Lacrosse Cleats vs Soccer Cleats: Which Sport Requires Specialized Footwear?

Having spent over a decade analyzing athletic footwear across multiple sports, I’ve come to appreciate how specialized cleats can make or break performance—especially in sports like lacrosse and soccer. While they might look similar at first glance, the demands each sport places on footwear are surprisingly distinct. Just last year, I was reviewing footage from the PVL Grand Slam, where Creamline’s import, American winger Erica Staunton, showcased explosive cuts and rapid directional changes. Watching her dominate on the field, it struck me how much of her success hinged on having the right gear—particularly cleats designed for high-intensity, multi-directional movement. That’s where the real debate begins: do these sports really require their own dedicated footwear, or is it all just marketing hype?

Let’s start with soccer cleats. Soccer is a game of endurance and precision, with players covering an average of 7 miles per match. The cleats are lightweight, often weighing just 6 to 8 ounces, and designed for optimal ball feel and low-profile traction. The studs are typically conical or bladed, arranged to support quick acceleration and sudden stops on grass or turf. I’ve worn both types over the years, and I can tell you—nothing beats the snug fit of a good soccer cleat when you’re dribbling at full speed. But here’s the catch: they’re built primarily for forward motion. When you start introducing lateral cuts or aggressive pivoting, the lack of ankle support and specialized stud patterns becomes glaringly obvious. That’s exactly why lacrosse cleats step in to fill the gap.

Lacrosse, by contrast, is a sport of bursts: short, explosive sprints, frequent changes in direction, and physical contact. The cleats are generally heavier—around 9 to 11 ounces—with reinforced ankle collars and stud configurations that prioritize grip during lateral movements. I remember testing a pair during a casual lacrosse drill last spring, and the difference in stability was night and day compared to my soccer cleats. The mid-foot support alone reduced my risk of rolling an ankle during sharp turns. In fact, studies suggest that lacrosse players change direction every 3 to 5 seconds on average, which explains why their footwear needs to handle multi-plane forces. If Erica Staunton had worn soccer cleats in that PVL final, I doubt she’d have executed those sharp cuts with the same efficiency—her 18-point performance might have looked very different.

Now, I’ll be honest: I used to think cleats were interchangeable. But after seeing how sport-specific designs impact performance firsthand, I’m convinced specialization matters. Soccer cleats excel in their element—lightweight agility and ball control—while lacrosse cleats offer the stability and traction needed for a more physically dynamic game. Could you get away with wearing one for the other? Sure, especially at amateur levels where the differences might not be as pronounced. But at elite levels, where margins are thin, the wrong footwear could mean the difference between a championship play and a missed opportunity. In my opinion, investing in the right cleats isn’t just about compliance; it’s about unlocking your potential on the field. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an aspiring pro, understanding these nuances can elevate your game more than you’d expect.