Soccer vs Softball Cleats
Cleats are very much used in shoes worn by players of soccer and softball. However, there is a misconception that all cleats are same. But the fact is that the soccer and softball cleats differ in many ways.
When looking at the soccer and softball cleats, one can clearly make out the difference in just one look. While the soccer shoes do not have cleats in the front, the softball shoes have cleats in the front. Moreover, the soccer rules do not allow players to play with soccer shoes because of the front cleat as it can pose dangerous to others. Another reason is that soccer players most often use the toes and front of the shoe to control the ball and a cleat at the tip would give them difficulty in doing so.
When the softball cleats can be high top or low top, the soccer cleats are only low top. Moreover, the softball shoes and cleats are bulkier than the soccer shoes and cleats.
It can also be seen that the softball cleats give a better ankle protection when compared to the soccer cleats.
There is also difference in the pattern in which the cleats are arranged in softball and soccer shoes. The softball cleats are placed in horizontal bands around the heel, toe and middle of the shoe. On the other hand, the soccer cleats are placed more around the perimeter. Unlike the softball shoes, the soccer shoes do not have cleats on the toe.
Soccer cleats are generally made of plastic. Though metal cleats can also be seen, they are only allowed in some indoor leagues. Softball cleats are made of either metal or plastic. The players can wear wither of them according to the league rules.
Summary
1. While the soccer shoes do not have cleats in the front, the softball shoes have cleats in the front.
2. Softball cleats give a better ankle protection when compared to the soccer cleats.
3. When the softball cleats can be high top or low top, the soccer cleats are only low top.
4. The softball shoes and cleats are bulkier than the soccer shoes and cleats.
5. The softball cleats are placed in horizontal bands around the heel, toe and middle of the shoe. On the other hand, the soccer cleats are placed more around the perimeter.
6. Unlike the softball shoes, the soccer shoes do not have cleats on the toe.