle. On the other hand, lacrosse cleats are higher-topped shoes that provide greater support to the ankle.
- When it comes to studs, in the heel area, both cleats particularly have four studs and in the forefoot, six to eight. However, at the end of the toe, there is no stud in the soccer cleats, whereas lacrosse cleats do.
- The presence of spikes is lesser in soccer cleats when compared to lacrosse cleats. In contrast, the front lacrosse cleats come with an extra spike and in the ankle with a high spike which gives more comfort to players.
- Soccer cleats have shallower cleats in comparison to lacrosse cleats. The position of soccer cleats is also in straight lines, which offers more slippage and good cornering.
- Soccer cleats are made of materials of synthetic which feel better and lighter on muddy fields. For dry conditions, leather soccer cleats are preferred by some players. Meanwhile, lacrosse cleats are made of polyurethane, carbon fibre, and leather.
References
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19424280903535454
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=fMC2DwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA4&dq=lacrosse+cleats&ots=XqmmLpsF0i&sig=Dh8SNaVZHaaBnVypWEeCMCPUuMo
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The comprehensive comparison table clearly highlights the key differences between soccer and lacrosse cleats. It greatly assists readers in making informed decisions when selecting cleats.
The article does not delve into the historical significance of soccer and lacrosse cleats. It would further enhance the readers’ understanding of these cleats’ importance in the evolution of these sports.
This article provides a very comprehensive and detailed comparison between soccer and lacrosse cleats. It is very useful to help players determine which type of cleats suits their sport needs best.
The article provides clear details about the materials used in soccer and lacrosse cleats, adding depth to the discussion. By understanding the materials, players can comprehend the long-term durability and performance of the cleats.
The discussions on the differences in ankle support, studs, and cleat structure provide compelling arguments to prefer one type of cleats over the other. However, it would be helpful to include a cost comparison between soccer and lacrosse cleats.
The explanations on the ground conditions and the essentiality of cleats in various scenarios are enlightening. It demonstrates the significant role of cleats in maintaining player safety and stability across different playing surfaces.