The Ultimate Guide to New Balance Lacrosse Cleats in 2023

The Ultimate Guide to New Balance Lacrosse Cleats in 2023

Finding the Right Fit with New Balance’s 2E Lacrosse Cleats

When shopping for lacrosse cleats, getting the proper fit is crucial for comfort and preventing injury. Many athletes need a wider toe box to accommodate their feet, which is where New Balance’s 2E lacrosse cleats come in. The “2E” designation indicates that these cleats have a wider width, giving your toes more room to spread out naturally.

New Balance uses premium synthetic leather on their 2E lacrosse cleats that softens and molds to your feet over time. This creates a custom fit unique to your foot’s shape. The lightweight material also increases durability while providing breathability during intense gameplay.

Underneath, these cleats utilize a low-profile padded collar that wraps securely around your ankle. This gives you lateral support for quick cuts and pivots while helping prevent painful rolling. New Balance also engineered the 2E cleats with lightweight EVA foam midsoles that absorb shock and reduce fatigue.

When trying on any new cleats, focus on getting a comfortable fit in the toe box first before assessing the length. Your toes should have wiggle room to move freely. Walk around and simulate lacrosse movements to test flexibility and break-in potential. Also pay attention to potential pressure points around the ankles that could lead to blisters.

With sizing options from 7-15 in medium, wide, and extra wide, New Balance’s 2E lacrosse cleats are designed to provide superior fit. This allows you to focus on perfecting your game versus being distracted by uncomfortable cleats. Just take your time finding the right size and start breaking them in well before your next matchup. With the 2E’s custom fit and ankle support, you’ll have the confidence to cut harder and move faster on the field.

New Balance Burn Lacrosse Cleat Features

The New Balance Burn lacrosse cleats are packed with innovative features to improve your quickness, comfort, and stability on the field. Built for speed, the Burn’s utilize a lightweight synthetic upper to shed weight without sacrificing durability. Strategically-placed mesh zones also enhance breathability during intense gameplay.

In the midsole, New Balance added a full-length REVlite foam cushioning system. This proprietary foam is 30% lighter than traditional EVA foam, providing responsive shock absorption and energy return with every step. Your feet will feel fresh even during a tough, back-and-forth matchup that goes down to the wire.

The outsole of the Burn lacrosse cleats utilizes New Balance’s proprietary Fantom Plate. This thermoplastic urethane material has strategically-designed flex grooves to promote natural foot movement. The Fantom Plate is also equipped with tri-star traction at the forefoot to deliver excellent grip for quick cuts, accelerations, and change of direction.

For a secure lockdown fit, the Burn lacrosse cleats use a lightweight Fantom Fit upper and asymmetric collar padding. This contours to the shape of your foot and ankle for a compressed fit that reduces slippage inside the shoe. A integrated lacing system with Flywire cables then lets you fine-tune the fit for your exact preferences.

Additional standout features include a toe protector made of thermoplastic polyurethane for added durability and abrasion resistance in the high-wear areas. New Balance also added reflective details on the heel counter for improved visibility and safety during night games.

With game-changing technologies like REVlite cushioning and the Fantom Plate, the New Balance Burn lacrosse cleats are designed for aggressive players who rely on speed and quick cuts. The lightweight, breathable upper keeps your feet cool when running up and down the field, while the enhanced traction lets you stop and start on a dime. If you want lacrosse cleats that will boost your quickness, the Burn model is an excellent option to consider.

New Balance Elements Lacrosse Cleat Models

In addition to the Burn, New Balance makes several other high-performance lacrosse cleat models under their Elements line. Each Elements cleat brings unique technologies and design features to cater to different player needs and preferences.

The New Balance Freeze Lacrosse cleats utilize a lightweight mesh upper with synthetic overlays for breathability and support. The low-profile design enhances your foot’s connection to the ground for better feel and control. The Freeze cleats also have an internal shank for added midfoot stability during cuts and an external heel counter for rearfoot lockdown.

