Choosing The Right Type Of Lacrosse Shoe For Your Position
As an athlete, having the proper lacrosse shoe for your position and playing style is crucial for optimal performance. Midfielders who do a lot of running need a lightweight shoe with ample cushioning and flexibility. Attackmen and defenders should opt for a more supportive shoe with stabilization features to allow for quick cuts and changes in direction. Goalies require protective yet flexible shoes with maximum grip and traction to react quickly in the crease.
When shopping for lacrosse shoes, consider your foot type and arch support needs as well. Narrow or wide sizing may be necessary for a custom fit. Those with high arches will want solid midsole cushioning while flat-footed players need arch support and motion control elements. Proper sizing and a contoured insole provide enhanced comfort over long games and practices. Breathable, moisture-wicking materials keep feet cool and dry.
Top brands like Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and Warrior specialize in innovative lacrosse shoes engineered for the demands of the sport. Their shoes feature advanced technologies to deliver lightweight protection, multidirectional traction, ankle stability, and responsiveness. Many models utilize integrated TPU platings for durability in high wear areas and strategically placed cleat patterns to optimize grip.
Before investing in new lacrosse shoes, research which models are best aligned with your position, foot type, style of play and personal preferences. Consult with coaches, teammates, reviews and brand fit guides to narrow down your options. Take the time to properly try on shoes for fit and comfort. Well-fitted, high-performance lacrosse shoes give players the edge they need to excel on the field.
Key Features To Look For In Lacrosse Shoes
When selecting your next pair of lacrosse shoes, there are several key features to look for that will enhance your performance and keep you comfortable during play. The upper, midsole, outsole, and other components all play an important role.
The upper part of the shoe should use lightweight, breathable fabrics that provide flexibility and support. Mesh materials improve ventilation and allow heat and moisture to escape. Synthetic leathers or TPU films offer strategic support while remaining lightweight. Padding around the ankle collar and tongue prevent hotspots and irritation.
The midsole provides cushioning, shock absorption, and energy return. EVA foam is a common lightweight cushioning material. Full-length phylon or compressed EVA midsoles offer responsive cushioning. TPU plates offer support and torsional stability for quicker cuts and multi-directional traction. Removable insoles accommodate orthotics if needed.
Lacrosse shoes require durable yet flexible outsoles with cleat or lug patterns that supply traction on turf or grass surfaces. TPU and rubber outsoles withstand abrasion on hard indoor surfaces. Pivot points under the forefoot enhance rotational traction for changing direction swiftly. Cleat placement and configuration helps maximize acceleration and grip.
Other features to look for include asymmetrical collar designs for ankle mobility, internal heel counters for rearfoot stability, padded tongues and collars for comfort, integrated lacing systems for a dialed-in fit, and wide foot options to prevent cramping. Brands utilize proprietary technologies in their lacrosse shoes to optimize energy return, responsiveness, protection and grip.
Before purchasing new lacrosse shoes, identify the features that align with your playing style and needs. Test out different models to find the one that provides the best fit, feel and performance for you as an athlete. An ideal lacrosse shoe will be comfortable right out of the box while also providing years of enhanced traction and support on the field.
Top Brands Known For Quality Lacrosse Shoes
When shopping for your next pair of lacrosse shoes, sticking with reputable athletic brands known for their innovative footwear technology and performance engineering is advised. Companies like Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, New Balance, and Warrior lead the way when it comes to elite lacrosse shoes.
Nike designs lightweight, comfortable lacrosse shoes packed with responsive cushioning, dynamic traction, and foot-hugging support. Popular models include the Nike Alpha Huarache and Nike Alpha Smoke lacrosse cleats. The Huarache line utilizes a bootie construction and Flywire cables for a sock-like fit while the Alpha family focuses on breathability and integrated traction plates.
Adidas lacrosse shoes emphasize grip, control, and energy return through technologies like SPRINTSKIN uppers and SPEEDFRAME plates. The Adidas Adizero and Freak franchises are built for speed and quick cuts with boost cushioning and ground-grabbing stud patterns. Under Armour highlights charge cushioning, clutchfit ankle support, and rotational traction zones in shoes like the Highlight cleats.
Warrior creates specialized lacrosse shoes with directional support and stability. The Warrior Burn and Blaze families incorporate WARTECH fibertuff uppers, compression foam midsoles, and ground control outsoles to deliver responsive power transfer and multidirectional traction. New Balance and its Fresh Foam technology provide the ultimate in comfort and cushioning for lacrosse players needing high levels of shock absorption.
Doing research on the latest shoe models from top athletic brands allows you to understand the technology and design elements utilized to promote acceleration, quick cuts, and stability during competition. Consulting player testimonials and reviews can further help you select the right lacrosse shoe from a leading brand to match your individual playing style and needs.
