A cleat is a specific style of shoe for sports that are played on synthetic turf, dirt or natural grass. In order to help the athlete maintain control, increase speed and gain traction, cleats have plastic or metal studs on the sole of the shoe. Sports such as baseball, soccer and football use cleats, although each sport uses a slightly different style. There are several significant differences when comparing soccer and baseball cleats.
Facts
A single extra stud in the toe is the most significant difference between soccer and baseball cleats, according to the Macon County Soccer Club. For soccer cleats, the toe is smooth and rounded, with no stud. For baseball cleats, the toe contains one additional stud. Before soccer games, the referees usually check each player's cleats to ensure that there is not a center stud in the shoe. Baseball players at the higher levels usually wear cleats with metal studs, while soccer cleats typically use rubber studs. Soccer cleats also weigh less than baseball cleats.
Function
The studs on cleats serve many functions, including increasing the performance of the shoe while on an unstable surface like mud, dirt and wet grass, according to Soccer-for-Parents. The extra stud on a baseball cleat allows the player to push himself through the dirt when circling the bases. The traction generated by the additional stud aids the player in gaining extra acceleration.
Warning
If a soccer player wears baseball cleats when playing soccer, she greatly increases the chance of injuring other players, because of the slide tackling and kicking involved in a soccer game. Opposing players are at risk of having their legs, faces and other parts of their bodies punctured if the cleat has a stud in the toe.
Considerations
You can turn a baseball cleat into a soccer clear by removing the stud at the toe of the shoe. But it is best to have the proper cleats for each sport, especially if you are playing at a fairly advanced level.
Selection
If you play baseball and soccer, but only on a recreational or casual basis, you can wear soccer cleats for both sports. According to the website StevePinto, soccer cleats are not as effective for baseball, but they are safe to use.
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