Find the Perfect Womens Lacrosse Cleats for Your Game in 2023

Find the Perfect Womens Lacrosse Cleats for Your Game in 2023

Consider Your Position and Needs

As a midfielder, attacker, or defender, your position on the field will determine what you need most from your lacrosse cleats. For example, midfielders may opt for more ankle support given their all-over-the-field role, while attackers focus on responsiveness and speed for quick cuts and shots on goal. Defenders need durability for constant body contact and pivoting.

Get Fitted for the Right Size

Don’t guess your lacrosse cleat size – get properly fitted at a store to find the exact length and width you need. Be sure to wear the same socks you’ll use for games and practices. A half-size smaller than your regular shoes is common. The right fit promotes comfort, prevents blisters, and gives you better control on the field.

Consider Your Foot Width

Lacrosse cleat models come in narrow, regular/medium, and wide widths. Measure across the ball of your foot to determine your width needs. Many brands offer wider sizes, like New Balance, which is known for accommodating wider feet with its women’s lacrosse cleats.

Select Your Ideal Cushioning

The midsole cushioning in lacrosse cleats varies from ultra-responsive for speed to extra plush for comfort. Firm, responsive cushioning offers a more natural feel underfoot and efficient power transfer for quick cuts and accelerations. Plusher midsoles provide shock absorption for reducing fatigue.

Compare Molded vs. Detachable Cleats

Molded cleats feature permanent studs for solid traction you can’t customize, while detachable cleats allow you to swap studs for different types of turf. Detachable studs provide more versatility but can loosen over time. Consider your main playing surfaces when choosing between the two cleat configurations.

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Get Fitted for the Right Size

Ill-fitting cleats can wreak havoc on your feet during games and practices. Rather than guessing your size, get properly fitted at a sporting goods store to find the exact lacrosse cleat length and width for your feet. Be sure to wear the same socks you’ll use during play when getting sized. Many players opt for a half or full size smaller than their normal shoe size to get a snug fit for better control. With the right fit, you’ll avoid blisters, slipping, and other discomforts while optimizing your agility and performance.

Consider Your Foot Width

Women’s lacrosse cleats come in narrow, medium/regular, and wide widths to accommodate different foot shapes. Before choosing a size, determine your width by measuring across the ball of your foot with a soft measuring tape. Those with narrow feet can size down for a glove-like fit, while wide-footers like myself need brands offering wider sizes, such as New Balance. Ill-fitting cleats hamper comfort and control, so get the width right.

Select Your Ideal Cushioning

The midsole cushioning in lacrosse cleats ranges from ultra-responsive to extra plush. Firm, responsive foams offer a natural feel underfoot and efficient power transfer for executing quick cuts, accelerations, and shots on goal. Plusher midsoles provide shock absorption for comfort and fatigue reduction over long games and tournaments. Determine your needs based on play style and consider trying different cushioning types.

Consider Your Foot Width

Women’s lacrosse cleats are available in narrow, regular/medium, and wide widths to accommodate different foot shapes. Before selecting a size, it’s important to determine your foot’s width to get the best fit. You can easily measure across the ball of your foot using a soft measuring tape or ruler. Those with narrow feet may want to size down for a snug, glove-like fit in the cleat. As someone with wider feet myself, I rely on brands like New Balance that offer wider sizes in women’s styles. The right width is crucial for comfort and control on the field. Ill-fitting cleats can cause pain and slipping.

Select Your Ideal Cushioning

The cushioning in the midsole of lacrosse cleats can vary quite a bit from one model to the next. Some feature very firm, responsive foams that offer a natural, close-to-the-ground feel and efficient power transfer for executing quick cuts, accelerations, and shots. Others have extra plush cushioning that absorbs shock for reduced fatigue and foot pain, especially during long games or tournaments. Consider your playing style and preferences to select the ideal cushioning for you. You may even want to try different types to see what feels best.

Compare Molded vs. Detachable Cleats

When it comes to the cleat configuration, women’s lacrosse cleats come in two main styles: molded and detachable. Molded cleats have permanent studs built into the sole, while detachable cleats allow you to swap out studs for different types of turf. Detachable studs provide more versatility, but can loosen over time. Molded studs offer consistent traction that you can’t customize. Take into account your main playing surfaces when choosing between the two.

Choose Your Cleat Configuration

When shopping for women’s lacrosse cleats, you’ll notice two main cleat configuration options: molded and detachable. Molded cleats have permanent studs built right into the sole, giving consistent traction that can’t be customized. Detachable cleats allow you to swap out the studs for different types of turf and conditions. For example, you may use longer studs for soft, grass fields and shorter studs for firm, artificial turf. The versatility of detachable studs is a major plus, but they can loosen over time with all the swapping. Consider your main playing surfaces and needs when deciding between molded and detachable lacrosse cleats.

