Introduction to women’s lacrosse cleats
Are you or your daughter looking to get into lacrosse? One of the most important pieces of gear for this fast-paced sport is a good pair of cleats. Women’s lacrosse cleats are specifically designed for the quick cuts, starts, and stops required on the field. With the right cleats, you’ll have the traction and support needed to play your best game.
Benefits of women’s lacrosse cleats vs regular shoes
Unlike regular athletic shoes, lacrosse cleats have spikes on the bottom to dig into grass or turf and prevent slipping. The spikes come in different lengths and patterns to suit different field types and playing styles. Cleats also have a lower profile and tighter fit to give your feet stability for lateral movements. And with lacrosse involving so much running, women’s cleats offer ample cushioning and shock absorption too.
Types of women’s lacrosse cleats (turf, grass, indoor)
Women’s lacrosse cleats come in turf, grass, and indoor varieties. Turf cleats have lots of short rubber spikes for grip on artificial surfaces. Grass cleats have longer spikes, usually made of metal, for optimal traction on natural fields. Indoor cleats have a flat rubber outsole for using in gymnasiums and rec centers. Choose the type that matches where you’ll be playing most often.
Top brands for women’s lacrosse cleats (Nike, Under Armour, Adidas)
When it comes to women’s lacrosse cleats, you can’t go wrong with brands like Nike, Under Armour, and Adidas. They offer footwear engineered specifically for the lateral motions of lacrosse. Under Armour highlights include the Highlight RM and Finisher IV. Nike offers the Speedlax 5 and Alpha Huarache 8. And from Adidas, check out the Adizero 5-Star 7.0 or Crazyquick 2.0.
Features to look for in women’s lacrosse cleats
Here are some key features to look for when selecting women’s lacrosse cleats: Ankle support – A high collar locks your ankle in place. Traction – Spikes dig into the surface to prevent slips. Cushioning – Shock-absorbing midsoles lessen impact. Lightweight – Synthetic uppers keep the shoes from weighing you down. Durability – Materials that can handle wear and tear. Breathability – Ventilation helps keep your feet cool and dry.
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Types of women’s lacrosse cleats (turf, grass, indoor)
When shopping for women’s lacrosse cleats, you’ll find there are different types designed for different playing surfaces. The three main varieties are turf cleats, grass cleats, and indoor cleats. Turf cleats have lots of short, durable rubber spikes that provide stability and traction on artificial turf fields. The spikes are usually arranged in a circular pattern. Grass cleats have longer, removable metal spikes that are ideal for getting a good grip on natural grass fields, especially in wet conditions. Finally, indoor cleats have a solid rubber outsole without spikes for using on gym floors and indoor turf fields. Considering the type of surface you’ll play on most should guide your cleat choice.
Top brands for women’s lacrosse cleats (Nike, Under Armour, Adidas)
When it comes to top athletic brands, Nike, Under Armour, and Adidas are leaders in women’s lacrosse cleats. Nike offers lightweight, breathable cleats with dynamic fit technologies and high traction rubber or metal spikes. Popular models include the Alpha Huarache 8 and Speedlax 5. Under Armour is known for excellent ankle support and cushioning in their shoes, like the Highlight RM and Finisher IV cleats. Adidas incorporates tech like molded heel counters in the Adizero 5-Star 7.0 and grippy rubber in the Crazyquick 2.0. You can expect durability, comfort and high performance from these big brands.
Features to look for in women’s lacrosse cleats
When shopping for women’s lacrosse cleats, there are several important features to consider based on the needs of the sport. Look for cleats that provide good ankle support through a high collar or laces. Traction is essential, so examine the spike pattern and materials on the outsole. Prioritize cushioning in the midsole to absorb shock from running and jumping. Lightweight synthetic uppers will help prevent fatigue. Since lacrosse is rough on gear, focus on durability in high-wear areas. Breathable mesh parts promote airflow to keep feet cool and dry. Testing the fit and comfort is advised since cleats should hug your foot snugly. Keep these features in mind to find the best performing and most protective women’s lacrosse cleats.
Where to find womens lacrosse cleats on sale
One great way to get quality womens lacrosse cleats without breaking the bank is to look for sales and deals. Retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sports Authority, and Modell’s often discount select cleats during the off-season winter months. You can browse clearance sections in stores or filter for sale items on their ecommerce sites. Signing up for email newsletters can alert you to upcoming promotions too. Check the websites of top brands like Nike and Under Armour for specials on last season’s gear. And scour online retailers like Soccer.com and LacrosseMonkey for overstock womens cleats offered at reduced prices. With some smart shopping, you can grab those coveted cleats at a bargain.
Tips for getting the best deal on womens cleats
Here are some great tips for scoring the best prices on womens lacrosse cleats:
- Shop off-season – Look for sales on cleats during the fall and winter months when demand is lower. Retailers are trying to clear inventory.
- Scope out last year’s models – Previous years’ styles will be discounted but often have the same great features.
- Sign up for promo emails – Get alerts on upcoming sales for womens cleats and other gear from brands/retailers.
- Buy last season’s colors – If you don’t mind brighter or unconventional hues, these can be marked down.
