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What Are The Differences Between Types of Cleats?

Sports Lifestyle

What Are The Differences Between Types of Cleats?

Apr 30, 2025

Cleats are an essential part of any football, soccer or a baseball player’s uniform. And while all cleats are built to enhance movement, provide added stability and deliver superior grip, each sport’s cleats have unique designs to fit the specific needs of each sport’s dynamic style of play, playing surface and level of activity.

Apart from ensuring you’re performing at your best with a cleat made for your game, knowing the difference between types of cleats is important because some sports don’t allow cleat crossover. Whereas a football player can wear molded soccer cleats on the gridiron, soccer players are not allowed to wear football or baseball cleats on the field. 

Soccer Cleats - People Playing Organized Soccer

Soccer Cleats

There are three general types of soccer cleats: firm ground (FG), soft ground (SG) and artificial ground (AG). FG cleats have molded studs and are suitable for most playing surfaces. SG cleats have fewer studs, which can be changed out and replaced when needed. This type of cleat is best for games played on wet and muddy surfaces. AG cleats are expressly made for artificial turf and feature specialized stud patterns. 

When you’re talking soccer vs. football cleats, soccer cleats weigh less than football and baseball cleats. Lightweight cleats aid soccer players in conserving energy for continuous running. Other differences between soccer and football cleats 

is that they do not have toe cleats (or the cleat or spike found in the toe region of a football shoe).

Because soccer players often slide and crash into one another on the field, toe cleats can be extremely dangerous. If a soccer player tries to take the field in footwear with toe cleats, he or she will be prohibited from participating until changing into legal cleats.

Player in baseball cleats

Baseball Cleats

Baseball cleats feature materials like synthetic leather and come with a toe cleat to help players dig in while batting and throwing. There are a variety of cleat styles available to baseball players, including molded, TPU/MCS and metal. Some baseball leagues prohibit the use of metal cleats, so be sure to check with an official before buying shoes that feature them. In general, baseball cleats offer little protection from contact. 

If you’re looking at baseball vs. football cleats, keep in mind that baseball players can technically wear football and soccer cleats on the diamond, but experts recommend that in-field players stick to baseball cleats only.

Girls in Softball Cleats

Softball

Softball cleats share similarities with baseball cleats but cater specifically to softball players' needs. Metal spikes provide excellent traction on dirt fields but are prohibited on artificial pitching mounds. Molded plastic options work well on muddy surfaces and last longer. Softball cleats often feature a smaller toebox compared to baseball cleats and are available in women’s sizes more frequently.

Group in Football Cleats

Football

Football cleats are all about durability, movement and protection. These cleats are built tough and are therefore heavier than soccer and baseball cleats in order to withstand the repeated contact players experience during the game. The overall size and shape of football cleats vary based on playing position, but all football cleats feature plastic studs to help players find added leverage and make quick cuts. Seven-stud configurations featuring longer spikes are designed for maximum traction on soft ground surfaces. Football players can technically wear both football or soccer cleats.

Men Playing Laacrosse

Lacrosse

Lacrosse cleats resemble football cleats but are generally lighter and more breathable. They come in low-, mid- or high-cut styles depending on player preference. Lacrosse studs are molded rather than metal due to safety regulations. The stud placement emphasizes lateral stability, crucial for quick pivots during gameplay. If you’re looking at lacrosse vs. football cleats, keep in mind that while you can wear either, specialized lacrosse cleats offer better functionality tailored to the sport’s demands.

Whether you’re looking for cleats with molded, permanent studs or detachable studs, colorful options or those with better padding, Hibbett has the right type of cleats for your sport. Shop today! 

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