The Best Lacrosse Cleats for Women in 2023

The Best Lacrosse Cleats for Women in 2023

Choose Cleats with Adequate Ankle Support and Protection

Having the right lacrosse cleats is crucial for any player looking to up their game. When shopping for women’s lacrosse cleats, ankle support and protection should be top priorities. The lateral motions of the sport, like quick cuts and pivots, place a lot of stress on ankles. Cleats with insufficient ankle stability increase the risk of rolling or spraining your ankle.

Look for cleats with an external heel counter or internal ankle strap system when trying on different models. The external plastic heel cup provides rearfoot stability while high top collars hug the ankle to prevent sliding. Some cleats also have an integrated lace cover that helps lock the midfoot in place. Opting for cleats with 6 or more eyelets allows you to cinch up the laces over the ankle for extra lockdown.

It’s also key to ensure proper cleat fit. Ill-fitting cleats that are too tight or loose won’t properly stabilize the foot and ankle. When you shop, wear the type of socks you’ll play in and try cleats on at the end of the day when your feet are largest. The cleat should grip the heel securely with about a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.

Getting the right balance of flexibility and protection is also essential. While stiffer materials provide more stability, some flexibility allows for natural foot motion. Many cleats targeted to women incorporate flexible synthetic uppers, padded collars, and low-profile soles for comfort and freedom of movement. Some models even have asymmetrical collar designs to accommodate wider Q-angles in women’s hips and knees.

Protecting your ankles with proper lacrosse cleats gives you the confidence to play all-out without worrying about injury. Starting your search by prioritizing support and protection will lead you to cleats that enhance performance.

Consider Comfort – Cushioning and Breathability Are Key

Finding the most comfortable women’s lacrosse cleats is vital for maximizing performance and minimizing injury risk. Since lacrosse involves constant motion, cleats that lack proper cushioning or ventilation can take a toll on your feet and legs over time. When shopping for lacrosse cleats, prioritizing comfort-focused features can give you an edge.

Cushioning is one of the most important comfort factors in lacrosse cleats. The repetitive impacts of running and abrupt stops require ample shock absorption. Look for cleats with full-length foam midsoles or inserted sockliners. EVA foam tends to be lightweight and responsive, while some models may incorporate gel cushions in the heel and forefoot. A padded tongue and collar also enhances comfort. Trying on different cleats can help you gauge the underfoot softness and support.

Breathability and ventilation are also key for sustained comfort. Lacrosse involves intense cardio, so your feet heat up quickly. Cleats constructed with mesh fabric panels allow air to flow in and moisture to escape. Synthetic leather or nylon uppers also tend to be more breathable than solid leather. Some cleats have integrated ventilation systems with ports along the midsole to channel airflow. Trying on different models can give you a sense of the internal climate control.

Opting for women’s lacrosse cleats engineered for comfort will allow you to focus on your game, not your feet. Prioritizing cushioning and breathability when shopping ensures you find the best cleats to take your skills to the next level in complete comfort.

Prioritize Lightweight Cleats for Speed and Agility

When selecting the best women’s lacrosse cleats, lightweight models are a top pick for optimizing quickness and agility on the field. Since lacrosse is such a dynamic sport requiring constant motion, heavier cleats can slow you down and sap energy over the course of a game. Finding lightweight lacrosse cleats enhances your maneuverability and stamina.

The latest cleat technologies allow for very lightweight constructions without sacrificing stability and durability. Synthetic leather or mesh uppers are significantly lighter than traditional leather. Midsole foams like Phylon and EVA optimize underfoot cushioning at a lower weight. Some cleats also incorporate Pebax or nylon plates to provide firm support right where you need it without excess weight. Higher-end cleats may use carbon fiber plates for featherlight traction and responsiveness.

Don’t just rely on the cleat specs though – always try models on to assess the feel. Do some lateral shuffles and jogging to get a sense of mobility. The cleat should secure your foot without any dragging or restriction. You want your ankles and feet to feel free, fast and light. If a cleat feels at all clunky or heavy, it could slow you down on the field.

Getting cleats with the right balance of stability, traction and minimal weight sets you up to juke, pivot and sprint past defenders. The latest lightweight women’s lacrosse cleats allow you to play quick on your feet and leave your opponents in the dust.

Look for Cleats with Traction Optimized for Grass or Turf

Finding women’s lacrosse cleats with excellent traction should be a top consideration for any player. The amount of running, cutting, and pivoting in lacrosse requires stable grip to avoid slippage. Whether you primarily play on grass or artificial turf fields, choosing cleats with the right traction system for that surface is key.

