Hey all, just been doing some research and looking around from people for their experiences. Currently play slow pitch with no cleats but may be getting into flag football in the fall, so looking into cleats, I’m assuming I’d lean more into the football side of cleats because I think they translate better to both sports. Wondering if any of you guys use football, soccer, or even lacrosse cleats or if any of you also play both sports, what do you use?
Thanks!
New balance makes the best turfs and molded cleats imo. I can’t wear anything else anymore.
Good point about going with molded cleats (non metal) since a lot of leagues specifically don't allow metal cleats for slow pitch.
I have cleats for each, as they're purpose built typically.
The difference between soccer and football cleats is the cleats around the toes. Most soccer cleats will not have cleats around the toes, because that area of the cleat is used for kicking.
I highly recommend stores like Ross, Marshalls, TJ Maxx etc for cleats. I have gotten some absolute scores for cleats, for $20
And I'm a size 13
I am currently rocking a pair of Bryce Harper Baseball Cleats, that I got for $20! In size 13 from Marshalls
It's very hit or miss, but I'd go with football or baseball cleats for softball. I'd skip soccer cleats because of the lack of cleats around the toes
Ross is a goldmine for size 13, not so much for anything smaller though.
What’s funny is everywhere is the opposite lol go into normal shoe stores and they rarely have 13 lol
I just go to academy's clearance site, filter down to my size, and see what the highest retail pair that's been marked down to under 50 bucks is. Hasn't failed me yet.
You might want to get turf shoes. They give you a lot more grip than tennis shoes without murdering your feet.
To be fair, newer molded cleats (specifically New Balance) are miles ahead of what we used to have. Tons of comfort, not too heavy. I switch between turfs and cleats depending on weather and position.
Gotcha, i haven't worn cleats in prob 15 years since i stopped playing college ball so i may need to refrain from these convos in the future since it seems I'm out of touch
I’ll only wear turfs now. Did Boombah forever, tried New Balance, but the last 2 years I’ve been rocking the Nike Alpha turfs and they are the most comfortable ones I’ve ever owned.
I have the nike hurache or whatever they're called and ill never use anything else
Wide foot reporting. Most cleats are unusable to me. Been using Asics Trail Running shoes for a few years instead.
Right there with you
Salomon’s Speed Crosses
When I have to drive between two different parks for games in the same night, these are always my go to
I used trail runners forever until my pair started to rip last year. I switched to lacrosse cleats(New Balance) this year and i love it. i play infield and outfield and have had no issues with grip on grass or dirt as well as actually being comfortable to run in.
I’ve tried all kinds over the last few years.
New balance makes great cleats, but I found the cushioning to be lacking (I am fat)
I played the last 2 years in New Balance Hierro Mids which were great, they’re a trail running/hiking shoe. I like a mid top because my ankles haven’t been historically super strong.
I recently got some Solomon Speedcross, and holy shit I wish I had just tried these sooner (on numerous recommendations here). They are light, comfortable, and have great grip. I went a half size up because my feet are a little wide (see:fat) and they fit perfectly.
I play softball in football cleats.
Some people say that they like turfs or trail runners. I have worn Salomons as my daily driver athletic shoe for years, so I am very familiar with them. If I were to wear my Solomons in the outfield, I would lose a half a step compared to wearing cleats.
Speed/range in the OF is my strength, and that half a step can mean the difference between making a great catch and not making the catch.
Up to you if the comfort makes up for it. (I’m used to wearing cleats, so they don’t bother me, but YMMV)
I am exclusively a Salomon SpeedCross wearer even for the outfield as my foot comfort is the most important aspect for my senior aged body...lol
I also don't have the kind of explosive acceleration that you have so I don't think I lose any range.
I was lucky to find some wide sizes on clearance about 6 months ago so my feet haven't ever been happier on the field.
i use football cleats and i use the ones that have the twist on and off cleats, they work great.
I used football cleats when ayong slow pitch. The cleats I had were plastic and metal tipped for football. They screwed on and off for replacement.
I was able to find some replacement cleats which were plastic and could screw on.
I loved using them, they provided plenty of ankle support and in my opinion more grip, especially in the outfield.
The Solomon hiking shoes. They are the perfect.
For flag you will want a real football or at worst soccer cleats as the round style will dig and release better in grass.
But for comfort in the diamonds can’t beat Salomon speed crosses so comfy and usable in all parts of the field
Thanks for all the feedback folks, much appreciated!
If you want 1 multipurpose cleat, then get some football cleats. If you want to get crazy, football cleats and some turf shoes for softball.
Got lots of responses here but I have football cleats for softball exclusively and they have been well worth the purchase - plus I found it was easier to find a good pair of cheap/on sale football cleats then slow pitch/baseball (since many leagues don’t allow for metal) in an adult size but ymmv
Think someone mentioned it but mostly the difference between soccer and football cleats is the toe stud. Ii'd go for a moulded cleat that you could use across both...Lacross l cleats might actually give a better wider cleat plate, where as football cleat plates are quite narrow better for getting out the blocks, compared to maybe better balance with lax cleat. I don't know guess its down to needs. Found this they don't have any comparisons against LAX cleats but could help.. https://alpha-performance.com/can-you-use-soccer-cleats-for-football/
I don't play football, but I really enjoy the New Balance cleats I have. There are a few people on my team who play both and they just wear their football cleats.
Definitely avoid metal though, most leagues will ban those.