If you’re a baseball and football fan, you’ve probably noticed that the cleats used by players of both sports are similar. While there’s a distinct difference between soccer and baseball cleats, football cleats share far more in common.
A few nuances in football cleats are different from baseball cleats. However, they're similar enough that it begs the question of whether baseball cleats can be used to play football. If you’re a football player considering using baseball cleats, here’s a breakdown of what to expect.
Baseball cleats are usually made of mesh or synthetic leather and have an upper, midsole, outsole and studs. Some cleats are made with authentic leather, but they’re more expensive. Some players don’t find them worth it since baseball cleats go through significant wear and tear.
Most infielders prefer wearing mid-cut cleats with shorter studs since it gives them sufficient stability to make quick and agile movements. Outfielders usually prefer low-cut shoes with longer spikes that can dig into the grass more, giving them better traction while running and tracking fly balls.
Although they don’t take the same kind of punishment as baseball cleats, football cleats are also made with durable materials such as mesh and synthetic leather. As with baseball cleats, football cleats have a similar construction consisting of an upper, midsole, outsole and studs on the bottom plate.
Most football players can wear the same kind of cleats, but stockier players such as linemen, linebackers and tight ends often prefer mid-cut or high-cut shoes with added durability. Linemen play the most aggressively, so their cleats tend to wear out faster than other football players. They also need the stability to stay on their feet while facing off against opponents near the line of scrimmage.
The primary difference between football and baseball cleats is their weight and build. Baseball cleats aren’t as bulky as football cleats and have a more lightweight build. However, baseball cleats offer more protection and have a hard toe cap that makes them suitable for baserunning and sliding.
The studs on football shoes are usually made of plastic, while baseball shoes can have molded rubber, plastic or metal spikes. Metal cleats aren’t allowed in football due to safety concerns, but they are in baseball since there’s rarely any physical contact.
You can use baseball cleats to play football if they don’t have metal spikes. However, football players benefit more from playing with football cleats because they’re designed to dig into grass to avoid unintentionally slipping or sliding.
Baseball shoes also offer excellent traction on grass, but the studs are usually shorter. Also, their lightweight construction provides less stability, so the risk of injury slightly increases if you play football while wearing them.
A. Despite their bulky construction, football shoes are comfortable since they have plenty of foam cushioning in the midsole and don’t inhibit a player’s quickness or agility.
A. Whether you wear baseball or football cleats, they should always provide a snug fit but shouldn’t be too tight as it can cause discomfort.
Under Armour Men’s Spotlight Franchise 2.0 RM Football Cleats
These cleats have a synthetic leather upper with a screen-print graphic for increased durability, and the soft collar provides a locked-down feel. The ankle length is perfect for players who want a balanced combination of comfort and mobility.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Nike Men’s Vapor Edge Pro 360 Football Cleats
These cleats have a lightweight upper with a synthetic overlay and wide stud placement for quick movements. The ghost lacing makes them less likely to come undone during gameplay. The elastic cuff gives players a locked-down fit.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Nike Men’s Force Savage Shark 2 Mid Football Cleats
These cleats are ideal for offensive linemen and pass-catchers who want more stability. The ankle strap has a hook-and-loop closure for a secure feel. The midsole is packed with phylon foam for improved responsiveness.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Nike Men’s Alpha Menace Pro 3 Mid Football Cleats
These cleats are suitable for players looking for optimal durability. The upper is made with synthetic leather and cloth fabric for enhanced breathability, and the carbon fiber plate offers more stiffness in the heel for superior stability.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Under Armour Men’s Highlight MC Football Cleats
These cleats have a textile upper with a 3D printed cage for more explosiveness during quick movements. The Scatter Traction cleat plate provides improved grip, and the SuperFoam insole offers increased responsiveness and shock absorption.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Nike Men’s Force Savage Varsity 2 Mid Football Cleats
These shoes are suitable for stocky players such as linemen and linebackers. They have a stylish yellow and black design, a webbed lacing system for a secure fit and molded sides for extra durability.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 3000 V5 TPU Baseball Cleats
Baseball players looking for comfortable cleats won’t be disappointed with these. They have a full-length Fresh Foam midsole with a supportive heel and a bootie around the ankle for a secure feel.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Nike Men’s Force Trout 7 Pro MCS Baseball Cleats
These cleats have a hard-plate outsole with studded points for increased traction and flexibility. This makes them ideal for quick, agile players. Also, the full-length foam cushioning gives players more bounce-back on strides.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
Nike Men’s Alpha Huarache Elite 3 Mid Metal Baseball Cleats
The midsoles contain React foam for reduced stud pressure and increased shock absorption. The two-piece outsole has a metal stud arrangement for superior traction, and the comfort pods wrap around the ankle for added comfort.
Where to buy: Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods
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Kevin Luna writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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