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Soccer vs. Baseball Cleats—A Complete Guide
When prepping for the upcoming sports season, it can be tempting to pull out a pair of cleats used from a previous sport, but choosing the correct cleats for your sport is crucial for performance and safety. Our Footwear Experts explain the key difference between soccer and baseball cleats so you can find the perfect pair!
What are Soccer Cleats?
Soccer cleats are designed to be lightweight to improve players' agility and speed on the field. They have durable uppers to enhance ball control and touch, with a low cut to allow for ankle mobility. The cleats feature shorter studs that are either conical or bladed-shaped. These studs enhance grip and traction, providing stability during quick directional changes.
Featured Expert Advice: How to Choose Soccer Cleats | Best Soccer Cleats
What are Baseball Cleats?
Baseball cleats are designed to be lightweight and provide plenty of cushioning. There are two main types: molded and metal cleats. Metal cleats offer better traction but are generally recommended for advanced players. These cleats feature low-cut uppers for enhanced ankle mobility and breathable materials to keep them lightweight.
Featured Expert Advice: How to Choose Baseball Cleats | Best Baseball Cleats
What’s the Difference between Soccer & Baseball Cleats?
Each type of cleat—soccer and baseball—is designed for the sport, so there are a few key differences between soccer and baseball cleats. Here are some of the main differences:
| Features | Soccer | Baseball |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Enhances speed | Focused on traction |
| Weight | Light | Light |
| Cut | Low | Low |
| Cushioning | Low | High |
It’s also important to note the structure of the cleat. Soccer cleats typically have a rounded or slightly more pointed to help with ball control and kicking, while baseball cleats often have a reinforced toe box for added protection and durability when pitching, fielding, and running bases.
When the next sports season comes around, choose a cleat that’s specifically designed for your sport. This will enhance performance, safety, and comfort. If you have additional questions about finding the right pair of cleats, stop into your local SCHEELS to speak with a Footwear Expert.