Many kids and adults find joy in playing a range of sports. However, it can be quite an investment for parents and athletes alike to buy the necessary equipment. One of the key items needed for many sports is shoes. Picking out the right pair of cleats can make all the difference when it comes to performance and safety. The goal of this guide is to compare soccer cleats vs football cleats so that individuals who play both sports can determine which cleats to purchase.
Soccer Cleats vs football Cleats | Quickly summarized
Football cleats and soccer cleats share some similarities however, they have quite a few differences.
Soccer cleats tend to be lighter than football cleats and offer more flexibility and breathability as where football cleats are designed with durability, protection, and stability.
As a whole football cleats have fewer studs but longer studs that will help with traction and support off the surface, on the other hand, soccer cleats are designed for quick, agile movements.
Wearing soccer cleats for football depends on what position in football you play because different positions have different cleat specifications.
If you are a kicker or play in a skilled position for football, then soccer cleats will ok to play in for football.
A lineman should look to buy a separate pair of football cleats.
Having a pair of kicker football cleats would be the best pair of cleats to wear for soccer (A large percentage of football players play with soccer cleats).
Skilled position cleats have a similar outsole and stud configuration to soccer cleats but the upper is not designed to control, pass and shoot in soccer.
The football cleats linemen wear would not be allowed in soccer.
Although there are no specific rules there is a high chance they will be deemed unsafe to play in by the official.
The differences between soccer and football cleats
Although both cleats have similar designs, each cleat has its own specialized features to ensure the best performance for its respective sport.
Here is a table showing the differences between soccer and football cleats:
| Feature | Function in Soccer Cleats | Function in Football Cleats |
|---|---|---|
| Studs | More and shorter, evenly distributed for traction and quick movement on grass or turf | Fewer but longer, mainly on the front for traction and support on grass or turf |
| Stud Length | Shorter, typically 1.27-1.905 cm / 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch for low profile and quick movements | Longer, typically 1.905-2.54 cm / 3/4 inch to 1 inch for added stability on grass or turf |
| Weight | Lighter, typically 170-297 grams / 6-10 ounces for agility and speed | Varies depending on position and player preference, but typically heavier than soccer cleats for durability and protection |
| Cleat shape | Round or bladed for multidirectional movements and quick turns | Varies depending on position and player preference, but typically bladed for better traction and quick cuts |
| Materials | Lighter materials like synthetic leather or mesh for breathability and flexibility | Heavier materials like leather or synthetic leather for durability and protection |
| Construction | Low-cut or mid-cut for mobility and range of motion | Varies depending on position and player preference, but can range from low-cut to high-cut for ankle support and stability |
| Toe box | Rounded for control and precision when kicking | Squared or tapered for a larger surface area when pushing off or making cuts |
It is important to note that some soccer and football cleats may not fall into these categories as there is a wide range of brands, designs, and models.
Here is a list of different soccer cleat brands.
The difference between football cleats depends on the position
In football, there are a different variety of football cleats depending on what position you play.
If you a looking to play football while wearing soccer cleats it is important to know the differences so that you are able to make a decision as to whether you can on or not.
The table below shows the difference between football cleats depending on the football position.
