The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Ankle Lacrosse Cleats for Clears in 2023

The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Ankle Lacrosse Cleats for Clears in 2023

Choosing the Right Type of Lacrosse Cleat for Your Position

When selecting lacrosse cleats for optimal ankle support and stability during clears, it’s crucial to consider your position on the field. Different positions require different movements and levels of traction, so your cleat type should match your needs.

For midfielders who are constantly moving up and down the field, high-cut cleats reaching above the ankles provide the most stability. The extra material locks in the ankle and prevents rolling or twisting. A stiff, supportive upper material like synthetic leather gives an added layer of protection.

Defenders similarly benefit from the sturdy ankle support of high-cut cleats when pushing, pivoting and changing direction rapidly while guarding opponents. Traction and grip are also key for defenders, so cleats with aggressive studs or blades work best.

Meanwhile, attackmen who cut and juke require more freedom of movement and flexibility. Low-cut or mid-cut cleats allow greater ankle mobility for dodging defenders and shooting on goal. A flexible, breathable upper material like mesh aids in quick cuts.

For faceoff specialists, wrestling for possession demands both ankle support and flexibility. Mid-cut cleats deliver a balance, allowing some motion while still bracing the ankle during scrappy play. Durability is also important to withstand constant wear and tear.

Goalies have perhaps the most demanding position, needing to react instantly to shots. High-cut cleats provide uncompromising ankle stability when moving laterally or launching for saves. Traction and cushioning are also necessities for goalies.

Do your homework on brands and models to select the right cleats for your specific position. With the proper lacrosse shoes, your ankles will feel secure and supported throughout intense game action. Don’t sacrifice safety and performance – choose cleats tailored for how you play.

High, Mid and Low Cut Cleats – Advantages of Each

When selecting lacrosse cleats, one of the most important considerations is the cut of the upper. Cleats come in three main styles – high cut, mid cut and low cut. Each type has its own set of pros and cons for support, mobility and performance. Understanding the differences can help you pick the right cleat cut for your needs.

High cut cleats extend above the ankle bone to offer maximum support and stability. The high collar tightly locks in the ankle and significantly reduces rollover risk. This helps prevent dangerous ankle sprains and injuries, especially during clears when rapidly changing direction. The extra material also provides a barrier against outside impacts from sticks or opponents’ cleats. High tops are preferred by midfielders for their non-stop sprinting and defenders for their physical play.

Mid cut cleats stop just below the ankle bone, covering it partially. This middle ground aims to supply moderate ankle support while still permitting some natural movement. Mid cut shoes are ideal for players who need flexibility as well as support, like faceoff specialists and some midfielders. The partial ankle coverage protects against minor twists without restraining mobility.

Finally, low cut cleats have the shortest ankle collar, ending well below the ankle bone. This allows for maximum mobility and range of motion, enabling swift cuts, jukes and dodges. The lack of material also creates a lightweight, fast feel. Attackmen and quicker midfielders often opt for low cuts due to their agility demands. However, the minimal ankle coverage sacrifices stability, making the ankle more vulnerable to rolls and collisions.

When deciding on lacrosse cleat height, consider your position and playing style. Stability positions like defense need more support, while speed positions like attack require more agility. Finding the right blend of mobility and protection could make the difference in performing clears safely and effectively versus suffering an ankle injury. Don’t automatically assume higher is better – choose what’s appropriate for you.

Getting the Proper Fit for Maximum Ankle Support

When shopping for lacrosse cleats that provide ample ankle support and stability for clears, finding the right size and fit is just as crucial as choosing the correct style. Improperly fitted cleats, even if highly supportive in design, can fail to sufficiently stabilize and protect your ankles.

When trying on cleats, the general rule is to go a half or full size up from your normal shoe size. This accounts for the fact you’ll be wearing thick lacrosse socks. A too-snug fit will severely restrict blood flow and cause discomfort during play. Make sure there is wiggle room for your toes and that your heel doesn’t slip when walking or running.

Also pay attention to width sizing. Lacrosse shoes tend to run more narrow than typical athletic shoes, so opt for a wider width if you have broad feet. An overly narrow shoe will squeeze your foot on cuts and pushes, reducing stability. Consider brands known for accommodating wide sizes if needed.

Carefully lace up the cleats and note any tight spots, especially around the ankles. The shoes shouldn’t pinch or rub your ankles excessively. Walk and lightly jog in the store to make sure your heel doesn’t lift out of the shoe when running. Expect some break-in time but major slippage indicates a poor fit.