Look for Lightweight Materials

Many brands now incorporate lightweight synthetic materials into their women’s lacrosse cleats to reduce weight while still providing support. Shoes made with mesh fabric, synthetic leather, and thin foam offer enhanced maneuverability and speed by limiting the load on your feet. During fast-paced lacrosse games involving lots of running and quick changes in direction, lighter cleats can give you an edge out on the field.

Find Options with Ankle Support

Due to the physical nature of lacrosse, ankle injuries are common. Many women’s lacrosse cleats now provide additional ankle support and stability through high-top collars, integrated overlays, and supportive synthetic uppers. These features help restrict unwanted ankle motion to prevent rolling. If you have a history of ankle sprains or tend to land awkwardly from jumps, look for lacrosse cleats offering extra ankle protection.

Look for Lightweight Materials

The latest women’s lacrosse cleats incorporate lightweight synthetic materials in the upper and midsole to enhance speed and maneuverability on the field. Shoes made with thin yet supportive mesh fabric, synthetic leather, and foam weigh less than traditional leather and rubber models. During intense lacrosse games requiring constant movement, those extra ounces take a toll on your feet and legs. Lighter cleats translate to less weight to move around, supporting quick cuts, acceleration out of breaks, and increased stamina over the course of a game.

Find Options with Ankle Support

Due to frequent pivoting, jumping, and contact when playing lacrosse, ankle sprains are a common injury. Many brands now design women’s lacrosse cleats to provide additional ankle stability and support. Features like high-top collars, integrated overlays, and reinforced synthetic uppers restrict unwanted ankle motion. If you tend to land awkwardly from jumps or have a history of rolled ankles, prioritize lacrosse cleats offering enhanced ankle protection and peace of mind.

Check for Durability in High Wear Areas

When evaluating women’s lacrosse cleats, inspect high wear areas like the toe cap and heel counter for durability. Cleats built with tough synthetic leather or overlays in these zones will better withstand abrasion from turf and prevent blowouts. Also look for reinforced stitching around the seams. Premium cleats meant for elite play typically offer enhanced durability over entry-level models. The right lacrosse cleats can last you multiple seasons of aggressive play.

Look for Lightweight Materials

To enhance their speed and maneuverability, many brands now make women’s lacrosse cleats with lightweight synthetic materials. Thin yet durable mesh fabric, synthetic leather, and foam help reduce the overall weight compared to traditional leather and rubber cleats. During intense lacrosse games requiring constant movement, all those extra ounces take a toll on your feet and legs over time. With lighter cleats, you carry less weight around the field, supporting quick cuts, fast acceleration out of breaks, and better stamina across a full game.

Find Options with Ankle Support

Due to the physical demands of lacrosse, ankle injuries are very common. Brands design many women’s lacrosse cleats to provide extra ankle stability and support through features like high-top collars, integrated overlays, and reinforced synthetic uppers. These help restrict unwanted ankle motion and rolling. If you tend to land awkwardly from jumps or have a history of sprained ankles, prioritize lacrosse cleats offering enhanced ankle protection.

Check for Traction Options

Women’s lacrosse is played on a variety of natural and artificial turf surfaces, each requiring slightly different traction needs. Many cleats now come with removable studs, allowing you to swap out stud configurations for different field types. For very soft natural grass, longer studs provide enhanced grip. On firmer artificial turf, shorter studs give better stability. Removable studs offer more versatility across various playing conditions.

Find Options with Ankle Support

Due to the cutting, jumping, and contact involved with lacrosse, ankle injuries are very prevalent. Many brands design women’s lacrosse cleats to provide additional ankle stability and support. Features like high-top collars, integrated synthetic overlays, and reinforced uppers help restrict unwanted ankle motion and rolling. If you have a history of sprained ankles or tend to land awkwardly from jumps, prioritize finding lacrosse cleats that offer extra ankle protection and peace of mind.

Check for Durability in High Wear Areas

When shopping for women’s lacrosse cleats, inspect key high wear areas like the toe cap and heel counter closely for durability. Cleats reinforced with tough synthetic leather or overlays in these high abrasion zones will better withstand turf friction and prevent blowouts. Also look for reinforced stitching around seams. More premium cleats designed for elite play typically offer enhanced durability over entry-level models, leading to a longer useful life through multiple seasons.

Consider Traction Options for Field Types

Women’s lacrosse is played on both natural grass and artificial turf surfaces, each requiring slightly different traction properties. Many cleats now feature removable studs, allowing you to swap configurations for different fields. Longer studs provide better grip on very soft natural grass fields, while shorter studs give enhanced stability on firmer artificial turf. Removable studs provide more versatility.