For all-weather traction, the Freeze uses New Balance’s Grass Grabber plate. This aggressive outsole features triangular studs and rotational traction fins to provide multi-directional grip on natural grass and turf fields, even in wet conditions. Strategically placed flex grooves also encourage natural foot movement.

Another option is the New Balance 4040v5, an excellent all-around cleat with a durable synthetic leather upper. This model uses a REVlite midsole for lightweight cushioning along with an external TPU heel counter for stability. The outsole combines conical and bladed studs for traction in different directions.

For additional ankle support, lacrosse players can choose the New Balance Leadoff. This mid-cut cleat has an integrated lacing system, EVA foam midsole, and high abrasion rubber outsole. The raised collar locks down your ankle while allowing a full range of motion.

At the premium end, the New Balance Audazo V5 Pro lacrosse cleats feature a supple kangaroo leather upper for an ultra-soft feel. The outsole utilizes New Balance’s data-driven X ray plate, engineered for optimal heel-to-toe transition and acceleration. An external heel counter and asymmetric lacing system maximize your foothold inside the shoe.

No matter your position or playing style, New Balance has an Elements lacrosse cleat designed to enhance your quickness, comfort, and stability. Test out different models to see which upper materials, cushioning systems, and outsole configurations work best for your needs. With options for lightness, support, and durability, you can find your ideal match within the Elements line.

Lightweight Synthetic Materials for Performance

Many of New Balance’s top lacrosse cleats utilize advanced synthetic materials to shed weight without compromising durability or support. Reducing cleat weight offers important performance benefits for lacrosse players who need to move quickly in different directions.

Models like the New Balance Burn make use of single-layer open mesh synthetic uppers. The tightly-woven construction provides ventilation to keep your feet cool. Strategically placed overlays offer structure and support while adding very minimal weight. This open mesh design typically weighs around 20-30% less than traditional leather or synthetic leather uppers.

New Balance also employs lightweight synthetic leather on certain models. Through careful engineering, they made the synthetic leather ultra-thin to minimize bulk. It molds tightly to your foot for a “second skin” fit while remaining abrasion-resistant in high wear areas. This tailored support prevents your foot from sliding around inside the cleat during cutting motions.

In the midsole, many New Balance cleats use the brand’s REVlite foam cushioning. This proprietary EVA foam weighs 30% less than standard EVA foam, allowing for incredibly lightweight cushioning. The responsive REVlite foam also returns energy on each foot strike to keep your feet feeling fresh.

New Balance incorporates heat-fused and stitchless bonding techniques on some lightweight cleat models as well. This minimizes layers, reducing weight and eliminating potential irritation from stitches. The cleats feel almost seamless against your foot for uninhibited comfort.

While traditional leather cleats may offer durability, they can fatigue your feet over time. New Balance’s expertise with synthetic lightweight materials allows you to stay quick and agile for all four quarters. Less weight keeps your legs fresher so you can play at full speed until the final whistle.

Lacrosse Cleat Traction Options from New Balance

Whether playing on grass or artificial turf, lacrosse players need their cleats to provide excellent traction for accelerating, cutting, and changing direction. New Balance equips their lacrosse cleats with several different outsole technologies to enhance grip and control.

Many New Balance cleats use conventional studded plates with conical and bladed studs. The conical studs give you traction for pushing off in multiple directions, while the blade studs provide superior grip for stopping quickly and generating lateral power. Models like the Freeze combine triangular and rotational studs for multi-directional grip to mimic the movement of your foot.

Some performance cleats feature Pebax plates like the X Ray used on the Audazo V5 Pro. This ultra-thin Pebax plate offers a barefoot feel for enhanced field awareness and control. It also has flex grooves anatomically positioned to match the foot’s natural flexion points for a smooth heel-to-toe transition.

For younger players, New Balance’s 3000v4 turf cleats have small rubber nubs evenly spread across the outsole. This gives consistent traction on artificial surfaces without limiting flexibility. The nubs are also more durable than traditional studs for longevity.