For grass fields, cleats with removable studs are ideal, as you can swap out stud shapes and lengths depending on field conditions. Conical studs provide excellent multidirectional traction for quick maneuvers and stability. Edge studs give added grip for lateral cuts and crosses. Stud length can also be customized – longer studs for softer ground, shorter for firmer. Testing out stud configurations during warmups helps optimize traction.

On artificial turf, opt for cleats with many small rubber studs or patterns etched into the soleplate. These provide consistent grip across the smooth, synthetic surface. Models intended for turf will often have a higher number of ground contacts for enhanced stability. Rotational traction pads under the forefoot are also beneficial on turf. Try cutting and pivoting to test traction when trying on turf cleats.

With lacrosse requiring quick acceleration, deceleration, and direction changes, cleats with optimized traction give you the grip and confidence to play your fastest. Studying the stud shapes and layouts on different models can clue you into whether they’re best for grass or turf. Choosing the right traction system tailored to where you play prevents slippage so you can cut and run without restraint.

Get Properly Fitted Cleats for the Right Size and Fit

Finding the best-fitting women’s lacrosse cleats is crucial for foot health, comfort, and optimal sports performance. Lacrosse involves lots of running, so ill-fitting cleats can lead to blisters and foot pain. Getting properly sized and fitted cleats ensures comfort and security during play.

When trying on lacrosse cleats, wear the type of socks you’ll play in to get an accurate fit. Feet tend to swell during activity, so visit the store after training or at the end of the day when your feet are largest. There should be about a thumb’s width between your longest toe and the cleat tip, with toes free to wiggle. The heel should be gripped snugly to prevent sliding. Walk and jog to assess overall comfort.

Consider having a store employee measure your feet and analyze your gait too. They can recommend the right size and account for foot nuances. Narrower cleats suit narrow feet, while wider sizes accommodate broad feet. Custom orthotics can optimize support if you overpronate. Women tend to have higher arches than men, so models with arch reinforcement assist fit.

Taking the time to find the ideal size and fit means cleats become an extension of your foot for top-tier agility, speed, and power. Properly fitted lacrosse cleats maximize comfort and performance so you can charge across the field with confidence and stability.

Pick Cleats Designed for Your Position’s Movements

When selecting the ideal women’s lacrosse cleats, considering your position’s specific movements is key. As a specialized sport, lacrosse requires cleats tailored to how you play your position for optimal maneuverability and support.

For attackers and midfielders who sprint up and down the field, lightweight cleats like Nike Speedlax provide responsive traction for quick cuts and acceleration. Midfielders also benefit from lateral support for crossing and juke moves.

Defenders need stability for physical play, so cleats like the Under Armour Highlight RM have ankle support and studs in the forefoot and heel for traction during backwards running. Goalies prioritize lateral mobility and protection with cleats like the Warrior Regulator G5 that have wraparound outsoles and flexible toe shields.

Before buying new cleats, consider your field position and needs. Analyze the specific motions and strains on your feet and ankles during games and practice. Seeking out position-specific reviews and recommendations from coaches and other players can also guide selections.

Finding lacrosse cleats designed for your position enhances performance and prevents injury. With models catered to different needs, you can find the right cleats to allow your skills to shine.

Choose Molded or Detachable Cleats Based on Preference

When purchasing women’s lacrosse cleats, players must decide between molded cleats or models with detachable studs. Both have their pros and cons and it comes down to personal preference. Testing out each style can help determine which enhances your performance.

Molded cleats have permanent studs molded out of the same material as the soleplate. These are extremely durable and low maintenance since there are no studs to switch out. Models like the Under Armour Finisher have aggressive molded traction pads ideal for quick cuts and crosses. The studs flex naturally with the foot for uninhibited motion. However, molded soles offer less versatility or ability to customize studs.

Detachable cleats allow you to swap out studs of different lengths and shapes to match conditions. This modularity provides excellent traction control. Longer studs can be used in wet conditions for example, while shorter studs optimize grip on hard, dry fields. Conical and bladed studs provide targeted traction for different motions. But detachable studs must be kept tight, as loose studs can hinder performance and lead to stud pressure on feet.

Trying both types of cleats during warm ups and practices allows you to feel the differences in traction and responsiveness. Some players love the “locked in” feel of molded cleats while others prefer the enhanced grip of studs they can customize. Selecting the right lacrosse cleat comes down to testing which you move and react best in.

Opt for Lightweight, Low-profile Cleats if You’re a Runner

If you’re a lacrosse player that relies on speed and runs the field extensively during games, lightweight, low-profile cleats are ideal for maximizing quickness. The constant motion of lacrosse can take a toll in heavier cleats, sapping energy reserves and slowing you down. Seeking out cleats engineered for running gives you an edge.