Finding The Correct Size And Fit For Your Feet
Finding the right size and achieving an ideal fit are critical factors when selecting lacrosse shoes. The shoes should be snug enough to support and stabilize the foot during quick cuts and accelerations yet have enough room in the toe box to prevent jamming or blisters.
When trying on lacrosse shoes, wear the same socks you plan to wear for games and practices. There should be about a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Heel slippage should be minimal. You don’t want your foot sliding around inside the shoe causing blisters or loss of traction.
Factors like foot width, arch type, and swelling during activity play a role in finding the proper lacrosse shoe size. Those with wider feet may need to size up a half or full size or select wide width options if available. Removable insoles can sometimes accommodate orthotics for arch support and improved comfort.
Lacing up the shoes tightly replicates how your foot expands and moves during play. Lateral movements check for forefoot room while jumping tests heel grip. The shoes shouldn’t pinch or feel too constricting. Lightweight synthetic and mesh uppers with some stretch accommodate natural foot expansion.
Breaking in your new lacrosse shoes gradually is recommended for maximum comfort. Short wear around the house can help stretch the materials and mold the footbed. Some positions and playing surfaces require half sizes or specialty fits. Don’t hesitate to exchange for a different size if any pressure points, heel slip, or lack of wiggle room in the toes persist.
With proper attention to sizing during selection and a methodical break-in process, your new lacrosse shoes will provide that performance-enhancing combination of locked-in stability and fluid comfort game after game.
Getting Proper Ankle Support And Stability
Lacrosse is a fast-paced sport with frequent starts, stops, cuts and direction changes. Having proper ankle support and stability in your shoes is crucial to prevent rolling ankles or injuries during play. Several key features provide enhanced ankle protection.
Opt for lacrosse shoes featuring padded collars and tongues that lock the heel and ankle in place. Integrated ankle sleeves hug the ankle for a compressive fit feeling. Mid or high-cut styles help restrict ankle motion compared to low-cut models. Internal heel counters reinforced with TPU or composite materials add rearfoot stability.
Asymmetrical collar designs match the shape of the ankle for optimized flexibility and mobility where you need it most. Some brands use integrated lacing systems like burrito tongues to customize the midfoot wrap for enhanced lockdown. Ortholite foam insoles and cushy sockliners add underfoot comfort while also helping stabilize the foot within the shoe.
Outsoles play a role too. Traction patterns with multiple cleat or lug configurations allow swift rotations and multi-directional grips. Flex grooves under the forefoot propagate natural motions. Layered midsole foams absorb shock while remaining responsive for controlled footwork.
During play, focus on coordinated deceleration, cutting, and pushing off motions when changing direction. Allow your ankle and lower body to work in unison to make maneuvers instead of relying solely on your shoes for support. Maintain optimal fitness and strength for proprioceptive awareness and injury prevention.
The right lacrosse shoes will work seamlessly with your body mechanics while providing that extra degree of ankle stability to keep you confidently in command out on the field.
Finding Shoes With Maximum Traction And Grip
Having proper traction and grip is essential for lacrosse players to accelerate, cut, pivot and react quickly on the field. The outsole and cleat configuration of your shoes play a key role in optimizing ground contact and multidirectional movements.
Lacrosse shoes typically utilize either molded cleats or non-cleated lug patterns on the outsole. Cleated shoes provide optimal traction on natural grass while lugs perform better on synthetic turf surfaces. Pivot points under the balls of the feet enhance rotational grip for changing direction.
Opt for outsoles made of grippy rubber compounds that provide flexibility and responsiveness. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) offers lightweight durability and abrasion resistance for hard indoor field play. Many brands place TPU plates on high-wear areas for protection and stability.
The number, arrangement and shape of cleats or lugs also impacts overall traction. Aggressively-shaped cleats near the periphery of the outsole dig into grass for extra grip. Look for lacrosse shoes advertised as having rotational traction zones or strips of mini cleats that supply multidirectional grip.
During play, keep your weight centered over your feet and run on the balls of your feet for optimal acceleration and push off. Soles that flatten over time or cleats that wear down significantly should be replaced. Proper care and occasional cleaning keeps outsoles in top gripping condition.
With the array of traction technologies now available, you can find lacrosse shoes providing the ideal blend of flexibility, stability and grip. Your footwear is the critical connection between your body and the field, so prioritize shoes delivering maximum traction for your style of fast-paced play.
Lacrosse Shoes That Are Durable And Long-Lasting
With the demands of sprinting, cutting, and physical contact, lacrosse players need shoes that can withstand the rigors of the sport and provide seasons of use. Several key construction elements enhance durability.
