Sport-specific shoes are often an important component to playing the game. Cleats are often used to to allow you to dig into running surfaces for better grip. If you play more than one sport, including soccer and softball, it is tempting to ask your cleats to multi-task. For certain types of games, this is possible. However, rules and regulations for certain sports may require you to wear the appropriate footwear.
Soccer Cleats
Soccer cleats have a pattern of studs on the footbed to provide traction on fields of grass and dirt. The uppers are typically made thin, and should fit like a second skin or sock, allowing you to get a better feel for the ball. The stud patterns will vary according to the terrain; muddier, deeper terrain requires fewer, four to six total, but longer studs, while 10 to 14 smaller studs are needed for firm, hard packed dirt or dry fields. Turf shoes are different still, and have numerous, small studs or nubs that can grip into artificial surfaces.
Softball Cleats
Softball fields can be made of hard-packed dirt and grass or artificial surfaces. As such, the cleats you wear will depend on the fields on which you play. The studs on the bottom are often rectangular in shape and can be pointed to better grip hard-packed dirt. Softball shoes will also have a cleat at the front of the foot, called a toe cleat, to dig in during your at-bat and base runs. You can also purchase shoes with metal cleats, depending on your needs. Metal cleats can be dangerous to other players, however, particularly if you slide into them with your studs.
Soccer to Softball
If you purchase a pair of soccer cleats, they may be suitable for use on a softball field. If the field you play on has grass and firm dirt, soccer cleats can provide adequate grip. However, they may not be able to dig into very hard infield clay. Also, soccer cleats do not provide ankle support. Traditional softball or baseball cleats have higher uppers that come near or over the ankle, while soccer shoes are cut below the ankle. Depending on your needs, and skill level, you may need ankle support while playing.
Softball to Soccer
Because soccer requires you to use your feet to strike the ball, wearing a shoe that fits snugly without a thick toe is important. Softball cleats are bulky, and can make accuracy difficult. The higher upper can also hinder your ability to pivot and turn. The extra toe cleat on the bottom of softball cleats is not allowed when playing in regulated soccer games, and metal cleats are strictly forbidden. The latter are dangerous and can injure another player if contact is made.
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