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Softball Vs Soccer Cleats – Same Or Different?

Paul Hall May 28, 2023

Softball and soccer are two amazing games that require special cleats to be played with perfection.

The cleats of both sports are quite different.

Though the cleats of many shoes are similar, the ones used in soccer and softball differ greatly.

Since cleats are way too expensive, you need to spend money carefully. You should make an intelligent decision before purchasing one.

The ideal situation would be where you can use the same cleats for both softball and soccer.

But the different positions on the field demands different cleat styles. If softball vs. soccer cleats are heavy on your pockets, don’t worry.

I am here to help you choose the right cleats that can go well with both sports all year round.

Interested? Stick to the end.

Can You Wear Soccer Cleats for Softball?

Soccer cleats are very lightweight, and generally, they can be used for a variety of sports.

However, you need to know all the features of soccer cleats to understand whether or not you can wear them for certain sports.

Though there is no harm in wearing soccer cleats for softball, it is not recommended.

It also depends on the situation you are using it for.

For instance, if your child is exploring different types of sports and games and has yet to decide where he wants to go, you can use the soccer cleats for softball.

However, as an adult and a fully trained player, you should avoid it. This is because soccer cleats are comparatively lighter than softball ones.

For playing softball, one needs more foot and ankle support, which soccer cleats cannot provide.

As softball is quite an active game with lots of movements within seconds, we need something that has a strong grip and allows easy movement.

So if you really want to play softball with full dedication, you need to have softball cleats for full support.

This way, there will not be many chances for injury.

Can You Wear Softball Cleats for Soccer?

Softball shoes have cleats at the toe that allows support in case of sudden movement. Though it is for safety, the traction is sometimes too much for the player.

As you need to make quick movements during soccer, the cleats should be less pronounced so that they can help in moving better.

Having cleats at the front of the shoes not only hinders in playing, but they are also against the rules.

Since softball cleats pose a risk during playing, it is illegal.

Therefore, it is recommended to completely avoid softball cleats for soccer and instead wear the right soccer cleats for the best performance.

Softball Cleats vs. Soccer Cleats – What’s the Difference?

Softball and soccer cleats are both made for different purposes. Apart from cleats differences, they also differ in weight, size, comfort, protection, etc.

While the major difference is still in the cleats, let us look at each of the features to understand softball vs. soccer cleats differences better.

Weight

Soccer shoes are lightweight compared to softball cleats.

Softball cleats are made with the purpose of supporting the ankle and the upper foot, for which the spikes are added to the toe of the shoe.

This gives extra protection to the player.

But this protection comes with a price as there is a high risk of injury, since traction goes way too far sometimes.

Size

Normally, soccer cleats are smaller in size. Since they are light in every sense, these shoes are ideal for running.

Considering this, these cleats can be worn for sports that demand more agility and running.

Comparatively, softball shoes are longer as they fully cover the ankle for extra support. Thus, running can be a bit of an issue in these.

Durability

The durability greatly depends upon how often cleats have been worn and how much they are used.

In the process, spikes wear out and even if the cleats still look good, they need to be changed for safety purposes.

Generally, soccer cleats last longer because they wear less on the field compared to softball cleats.

At last, it all comes down to the quality and brand of the shoes.

Obviously, cleats that are expensive will be made of superior material and quality. Thus they will last longer.

Material

Softball cleats can be made with mesh and two types of leather that are synthetic and real.

Leather and synthetic fibers are the two available materials for soccer cleats.

Initially, only leather was used to make soccer cleats, but cleats made of synthetic fibers have entered the market over time.

Out of all these materials, real leather is the most durable, and it definitely costs the most.

Ankle Movement and Safety

Softball demands quick movements and a firm grip on the ground.

Considering this, softball cleats are made with higher-cut, which is beneficial at providing support to the ankle of the player.

Toe spikes in softball cleats allow better movement and position.

On the other hand, soccer cleats do not have toe spikes. This is because spikes on the toe can hurt the other players.

Ankle movement is still best in these cleats.

Since the ankle is not covered and there is not much ankle support, it is easier for the player to move in the field freely.

Pricing

Cleats are generally expensive, but you can also find some at low prices.

Obviously, low price means a poor quality product. Such cleats are usually not durable and get worn down quickly.

Typically, you can get softball cleats at a much lower price than soccer shoes.

But the material used for making cleats plays a big role in its pricing. Leather cleats are expensive. The better the leather, the more expensive it will be.

Similarly, synthetic fiber is less expensive, but it offers similar support and durability as leather.

Pattern of Spikes

Soccer cleats are not meant to provide much support. They just help in ankle movement.

This is why the spikes are placed around the perimeter.

At the same time, softball cleats are spiked more on the middle of the shoe, toe, and heel.

The spikes are horizontally placed. This is ideal for ankle support and quick movement.

There is no spike on the toe in soccer cleats.

What are Cleats?

Cleats are also called studs. They are small protrusions that help in making quick movements while playing sports.

These cleats are on the sole, and they vary in size and shape depending on the sports it is being used for.

Shoes containing these protrusions are called cleats. They allow better traction of surfaces that are slippery.

Different positions and quick movements are made easier with the presence of these protrusions.

These spikes can be of metal and plastic. Metal ones last longer as they wear out slowly. While the plastic spikes can get damaged quickly.

Types of Cleats

Considering the type of game, cleats are made differently. Some are heavy, while others are lightweight.

Normally, there are five types of cleats; softball cleats, baseball cleats, soccer cleats, lacrosse cleats, and football cleats.

Though each of them is best suited to the sports they are built for, they can be used for other games.

Cleats can be inside or outside of the sole. Some of them are small, while others are large.

Similarly, cleats can be low-cut, mid-cut, or high tops. Some of them have toe cleats that are helpful in playing in dirt as they dig inside.

Out of all types of cleats, soccer cleats are the most versatile as they can be worn for playing nearly every sport.

Though it’s not professional, you can easily wear soccer cleats for lacrosse, football, or baseball.

But you cannot wear any other cleats for playing soccer.

Before You Purchase Cleats

Since cleats are expensive, you need to consider every aspect before purchasing one.

So if you are buying for your kids, it is better to get a single pair for them. The size of feet increases in growing kids, so cleats won’t last more than a season.

An intelligent approach is to get a single pair in some neutral color for your kids so that they can wear them easily.

Soccer cleats are great for almost all sports as they are lightweight. So if you are thinking of investing in a good pair of versatile cleats, go for them.

If you are looking for better safety and ankle protection, you need to buy softball cleats.

In Conclusion

Apart from the clear difference in the spikes, soccer and softball cleats also contradict in small features like size difference, material, support, weight, etc.

Soccer cleats are the most versatile form of cleats, and they can be worn for softball. However, it should not be considered for professional purposes.

If you want to purchase cleats for your kids, soccer cleats can be the best as they are not much heavy and are durable at the same time.

Still, it is recommended to consider the sports you or your kid are going to play and shop accordingly.

Wearing the wrong shoes for the sports place you at the risk of getting injurious.