Best Lacrosse Cleats: Up Your Game
Updated: Jan 5
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Introduction: Best Lacrosse Cleats
Lacrosse, often referred to as the "fastest sport on two feet," is a game that combines speed, skill, and strategy. While mastering the sport requires dedication to training and understanding the rules, an often overlooked but equally vital aspect is selecting the right equipment. Among the myriad of gear lacrosse players need, cleats arguably play one of the most pivotal roles. If you are looking for lacrosse heads, lacrosse sticks, or lacrosse gloves, we have you covered there as well with comprehensive guides to all of your lacrosse gear needs.
In this article, we'll delve deep into the world of lacrosse cleats, helping you understand their importance and guide you in making an informed choice on what are the best lacrosse cleats. Play like the pros from the NLL and PLL in any of our best lacrosse cleats.
Here are our top picks for Best Lacrosse Cleats:
New Balance Men's Freezelx V4 Lacrosse Shoe
New Balance Men's Freezelx V4 Low Lacrosse Shoe
Under Armour Men's Command Mid Lacross Mt TPU Cleat Shoe
Nike Men's Alpha Huarache 8 Varsity Lacrosse Cleats Shoes
Under Armour Women's Glory 2 Mc Lacrosse Shoe
You'll notice there are a lot of New Balance Lacrosse Cleats listed, that's because they have the most stylish designs with the best technology we see in the market today. While Nike Lacrosse Cleats and Under Armour Lacrosse cleats are good quality items, our preference if for New Balance Lacrosse Cleats.
We love the Feezelx due to their lightweight and stylish design. The QUIX outsole is a technology that helps ensure your agility isn't wasted on a poor-performing shoe. We chose the high-top as our #1 LAX shoe over the low-top, but they are both outstanding performers in this class. This is the perfect shoe for defense and offense alike and a standout men's lacrosse cleats.
These are the same as the Freezelx from above, but with a Low-top design (my personal favorite), but we put them in second place because most people need a high-top to protect their ankles. These shoes are lightweight and durable, with a variety of styles available.
This is a sleek shoe from UA and one of their newest offerings! They come with a mid-top and responsive sole for premier performance. The UA Command is by far the best offering from Under Armour in the Lacrosse space. The lightweight design assists in overall performance for a player looking for speed.
This is one of the highest-rated Lacrosse cleats on the market. Nike updated the mesh uppers of this shoe for more breathability and comfort, while also improving responsiveness and performance.
This wouldn't be an article about the best lacrosse cleats if we didn't include at least one shoe for female players. The Glory 2 comes with UA's Warp Knit upper, specially designed for aggressive LAX players looking for an edge on the field.
What are Lacrosse Cleats?
At first glance, one might think any athletic shoe could suffice for a game of lacrosse. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that lacrosse cleats are uniquely designed for the specific demands of the sport. So, what sets them apart?
Design Specificity: Unlike regular athletic shoes or even soccer cleats, lacrosse cleats are crafted to provide maximum grip on both grass and turf fields. This grip is essential for the quick cuts, dodges, and sprints that define the game.
Enhanced Protection: Lacrosse is a contact sport. As such, cleats for lacrosse often come with reinforced toe boxes and added cushioning to protect players' feet from impacts, be it from sticks, balls, or other players.
Optimal Support: Given the fast-paced nature of the game and the frequent direction changes, lacrosse cleats are engineered to offer robust ankle support. This support ensures players can move with confidence, reducing the risk of ankle injuries.
Now that we've established what lacrosse cleats are and their significance in the game, it's essential to delve into why they're so pivotal. In the next section, we'll uncover the reasons behind the need for sport-specific footwear in lacrosse.
How to Care for Your Lacrosse Cleats
Just as selecting the right pair of cleats is crucial, maintaining them ensures they last through countless games and practices. Proper care can also improve performance by preserving traction and fit.
Cleaning
Your cleats will inevitably get dirty after games or practices. Regular cleaning is not just about aesthetics but also about maintaining functionality.
Post-Game Routine:
Remove Loose Dirt: Use a soft brush or hand to brush off any mud or grass.
Wipe Down: Use a damp cloth to clean the outer surface.
Avoid Soaking: Never submerge your cleats in water; it can break down the materials and reduce the shoe's lifespan.
Deep Cleaning:
Mild Soap: For tougher stains, a mild soap and a soft brush can be effective.
Internal Cleaning: Remove the insole and air out the shoe. If there's a bad odor, consider using a sports-specific shoe spray.
Drying: Always air-dry your cleats. Avoid direct heat sources like heaters or hair dryers, as they can warp the shoes or degrade the materials.
Storage
How and where you store your cleats can significantly impact their durability and performance.
Ventilated Area: After cleaning and drying, store your cleats in a cool, dry place with good ventilation.
Avoid Stacking: Don't place heavy items on top of your cleats, as this can distort their shape.
Rotate Pairs: If possible, having two pairs to rotate between can extend the lifespan of each, as it allows ample rest and drying time.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lacrosse cleats is more than just a matter of style or brand loyalty. It's about performance, protection, and ensuring that you are equipped to play at your best every time you step onto the field. The cleats you choose can significantly impact your agility, speed, and safety during a game. By ensuring proper traction, support, and fit, the right pair can elevate your gameplay, preventing potential injuries and boosting your confidence on the field.
It's easy to be overwhelmed with the myriad of options available in the market today, but it's crucial to remember that this is an investment—not just in a pair of shoes, but in your lacrosse journey. Don't rush the decision. Take the time to understand your unique needs, do your research, and perhaps even consult with experienced players or coaches. In the world of lacrosse, as in many sports, the right equipment can make a world of difference. Choose wisely, play hard, and always strive for excellence.
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