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There are several types of athletic cleats available, depending on the sport you play. Baseball, football, and soccer are all sports that require cleats. However, they each have shoes specifically designed for that game.
Overall, soccer cleats are probably the most versatile cleats among all types of cleats used. They can be used on almost grass-field sports like football, baseball, and even lacrosse. So, what do soccer cleats look like?
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What Do Soccer Cleats Look Like?
Soccer cleats are designed thin and lightweight to promote better speed and agility around the field. They’re also made low-cut to promote better movement. You won’t see soccer cleats that cover the ankles, as this restricts the movement.
The cleats can be molded or removable depending on the model type. Cleats on the bottom of the shoe are also designed differently based on the field surface they are made for.
Depending on the field you’re playing on, there are 3 different types of soccer cleats. Each has its own unique characteristics. All 3 cleats have the same property except for the outsoles.
Outsole
Soccer cleats for playing on grass are often identified as outdoor soccer cleats. They’re equipped with removable aluminum cleat caps that help with traction and durability. There are also versions with rubber studs for safety and unwanted injuries, especially for youth and kids.
Another type of soccer cleats is turf shoes. They’re built specifically for hard outdoor surfaces and artificial turf. They’re built with raised patterns on the bottom that helps with the traction of the shoes.
Indoor soccer cleats which are often used for Futsal look like regular sneakers with no studs. The rubber in the outsole is hard and durable to maintain traction in indoor courts.
Style
Soccer heavily involves running around and making quick bursts of speed all around the field. Soccer cleats are designed to enhance a player’s speed and agility.
Soccer cleats are always made in a low-cut style to allow quicker movements by freeing the muscles around your ankle area. They’re also made lightweight so you won’t be carrying extra weight for added speed.
Construction
Soccer cleats are made lighter and smaller to reduce the stress placed on your feet.
The outsole is made of rubber or polyurethane which are:
- light
- durable
- good for traction
They help soccer cleats endure the dirt and ground from grass fields. Soccer cleats don’t contain any midsoles so that the feet are low to the ground as possible for greater balance. The upper part of the cleats is usually made of synthetic or leather.
Is There a Difference Between Cleats?
There are a lot of different cleats out there and they have their differences. Some cleats are even prohibited to wear for sports like soccer and lacrosse.
For example, soccer cleats don’t have toe cleats, unlike football or baseball cleats. Soccer shoes are flexible and durable since they’re made to withstand the force from kicking a soccer ball. They’re also made lightweight so players can have extra stamina during games.
Football and baseball cleats have toe spikes. This helps the player with their jumping which is really helpful in football and baseball. The cleats are longer. They help the shoes dig deep in the field for making safe and smooth cuts and turns during the game.
The leather used for football cleats is thicker to protect player’s feet from contact like getting stepped on (happens a lot in football). Baseball cleats have the same leather quality as soccer cleats.
If you’re planning to play your cleats in different field-type sports, consider using soccer cleats. They are the most versatile to use among the cleats.
Why Are There No Toe Cleats in Soccer?
When it comes to soccer cleats, soccer leagues are very strict when it’s about player equipment requirements.
Toe cleats are generally banned in official soccer leagues and tournaments. This is because toe cleats are designed more for forward movement and jumping. This can affect soccer players’ performance on the field and cause injuries.
Toe cleats, like baseball and football cleats, can also cause a cut or rip. This could happen when you’re making a tackle or accidentally hit another player with your cleats.
Soccer officials usually do an equipment inspection. They determine if your gear is okay before the game.
How Tight Should Soccer Cleats Be?
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Wear cleats that feel like you are barefoot | Wear brand-new cleats for a soccer match |
| Use your cleats before a match | Use overly tight cleats |
| Wear cleats that don’t prevent airflow | Use overly lose cleats |
Your soccer cleats should fit snugly to your feet. They shouldn’t be too tight. You don’t want them to cause discomfort and prevent airflow. You also don’t want them too loose to cause injuries or blisters.
Your soccer cleats should feel like you’re not wearing cleats at all. They should be comfortable for you to run around and don’t affect your performance.
Don’t use brand new soccer cleats for your soccer games. Soccer cleats usually have a break-in time for the materials to adjust to your feet.
Related Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about soccer cleats.
How Can You Tell the Difference Between Soccer and Baseball Cleats?
In order to differentiate soccer cleats from baseball, you need to look at their sole design. Soccer cleats do not have midsole, while baseball cleats do. On top of that, baseball cleats have an extra toe stud.
Are Soccer Cleats and Regular Shoes the Same?
No, soccer cleats are completely different from regular shoes. These cleats are specifically made to improve mobility, traction, and sprint speed on a soccer pitch. Regular shoes do not have these characteristics.
What Cleats Are Not Allowed in Soccer?
Metal cleats are not allowed in soccer. Although most cleats are allowed, metal ones are banned due to the risk of severe injuries. After all, if a player commits a fault while wearing metal cleats, the injury can be painful.
Conclusion
There are several sports that use cleats, so be sure you are selecting actual soccer cleats when looking for a pair of shoes for this sport.