Try on cleats at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen. This matches their natural size during activity. Bring the socks you’ll wear during games and practice for the most accurate simulation. Moldable insoles can also help customize the fit if any pressure points remain.

With the correct sizing, your ankle should feel snugly enveloped in the cleat yet able to move naturally. This reduces looseness that allows the ankle to roll while still permitting athletic mobility. Don’t play through pain from an ill-fitting cleat, as prolonged discomfort could hinder performance and lead to injury. A properly fitted cleat supports without restraint.

High, Mid and Low Cut Cleats – Advantages of Each

When selecting lacrosse cleats, one of the most important considerations is the cut of the upper. Cleats come in three main styles – high cut, mid cut and low cut. Each type has its own set of pros and cons for support, mobility and performance. Understanding the differences can help you pick the right cleat cut for your needs.

High cut cleats extend above the ankle bone to offer maximum support and stability. The high collar tightly locks in the ankle and significantly reduces rollover risk. This helps prevent dangerous ankle sprains and injuries, especially during clears when rapidly changing direction. The extra material also provides a barrier against outside impacts from sticks or opponents’ cleats. High tops are preferred by midfielders for their non-stop sprinting and defenders for their physical play.

Mid cut cleats stop just below the ankle bone, covering it partially. This middle ground aims to supply moderate ankle support while still permitting some natural movement. Mid cut shoes are ideal for players who need flexibility as well as support, like faceoff specialists and some midfielders. The partial ankle coverage protects against minor twists without restraining mobility.

Finally, low cut cleats have the shortest ankle collar, ending well below the ankle bone. This allows for maximum mobility and range of motion, enabling swift cuts, jukes and dodges. The lack of material also creates a lightweight, fast feel. Attackmen and quicker midfielders often opt for low cuts due to their agility demands. However, the minimal ankle coverage sacrifices stability, making the ankle more vulnerable to rolls and collisions.

When deciding on lacrosse cleat height, consider your position and playing style. Stability positions like defense need more support, while speed positions like attack require more agility. Finding the right blend of mobility and protection could make the difference in performing clears safely and effectively versus suffering an ankle injury. Don’t automatically assume higher is better – choose what’s appropriate for you.

Most Durable Lacrosse Cleat Materials for Ankle Support

The materials that compose your lacrosse cleats play a major role in their ability to provide lasting ankle stability and protection during intense game action. When performing clears and cutting hard, your shoes undergo immense stress and wear. Choosing cleats constructed from durable yet supportive materials ensures they withstand such demands.

Synthetic leather uppers offer an ideal balance of stability, comfort and ruggedness. Synthetic leather shapes to the foot better than standard leather for a locked-in feel, and it’s also more abrasion-resistant. Brands like Nike use lightweight Flywire cables embedded in synthetic leather for added support.

Single-piece uppers made from TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) are another excellent option, providing a seamless, molded fit with no weak points. TPU maintains structure and flexibility even under heavy stress. UA Highlight cleats feature a TPU exoskeleton-like upper for unmatched stability.

For supreme abrasion resistance, Kevlar® mesh uppers found on certain Warrior models significantly prolong cleat life. Kevlar® is a high-strength, cut-resistant fiber that won’t degrade from constant wear and tear during play.

The outsole material is also vital for ongoing traction and braking. Most cleats today incorporate Pebax®, a stiff yet flexible TPU that better maintains its structure under stress compared to standard TPU. Pebax® outsoles with aggressive traction last longer before flattening out.

Avoid all-mesh or all-synthetic uppers, as these tend to rip or lose shape more rapidly from play. Leather cleats typically require more break-in and lack the support of synthetics. Prioritize synthetics, TPUs and durable meshes for cleats that won’t quit before you do.

Don’t neglect cleat maintenance either. Regularly cleaning dirt and debris keeps materials intact longer. Letting cleats fully dry between uses preserves structure. While no cleat lasts forever, choosing durable lacrosse materials sustains the lateral ankle stability and propulsion you need in the box or on the run.

Best Brands for Quality Ankle Lacrosse Cleats

When searching for lacrosse cleats that offer maximum ankle support and stability during demanding multi-directional play, focusing on certain athletic brands known for excellent cleated shoes is wise.

