You’ve got a pair of soccer cleats sitting in the closet, and now you are wondering if they’ll work for your lacrosse game. Perhaps you’re new to the sport and really didn’t want to go all in into new gear; maybe you have just found yourself in that kind of pickle without proper lacrosse cleats on hand.
Whatever the reason, you are not alone in this predicament.
Let’s break down everything you need to know to use soccer cleats for lacrosse: the good, the bad, and everything in between.
Why Do Cleats Matter?
First, let’s talk about why cleats are so important. Cleats are designed to:
- Provide Traction: They help you grip the field, whether grass, turf, or dirt.
- Improve Performance: The right cleats support quick movements and changes of direction peculiar to each sport.
- Prevent Injuries: A properly designed cleat with adequate support can help reduce the risk of slips, falls, and twists.
For lacrosse and soccer, cleats are a game-changer, quite literally. Though they do share some similarities, they’re cut from a different cloth to meet the specific demands of each game.
SEE ALSO | 7 Best Soccer Cleats For Plantar Fasciitis
Key Differences Between Soccer and Lacrosse Cleats
The underlying differences in the philosophy between soccer and lacrosse cleats answer the big question. While they may appear similar, their designs fit very different needs.
Ankle Support
- Soccer Cleats: Usually designed to be low-cut for giving the maximum mobility of the ankle. It is due to this very design that helps soccer players have a better range of motion for precise footwork and kicks.
- Lacrosse Cleats: Usually mid-cut or even high-cut to provide extra ankle support, as lacrosse players do lots of lateral movements and quick changes of direction that may cause severe stress to the ankles.
Stud Design
- Soccer Cleats: Have bladed or conical studs designed for versatility on various surfaces: grass, turf, and indoor fields. These studs are all about speed and agility.
- Lacrosse Cleats: Have wider, flatter stud patterns for added traction in playing on grass or dirt. It usually has a leading stud in its toe that stops and quickly pivots any player easily on the ground, which is normally absent in a soccer cleat since it increases the chance of tripping during a game.
Durability and Ruggedness
- Soccer Cleats: Lightweight and for agility, they choose speed over ruggedness.
- Lacrosse Cleats: Because of the physical contact, quick stops, and generally rough-and-tumble nature of lacrosse.
Sport-Specific Movements
Soccer involves a lot of straight-line running, quick stops, and precise ball control with the feet.
Lacrosse requires multi-directional agility, quick pivots, and bursts of speed-movements that put different demands on your footwear.
SEE ALSO | 7 Best Soccer Cleats With Arch Support
Pros and Cons of Using Soccer Cleats for Lacrosse
The use of soccer cleats in playing lacrosse has a number of advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- Affordable: It will be cheaper to use soccer cleats since they are usually inexpensive. You may save a few bucks since you already have it.
- Lightweight: Designed to handle speed, soccer cleats are commonly very comfortable to wear.
- Easily Available: Soccer cleats are easy to find and may be more accessible than ones specifically for lacrosse, especially in areas where the sport is less popular.
Cons
- Ankle Support: The low-cut style of soccer cleats does not offer ankle support that would be required in high-impact and lateral movements common in lacrosse.
- Less Traction: Without the toe stud and with a different stud configuration, there will definitely be less grip on grass or dirt for those particular moves related to lacrosse.
- Increased Risk of Injury: Combining those factors, like lesser ankle support and traction, the athlete is more likely to slip, fall, and get injured in the process.
- Not Designed for Lacrosse Movements: Soccer cleats are not designed to take constant pivoting, cutting, and stopping in lacrosse.
SEE ALSO | 5 Best Women’s Soccer Cleats Under $100
Can You Wear Soccer Cleats for Lacrosse?
Quick answer: Yes, you can—but it’s not ideal.
If you’re in a bind or just trying out lacrosse for the first time, soccer cleats can work in a pinch. But if you’re going to play regularly, or at a competitive level, it’s well worth investing in a good pair of lacrosse cleats.
Tips for Using Soccer Cleats for Lacrosse
If you’re in a pinch and need to use soccer cleats for lacrosse, here are some tips to minimize the risks:
- Ensure a Proper Fit: Make sure your cleats fit snugly but comfortably. Loose or tight cleats can lead to blisters and other foot problems.
- Add Ankle Braces: Since soccer cleats don’t offer much ankle support, consider wearing an ankle brace to reduce the risk of sprains or twists.
- Practice Ahead of Time: Get used to playing lacrosse in your soccer cleats by first practicing lacrosse-specific movements such as cutting, pivoting, and sprinting.
- Check the Field Conditions: Soccer cleats usually do not fare well on real muddy or super soft grass surfaces. If possible, avoid such conditions.
- Buy When You Can: Although soccer cleats may work for a while, it is worth buying a good pair of lacrosse cleats in the long run, considering performance and safety.
Why Lacrosse Cleats Are Worth It
While soccer cleats might work in a pinch, there’s no denying the benefits of using lacrosse cleats for their intended purpose:
- Improved Stability: Lacrosse cleats’ mid- or high-cut designs provide the ankle support needed for the sport’s dynamic movements.
- Optimal Traction: The stud configuration, including the toe stud, ensures you’re stable during rapid stops and starts.
- Comfort for the sport specifics: Lacrosse cleats are designed to take the beating that comes with the sport in order to provide comfort and protection.
If you are serious about lacrosse, then proper equipment-in this case, starting with cleats-can make all the difference in your performance and safety.
SEE ALSO | 10 Best Soccer Cleats For Toddlers
Conclusion
Yes, in short-you could use soccer cleats to play lacrosse if you have to; that is just not your best option. First of all, most of the lacrosse cleats offer minimal ankle support when compared to other sports cleats.
Using them will save you some cash upfront but might cost comfort and/or performance, or even an injury in return.
