Different Cleat Types

Cleats by Sport

Many people make the mistake of simply thinking that a cleat is a cleat, and that one type of cleat can be used in another sport.  Be aware though, that softball cleats, soccer cleats, football cleats, and baseball cleats are all very different.

The biggest difference is with the inclusion or exclusion of spikes, which are the sharp points at the bottom of the cleat.  Soccer cleats and most football cleats have flat bottoms to each individual cleat, whereas softball and baseball cleats have pointy tips for traction in dirt.

Baseball cleats and softball cleats have some differences as well, with softball cleats generally being more rounded and baseball cleats more rectangular or oddly shaped.

Metal vs. Plastic Cleats

Cleats come in two main variations, metal and plastic.  Most consumer level cleats you will find are plastic, though consumer level metal cleats are also available.  Metal cleats are more common in baseball and are almost never used in a sport like soccer.  If safety is a concern of yours, stick to plastic cleats.  Metal cleats can get messy when sliding into another player or do anything that leaves the cleat bottom pointed forward.

Danger of Using the Wrong Type of Cleat

It is important to use the right type of cleat for the sport you are playing.  Softball players should use softball cleats, soccer players should use soccer cleats, etc.  Since softball cleats typically have sharp, pointed bottoms, if one were to use a softball cleat to play soccer they would risk damaging or even popping the ball.  Likewise, a softball player using a soccer cleat would be likely to slip around on the infield, as soccer cleats provide little to no benefit on softball’s hard clay surface.

You should never use metal cleats to play soccer.  Not only will you destroy the ball, but with so much kicking near other people’s bodies in soccer, you risk seriously injuring another player.  Metal cleats are OK for softball.