Are Lacrosse Cleats and Football Cleats the Same?
They look alike, but they're built for different movements. Here's how lacrosse and football cleats differ, what to look for, and the cleats worth wearing.
Lacrosse cleats are made for agility, quick cuts and lateral movement, usually in low or mid cuts.
Football cleats focus on straight-line power and stability, with ankle height that changes by position.
Cleats are a big part of both lacrosse and football. They're sold as separate categories, but they look so alike that people wonder: are lacrosse cleats and football cleats the same?
Plenty of players and parents have asked me that, so let me clear it up. They look similar at first glance, but each one is built for a specific purpose.
Lacrosse cleats and football cleats are not the same. Both give you solid traction on grass, but lacrosse cleats are built for fast lateral movement, while football cleats have a sturdier design built for straight-line acceleration and stability.
Keep reading for the full answer and the key differences between the two, including design, stud placement and performance.
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Purpose and history of lacrosse cleats
There's more to cleats than studs and grip. Here's what goes into designing them:
- Preventing injury: Cleats are built to be durable and supportive to cut down the risk of ankle injuries.
- Materials: Cleats keep getting lighter and more durable so they move naturally with your body.
- Position-specific needs: Different positions have different needs, and cleats are designed with those in mind.
Cleat designs have changed a lot over the years. Cleats used to be one-size-fits-all across sports, but now they're much more sport-specific.
The first cleats were just leather boots with nails hammered through the sole. Over time, the designs evolved for specific sports and positions. Since they grew out of the same roots, it's no wonder people still ask whether lacrosse and football cleats are the same.
Read more: Newest lacrosse cleats for all positions
Similarities and differences between lacrosse and football cleats
At first glance, the two look the same. They actually have a lot in common, with a few small but important differences.
So now you've got your answer. Next, let's look at the features that make each cleat sport-specific.
Read more: Best lacrosse cleats for all positions
Lacrosse-specific features
Lacrosse cleats are all about helping you move fast, stay agile and change direction quickly. Here's what makes them lacrosse-specific:
- Toe cleat: Most lacrosse cleats have a stud at the very front of the sole that helps you dig in and explode out of a dodge or off the faceoff whistle.
- Molded toe cap: A molded toe cap protects your feet in intense plays and helps prevent injuries.
- Durable upper: The upper is made of tough synthetic material to handle the demands of the game.
Football-specific features
Here are the features that make football cleats football-specific:
- Stiffer plate: Positions like linemen need a big push off the ground, so football cleats often use a stiffer plate in the sole.
- Reinforced toe box: Football cleats have a reinforced toe box to protect against collisions.
- Position-specific height: Linemen often go with high tops for ankle support, while skill players usually wear low or mid cuts.
Coach's note: Every fall in upstate New York, I see a kid show up to box tryouts or fall ball in his football cleats. They'll get you through a practice, but the first time you plant and split dodge, you feel the difference. If you play lacrosse seriously, get lacrosse cleats.
Which lacrosse cleats are the best fit?
If you're shopping for a new pair, make sure they check these boxes:
- Enough toe room to move comfortably
- Good arch support
- Heel lockdown to keep your foot from slipping
- Ankle support for balance and mobility
Low-cut cleatNew Balance FreezeLX v5 Low$119.99 at BattleLax
Mid-cut cleatNew Balance FreezeLX v5 Mid$129.99 at BattleLax
Low-cut cleatNew Balance Burn X5 Low$124.99 at BattleLax
Turf shoeNew Balance FreezeLX v5 Turf$119.99 at BattleLaxRecommendations for the best lacrosse cleats
To make things easier, here are my top 6 lacrosse cleats on the market, with where you can grab them or the closest match at BattleLax.
| # | Cleat | At BattleLax |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Elite | Closest at BattleLax: New Balance FreezeLX v5 Low ($119.99) |
| 2 | Nike Alpha Huarache 9 Low | Closest at BattleLax: New Balance FreezeLX v5 Low ($119.99) |
| 3 | Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Pro | Closest at BattleLax: New Balance Burn X5 Low ($124.99) |
| 4 | Under Armour Command Pro MC | Closest at BattleLax: New Balance FreezeLX v5 Mid ($129.99) |
| 5 | Under Armour Command Turf | Closest at BattleLax: New Balance FreezeLX v5 Turf ($119.99) |
| 6 | New Balance FreezeLX v4 Low | In stock: $49.99 |
BattleLax doesn't carry Nike or Under Armour cleats right now, so I've listed the closest New Balance pair for each. The FreezeLX v4 Low is in stock and on sale. Shopping for a younger player? Check out the New Balance FreezeLX v5 Youth ($84.99). I've also put together a list of the best women's lacrosse cleats.
Regulations and guidelines for lacrosse cleats
Lacrosse rulebooks don't spell out cleat specs the way football rulebooks do, but player safety still comes first. Here's what to keep in mind:
- Stud length: High school football rules cap cleats at ½ inch. Standard molded lacrosse cleats are well within that, and short molded studs are what you want anyway.
- No metal spikes: Stick with molded rubber or plastic studs. Metal spikes are unsafe for other players and can damage turf fields, and officials can rule any equipment they see as dangerous out of the game.
- Turf rules: A lot of turf facilities only allow molded cleats or turf shoes, so check before you show up.
Always check your league's rules, including the NFHS boys' lacrosse rules, before game day.
People also ask
Can you wear football cleats in lacrosse?
Yes, in most leagues you can wear football cleats for lacrosse. They just aren't built for the quick cuts and lateral movement lacrosse demands, so they can hold back your game.
Are lacrosse cleats allowed in soccer?
Usually not. Most lacrosse cleats have a toe cleat at the front of the sole, and a lot of soccer leagues don't allow cleats with a toe stud. Check with your league before you try.
Are soccer and lacrosse cleats similar?
They share some design elements, but soccer cleats skip the toe cleat and focus on ball touch, while lacrosse cleats are built for traction, agility and lateral movement.
What kind of cleats do lacrosse players wear?
Lacrosse players wear molded cleats built for agility, usually in low or mid cuts, with a toe cleat for quick starts and plenty of support for sharp changes of direction.
Are lacrosse and football cleats the same?
No. They look similar, but they're built differently: lacrosse cleats focus on agility and lateral movement, while football cleats focus on straight-line power and stability, with ankle height that varies by position.
So, are lacrosse cleats and football cleats the same? No. They might look alike, but they're different in a lot of ways. If you play lacrosse, a pair built for lacrosse will help you cut, dodge and play your best.