If you were thinking of using your soccer cleats to play football this year, or vice versa, you should think again. While their purpose is the same, some distinct differences between the two types can greatly affect your ability to perform at a high level and also be safe on the field of play.
Function
Soccer and football cleats have different features, but their purpose is essentially the same. Both are designed to give an athlete stability and traction on the field of play. They are equally as important to a player's performance as they are to his safety.
Style
Football cleats come in low-cut, mid-cut and high tops. A player's position normally dictates which style of cleat he needs. For example, football linemen typically wear the high top style for added ankle support, which they need because they move laterally so often during a game. Skill players such as running backs and wide receivers wear mid- or low-cut cleats because they offer more maneuverability.
Soccer cleats are strictly made in the low-cut style because soccer requires a great deal of speed and agility. For the same reasons, they're also lighter than football cleats.
Cleat Types
Both soccer and football use molded and detachable cleats. Both games are played on the same surfaces--grass or artificial turf--so depending on weather and field conditions, soccer and football players sometimes need to be able to change their spikes. Football spikes, whether molded or removable, are always made of hard plastic. Soccer spikes are usually plastic, too, but some are equipped with removable aluminum caps that help with traction. Metal cleats are also available for soccer cleats, although they are not legal in some leagues. Metal cleats are not legal at any level of football.
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. Soccer cleats do not have a toe cleat. Unlike football cleats, soccer cleats are designed to keep the feet and center of gravity as close to the ground as possible. Most soccer cleats also have an enhanced stitching feature around the toe to offer better ball control.
Considerations
Major manufacturers of sports shoes, such as Adidas and Nike, make football and soccer cleats. Other popular football cleat brands include Reebok and Pony. Popular soccer cleat makers include Diodora, Puma and Mitre.
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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