Selecting Your Lacrosse and Field Hockey Cleat
Lacrosse and Field Hockey are both exhilarating, physical sports that require proper footwear for the skillful edge. Here at DICK'S Sporting Goods, we know that wearing superior gear will give you the confidence you need to go with your winning spirit.
In this guide, we will navigate you to finding the perfect Lacrosse or Field Hockey cleats, taking you step by step through the different cleat styles and materials that are available. Our cleats combine lightweight ingenuity with advanced comfort, flexibility, and durability. Whichever cleat you choose, make sure it adheres to the specific league rules and guidelines for their respective divisions. You can check with your coach or local league association for details.
Covering the Basics: Understanding cleat materials
Cleat construction can appear overwhelming, but understanding what type of surface you will be playing on will allow you to choose the correct cleat for your feet. Wearing the right pair of cleats provides a great advantage over opponents, while providing confidence on the field.
LACROSSE CLEATS
The game of Lacrosse is one of speed, precision, and quickness. Having the right equipment is the first step toward success. Here at DICK'S Sporting Goods, we offer the latest technologies for your footwear needs.
Cleat Design
Lacrosse cleats typically have four studs in the heel area and six to eight in the forefoot. Most Lacrosse fields are still natural grass, so you will have to be ready to contend with wet or muddy fields with lacrosse shoes with longer spikes to the cleats. However, with the growth of artificial fields, you may need a shorter cleat. Lacrosse cleats should be lightweight with a stiff midsole found between the outsole and the upper to better absorb impact. Lightweight mesh upper provides superior breathability and flexibility.
Shoe Style
The cleats on Lacrosse shoes typically are on the outside of the shoe, from the toe to the heel. Lacrosse shoes also tend to have a stiff midsole, the cushioned part of the shoe that offers support. DICK'S offers cleats that allow for more foot traction.
The two styles of Lacrosse shoes are determined by the height of the ankle. Mid-cuts have the highest ankle that hits right above the ankle bone, while Low-cuts have a lighter weight advantage. Both of these styles are good choices if you have ever experienced problems with your ankles or have had recent sprains or breaks. Here are the primary differences:
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Mid-cut: Offers more support while still allowing maneuverability, featuring stability and traction and a higher cut to offer greater support to the ankle. The additional cushioning is ideal for youth and beginners.
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Low-cut: Provides extra maneuverability to allow you to make quick cuts on the field, featuring low-cut lightweight synthetics which provide a greater range of motion, supportive fit, and enhanced durability.
Cleat Construction
Cleats are made from synthetic materials. When it comes to selecting your cleat, the materials that put together your footwear are essential. Technology is constantly changing and here at DICK'S Sporting Goods we are at the forefront of footwear for the ultimate in cutting speed and motion control. Lacrosse cleats are often described as a mix between soccer and football cleats. The cleats on Lacrosse shoes are often found around the outside of the sole to give players stability while moving laterally from side to side. Their construction relies on a stiff midsole found between the outsole and the upper for strong absorption upon impact. Below is a breakdown of the benefits of synthetic cleat material:
Synthetics:
- Feature strong reinforcement and additional support in the forefoot, mid-foot and ankle.
- Engineered to provide the best in motion control.
- Material on the shoe's upper portion provides a lightweight and breathable feeling.
- Greater traction on grass and field turf, featuring stability while moving from side to side.
- Supports your foot during multidirectional movements and enhances fit.
- Offers lightweight technology providing a superior range of motion.
Types of Cleats
There are three main types of cleats: turf, molded, and detachable. Not all cleats are made the same or meant for the same purpose. If you are buying for a Youth player, the most important thing to know is molded cleats provide the greatest amount of security.
Turf Shoes
- Turf shoes contain various raised patterns on the bottom in place of studs to give players maximum control and stopping ability.
- Designed specifically for synthetic turf, artificial grass, field turf, ever grass, evergreen and turf grass applications. Reduced profile allows cleat to penetrate the synthetic surface, twist, and then release.