| Feature | Lineman Cleats | Skill Position Cleats | Kicker Cleats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studs | Fewer but longer, mainly on the front for traction and support on grass or turf | More and shorter, evenly distributed for quick movement and multidirectional cuts | Fewer studs with a flatter surface for better accuracy when kicking |
| Stud Length | Longer, typically 1.905-2.54 cm / 3/4 inch to 1 inch for added stability on grass or turf | Shorter, typically 1.27-1.905 cm / 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch for low profile and quick movements | Typically shorter for better feel and control |
| Weight | Heavier, typically 425-680 grams / 15-24 ounces for durability and protection against hard hits and tackles | Typically lighter than lineman cleats for agility and speed | Lighter, typically 255-425 grams / 9-15 ounces for better feel and control when kicking |
| Cleat shape | Bladed for better traction and stability on grass or turf | Rounded or bladed for multidirectional movements and quick cuts | Flatter surface with a minimal number of studs for better accuracy when kicking |
| Materials | Heavier materials like leather or synthetic leather for durability and protection | Lighter materials like synthetic leather or mesh for breathability and flexibility | Lighter materials like synthetic leather or mesh for better feel and control |
| Construction | High-cut for ankle support and stability | It range from mid-cut to low-cut for mobility and range of motion | Typically low-cut for mobility and range of motion |
| Toe box | Squared for better support and stability when pushing off | Tapered for better feel and control when making cuts | Typically rounded for better feel and control when kicking |
The only football position where it wouldn’t be suitable to wear soccer cleats would be a lineman position.
FAQ about wearing soccer or football cleats
These are the most frequently asked questions when it comes down to soccer cleats vs football cleats
Are soccer cleats and football cleats the same?
No, they are not the same although they do share very similar traits; It also depends on what position the athlete in football is playing.
A Linesman or skilled position will wear different cleats than soccer cleats, compared to a kicker who will most likely be wearing soccer cleats.
This is because soccer cleats have been specifically manufactured for a cleaner striking surface and to improve kicking accuracy.
The cleats for the lineman are designed to provide more stability and traction of the surface, with a skilled position cleat tailored towards making multidirectional cuts.
Are football cleats sharper than soccer cleats?
Although the football cleats of a lineman have longer and thicker studs when compared to a soccer cleat it does not necessarily mean that football cleats are ‘sharper’ than a soccer cleat.
The longer and thicker studs of a lineman’s cleat will help the athlete dig into the ground better when they are blocking or pushing.
Can you wear soccer cleats for football?
This will vary depending on your specialized position for football, but yes you can definitely wear soccer cleats for football if you are a kicker or playing in a skilled position.
Although you could wear soccer cleats in a lineman position it is strongly recommended that you wear football cleats.
This provide more stability, traction, and support to appropriately meet the demands of the position.
Can you wear soccer cleats for flag football?
Yes, you can wear soccer cleats for flag football.
This is because flag football is a non-contact sport that is played on a similar surface to soccer.
The movements in soccer and flag football are also very similar, with the soccer cleat design reflecting this.
However, It is important to take into consideration the weather conditions and the conditions of the playing surface.
For example, in wet and muddy conditions you may need to wear longer studs for better stability and traction on the playing surface.
If you are looking to play in a regular flag football league it would also be worth contacting the league organization to ensure that soccer cleats will be ok to wear.
Are soccer cleats good for football?
This depends on the position you are playing in football and the conditions of the playing surface.
If you are in a skilled position or a kick, soccer cleats would be good for football!
However, if you play in a lineman position then soccer cleats would not be a good choice of footwear.
If the surface you are playing on is wet, muddy, or has longer grass then I would recommend wearing footwear that has longer and thicker studs that would provide better stability.
If you are an athlete who plays a high level of football and soccer, it may be worth wearing football cleats while playing football as games can be won or lost by fine margins!
On the other hand, if you play football more recreationally then soccer cleats would be good!
Can you wear football cleats for soccer?
If you are wearing a football cleat designed for a lineman then no you cannot wear football cleats for soccer, however, if you have a skilled position football cleat then you can wear it for soccer but it may not be optimal for an athlete’s performance in soccer.
Kicker’s cleats in football are the same as soccer cleats, so yes you can wear kicker’s football cleats in soccer.
However the rules can vary depending on the league or organization, I would recommend calling up the organization beforehand and checking if you are able to wear football cleats for soccer.
Best soccer cleats for playing soccer and football
These are the best soccer cleats to get if you are looking to play football as a kicker or skilled position.
If you are looking at buying soccer cleats and don’t know where to start this is a comprehensive soccer cleats buying guide to make the process simpler.