On natural grass fields, New Balance’s Grass Grabber plate provides excellent wet weather grip. Triangular studs combined with multidirectional fins on the plate give you solid traction even in damp conditions. The elongated fins act like rudders to prevent sliding.

By evaluating factors like field surface, playing style, and traction needs, New Balance equips each lacrosse cleat with an optimized outsole. This allows you to move confidently in all directions, reacting quickly to changes on the field. Proper traction is invaluable for accelerating past defenders or stopping on a dime to evade a check.

Ankle Support Levels in New Balance Cleats

Lacrosse involves a lot of rapid changes in direction that can strain the ankles. New Balance lacrosse cleats come in low, mid, and high cuts to provide different levels of ankle support and stability based on your needs.

Low-cut lacrosse cleats like the New Balance Freeze offer the lightest feel and greatest range of motion. The flexible, low-profile collar allows your ankles to move freely through their full range of motion. Low-cut models are ideal for midfielders who need to remain quick and mobile.

Mid-cut lacrosse cleats add more coverage and support around the ankles. Models like the New Balance 4040v5 or Leadoff have padded ankle collars that rise several inches above your ankle bones. This stabilizes the ankles during lateral cuts but doesn’t restrict flexibility as much as high-top cleats.

High-top or high-cut lacrosse cleats like the Maverick High Rise provide maximum ankle stability for players who need it. The raised collar firmly locks down the ankle joint and protects against hyperextension. However, the tradeoff is some loss of mobility.

Many New Balance mid and high-cut cleats also incorporate external heel counters. These plastic or synthetic overlays wrap around the rearfoot for added structure and lockdown. This prevents your feet from sliding around inside the shoes during play.

Consider your ankle strength and stability needs when choosing lacrosse cleat height. Test out different New Balance models with your athletic trainer to determine the right level of support. While high-tops provide the most protection, low or mid-cut cleats offer more mobility for players with good ankle control.

New Balance Cleat Durability Compared to Competitors

With all the cutting, pivoting, and acceleration involved in lacrosse, cleats take a lot of abuse. Choosing a durable model ensures your shoes last through the rigors of competition without breaking down prematurely.

New Balance lacrosse cleats stand out for their exceptional durability versus competing brands. Strategic reinforcement in high-wear areas prevents early breakdown. New Balance also has decades of experience crafting durable performance footwear.

For the upper, many New Balance cleats use abrasion-resistant synthetic leathers and overlays. These synthetics maintain structure despite repeatedly rubbing against the tongue and laces. In the toe box, thermoplastic toe bumpers provide additional protection.

Outsoles on New Balance lacrosse cleats feature high-traction rubber in the forefoot and heel. Rubber naturally withstands abrasion better than many polymers. New Balance also optimizes rubber placement based on wear patterns from athlete testing.

Midsole materials like REVlite foam maintain cushioning capacity even after repeated impacts. Elements like TPU shanks and heel counters also resist flex fatigue and degradation from constant cuts.

New Balance cleats undergo rigorous lab testing to evaluate structural integrity over time. They also listen to athlete feedback during wear testing to improve durability. This results in cleats that stand up to an entire college or high school season of play.

While no cleat lasts forever, New Balance’s attention to durability ensures you get your money’s worth. Their lacrosse cleats maintain support, traction, and performance for longer versus competing brands. This lets you focus on improving skills, not replacing worn-out shoes.

Style and Design Innovations in New Balance Cleats

In addition to performance technologies, New Balance infuses their lacrosse cleats with fresh style and design elements. The brand combines technical innovations with creative aesthetics to give players cutting-edge looks on the field.

Many New Balance cleats feature bold color schemes and prints not found elsewhere. Models like the Freeze have vibrant gradient fades and graphics that pop. New Balance also adds unique textures and material mixes into the uppers for distinctive styling.

The brand collaborates with athletes to conceptualize artistic cleat designs that represent their personalities. Signature athletes like Paul Rabil have models incorporating their logos and stylized visuals. This allows players to express themselves through their footwear.

