Baseball and football are both played on grass or materials that mimic grass. However, in baseball, players must also play on dirt. Depending on a player's position, he or she may play the entire game in the dirt portion of the field. As such, baseball cleats and football cleats differ in a few distinct ways.
Function
While baseball and football cleats have their differences, their purpose is essentially the same. Both give an athlete traction and stability on the playing surface, be it grass, turf or dirt. They are not only important to a player's performance, but also to a player's safety on the field of play.
Style
Generally, baseball cleats come in mid-cut or low-cut styles. Football cleats come in mid and low-cut as well, but also in high-tops. A player's position normally determines the style of football cleat. For example, linemen typically wear high-tops for added ankle support due to their frequent lateral movements. Skill position players such as running backs would wear mid or low-cut cleats, as they allow for more maneuverability. Baseball players rely heavily on lateral movements, but don't have as much of a need for high-tops because the sport has a much lower impact on the feet and ankles than football--four to six times the body weight, as opposed to seven to 10 times the body weight in football. As in football, the lower cut allows for more quickness and maneuverability, both key in the game of baseball.
Cleat Types
Most baseball cleats have either molded plastic spikes or metal spikes. Football cleats generally are made from molded plastic or rubber. Metal cleats are not allowed at any level of football and even in many youth baseball leagues due to safety concerns. They are a favorite of college and pro baseball players, though, because they are more effective than plastic on the infield dirt.
Baseball cleats typically are found with 1/2 inch spikes, whereas football cleats can be found with many different spike lengths due to the varying positions and movements of the players.
Interchangeable spikes are available for both baseball and football cleats. These spikes can be screwed in and out and replaced with other spikes based on field conditions. For example, shorter spikes for a dry, hard field or longer spikes for a wet, muddy field in football, or changing between metal and plastic spikes in baseball.
Features
Football cleats are designed to help the athlete dig in and resist force against his movement forward. They have cleats that are molded mainly horizontally across the shoe to give more front driven support, and a center toe cleat that allows for improved traction during quick starts.
Baseball cleats also have support for front driven movement, but, unlike football cleats, they also have cleats that are positioned vertically along the side to help better support side to side movements.
Considerations
The major manufacturers of sports shoes, such as Adidas, Nike and Reebok, all make football and baseball cleats. When you're purchasing a pair of cleats, be sure you know the rules for your individual league regarding cleat length and type. For example, some levels of football may not allow 1-inch spikes, even though they are readily available.
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