Different Types of Cleats: Baseball vs. Football vs. Soccer + More

Do you know about the different types of cleats? Learning about the differences between all of them can not only spare you (or your child) from unnecessary injuries. You can also end up saving so much time and money!

It shouldn’t surprise you to hear that each sport requires its own separate cleat. Even individual or local leagues within each sport can have their own special regulations. By reading this guide, you’ll walk away understanding everything you need to know about how to choose the best cleat for your unique needs.

Cleats are a type of athletic shoe that has studs (also known as spikes) on the sole to help grip the playing surface. They can differ based on spike shape, spike material, the height of the cut (where the upper part of the shoe hits your ankle), and the overall weight of the shoe. Athletes in baseball depend on different features than soccer or football. That’s why there are so many variations.

Before you purchase a pair of cleats, remember to check with your league’s regulations! Things like preferred cleat length and approved materials vary between each organization. More often than not, these leagues will have their own rules to consider. Use this chart to help you understand the main differences between the types of cleats.

Baseball cleats have lower cut boot sides that are typically lighter weight. This allows for more lateral motion and traction on the diamond — not contact sports. The exact type of baseball cleat you choose will be determined by the position you play. For example, infielders need more traction so will likely choose metal cleats.

Baseball cleats should be snug on your feet when wearing similar socks to the ones you plan on playing in. If you have enough room to comfortably wiggle your toes, you’ve found a good size.

You shouldn’t experience any sliding in your heel. Nor should your cleats be overly tight. Ill-fitting baseball cleats only result in a loss of movement on the field or possible injuries when playing.

With the prevalence of turf fields, most football cleats are short (less than ½ inch) and hard-molded. Detachable cleats are best used for playing on grass. Football cleats typically have higher sides on the boot portion of the shoe for extra ankle support.

Soccer cleats are categorized as either firm ground or soft ground. The molded studs on firm ground cleats are suitable for a variety of playing surfaces. Soft ground cleats feature fewer studs, are often detachable, and are best for playing in wet and muddy conditions.

The spikes are typically shorter to allow players to stay closer to the ground and better maintain their balance. This also helps prevent injury to other players in a collision with a high kick.

The upper part of the shoe is typically made of flexible leather for durability as the ball repeatedly comes in contact with the boot. It also allows for a better sense of touch for ball control and maneuverability for all of the running the sport requires.

You cannot play soccer while wearing baseball or football cleats. Referees typically check players’ cleats before each match.

Soccer cleats should be tighter. Tightness gives players plenty of movement, improved touch when interacting with the ball, and ample ankle stability and foot support. Think about the resulting snugness when a properly-fitting sock shapes your foot. Soccer cleats are no different! You should always have enough room to wiggle those toes or flex your feet pain-free.

Metal softball cleats are the most popular style for high school-level athletes and above. They provide the best traction on grass outfields and dirt infields.

Molded plastic softball cleats can also be worn on most surfaces and are best for soft or muddy conditions. They also offer more longevity as they do not wear down like metal cleats tend to do. The height and material can also vary by field position.

Lacrosse cleats are available in different cut heights and cleat lengths to match field positions. Because metal cleats are not allowed in lacrosse, players typically use the same shoes whether they’re playing on artificial or natural grass surfaces. Lacrosse cleats also have studs outside the soles for added stability during lateral movement.