Nike remains the dominant force in cutting-edge cleats across sports. Their Vapor Pro and Alpha Huarache lacrosse models provide lockdown ankle support and responsiveness for quick cuts and direction changes. Advanced Flywire cabling integrates with the upper for adaptive support.

Under Armour highlights include the Highlight franchise, which employs a full-foot TPU exoskeleton for unmatched stability even in low/mid cuts. The clutchfit ankle sleeve tightens securely around the joints during motion. UA is a leader in technology-driven protection.

Warrior lacrosse continues to grow in popularity for its protective, durable cleats. The Burn Pro line utilizes Warrior’s Warp lightweight but solid TPU upper with integrated ankle padding. Versatile cleat plate options optimize traction for all field types.

New Balance, known for premium comfort and fit, produces the Freeze line of lacrosse cleats. The synthetic leather upper, grab collar and padded tongue provide a true locked-in feel. The Superflex Zone insert adds flexibility and cushioning.

Adidas adizes lacrosse shoes promote enhanced movement and quick release for cuts and jukes. Models like the Adizero 8.0 High emphasize a compression fit through the ankle collar and soft, responsive cushioning.

These major brands invest heavily in athletic research and new technologies to continually push shoe performance. Their cleats incorporate innovations like proprietary materials, anatomical design and structured uppers that go the extra mile in stabilizing ankles laterally and forward/back.

New Lacrosse Cleat Technology for Improved Ankle Support

Lacrosse cleat manufacturers are continuously evolving their shoes’ technologies to enhance on-field ankle stability and injury prevention. By studying player biomechanics and leveraging new materials, they’ve developed inventive new features that support ankles for safer, sharper cuts and direction changes.

Structured collar systems better lock the ankle in place within the cleat. These integrate rigid thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) exterior supports or exoskeletons with inner padded sleeves for a truly locked-in fit. UA’s Highlight franchise employs TPU ankle exoskeletons for unprecedented security.

Internal heel counters and midfoot shanks act like the cleat’s skeleton to resist excess motion. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is often utilized for its lightweight but solid properties. Heel counters improve rearfoot stability while shanks enhance midfoot rigidity.

Enhanced stud configurations and Pebax outsole inserts optimize traction and release across all field types for controlled acceleration and cuts. Strategically mapping the studs enhances grip while shaped Pebax inserts improve braking.

Upper materials like Teijin TPU microfiber and Nike Flywire react to foot movements to tighten where needed for adaptive lateral support. Kevlar mesh ups durability in high-wear zones.

Removable inserts allow players to customize fit and cushioning. Options like Poron XRD foam add underfoot padding without sacrificing responsiveness.

While new designs arise yearly, focusing on these core innovations when shopping ensures your next cleats employ the latest advancements in ankle and foot stability, injury prevention, and multi-directional traction.

Tips for Breaking In New Cleats for Ankle Comfort

Brand new lacrosse cleats often feel stiff and unwieldy before properly breaking them in. The materials haven’t yet molded to your foot’s shape, pressure points likely exist, and the studs/spikes grip tightly to turf. Attempting extensive activity in unbroken cleats can quickly lead to ankle discomfort, blisters and poor performance.

Gradually wearing in new cleats over 2-3 weeks enhances ankle comfort and mobility for confident cuts, jukes and clears. Here are some tips for safely getting new lacrosse shoes game-ready:

– Wear the cleats around the house for short non-active periods to begin subtly loosening materials and forming them to your feet.

– Jog lightly and do directional drills at half speed on softer ground before playing full speed on harder turf. Softer surfaces flex the spikes/studs.

– Insert an additional insole for a tighter fit during break-in to minimize slippage and rubbing that causes ankle blisters.

– Apply petroleum jelly on potential problem spots like the heel and ankle collar to reduce friction. Change socks halfway through exercise as dampness exacerbates rubbing.

– Gradually increase practice duration in the cleats week-by-week while monitoring for hot spots or blisters. Better to ease into them.

– Retighten laces frequently as materials relax for optimum ankle support until the uppers fully shape to your foot.

Rushing the break-in process risks painful ankle blisters, loss of stability from excess foot slippage, and lack of confidence making cuts. Be patient, and in a matter of weeks the upper will mold comfortably to your foot for secured ankles and nimble mobility.

Best Cleats for Speed and Agility in Clears

In the fast-paced game of lacrosse, speed is critical for beating opponents down the field for clears and transition scoring chances. Agility allows dodging past defenders with quick cuts and misdirection. The right cleats can help maximize these athletic attributes for dominant midfield play.