- Good training shoes that could serve as a back-up game pair for hard-surface conditions.
- Provides maximum mobility in mind and offers very little stiffness on the sole of the shoe.
Molded Cleats
- Molded cleats have non-removable rubber or TPU cleats formed on the bottom of the shoe.
- Stable and strong, able to be worn on and off the field without a problem.
- Required by many youth programs for safety reasons.
- Function best on dry, well-kept fields or turf.
Detachable Cleats
- Features studs on the bottom that can be screwed on and off and replaced easily.
- Made completely of TPU (a high quality polyurethane).
- Detachable cleats allow players to swap out worn-down cleats for new ones without having to buy a new pair.
- Provide more versatility with inclement weather and terrain.
- More versatile, as longer or shorter cleats can be attached to the shoe to compensate for different types of fields and wetness.
- Allow for an advantage on wet, unkempt fields as well as on dry, soft turf.
- Adjustable spike lengths, allow players to adjust their traction according to field conditions.
Customize Your Feet
For peak performance, make sure your Lacrosse cleats have a personalized feel. A cleat with higher ankle support will allow you to make quicker, smoother cuts. For the attacker and midfielder, your cleat needs to be able to allow for dodging defenders and cutting across the field. Your lacrosse cleats inner seams should not irritate the foot and must provide a comfortable, relaxed feel. These cleats are also an extension of you so find a style and color scheme that brings out your true athlete.
Shop our great selection of Lacrosse Cleats
FIELD HOCKEY CLEATS
Field Hockey is the ultimate team sport. In recent years, there have been large increases in "water-based" synthetic turfs for increased ball travel and overall game speed. While there are no set positions, field hockey teams arrange themselves similar to football by fullbacks (defense), midfielders (halfback), and forwards (front line), and a single sweeper. Goalkeepers may wear "kickers" over the cleats, which are protective devices worn over the front and sides of their shoes for kicking, blocking, or deflecting the ball from the goal. The cleats you ultimately choose will depend on your playing surface and experience level:
- Grass: Most high school games are played on grass, so look for shoes with rubber cleats.
- Artificial Turf: Some high school games and most college games are played on artificial turf; select a cleat with strong lateral support to provide good traction.
- Your cleat should have stellar cushioning and be big enough to accommodate two pairs of socks (the second pair of socks is to hold up shin guards and provide extra cushioning to protect your feet from all the pounding of running).
- Most beginners learn the game on grass fields, where rubber cleats are optimal.
- The best way to pick a pair of cleats is by comfort. Some brands will run large or small, and wide or narrow.
- Field Hockey cleats should be low-cut for mobility for reducing areas of stress in the lower extremities and preventing hamstring and Achilles injuries.
Shop our great selection of Field Hockey Cleats
YOUTH CLEATS
When your son or daughter is looking to break into the game of Lacrosse or Field Hockey, the proper footwear provides the safety, security, and performance needed for a fun and successful start. You do not want a pair of cleats that will hurt their feet or cause discomfort while playing. For kid's feet that are still growing, allow no more than a finger length of space in the toe of the cleat for them to grow into.
Having the right cleats will help with coordination and timing on the field while also combining speed and ball control. Here are some helpful hints for Lacrosse and Field Hockey beginners:
6 Tips for Beginners
| 1. Cleats should be flexible enough to allow your youth to make fast and swift movements. |
| 2. Tight cleats are extremely uncomfortable and painful, negatively affecting performance. |
| 3. Find a pair that offers high-end synthetic material, which is soft and durable. |
| 4. Look for a reinforced toe that can extend the life of the cleats. |
| 5. Find out what types of cleats are allowed in your Lacrosse and Field Hockey leagues. |
| 6. Determine the type of surface the games will be played on. |
Find Your Fit
As important as it is to determine shoe size, it's even more important to find out what kind of arch your foot takes on. For the perfect fitting cleat, see the following options:
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The Neutral-Arched Foot: Has a normal-sized arch (neither too high nor too flat). The footprint of a neutral foot will have a flare in the mid-foot with a broad band connecting to the heel. A neutral foot lands on the outside of the heel and rolls inward slightly to absorb shock and can typically fit any kind of shoe.