The upper should be made of synthetic leather, TPU films, mesh fabric or other strong yet pliable materials. Integrated overlays provide abrasion-resistance and structural support in high-stress areas. Burrito-style tongues and supportive collar linings also protect against blows and wear.
Look for lacrosse shoes with thick, high-grade rubber outsoles rather than foam-based ones that flatten more quickly. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) plates offer lightweight protection against ripping. Some brands incorporate Pebax plates for flexibility and bounce.
The midsole foam is sandwiched between stabler materials to prevent premature breakdown. Heel counters, shank plates and midfoot supports embedded within the midsole ensure steady performance over time. Removeable sockliners allow regular replacement as cushioning compresses.
Proper care also maximizes the lifespan of your shoes. Allow shoes to fully dry between uses and occasionally clean the uppers. Check for excessive sole wear and replace cleats or lugs when overly flattened. Take shoes to a repair shop to re-glue separated soles or stitch ripped seams.
While no shoe will last forever, especially when subjected to the physicality of lacrosse, focusing on durably constructed shoes backed by manufacturer warranties is wise. With some care and maintenance, your shoes can deliver reliable stability, traction and comfort season after season.
Features For Enhanced Comfort During Play
Along with performance and protection, having proper comfort is crucial for lacrosse players during games and lengthy practices. Several innovations provide cushioning and support where you need it most.
Breathable mesh uppers promote airflow to keep feet cool and dry. Collars and tongues sufficiently padded with foam lessen irritation from lace pressure. Removable sockliners accomodate custom or prescription orthotics if needed.
Full-length midsoles utilizing ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, compressed EVA or phylon supply responsive shock absorption. Some models incorporate dual-density designs for cushioned heels and supportive midfoot platforms.
Memory foam heel inserts enhance impact absorption and comfort. Molded footbeds match the shape of the foot for a contouring feel. Heel pull tabs allow easy foot entry while integrated lacing systems secure the optimal midfoot fit.
In the forefoot, flex grooves in the outsole propagate natural toe-off motions while pivot point traction enables smooth rotations. TPU plates in the midsole prevent foot fatigue but remain flexible.
Finding the right balance of plush comfort, stability, and responsiveness in a lacrosse shoe will help you stay energized and focused. Prioritizelacrosse shoes engineered with innovative comfort technologies suited for the lateral motions and endurance demands of the sport.
Stylish Lacrosse Shoes You Can Wear On And Off The Field
Today’s lacrosse shoes blend high-performance engineering with sleek athletic styling suitable for both game days and casual wear. Bold color options and modern designs let you express your personal flair.
Many lacrosse shoes feature integrated synthetic leather and mesh fabric upper constructions in bright color combinations. Neon accents, dynamic textures and graphic prints provide bold looks. Low-profile silhouettes mimic the styling of lifestyle trainers.
Mid and high-top collar designs balance support and mobility while lending a retro basketball shoe vibe. Padded ankles and tongues not only protect but display prominent branding elements. Contrasting heel clips and graphic outsole tread increase visual appeal.
Lifestyle models from brands like Nike, Adidas and Under Armour blur the lines between performance and streetwear. The Nike Alpha Huarache franchise incorporates iconic Huarache bootie construction with lacrosse traction technology. Adidas explored vintage runner looks on its 3MC lacrosse shoes.
Today’s lacrosse shoes let you seamlessly transition from the turf to the streets in sport-inspired shoes built for athletic function. Bold colors, prints and silhouettes merge Innovation and style for head-turning looks on and off the field.
Cleats For Natural And Artificial Turf Surfaces
Lacrosse is played on both natural grass and synthetic turf fields. Choosing lacrosse shoes with the appropriate outsole and cleat configuration for each surface optimizes traction and minimizes injury risk.
For grass fields, cleated lacrosse shoes provide the best grip. Molded or detachable cleats with an aggressive shape penetrating into the ground are ideal. A combination of front and rear lateral cleats supply multidirectional traction.
On artificial turf, cleated shoes can get caught leading to ankle injury. Shoes with many smaller lugs, a turf-specific cleat design or a mostly flat outsole work best by dispersing load across the surface. Rotational traction lugs under the balls of the feet enhance grip.
Some cleated models can be worn on turf if the surface has an adequate infill depth, but turf shoes don’t translate well to grass surfaces. Consider keeping a designated pair for each unique surface type if possible.
Mid and high-top shoe models provide added ankle support on both grass and turf fields. Cushioning and flexibility underfoot keep you comfortable during long games. Focus on lacrosse shoes engineered specifically for your common playing surfaces.
Mid-Cut vs. Low-Cut Lacrosse Shoes
Lacrosse shoes come in three main collar heights – low, mid and high-cut. Choosing the ideal cut depends on your position, playing style and support needs.