Prioritize cleats constructed with lightweight synthetic uppers versus solid leather which adds bulk. Many brands now incorporate ultra-lightweight Pebax or nylon plates for athletic responsiveness at a lower weight. Midsole foams like Phylon also optimize cushioning without heft. Minimalist traction systems with low-profile studs or turf pads shed weight while still providing secure grip.

In addition to keeping weight down, low-profile silhouettes enhance natural foot motion and ankle mobility for faster acceleration and cuts. Lower collar heights and minimal heel counters allow for a greater range of motion. Flex grooves in the forefoot promote natural flex so you stay light on your feet.

Studying the specs and construction of different women’s lacrosse cleats allows runners to select the lightest models. Test jogging and sprinting in different pairs to ensure they provide an agile, unrestricted feel. The right lightweight, low-profile cleats give dedicated runners the tools to fly past opponents play after play.

Look for Integrated Arch Support if You Need Extra Stability

For women lacrosse players that overpronate or have flat feet, finding cleats with enhanced arch support is crucial for stability and injury prevention. The repetitive impacts of lacrosse take a toll on feet, so reinforcement in this area provides comfort and security.

Many brands now engineer models specifically for flat feet and overpronation. These integrate firmer midsole materials right under the arch or may have a medial post for motion control. Full-length foam sockliners mold to the foot for personalized arch support. Some cleats also have thermoplastic polyurethane shanks embedded in the midsole to prevent arch collapse.

If you need orthotic inserts, look for cleats with removable insoles that accommodate custom orthotics. A deep heel cup also enhances stability for overpronators. Shopping for replacement insoles with proper arch support is another option if your current cleats lack reinforcement.

Trying on different lacrosse cleats allows you to feel arch support differences. Walk, run, and laterally cut to test stability in the arch area. Proper arch support in your cleats enhances comfort and prevents injury so you can perform at your best.

Consider Customizable Lacrosse Cleats for a Personalized Fit

To achieve the perfect fit and feel, some players opt for customizable women’s lacrosse cleats. With full customization, you can personalize cleats based on your foot anatomy, gait, and positional needs for optimal performance.

Many top athletic brands now offer custom lacrosse cleats. The process starts with precise 3D scanning of your feet to gauge dimensions and pressure points. This data generates a completely personalized cleat molded specifically for your feet. The stud configuration, cushioning, and stability features are all tailored to you.

Beyond the custom fit, some brands allow you to pick colors, materials, and add personal iD. Visiting a store offering 3D scanning and ordering gets the customization process started. Expect a 4-6 week wait for your personalized cleats. Costs range from around $150-400 depending on materials and tech.

Breaking in the customized cleats at practices allows you to experience the benefits. No more taping up blister spots or slipping heels. Everything from the stud pressure to lacing system works in harmony with your feet. While an investment, custom lacrosse cleats provide the ultimate personalized edge.

Try Wide-Width Cleats if You Have Wider Feet

Women with wider feet know the frustration of cleats that pinch and squeeze. Brands often build models around narrower “standard” foot dimensions. But for wide-footed lacrosse players, opting for wide-width cleats enhances comfort and performance.

Many athletic brands now offer lacrosse cleats in wide widths, typically labeled ‘W’ on sizing. These add extra room through the forefoot and toe box without impacting heel lockdown. Trying wide-widths at the end of the day allows your feet to expand for an accurate fit test. Walk and jog to check toes have plenty of wiggle room.

There are also lacrosse cleats designed specifically for wide feet. These incorporate wider last dimensions from heel to toe along with adjustable lacing systems. This extra volume prevents painful pinching while still properly cradling feet. Wider toe boxes suit those with bunions as well.

Don’t settle for tight-fitting cleats that restrict performance. Brands like New Balance, Under Armour and Nike now cater to wide-footed athletes. Getting the right wide-width lacrosse cleats improves comfort so you can charge across the field uninhibited.

Prioritize Ankle Lockdown and Stability as a Defender

For women playing lacrosse defense, securing the ankle is critical when selecting cleats. The position’s explosive backwards running, sharp cuts, and physical play make ankle support and stability a must. Defenders need cleats that lockdown the ankle and optimize traction.

Look for lacrosse cleats with integrated ankle straps or exoskeleton designs that wrap the rearfoot. This enhanced heel lockdown prevents sliding or roll-over. High-top collars that cuff the ankle also enhance support. Opt for a model with 6+ eyelets so you can really cinch up the laces over the ankle.

The outsole and stud configuration should also cater to defensive motions. Look for aggressive heel and forefoot traction pads for acceleration and braking. Stud shapes like conicals provide grip for quick direction changes. A wider outsole stabilizes lateral cuts and crosses as well.

Testing different cleats by backpedaling and pivoting assess ankle lockdown and traction. Focus on models marketed for defense featuring integrated ankle support technologies. With the right cleats, you can play shutdown defense with confidence and prevent ankle injuries.