Question for sports parents. Soccer/baseball cleats?

[JerseyJanice]

Are cleats for baseball and soccer the same?

My 7 year-old is playing both soccer and baseball this spring. So I'm wondering if he can use the same cleats for both sports.

He played soccer last fall, but outgrew those cleats and needs new ones. Today was his first baseball practice, and the instructions we got say cleats are optional, but no metal ones are allowed.

Anyway, can I get away with buying just one pair for both sports this spring?

 

[dina7]

You can definitely get away with buying one pair of cleats for both soccer and baseball. They look exactly the same. I wish we could do that-myDS has basball from April thru June and then soccer from Oct. thru Nov. So I always have to buy a pair for each sport. Have great seasons for both sports!

 

[tar heel]

They are not the same on the bottom, but at that age, you can get away it. Later on, if he is really into sports, he will probably refuse to wear the "wrong" ones. Don't get the baseball ones that have a little flap over the tongue b/c they look too specific to that sport.

 

[dzneprincess]

They actually are a little different. There is some "cleats" missing from the top sides of soccer cleats since they kick the ball and could accidentally kick another child.

 

[CamColt]

Thanks for asking this question, as I was wondering the same thing. DS is going to be starting his 3rd season of soccer next week, but he is also playing baseball this spring. This is all so new to us still.
Hope DS has a great season for both!

 

[pw2pp]

As dzneprincess said, it is true, Soccer cleats DON'T have the cleat at the toe area and it would hurt to get kicked by it.

 

[msdznyduck]

But you can wear the baseball ones for soccer. They look almost the same.
Elaine

 

[Alex]

Even though they look similar they are very different.

Even though all cleats offer traction, stability, support and durability, there are specialized types of cleats for different sports. So it's not a good idea to wear the same cleats for soccer, baseball and football. You really need a pair of cleats specific to each sport that you play.

Soccer cleats have a rubber or polyurethane outsole. That’s what makes them so durable. They don’t have any midsole at all, which is one difference from baseball cleats. That’s because soccer cleats are designed to keep your feet and your center of gravity as low to the ground as possible. Some have aluminum cleat caps for better traction and durability. The upper may be synthetic or leather. Some soccer cleats are made of a very supple leather and feature enhanced stitching across the toe area to prevent stretching and provide better ball control. Soccer cleats don’t have a toe cleat like baseball cleats.

Baseball and softball are considered low to medium impact sports where approximately four to six times your body weight is transferred to your feet. The impact can be even greater on artificial surfaces. There isn't much repeated motion, but a lot of lateral (side-to-side) movement. Some players prefer a higher or mid-cut cleat because they offer better ankle support. If the field is extremely hard, a steel cleat may be necessary.

 

[KingKobra]

Actually, in every soccer game i have played in the referee checked the cleats to make sure that they don't have the stud in the front. If they do you will most likely have to change them.

 

[Alex]

That's another good point KingKobra, some of the refs are very strict, you might be able to get away with the soccer cleats for baseball easier

 

[dina7]

Does anyone recall that the original question was referring to a 7 year-old???!!! I don't think the refs get that picky about the specific cleats at that level.

 

[KingKobra]

It's more of a safety issue and really doesnt matter what age or skill level you are. You get stepped on or kicked with that and it can really hurt. I'm just speaking from my experience.

 

[Alex]

It depends on where you are playing dina. I never coached U-8 so I can't speak to that but at the U-10 level, where they start at 8 they most certainly were. It's like a pregame ritual, bang on your shin pads, turn around and lift a cleat, no earrings, bracelets etc etc.
What I am saying is if you are going to use one set for both, buy the soccer cleats. I don't think the baseball umpire is going to bust on you for not having the extra cleat and then you don't have to worry about it.

 

[dina7]

I agree with you there Alex, I would buy the soccer cleats and use them for both.

 

[Alex]

Now if I could just convince some mothers that it's a REALLY bad idea to get your DD's ears pierced 3 days before a game and YES they have to come out and NO the ref doesn't care they are only studs and YES I realize the holes might close up.
Life would be better

 

[Allie322]

My daughter had a soccer game one time and one of the girls had baseball cleats with the cleat at the toe. The referee said she couldn't play because of that cleat. One of the dads had a hack saw in his trunk (don't want to know why) and they used it to cut off the toe cleat, and she was allowed to play!