Check for Durability in High Wear Areas

Due to all the cutting, pivoting, and turf contact in lacrosse, women’s cleats take a beating. When shopping, inspect key high wear zones like the toe cap and heel counter closely for durability. Cleats built with reinforced synthetic leather or overlays in these high abrasion areas will better withstand friction and prevent blowouts. Also look for reinforced stitching around seams, which see a lot of stress. More premium cleats designed for elite play typically offer enhanced durability over entry-level models, leading to a longer useful life through multiple seasons of aggressive use.

Consider Traction Options for Field Types

Women’s lacrosse is played on both natural grass and artificial turf surfaces, each requiring optimal traction properties. Many cleats now feature removable studs, allowing players to swap configurations for different field conditions. Longer studs provide excellent grip on very soft natural grass fields, while shorter studs enhance stability on firmer artificial turf. Removable studs give players more versatility.

Choose Your Cleat Color

Beyond technical performance features, the aesthetic design of women’s lacrosse cleats is also important. Most brands offer color customization so you can select your preferred accent colors and match your team uniforms. Bold pops of contrasting color in the studs, branding, or upper stitching can also help make your feet look quicker on the field through motion illusion effects.

Consider Traction Options for Field Types

Since women’s lacrosse is played on both natural grass and artificial turf surfaces, cleats must provide optimal traction on different conditions. Many brands now offer cleats with removable studs, allowing players to swap configurations for each field type. Longer studs give excellent grip on very soft natural grass fields, digging into the ground. Shorter studs enhance stability on firmer artificial turf surfaces. Being able to adjust studs based on the field that day gives players more versatility in their performance.

Choose Your Cleat Color

Beyond just technical features, the aesthetic design of women’s lacrosse cleats is also important. Most brands let you customize colors to match team uniforms. Bold pops of contrasting color in the studs, branding accents, or upper stitching can also create motion illusion effects, making your feet look quicker on the field. The right styling gives you confidence and motivation out there.

Compare Prices – Value vs Premium

Women’s lacrosse cleats range widely in price from around $50 up to $200+ for high-end models. While more budget-friendly cleats can get the job done, pricier premium options typically offer better construction, materials, and longevity. Consider how often you play and your budget to strike the right balance. Advanced players may benefit most from investing in top-tier cleats.

Compare Prices – Value vs Premium

The price range for women’s lacrosse cleats runs from around $50 up to $200+ for high-end models. While budget-friendly cleats can get the job done, pricier premium options typically feature better construction, materials, and longevity. Frequent players may want to invest more for performance and durability, while casual athletes can opt for more affordable cleats. Advanced competitive players will benefit most from top-tier cleats engineered for elite play. Consider how often you play and your budget to find the ideal balance.

Read Reviews of Current Year Models

Don’t just rely on brand reputation or previous years’ reviews when selecting new women’s lacrosse cleats. Be sure to read up on reviews of the current year’s models from trusted experts and fellow players. Reviews provide details on updated features, sizing, comfort, durability, and performance. YouTube reviews are also helpful for seeing how the cleats look and function up close. Research helps ensure you get the right cleats for your needs.

Check for Availability in Your Size

Once you’ve settled on the right women’s lacrosse cleats, it’s frustrating to find they are back-ordered or unavailable in your size. Before pulling the trigger, double check that the specific model, size, and width you need are in stock and ready to ship promptly from the retailer. Some colors and sizes sell out quickly, so don’t wait too long and miss the chance to get the perfect cleats!

Read Reviews of Current Year Models

Rather than relying solely on a lacrosse cleat brand’s reputation or outdated reviews, be sure to read up on reviews of the current year’s women’s models before making your purchase. Trusted experts and fellow players provide helpful details in their reviews on updated features, sizing guidance, comfort, durability observations, and performance assessments of the latest cleats. YouTube reviews are also great for getting an up-close visual look at sizing, materials, and functionality. Doing your research ensures you get the right cleats tailored to your needs.

Check for Availability in Your Size

After deciding on the ideal pair of women’s lacrosse cleats, it’s incredibly frustrating to find they are unavailable or back-ordered in your particular size and width. Before pulling the trigger, double check that the specific model, size, and width you need are readily in stock and can ship promptly from the retailer. Popular colors and sizes often sell out quickly, so don’t delay ordering the perfect cleats once you’ve found them!

Consider Trying On In Store If Possible

While buying lacrosse cleats online is convenient, trying them on in person at a store allows you to truly gauge comfort, fit, and feel. If you have the chance, head to a sporting goods store and try on your top cleat contenders side by side. You may find one model runs large or small. Trying them on before fully committing gives added peace of mind.