- Check secondhand sites – You can find gently used cleats for cheap on sites like Poshmark and eBay.
- Use coupons & cashback – Take advantage of any additional discounts you can stack on a cleats purchase.
- Be open to prior models – Older releases that are still technically current can be available at lower prices.
Taking the time to search out deals can pay off with big savings on quality womens lacrosse cleats.
Reviews of popular womens lacrosse cleats on sale
Here are reviews of some top-rated womens lacrosse cleats you can often find on sale:
Nike Speedlax 5 – Lightweight and breathable with a Dynamic Fit upper and rubber spikes for multi-surface traction. Provides a glove-like fit and excellent acceleration.
Sizing guide for finding the right fit
Getting the proper size is crucial when selecting womens lacrosse cleats. Here are some tips for finding the ideal fit:
- Measure both feet and go with the larger size
- Try cleats on at the end of the day when feet are most swollen
- Wear the same socks you’ll play in when trying on cleats
- Your toe should be 3/4″ from the end of the cleat
- Heel should be locked in snugly without slipping
- Width should comfortably accommodate width of feet
- Walk and jog around the store to test comfort and support
- Consider sizing up if you’re between sizes for a little extra room
Properly fitted cleats will be snug in the heel and midfoot while allowing enough room to wiggle toes. Taking the time to get the sizing right will allow womens lacrosse players to perform at their peak.
Breaking in new womens lacrosse cleats
New womens lacrosse cleats often need to be properly broken in before they are game-ready. Here are some tips for breaking in cleats:
- Wear them around the house to mold to your feet
- Break them in during light practices before using in games
- Consider wearing a thicker sock while breaking in to prevent blisters
- Stretch and flex the upper to soften it up faster
- Use a shoe stretcher or ball up socks in tight spots overnight
- Cinch laces tightly during the break-in period
- Apply moisturizer on potential hot spots to minimize irritation
- Gradually increase wear time to allow adjustment period
- Retie laces during use to eliminate pressure points
Taking the time to break in womens lacrosse cleats helps maximize comfort, prevent injury, and extend the life of the shoes. A proper break-in allows the cleats to better support elite performance.
Taking care of your womens lacrosse cleats
Investing in quality womens lacrosse cleats is worth it, and taking proper care of them ensures they last. Here are some care tips:
- Remove cleats immediately after games/practices to dry out
- Allow inserts and insoles to fully air out and dry
- Clean off dirt and debris from the upper, spikes, and treads
- Spot clean stains and marks with a small amount of detergent
- Use a soft brush to clean the spikes and crevices
- Wipe down with a damp cloth and allow to fully dry
- Store cleats in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight
- Avoid putting cleats in the washer and dryer
- Replace worn or damaged spikes
- Consider re-waterproofing the uppers occasionally
With the proper care, womens lacrosse cleats will provide seasons of peak performance before needing replacement.
Women’s lacrosse cleats for different player positions
When selecting womens lacrosse cleats, it’s important to consider your position and needs on the field. Here are some cleat recommendations for different positions:
- Midfielders – Need lightweight cleats for speed. Consider Nike Speedlax or Under Armour Highlight.
- Attack/Offensive players – Look for excellent traction and lateral support for quick cuts. Adidas Adizero is a great option.
- Defenders – Require stability and ankle support. Check out cleats like New Balance 4040v5 or Nike Alpha Huarache.
- Goalies – Want cleats with maximum cushioning for jumping and absorbing shots. Mizuno Wave Lightning is ideal.
- Beginners – Opt for versatile all-around cleats that won’t break the bank like Under Armour Finisher.
Choosing position-specific womens lacrosse cleats provides an advantage and enhances performance during games.
When to replace your womens lacrosse cleats
Knowing when it’s time to replace worn womens lacrosse cleats helps maintain top performance. Here are some signs it’s time for new cleats:
- The tread pattern on the spikes or outsole is excessively worn down
- The upper has holes, tears or is coming apart, compromising structure
- The foam midsole is compressed or creased, reducing cushioning
- The cleats cause discomfort or pain when playing
- The outsole lacks grip and traction on the playing surface
- The fit is sloppy and unsupportive as materials stretch out
- Ankle support from the collar has decreased significantly
Ideally, womens lacrosse cleats should be replaced after about one full season of play to prevent injury and maximize energy return. Don’t prolong replacement and risk hurting your game.
Recommendations for top womens lacrosse cleats this summer
Here are my top recommended womens lacrosse cleats for this summer:
- Nike Speedlax 5 – Great all-around cleat with a sock-like fit and excellent traction. Lightweight and breathable.
- Under Armour Highlight RM – Provides exceptional stability and support with charged cushioning. Ideal for midfielders.
- New Balance 4040v5 – Maximum shock absorption and a secure fit at an affordable price point. Great for defenders.
- Adidas Adizero 5-Star 7.0 – Sprintstuds deliver unparalleled acceleration and quick cuts for attacking players.
- Mizuno Wave Lightning Z4 – Parallel wave plate absorbs impact while being responsive. Perfect for goalies.
Any of these stellar performing cleats will serve women lacrosse players well this season. Don’t miss out on these prime styles and deals this summer!