When you or your children play a number of sports, it can be tempting to use the same expensive equipment for more than one sport. Unfortunately, certain sports require certain pieces of equipment. Soccer cleats and football cleats may seem similar, but they have different components that make it impossible to use them to crossover into the other sport. It's best to purchase the right equipment for the right sport to prevent injuries.
Cleats
While soccer shoes and football shoes have cleats, the placement of the cleats is different. Football shoes have cleats on the toes to offer better stability when maintaining contact with another player. They allow you to dig down into the grass to hold your position with more support in the midsole area, says USA Football, Inc.
Soccer cleats are shorter, and often removable, since soccer is played indoor and outdoor. The toe is free of cleats, as they could injure another player when the toe is extended into a kick position.
Style
You will notice a slight difference between the fit and style of soccer shoes vs. the fit and style of football shoes. Soccer shoes are always low cut, to allow the free movement of the ankle while playing. Soccer shoes are typically sleeker to allow for better handling of the ball, and are usually more European in style.
Football shoes can come in a variety of sizes to suit each player's needs. While some may choose a low-cut style, others may choose a more classic boot to offer more support for the shin and ankle.
Construction
Soccer shoes are usually made of lightweight material that conforms around the foot. At times, while playing soccer, a player must change the position of his foot for better passing and kicking, and a soccer shoe with a polyurethane outsoles will allow that flexibility, notes Academy Sports and Outdoors. Soccer shoes have no midsoles to create a low center of gravity.
Football boots are made to withstand plenty of abuse. They have a thicker outsole and midsole, and are usually made from leather materials that feel more flexible the more they are worn. Good football shoes are heavier than soccer shoes.
Brands
Popular soccer shoe brands include Diodora, Nike, Adidas and Puma, whereas popular brands for football shoes include Nike, New Balance, Pony, Adidas, Reebok and Under Armor.
Pricing
Depending on the brand that you purchase and the level of player you are, your soccer cleats could cost up to $300. Of course, a good pair can still be purchased around $75, as of 2010. Football shoes are comparable in price, only the highest price most football shoes will cost is in the $175 range, according to the various models available by Nike.
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