Low-cut lacrosse shoes offer the most mobility and freedom of movement. The low ankle collar allows for full ankle flexion and mobility ideal for speedy midfielders who cover a lot of ground. Low-cuts are also preferred by many attackmen.
Mid-cut lacrosse shoes provide a middle ground between mobility and support. The slightly higher ankle collar locks in the heel and midfoot without restricting ankle motion like a high-top. Mid-cuts are popular with all-around players.
High-tops give maximum ankle coverage and stability. The high ankle cut limits mobility but provides reinforced structure for cutting and contact. Defensemen who need to react and pivot quickly often favor high-tops.
Consider your risk of rolling an ankle along with taping and bracing habits. Those with past ankle sprains may benefit from more ankle coverage. Trying on different collar heights will determine what feels most stable during lateral moves.
Selecting the right lacrosse shoe cut allows you to play fast and confident knowing your footwear provides the ideal level of mobility and support for your position and needs.
Options For Wide Feet And Custom Fit
Having the proper width and fit is vital for comfort and reducing injury risk in lacrosse shoes. Brands now offer wider sizing options and customization to accommodate different foot shapes.
Many shoe models come in wide or extra wide widths beyond the standard D width. A wider toe box prevents cramping of toes during play. Look for integrated lacing systems like burrito tongues to fine-tune midfoot fit.
Removable insoles allow the use of custom orthotics for enhanced arch and heel support. Ortholite foam insoles provide cushioning and can be replaced as they compress over time.
Some brands offer shoes with anatomical shape lasts or asymmetric collar lines contoured to match the shape of the foot and ankle for less restriction. Flexible uppers with stretch fabrics accommodate different foot volumes.
Players with especially wide feet may need to size up a half or full size from their normal size to allow proper toe splay room. Wider lacrosse shoes optimize comfort for those needing a more spacious accommodation.
Lacrosse Shoes For Different Experience Levels
Lacrosse players at the youth, high school, college and pro levels have distinct needs to consider when selecting appropriate footwear for their skills and competition level.
Youth players just learning the sport benefit from lacrosse shoes with maximum durability and protection. Vulcanized rubber outsoles withstand rough play on concrete or blacktop. Ample toe reinforcement prevents ripping. Removable cleats work for both grass and turf.
In high school, lacrosse shoes should match key position-specific needs like lightweight strides for midfielders or stability for defense. School colors and team logos provide unity and spirit.
Collegiate players demand top technologies for acceleration, cuts and grip like integrated plate systems and rotational traction zones. Bold team colorways and player-exclusive models are common.
Elite professional players help test and develop cutting-edge innovations to enhance fit, feel and performance. Limited colorways and collaborations with top brands give pros signature style.
Lacrosse shoe needs evolve as you progress in the sport. Finding the right footwear to complement your skills, strengths and experience level gives you the tools to excel at any level of competition.
Choosing The Right Colorway And Design
Today’s lacrosse shoes are available in an array of colors and bold designs to match your preferences. From team colors to neon accents, your footwear makes a stylistic statement.
Most lacrosse shoe brands now offer each model in a variety of color options. Team editions use official school or franchise colors and logos. Limited drops often feature unique patterns or color-shifting finishes.
Many players like matching their footwear to other gear like protective pads and gloves or helmets. Bright colors and contrasting accents help shoes stand out on the field. Neutrals like black, white and gray provide versatility.
Consider lacrosse shoe colorways that play off or complement your uniform colors. Distinctive color palettes on shoes can become part of your signature style. Just be sure to select contrasting colors that won’t easily show dirt and grass stains.
Today’s selection of lacrosse shoes allows you to make a bold stylistic statement every time you take the field. Opt for colors and designs that energize your play and reflect your personal flair.
Finding The Best Deals On Lacrosse Footwear
Lacrosse shoes represent a significant gear investment. Smart shopping tactics help you find top brands at the best possible prices for major savings.
Shopping online provides convenient access to a wide selection of lacrosse shoes. Major online retailers will list most models in a full size run and various color options. Signing up for brand or store newsletters provides early notice of sales.
Check for coupon codes and discounted pricing on past season colorways for the biggest percentage savings. Retail holidays like Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day often coincide with lacrosse shoe sales.
Clearance sections on brand websites or stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Lax.com, and Lacrosse Unlimited provide discounted options. Used pairs on sites like SidelineSwap offer major savings once inspected for excessive wear.
Splitting bulk orders with teammates nets a group rate discount in some cases. Be patient and watch prices on your desired model for a price drop before buying. Savvy shopping tactics help lacrosse players score top footwear at the optimal value.