Check for Availability in Your Size

After deciding on the perfect women’s lacrosse cleats, it’s very disappointing to find they are unavailable or back-ordered in your specific size and width. Before finalizing your purchase, verify that the exact model, size, and width you need are readily in stock with the retailer for prompt shipping. Popular colorways and sizes often sell out quickly as demand is high. I’ve learned the hard way that you can’t delay in ordering the ideal cleats once you’ve found them – or you risk missing out!

Consider Trying On In Store If Possible

While buying lacrosse cleats online provides convenience, I highly recommend trying them on in person at a sporting goods store if you can. Being able to try on your top cleat contenders side by side allows you to truly assess comfort, fit and feel before fully committing. In the store, you may discover a certain model runs large or small compared to expectations. Test wearing the cleats before buying for added peace of mind.

Order Multiple Sizes/Models to Test If Needed

If you don’t have the option to try on lacrosse cleats in store, ordering multiple sizes and/or models for at-home testing can be wise. Try the different sizes and brands on with your lacrosse socks and gear to determine the best fit and feel. You can easily return any that don’t work out. While it requires some extra legwork, this approach helps ensure you end up with the optimal cleats.

Consider Trying On In Store If Possible

While the convenience of buying lacrosse cleats online is nice, I highly recommend trying them on in person at a sporting goods store if you’re able. Being able to try on your top contenders side by side allows you to truly gauge the fit, feel, and comfort before fully committing to a pair. In the store, you may find a certain model runs large or small compared to your expectations. Getting first-hand experience wearing the cleats before purchasing gives me added peace of mind in choosing the right ones.

Order Multiple Sizes/Models to Test If Needed

If you don’t have the option to try on lacrosse cleats at a local store, ordering multiple sizes and/or models for at-home testing can be a wise move. Try the different size options on with your lacrosse socks and other gear to dial in the ideal fit and feel. Take advantage of free returns on unworn pairs that don’t work out. While it requires some extra effort, this approach helps ensure you end up with the best cleats for your needs and preferences.

Break In Your Cleats Before Games

Brand new lacrosse cleats often need to be broken in for maximum comfort during games. Make sure to wear your new cleats for practices and training sessions leading up to the season to allow your feet to adjust to the snug fit. As the materials slightly stretch and mold, pressure points dissipate. Properly broken in cleats reduce blisters and hot spots when it matters most.

Order Multiple Sizes/Models to Test If Needed

If trying on lacrosse cleats isn’t an option for you, ordering multiple sizes and/or models for at-home testing can be wise. This allows you to experiment with the fit and feel of different options with your lacrosse socks and other gear. Try the various sizes and brands on to truly dial in what works best for your feet. Take advantage of free returns on unworn pairs that don’t fit right or feel comfortable. While it requires extra effort upfront, this approach helps ensure you find your ideal cleats.

Break In Your Cleats Before Games

Brand new lacrosse cleats often need to be properly broken in for maximum comfort during games. Make sure to wear your new cleats for practices and workouts as you ramp up for the season. This allows your feet to gradually adjust to the snug fit as the materials slightly stretch and mold. Properly broken in cleats help prevent painful blisters and hot spots when performance matters most.

Replace Cleats Annually If Needed

Depending on your level of play and frequency of use, women’s lacrosse cleats may need replacing every year or two. Inspect the soles and uppers closely each season for excessive wear. Cleats with worn tread, holes, separated seams or other damage can cause injury and hinder performance. While pricier, replacing cleats annually if recommended by the manufacturer ensures optimal traction and support year after year.

Break In Your Cleats Before Games

For maximum comfort during games, it’s important to properly break in new lacrosse cleats. The snug fit of a brand new pair right out of the box can cause blisters and irritation. Make sure to wear your cleats for practices, training sessions, and casual use as you ramp up for the season. This allows your feet to gradually adjust as the materials slightly stretch and mold to your feet. Ideal cleat fit is snug but not painful. Breaking them in reduces pressure points when performance matters most.

Replace Cleats Annually If Needed

Depending on your level of play and how much you use them, replacing women’s lacrosse cleats annually may be recommended. Inspect the soles and uppers closely each season for excessive wear. Cleats with holes, separated seams, worn out tread or other damage can hinder performance and risk injury. While investing in new cleats yearly is pricier, it ensures optimal traction and support to elevate your game.

Don’t Overlook Proper Sock Pairing

The right lacrosse socks are essential for maximizing comfort and preventing blisters when breaking in and playing in new cleats. Look for socks with ample cushioning under the forefoot, ventilation, and a snug fit around the arches. Seamless toe construction helps minimize irritation. Wearing proper lacrosse socks makes the cleat fitting process and break-in period much smoother.