In terms of structural design, New Balance experiments with asymetric collar shapes, heel contours, and tongue construction for enhanced fit and comfort. Small details like the quilting pattern on the Burn lacrosse cleats also showcase innovation.

By drawing from data analytics, consumer feedback, and creative arts, New Balance gives players the best of both worlds – standout style and top-tier performance. Athletes no longer have to sacrifice aesthetics for functional technologies in their lacrosse cleats thanks to New Balance’s design team.

New Balance sets themselves apart from competitors by addressing the entire lacrosse cleat experience from technology to styling. Players gain an edge over opponents with the performance features while making a bold stylistic statement. New Balance empowers athletes to express themselves confidently from head to toe.

New Balance Cleat Sizing Information

Finding the right lacrosse cleat size ensures proper fit and comfort on the field. New Balance offers helpful sizing and fit tips for athletes to find their ideal size.

New Balance lacrosse cleats generally fit true to size based on your normal shoe size. However, it’s smart to try them on in-store for an accurate fit versus solely ordering online. Everyone’s feet differ slightly in dimensions.

When trying on lacrosse cleats, focus on getting a comfortable fit in the width first before assessing exact length. Your toes should have enough room to wiggle freely without jamming against the front. A thumbnail of space between your toe and the cleat is ideal.

Also pay attention to areas of tightness across the instep, under the arch, or around the ankles. Pressure points from an improperly sized cleat can lead to blisters and pain. Walk and jog around the store to test flexibility.

New Balance offers many cleat models in wide or extra wide sizes to accommodate different foot shapes. If you have wide feet, size up a half or full size and try wide options to get the proper fit.

Younger players who are still growing should size their lacrosse cleats to allow ample toe room for a few months of use before being outgrown. Leave at least a half thumb’s width from toe to end of shoe.

With time and continued use, New Balance lacrosse cleats will break-in and mold to your feet for a custom feel. But start with the right size from day one for optimal comfort and performance.

Where to Buy New Balance Lacrosse Cleats

New Balance makes it easy to find and purchase the perfect lacrosse cleats through their website and partner retailers. Here are some of the best places to shop for New Balance lacrosse footwear.

The New Balance website contains their full selection of performance lacrosse cleats. You can browse by sport then filter by gender, size, width, and color to find available models. Their site also lists lacrosse cleats on sale and provides style previews.

Major sporting goods stores like Dick’s, Hibbett, and Modell’s carry New Balance lacrosse shoes in-store. Trying cleats on in person ensures proper fit. Their knowledgeable staff can also recommend the right lacrosse cleat for your needs.

Many small, local pro shops and sporting retailers sell New Balance cleats as well. Supporting local businesses allows hands-on customer service when purchasing lacrosse gear.

Online retailers like Eastbay, Soccer.com, and Road Runner Sports offer a wide selection of New Balance cleats available to ship. Their liberal return policies allow exchanging sizes if needed.

For custom and limited edition models, New Balance’s custom cleat shop lets you design one-of-a-kind lacrosse shoes. Signature athletes like Paul Rabil also sell their branded New Balance cleats online.

New Balance empowers athletes with options to conveniently obtain their top lacrosse cleats. Browse online or visit local retailers to find the right model, color, size and price to elevate your game.

New Balance Lacrosse Cleat Price Ranges

New Balance designs performance lacrosse cleats across a range of budgets. Their shoes start around $60 for youth models up to $250 for top-tier options built for elite play.

Entry-level lacrosse cleats from New Balance cost between $60-$80. These shoes feature basic synthetic leather uppers, EVA midsoles, and solid rubber outsoles. They offer good durability and traction for recreational to junior varsity play.

Mid-range New Balance lacrosse cleats run from $80-$150. These incorporate performance technologies like REVlite midsoles, TPU plates, and abrasion-resistant synthetics. Ideal for passionate high school players.

Higher-end New Balance lacrosse cleats span $150-$250. They utilize premium materials like Pebax plates, kangaroo leather, and mesh synthetic uppers. Targeted for competitive collegiate and professional athletes.

