What Is The Difference Between Soccer And Football Cleats ?

Soccer and football include two teams with several players and a ball.

At the level of how they are played, these two sports have some differences in style, but also similarities like players using their feet to kick the ball, moving around on the field or court, throwing and catching the ball with hands, and finally, both have the so-called “goal” to mark success.

Considering all these similarities many wonder what is the difference between soccer and football cleats and if one can be used for the other sport.

Whether you want to know about these differences because you want to make sure you buy the right pair of cleats, to be informed about the design and technology that goes into different types of cleats, or you are just curious about the specific performance benefits, we are here to answer to you.

Below you will find the differences between soccer and football cleats so that you can be informed, make good decisions and buy the right pair of cleats to meet the needs of the sport you practice.

1. What Is The Difference Between Soccer And Football Cleats?

There are differences between soccer and football cleats because, as previously mentioned, these sports also present distinctions.

One of the most important and directly related to the type of cleats is the playing style. These sports involve distinct playing styles that put pressure in a different way on the cleats. Therefore, the needs of a soccer player are also unlike those of a football player.

1.1 Soccer cleats are lightweight and flexible

The soccer cleats are lighter than the football ones because a soccer player runs more than a football player.

Therefore, soccer players need cleats that offer comfort and a lightweight feeling.

A football player in the position of a wide receiver or cornerback can run an average of 1.2 mi (2 km) per game, while a soccer player can run around 5.7 mi -6.8 mi (9-11 km) per game.

Moreover, a soccer game consists of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, so its total is 90 minutes. However, a football game consists of four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes, and a total of 60 minutes.

In general, football cleats weigh between 11 to 15 oz (311 to 425 g), while soccer cleats weigh between 7 to 10 oz (198 to 283 g).

1.2 Soccer cleats boast a natural toe feel

To get an idea of how to hit correctly, the soccer player must feel the ball and have good contact with it through the soccer cleat.

During the production of a soccer cleat, a lot of time is invested in reproducing this sensation through different designs and materials.

Moreover, to benefit from this natural sensation, the soccer cleat must offer a perfect fit because this allows the player to transfer power from their leg to the ball more effectively.

1.3 Football cleats have more padding and protection

Football cleats generally have more padding in the ankle area because it is prone to the risk of injuries. Additionally, this padding offers ankle support while cutting and tackling.

1.4 Football cleats have a midsole

Football cleats include in their sole’s anatomy three main components like outsole, midsole, and insole. The midsole of these cleats acts as a barrier that provides cushioning, and comfort, and reduces the impact on the feet by absorbing the shocks resulting from the impact.

Moreover, the midsole provides stability when cutting and tackling during the game.

Soccer cleats usually do not have an integrated midsole like football cleats. The lack of midsole in the soccer cleats increases control over the ball. Also, soccer players need to have a center of gravity as low as possible to be faster and closer to the ball.

1.5 Football cleats have a thicker sole

The outsoles of both types of cleats are generally made of rubber or synthetic materials, but their thickness differs.

Soccer players need to be agile and fast during the game, and that’s why they need thinner outsoles. At the same time, the thin outsole contributes to the reduced weight of the soccer cleat.

However, football players require thicker and more resistant outsoles. The thicker outsoles give them more protection and stability when changing direction quickly.

1.6 Football cleats have toe studs and soccer cleats don’t

Another difference between these two types of cleats is the structure of the studs on the outsole. Football cleats usually have one or two extra studs at the toe of the shoe. These studs are of great help to football players when they have to make sudden movements, cuts, or sharp turns. They offer good traction, support, and stability to them.

On the other hand, soccer players need cleats that ensure them good traction on the field. They do not need the stability of the toe stud as much as football players do. That is why soccer cleats do not have the toe spike.

1.7 Football cleats have high-top and mid-top designs

When it comes to design, soccer cleats often have a low-cut design, while football cleats have mid-top and high-top designs.

The low-top design of the soccer cleats keeps them light and flexible. At the same time, it offers freedom of movement to the feet and helps soccer players to increase their agility and speed.

The mid-top and high-top styles of football cleats offer increased protection to the ankle, reduce the risk of injuries, and increase the stability of the entire foot. This can be beneficial for football players, who need a more stable base for the foot when changing direction or making sharp cuts.

Football players choose their style depending on the position they play. For example, defensive backs or quarterbacks prefer a mid-top design, while kickers adore wearing high cleats.

2. Can You Wear Football Cleats For Soccer?

Whether you can wear football cleats to play soccer depends a lot on the type of game. If you mean playing soccer in your free time with friends, then yes, you can wear football cleats, especially if you play on a grass field.

If the game takes place on artificial or hard surfaces, then it is more advisable to play with soccer cleats because the soft and shorter cleats will help you pick up speed.

The answer is different when it comes to official matches where there is a soccer referee. Soccer referees do not allow soccer players to wear football cleats.

Usually, before the start of a soccer match, the referee asks the players to raise their feet and show the cleats they are wearing. This is not admissible due to safety reasons. Nobody wants cleats with a toe spike to fly on the field and hit another player.

3. Can You Wear Soccer Cleats For Football?

Unlike soccer referees, football referees allow football players to play with soccer cleats.

However, some positions like kickers and punters can wear soccer cleats without any worries. However, for the other positions, soccer cleats are not necessarily suitable.

If the position you play requires a lot of foot stability and support, then you should wear football cleats because soccer cleats cannot provide any of that.

Have you ever played soccer with football cleats? How about football with soccer cleats? Share with us and our community your experience.