If you are looking to purchase football cleats this is a good buyers guide for football cleats
Best soccer cleats for playing soccer and a skilled position in football
If you are looking to wear soccer cleats to play soccer and football in a skilled position then I would recommend looking at the Puma Future Z
These are my reasons why:
- Lightweight and Comfortable
The Puma Future Z is designed with lightweight and breathable materials that provide a comfortable fit for the wearer.
This can be especially important for skilled position players who need to be quick on their feet and make sudden movements.
- Good Traction
The soleplate of the Puma Future Z is designed with a unique stud pattern that offers excellent traction on grass or turf.
This can help players maintain their footing and make quick cuts on the field.
- Durable and Protective
The Puma Future Z features a durable outer shell that helps protect the foot from impacts and collisions with other players.
This can be especially important for skilled position players who may be more vulnerable to contact during a game.
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Best soccer cleats for playing soccer and as a kicker in football
If you are looking to wear soccer cleats to play soccer as well as baseball I would recommend looking at the Adidas Copa Mundial
These are my reasons why:
- High-Quality Construction
The Adidas Copa Mundial is known for its high-quality construction, featuring a durable and sturdy leather upper that provides excellent protection and support.
This can be important for a kicker who needs a stable base to kick the ball accurately.
- Good stability when kicking
The soleplate of the Adidas Copa Mundial is designed with a unique stud pattern that offers excellent traction on grass or turf.
This can help kickers maintain their footing and generate more power in their kicks.
- Comfortable Fit
The Adidas Copa Mundial is designed with a comfortable and snug fit that conforms to the shape of the foot over time.
This can help kickers feel more connected to the ball and improve their overall accuracy.
Final thoughts
When deciding whether or not you need to buy soccer cleats or football cleats these are the factors you need to take into consideration:
The level of football and soccer you play
If soccer is your main sport and you play football recreationally then soccer wearing soccer cleats for football would be good if you are a kicker or skilled position.
However, if you play as a lineman regardless of the standard it would be best to get a pair of football cleats.
If football is your main sport and you play as a kicker or in a skilled position then you can sear your football cleats for soccer.
However, they may have a negative impact on your soccer performance.
If you play as a lineman, then I would recommend getting soccer cleats to play soccer regardless of the level of soccer you play.
Support and stability
Taking into consideration the surfaces you’ll be playing on too is an important factor as well.
Soccer cleats typically have shorter and thinner studs which may not make them suitable for playing football in muddy, wet, and long grass terrains.
Not only will this have a negative effect on your football performance but also increase the chance of injuring yourself or other players
Cleat regulations
Before wearing football cleats for soccer or soccer cleats for football it is worth checking with the league and organizers beforehand to see if they will be allowed.
Although there are no official rules in soccer or football, it can be up to the discretion of the referees in the respective sports to prevent athletes from playing if they are wearing footwear deemed to be unsafe.
Where possible it is best to wear the cleats designed for their specific sports.
Hopefully, this soccer cleats vs football cleats guide have given you a better understanding of the differences, benefits, and questions around the topic.
Thank you for reading and please share this guide with any athletes or parents who are in this dilemma.
Toby
Wearing soccer cleats and shoes for other sports
If you found this soccer cleats vs football cleats guide helpful you would also gain knowledge from similar posts:
- Soccer Cleats Vs Lacrosse Cleats
- Soccer Cleats Vs Rugby Cleats
- Soccer Cleats Vs Baseball Cleats
- Indoor Soccer Shoes Vs Basketball Shoes
- Indoor Soccer Shoes Vs Running Shoes
- Indoor Soccer Shoes Vs Volleyball Shoes
- Indoor Soccer Shoes Vs Tennis Shoes
- Indoor Soccer Shoes Vs Turf Shoes
Best Soccer Cleats By Position
If you play a certain position in soccer some cleats are more beneficial than others.
These are the best cleats for each position: