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Artificial turf is becoming a more and more common playing surface thanks to its durability and minimal maintenance requirements. With the increase in popularity of turf surfaces, it might be time for you to rethink your footwear and expand your options with a lacrosse turf shoe.
In comparison to cleats, turf shoes have a durable rubber outsole and shortened studs designed to create traction on artificial surfaces without overkilling their grip. Turf shoes provide the necessary stability in stride with the freedom of a lighter feel to allow for quick cutting and faster movement.
We researched the turf shoe market to find the best options available today that fit your playing needs and personal style.
Best Men’s Lacrosse Turf Shoes
There are a variety of lacrosse turf shoes currently available from the most well-known and trusted names in footwear. Below we breakdown their features and benefits to help you find a pair of turf shoes that best fits your preferences.
New Balance Men's FreezeLX V4 Turf Lacrosse Shoe
Key Details
- Cut: Mid
- Colors: White
- Features:
- Hybrid tongue provides ankle support
- Fresh Foam midsole cushioning provides lightweight comfort
- Breathable construction keeps you dry
The New Balance FreezeLX V4 Turf is the newest turf shoe in the most popular line of lacrosse cleats. It is designed to let your play turn heads rather than your ankle.
The snug design of the FreezeLX V4 Turf hugs your foot for added security and comfort. The added layers of teeth to the sole provide additional traction for the quick cuts you’re accustomed to on turf.
Despite having added Fresh Foam midsole cushioning, the V4s are still lightweight and mobile. In fact, the V4 version of the Freeze line are the lightest shoes that New Balance has made to date.
There aren't any big knocks on these turf shoes. They only come in white with black accents, but that's pretty much it.
New Balance comes into the turf shoe game with a pedigree for functionality that is on full display here.
Pros
- Designed specifically for lacrosse
- Lightweight but comfortable
- Supportive
Cons
- Limited colors
Buying Options
– Amazon
– SportStop
– Lacrosse Monkey
– Dick's Sporting Goods
Nike Alpha Hurache 7 Pro Turf Shoe
Key Details
- Cut: Low
- Colors: White/Silver
- Features:
- Nike's first low-cut turf lacrosse shoe
- Hexagonal rubber studs provide great traction that won't wear down
- Flywire cables provide extra foot security
The Alpha Hurache 7 tackles the biggest problem faced on turf: slippage. The Flywire technology forms a secure fit to your natural foot motion to avoid any heel slip in stride. Coupled with foam cushioning and a durable rubber sole, this high-end turf shoe from Nike is the total package for navigating artificial surfaces.
Keep in mind, the snug fit does come with the drawback of having to be broken in. But once you do so, this will be a shoe that gives you the speed and cutting edge on turf.
The plain design may not be for everyone, but this comes down to your personal style. Its minimal flare and color options make it work well with most uniforms but it won’t necessarily stand out on the field.
The Alpha Hurache 7 is available in a variety of sizes making this the perfect shoe for every lacrosse player looking to expand their footwear options.
Pros
- Very recent shoe release—August 2020
- Comfortable, secure fit
- Foam cushioning pads every step
Cons
- Take some time to break in
- Lower cut provides less ankle support
Buying Options
– Dick's Sporting Goods
Under Armour Command Turf Lacrosse Shoe
Key Details
- Cut: Low
- Colors: White/Silver
- Features:
- Fit like a normal tennis shoe
- Die-cut EVA sockliner providers great comfort
- Mini spikes provide great traction on all kinds of turf surfaces
Another great pair of low-cut turf shoes is the Under Armour Commands—the turf version of the popular field cleat. They have mini “lugs” that are meant to provide great traction on both turf and dry natural fields.
Like the normal Command cleats, these turf shoes have a die-cut sockliner that provides comfort to the bottom of your foot without adding a lot of weight.
They also use lightweight materials throughout so your feet won't hold you back on the field.
On the downside, some customers have complained about the long-term durability of these turf shoes. In addition, the insoles are glued in, making it difficult to replace them if you want to.
Pros
- Comfortable yet lightweight
- Mini spikes provide good traction
Cons
- Soles glued in
- Questionable durability
Buying Options
– Amazon
– Dick's Sporting Goods
Best Women’s Lacrosse Turf Shoes
Beyond the unisex options mentioned above, there are a variety of turf shoes made specifically for women’s lacrosse on the market. Finding the one that works best for you is dependent upon your preference in areas like the cut and fit. Here are two great options for female players to consider when taking the field:Under Armour Women’s Finisher Turf Lacrosse Shoe
Key Details
- Cut: Mid/Low
- Colors: White/Black
- Features:
- Synthetic upper area for lightweight, durable performance
- Lightweight toe box for added comfort
- EVA sockliner to reduce cleat pressure for underfoot comfort
- Patterned rubber outsole with mini-lugs for grip and traction
The Finisher is one of the most complete women’s lacrosse turf shoes available today. Its features prioritize security without jeopardizing the shoe’s comfort and support.
Its lightweight design avoids the clunkiness of traditional cleats. Enhanced studs along the outsole provide extra grip and traction to make quick cutting easy enough to put that “Finisher” name to the test on your way to the net.
The downside to the Finisher is that it may be hard to find the right size. One customer noted that the shoe runs about a half-size short of the listed size. Additionally, its synthetic exterior calls into question the long-term durability of the shoe.
Overall, the Finisher is a great shoe to consider for those female players looking for something that will not hamper movement while providing maximum support to their feet.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Good arch and heel support
- Clean, neutral style
Cons
- Sizes run small (about ½ size)
- Questionable long-term durability
Under Armour Women’s Finisher Turf Lacrosse Shoe
Key Details
- Cut: Mid/Low
- Colors: White/Black
- Features:
- Lightweight upper for breathability and a “lock down” feel
- Smooth synthetic toe box for added comfort
- Molded 4D Foam footbed eliminates slippage and pressure
- Patterned rubber outsole with mini-lugs for grip and traction
The Highlight is the high-top sibling to the Finisher, sporting the same elements of comfort and stability but with added ankle support.
The Highlight fits more similarly to a traditional cleat but without the clunkiness, enjoying the same lightweight fit to the Finisher. The design conforms to the fit of the player creating an even more comfortable, secure fit with each wear.
The design on the Highlight is also extremely sleek and clean—this shoe fits every type of uniform and style.
The biggest drawback for the Highlight is the price point. This women’s turf shoe is on the more expensive end of the spectrum. Additionally, like the Finisher, the exterior does call into question the long-term durability of the shoe.
Overall, the Highlight is the perfect turf shoe for any female player looking for the support of a high-top but the less intrusive feel of a lower cut shoe.
Pros
- Great ankle support
- Secure fit
- Comfortable
- Good grip & traction
- Clean, sleek style
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Questionable long-term durability
Turf Lacrosse Shoes Buying Guide
If you are having trouble choosing a pair of turf shoes, considering these things can help you find the product that works best for you.
Turf Lacrosse Shoes vs. Normal Cleats
The most important question to ask yourself before purchasing turf shoes is do you really need turf shoes in the first place?
Unlike normal cleats, turf shoes are only fully functional on artificial surfaces. If you normally or mostly play on natural grass, you may not need to spend the money on turf-specific footwear.
Cleats are functional on every playing surface but shine on normal grass thanks to their longer studs. These studs allow a player to maintain control in less-than-ideal conditions (mud, uneven surfaces, etc.).
Turf shoes, on the other hand, substitute the weight of longer studs for shorter ones as the former is overkill on a controlled surface such as artificial turf. You do not encounter the unpredictable natural conditions you would on a grass field. The stripped-down design of the turf shoe makes it easier for rapid movement across artificial surfaces without the drag inherent to a cleat.
However, turf shoes do not have the traction of a cleat if you were to wear them on natural grass. Therefore, turf shoes are a worthy addition to your gear if you primarily or mostly play on artificial fields, but you still should not retire those cleats.
Think normal cleats may be better for you? Check out our guide to the best lacrosse cleats or best women's lacrosse cleats.
Choosing Your Cut: High, Mid, Low
The cut applies to the height of the ankle at the top of the shoe. This is an important element to consider, especially for those players that commonly suffer from ankle injuries and ailments.
The high cut provides the most on-ankle support as it extends to just below the shin. This direct support is important if you are an athlete susceptible to ankle injuries.
The mid-cut is the perfect medium between high and low, providing support to the ankle, albeit not as direct or strong, but without inhibiting the range of motion.
The low-cut is made for those without any need for ankle-specific support. This provides the greatest range of motion and a lighter-weight design but does not provide any protection to your ankle should you require it.
Consider Sticking to Well-Known Brands
More than any other product you purchase for lacrosse, sticking with an established brand is a good rule of thumb to operate by when choosing a pair of lacrosse turf shoes.
Brands like Nike, Under Armour, and Adidas have experience making shoes that last and work for athletes at the highest level.
Also, as turf shoes skew closer to traditional shoes, going with an established brand that you may be familiar with already gives you an idea of how it will fit and wear long-term.
These brands have already earned your trust, which is important when considering what you put on your feet—one of the most important decisions you have to make when stepping onto the field in any competition.
