Best Lacrosse Cleats

Lacrosse Cleats Buying Guide

Beyond the specific products listed above, we decided to create a quick buying guide to help you figure out what to consider when choosing lacrosse cleats.

1) Turf Shoes vs. Normal Cleats

This is probably the best place to start. The difference between turf shoes and cleats is extreme and knowing how each performs (or doesn’t) on certain playing surfaces is an important thing to consider before splurging on one over the other.

Let’s start with lacrosse turf shoes. These are best used on artificial surfaces. Given the predictability of such surfaces, turf shoes forgo the stabilizing agent of studs for less weighty teeth that still provide enough traction to safely navigate the field. If you find yourself playing primarily on grass, it’d be best to steer clear of turf shoes unless you want to supplement the cleats you already have.

Normal cleats on the other hand function on every playing surface but really shine on grass fields and in the elements. Longer studs provide the traction you need on such surfaces to maintain balance and speed while making runs into the box or closing out on an attackman.

If you’re not looking to open a Foot Locker and want a shoe that prides itself on utility across playing surfaces, a normal cleat is definitely the way to go.

2) Fit

After deciding the kind of shoe that you are looking for, size is the next greatest factor to consider. Proper fit means less slippage and more control on the field and less wear and tear on your feet (e.g., blisters, arch pain, etc.).

Given the unpredictability of sizing between brands, be sure to do your research before settling on a size especially when purchasing online; some cleats may run big or small to your true foot length.

Additionally, be aware of the structure of your foot. Do you have a wide or narrow foot? Cleats need to be snug so many will skew narrow which can be very uncomfortable and even damaging to those folks with wider feet. Reviews will usually indicate if this is the case. Luckily some shoe types do offer wide versions as well.

>> Check this out: Best Lacrosse Bags

3) Cut

The cut specifically means the height of the ankle. This is important to consider if you fall into the ankle injury-prone demo as the cut could either be helpful or detrimental to your fitness.

High and mid cuts offer ankle support, the former more than the latter. But, a mid-cut, while providing some protection, grants a wider range of motion and flexibility to make the movements you need to on the field.

Low cut shoes provide very little ankle-specific support so these are probably best for those not too worried about a sprain or twist and would rather save the extra weight in favor of speed.

4) Weight

Lighter = faster = better…right?

Maybe not.

While having a lighter shoe is more comfortable and may allow you to move the fastest, it is always important to consider that lighter also typically means less supportive.

Heavier cleats may slow you down slightly, but having the support you need means fewer injuries that could take you off the field altogether.

It really comes down to a cost-benefit analysis and consideration of your position on the field. Think about how much you cut on the field and how prone you are to ankle injuries. If you cut a lot and are prone to injuries, choosing a slightly heavier yet more supportive shoe may be the smart choice.

There is a decent balance of weight and support in the cleats we listed above because many use lighter weight materials for the bulk of the shoe but supplement them with other supportive materials to give the shoe some more structure.

5) Materials

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is the current gold standard for cleat plates and extra exterior protection. It is a durable, yet lightweight, material that you should look for in whatever cleat you may be interested in.

Mesh exterior elements, especially along the tongue and knit ankle liners, are other things to look for. They promote breathability but also security in the wear and can provide the sock-like feel that you may be after.

Foam insoles are another good element to keep an eye on. Foam is now a standard inside of the boot, providing support without the weight in addition to shock absorption that can save your feet and shins from micro-trauma.

As with all things, the technology for lacrosse cleats is constantly in flux with newer, lighter materials coming on the market every year. Be sure to do your research on the latest cleat releases to see what the never flavor of the week materials are out there that you should keep an eye out for.