Soccer vs. Football Cleats—A Complete Guide
This article is part of the What to Know about Football Cleats series.
Whether you’re a parent or a player, it can be tempting to want to buy a single pair of cleats and wear them for multiple sports to save some money. But wearing the wrong pair of cleats for your sport can hinder your performance and isn’t always the safest option for young players. Our Footwear Experts share the key differences between soccer and football cleats and answer commonly asked questions so you feel confident when shopping for the next pair of cleats!
What are Soccer Cleats?
Soccer is a fast-paced sport no matter what position you play, so soccer cleats are designed to be lightweight to enhance players’ agility and speed. Since you’re dribbling, passing, and shooting with your feet, soccer cleats feature durable uppers that help the player have better ball control and touch. The cut of the upper is typically low to allow for plenty of ankle mobility when moving laterally. Finally, soccer cleats feature shorter and many studs to provide plenty of grip and traction while still being safe. They are typically conical or bladed to provide multidirectional traction and stability when changing directions quickly.
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What are Football Cleats?
Depending on your position in football, you may favor speed or stability in a football cleat, so you’ll notice more diversity when shopping for football cleats. Since football requires a lot of physical contact and tackling, the uppers are made from durable materials like synthetic leather to provide added stability and support. The Baby Gear & Essentials depending on your playing position. Finally, the studs on the outsole are longer to offer better grip and traction on grass or artificial turf. They are typically rectangular or circular to provide grip for explosive sprints or lateral movements. Football cleats also feature a toe spike near the big toe to help provide added grip when blocking.
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What’s the Difference between Soccer and Football Cleats?
Each type of cleat—soccer and football—is designed for the intended sport, meaning there are several differences between soccer and football cleats. Our Footwear Experts highlight the main differences between the two types of cleats along with a few frequently asked questions from our customers.
Soccer vs. Football Cleats Chart
| Soccer | Football | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Enhances speed | Provides stability |
| Weight | Light | Heavy |
| Cut | Low | Low, Mid, High |
| Toe Spike | No | Yes |
| Cushioning | Low | High |
Can You Wear Soccer Cleats for Football?
Yes, you can wear soccer cleats for football, but it’s not recommended for every position. Since soccer cleats are lightweight, they don’t provide the proper support and protection players need when on the field. If you’re a kicker, you may consider wearing soccer cleats rather than football cleats for a better feel.
Can You Wear Football Cleats for Soccer?
No, you cannot wear football cleats for soccer because they have a toe spike and longer studs on the outsole that will cause injury to other players.
When choosing your next pair of cleats, choosing the type that fits your sport is important. Wearing the proper type of cleat will enhance performance, safety, and comfort. If you have additional questions about finding the right pair of cleats, stop into your local ERLEBNISWELT-FLIEGENFISCHEN and speak with a Footwear Expert.