When selecting lacrosse cleats for enhanced speed and agility, lightweight is a priority. Cleats constructed with synthetic uppers and minimal seams trim excess weight off the foot to avoid slowing you down. Brands like Nike use ultra-lightweight Flywire cables integrated with the upper for a barefoot feel.

Low-cut cleats optimize maneuverability by removing ankle-restricting material and allowing greater range of motion. The flexibility aids jukes, direction changes and tight cuts by working with the ankle’s natural movement.

A Pebax outsole provides a stiff platform for powerful pushes while remaining flexible enough for quick release and cuts. Pebax better maintains its pop and responsiveness versus standard TPU.

Conical or bladed studs supply superior traction for starting, stopping and pushing off versus traditional round studs. The sharp stud edges grab turf for propulsion from a standstill or lateral slides to chase down opponents.

Finally, a snug, seamless upper eliminates slippage or pinch points that could throw off your gait or strides. A molded one-piece TPU exoskeleton upper, for example, removes seams and custom fits to your foot.

Blending these elements – lightweight, flexibility, grip and a locked-in fit – gives you your best shot at blowing past defenders down the alley and leaving cutters in the dust during clears and transition play.

How to Clean and Care for Your Lacrosse Cleats

Regularly cleaning and properly caring for your lacrosse cleats extends their lifespan while helping maintain ankle support and traction. Dirt, debris and moisture are the enemies of both durability and performance.

Before each use, knock or brush off any dried mud or field debris clinging to the cleats. These can abrade the materials and get compacted into traction studs. A soft brush is ideal for meticulously cleaning grime from crevices.

Monthly, do a deeper scrub with warm water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Use an old toothbrush to aggressively clean the crevices and undersides. Thoroughly rinse away all soap residue, which can break down materials if left.

Allow the cleats to fully air dry before storing. Stuffing damp cleats in a bag breeds mildew and bacteria that can degrade the synthetic materials. Dry natural air circulation keeps them fresher.

Store the cleats somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight to minimize temperature extremes that accelerate breakdown of glues, polymers and synthetic fibers.

Consider aftermarket lacrosse cleat cleaning products for occasional deeper cleaning. Foam sprays lift ground-in dirt from hiding spots. Antibacterial sprays eliminate odor-causing microbes.

With consistent cleat cleaning and care, you’ll maintain traction, support, and comfort while extending the life of your investment. Don’t let lacrosse cleat neglect sabotage your ankle health and on-field performance.

Customizing Your Cleats for Optimal Ankle Support

Beyond finding the right model, you can customize lacrosse cleats for optimized individual ankle support and stability with aftermarket accessories and modifications.

Inserting custom orthotic insoles or posting can enhance alignment, support weak arches, and alleviate ankle or foot pain caused by biomechanical issues. Over-the-counter insoles allow some adjustability, but custom orthotics are molded from a cast of your feet for an ideal fit.

Lace locks turn laces into a quick pull-tightening system for a truly locked-in midfoot and ankle fit. They remove pressure points from overly tight laces as well. This helps fine-tune the upper’s hold on your ankle.

Heel lock lacing, which skips the bottom eyelets to pull the heel back and down, improves rearfoot stability for ankle support during cuts and clears where posterior motion control is vital.

Aftermarket ankle straps attach to the upper to firmly brace the ankle joint in all planes, especially medially/laterally. Useful for those recovering from a previous ankle sprain.

Wider laces disperse pressure over more area for those needing a little extra midfield support. Custom patterns like the ladder lace focus control across the midfoot.

By personalizing your lacrosse cleats with accessories and tweaks, you can overcome anatomical shortcomings and zero in on your ideal ride – confident ankles and unhindered mobility.

When to Replace Your Cleats for Safety

Lacrosse cleats undergo tremendous stress during play, and their materials and components inevitably wear down over time. Continuing to use overly worn cleats past their prime can negatively impact performance and ankle health.

Watch for these signs that your current cleats need replacing for safety:

– The upper is stretched out, affecting fit and stability. If heel slippage or excessive side-to-side foot movement occurs, materials are breaking down.

– Traction feels dull on pushes and cuts. Flattened or broken studs/spikes don’t grip as effectively, risking slips and falls.

– Tread irregularly wears down. Uneven stud wear indicates you likely overpronate or supinate, making new cleats with proper stability features important.