Limited edition and pro athlete signature lacrosse cleats sit at the top end, costing over $250. The rare production runs and exclusive details demand a premium price.

Across all budgets, New Balance lacrosse cleats deliver excellent value by blending performance, quality craftsmanship, and durability. Budget-minded players can start with entry-level options and upgrade as skills improve. Investing in high-end New Balance cleats pays off through countless hours of comfortable play.

Important Factors When Selecting Lacrosse Cleats

Choosing the right lacrosse cleats involves evaluating several key factors to match shoes to your needs and preferences.

Consider the fit and sizing carefully when selecting lacrosse cleats. The shoes must fit snugly without pressure points or excessive tightness. Focus on getting the proper width and toe box room before fine-tuning length.

Determine the amount of ankle support and stability you need. Low, mid and high-cut cleats offer increasing levels of protection and lockdown for cutting maneuvers.

Assess if you need cleats better suited for speed and acceleration or lateral support for frequent position changes. Lightweight vs. durable upper materials also impact quickness.

Think about the surface you mostly compete on – natural or artificial turf. Outsoles with conical or blade studs work better for grass, while small rubber nubs excel on turf.

Factor in your foot arch type and cushioning needs. Cleats with stiff soles and less cushioning promote stability for flat feet while more cushioned models help higher arches.

Also consider your budget limitations. New Balance offers excellent performance and durability from entry-level to premium price points.

By determining must-have features versus secondary attributes, you can select well-rounded lacrosse cleats to enhance comfort, traction and support specific to your game.

New Balance Lacrosse Cleat Care and Maintenance

Taking proper care of your New Balance lacrosse cleats helps them last longer while maintaining performance and comfort.

Always allow your lacrosse cleats to fully air dry after games or practices. Stuffing damp cleats in a bag breeds bacteria and causes unpleasant odors. Remove the insoles to speed drying.

Clean dirt from your cleats frequently using warm water, mild detergent and a soft brush. This prevents the accumulation of mud or soil that can degrade materials.

Sanitize insoles and insides periodically with antibacterial spray designed for shoes. This helps eliminate odor-causing bacteria from sweaty feet.

Use leather conditioner to nourish and waterproof leather or synthetic leather uppers. This maintains suppleness and durability.

Replace insoles once they become overly compressed or worn out. Fresh insoles support the feet better and extend the cleat’s life.

Tighten loose screws or hardware on your lacrosse cleats as needed. Use cleat tape to temporarily secure any flapping material.

Store cleats on a shoe tree when not in use to retain shape and minimize creasing. Off-season, keep them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

With regular care and maintenance, New Balance lacrosse cleats will tackle season after season with ease. Show your shoes some TLC and they’ll support you on the field for many memorable games.

Are New Balance Cleats Right for Your Game?

When shopping for your next pair of lacrosse cleats, New Balance offers excellent options worth considering. Their shoes provide the technologies, durability, and style serious players demand.

Athletes needing cleats tailored for speed will appreciate New Balance models like the Burn and Freeze. The lightweight synthetic uppers and responsive midsoles generate fast momentum up and down the field.

For all-around versatility, the New Balance 4040v5 or Leadoff supply support and traction for any position’s movements. Their stud patterns and external heel counters facilitate pushing off in all directions.

Lacrosse players seeking supreme cushioning for maximum energy return will love the REVlite foam in performance cleats like the 3000v5. The soft, responsive cushioning keeps feet fresh all game long.

Those who prioritize ankle stability can rely on New Balance’s high-top offerings to reduce injury risk. The Maverick High Rise lacrosse cleat provides impressive lockdown and protection.

New Balance also injects fresh style into lacrosse cleats with their eye-catching designs and colorways. Players gain confidence expressing themselves through their footwear.

Before committing, try on different New Balance models to experience their fit, traction and support first-hand. With the right cleats, you’ll feel the difference in your quickness, stamina, and footwork during play.