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The Mid-Arched Foot: Also known as a flat foot, produces a footprint that looks like the whole sole of the foot. These runners have a tendency to strike on the outside of the heel and roll inward, which can cause injuries to the feet and lower legs. The best shoes for this foot type are motion control models or high stability shoes with firm midsoles and control features that reduce the degree of pronation.
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The High-Arched Foot: This foot type leaves a footprint with a very narrow outer band or no band at all between the forefoot and the heel. The foot fails to pronate enough, meaning it doesn't effectively absorb shock. The best shoes for this foot type are well-cushioned with good flexibility that encourage foot motion.
Foot Dimensions
| Toe Area | Width Area | Heel Area |
| Allow thumbnail's length of space between top of longest toe on largest foot and the end of the shoe | Foot should fit comfortably without stretching the upper over the midsole of the shoe | Heel should not move much, preferably not at all |
WOMEN'S CLEATS
When it comes to women's Lacrosse and Field Hockey cleats, confidence in knowing you are wearing the highest performance footwear is an essential ingredient for success on the field. The fierce natures of both sports require cleats that will help maintain your balance without sacrificing foot speed. Below are the different types of cleats available:
Field Hockey Cleats: DICK'S offers advanced heel comfort technology, reducing areas of stress in the lower extremities, while also preventing hamstring and Achilles injuries.
- A strong shoe structure allows for extreme support and cushioning.
Lacrosse Cleats: Synthetic material upper helps support your foot during multidirectional movements and enhances fit, comfort and durability.
- Low cut design offers excellent mobility and a lightweight feel.
Turf Shoes: Molded rubber nub outsole delivers traction, durability and performance.
Shop our great selection of Women's Lacrosse and Field Hockey Cleats
League Regulations
High School: Individual states, local sections and leagues do create some of their own unique rules. For the most part however, a rule that is put in place by the National Federation of State High School Associations is generally accepted and enforced across the board. The bottom edge of the cleat may not be higher than two inches above the ankle. The length of the cleats is limited to a half-inch from the sole of the shoe to the tip of the cleat.
Boys'/Youth/Men's National Collegiate Athletic Association: Cleats with aluminum, rubber, nylon, or plastic soles, whether molded or detachable are allowed as long as the referee does not consider them dangerous.The length of the cleats is limited to a half-inch from the sole of the shoe to the tip of the cleat.
Girls'/Youth/Women's National Collegiate Athletic Association: Players must wear composition or rubber-soled shoes. No spikes are allowed. Plastic or rubber cleat studs may be worn. The length of the cleat is limited to a half-inch from the sole of the shoe to the tip of the cleat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of surface determines the type of cleat to use? Rubber cleats are generally more beneficial when you are playing on hard surfaces. Detachable cleats have studs that can be removed or replaced. They may be rubber or plastic. These types of cleats are ideal for players who play on a wide variety of fields or in a wide variety of weather conditions. Combination cleats come in a wide variety of shapes and lengths. Players who play in areas that experience heavy amounts of rain often use these types of cleats as they are ideal for wet and muddy surfaces. They provide traction and allow for control as you move about the field.
2. Does cleat stud size matter? Yes, it's important to choose a cleat with an appropriate stud size for the type of field you are playing on. Short studs are useful on hard surfaces, dense grass and artificial turf. Longer studs are beneficial for play on soft soil. Long studs sink into the soil, allowing for better traction.
3. What are the most important features for cleat comfort? A cushioned feel, breathability, traction, and stability.
4. What accessories do I need with my cleats? At DICK'S, we offer sport socks for drawing (wicking?) away sweat; agility cone sets for speed and precision training; and agility ladders for improved lateral speed, enhanced rhythm and body control. You will also find top brand equipment and many other strength and training aids at DICK'S to help you master your sport!
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