– The midsole feels compacted with less bounce. Hardened foam offers less cushioning and energy return, tweaking gait mechanics.

– You experience new foot or ankle pains. Ill-fitting, worn-out cleats can cause subtle alignment issues and pain over time as materials fatigue.

– Cleats smell badly even after cleaning. Bacteria permeating deteriorated materials can indicate it’s time for a fresh pair.

While it’s tempting to squeeze extra miles out of beloved cleats, worn-out shoes put you at risk for reduced performance, discomfort and injuries. Prioritize safety and replace cleats once their support, fit and traction clearly decline.

Cleat Modifications for Added Ankle Stability

Sometimes off-the-shelf lacrosse cleats, even when perfectly fitted, fail to provide the degree of ankle stability and motion control needed for your foot type or past injury history. In such cases, proactively modifying your cleats can provide a custom solution.

Have a podiatrist or athletic trainer professionally mold small wedges or flares on the outsoles to encourage proper foot alignment if overpronation or supination is apparent. The wedges subtly guide motion in the right biomechanical direction.

Attach an additional synthetic leather or hard TPU stability strap to the upper to further brace the ankle without totally restricting flexibility. The strap acts like an exoskeletal support beam.

Insert custom orthotics to support the foot’s arch and enhance the cushioning underneath for improved shock absorption. This alleviates ankle and foot strain.

Heat moldable liners let you customize the interior shape for a precision fit. Problem areas can be opened up to eliminate pressure points against the ankle.

Cut small notches into the ankle lining to create added flex points that make it easier to bend the shoe naturally. Use this sparingly to avoid compromising structure.

Carefully trimming or building up select cleat studs/spikes adjusts traction properties if certain release motions feel awkward. Make minor tuned tweaks.

With some DIY modifications, you can transform even the most robust off-the-shelf lacrosse cleats into your own custom ankle stabilizers.

How to Tape Ankles for Extra Support in Cleats

Athletic taping provides an additional measure of ankle support and injury prevention within lacrosse cleats. Tape reinforces vulnerable ankles against rolls and collisions while allowing athletic mobility.

Use 1.5-2 inch woven cloth athletic tape, not rigid tapes like duct tape that restrict motion. Cloth tape with some stretch sticks better and moves with the ankle.

Cut tape strips about 5-6 inches long for adequate anchoring above and below the ankle bone. Don’t circle entire rolls around the ankle – this cuts circulation.

Apply pre-wrap underlayer using overlapping figure-8’s around the foot and ankle for stickier tape adhesion. Stop pre-wrap just below where tape will start.

Lightly rub ankles with an adhesive spray or tincture of benzoin to enhance tape tackiness. Don’t soak the skin.

Anchor tape ends above and below the ankle bones, never directly on the bones. Use horseshoe or stirrup patterns running from front to back to tape medial/lateral sides.

Apply tape firmly but allow about 15% stretch so tape moves with the ankle joint. Overly rigid taping hinders motion.

Finish by circling tape around the foot arch and lower calf to further secure everything. Periodically re-tape if it loosens.

Proper athletic ankle taping boosts stability while letting ankles flex naturally. Done correctly, it may help prevent rolls and impacts inside the cleat during intense game action.

Preventing Common Ankle Lacrosse Injuries

Lacrosse is a fast, physical sport that places intense demands on player’s ankles. Without proper precautions, ankles are vulnerable to several impact and overuse injuries.

Ankle sprains from rolling are most frequent, caused by abrupt twists when changing direction. Wearing proper cleats with ample ankle support is key, but also keep muscles strong via resistance band exercises targeting the peroneals and other stabilizers.

Ankle impingement results from repetitive small impacts that pinch the bones and tissue. Low cut cleats increase risk, so opt for higher cleats with padded collars. Keeping leg muscles flexible aids shock absorption.

Achilles tendonitis stems from overuse and tight calf muscles. Gradual ramp-ups in activity allow tendons to adapt to avoid inflammation. Heel lifts can relieve strain.

Stress fractures occur when ankles bear repeated impacts. Use shock-absorbing insoles and focus on proper landing form when cutting. Alternate high- and low-impact workouts.

Ankle blisters arise from stiff, rubbing cleats. Wear socks without seams, properly break-in cleats to conform to your feet, and keep feet dry to minimize hot spots.

With sound training habits, preventive exercises, properly fitted cleats, and smart recovery/rest cycles, you can help keep ankles pain-free and performing at their peak.