There is not much difference between football and lacrosse cleats. Each type is made for the same purpose--to help players quickly change direction and stop and start on a grass or synthetic field. The cleat patterns are similar for football cleats and lacrosse cleats, and each type can be purchased with detachable cleats or cleats molded to the bottom of the shoe. Many styles of cleated shoes are marketed for use in both sports.
Lacrosse Cleat Specifications
The cleats on lacrosse shoes typically are on the outside of the shoe, from the toe to the heel. Some brands have a few cleats under the ball of the foot for more traction. Most cleats have a cylinder shape with a flat tip. The length of the cleats is limited to a half-inch from the sole of the shoe to the tip of the cleat, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), which governs high school sports, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which oversees college sports. Lacrosse shoes also tend to have a stiff midsole, the cushioned part of the shoe that offers support. Warrior is a leading brand of lacrosse-specific shoes. Major manufacturers such as Nike, Reebok and adidas offer a few lacrosse-specific models.
Football Cleat Specifications
The cleats on football shoes are similar to that of lacrosse shoes, with a majority of the cleats on the outside of the shoe. Football shoes generally have a stiffer outsole, the part of the shoe that contacts the ground. They also come in a wider range of cleat patterns, with various types of molded cleats designed for use on grass fields and artificial turf fields. The length of cleats is the same as specified for lacrosse by the NFHS and NCAA. Major manufacturers such as Nike, Reebok and adidas focus their cleated shoe styles on use for football.
Features
The main difference between lacrosse and football cleats is the sole of the shoes. Football cleats have a stiffer outsole, while lacrosse cleats emphasis the midsole of the shoe. Lacrosse cleats have more support built into the sole of the shoe; in comparison, football cleats have more support on the upper of the shoe and some high-top models go up to the ankle. This greater ankle support is designed to offset the lesser support in the midsole of the shoe.
Availability
Football and lacrosse cleats can be purchased at most sporting goods stores and many online sports equipment retailers. Websites that focus on lacrosse equipment tend to offer a wider range of shoes designed for lacrosse than general sports equipment retailers. Football shoes are more widely available at sporting goods stores, such as Dick's Sporting Goods and Sports Authority.
Cost
Lacrosse cleats and football cleats have a similar price range, with numerous models available for $60 to $90. High-end football cleats can cost up to $120 or so, while Warrior's most expensive model as of 2010 had a list price of $90. Closeout models can be found online for as little as $10, as of November 2010.
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