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So, your child recently developed an interest in soccer. Now, you need to go shopping for the gear they need. But one thing has left you slightly confused; cleats. However, judging by how often this question is asked, you aren’t the only parent wondering if baseball cleats can be used for soccer. Let us know “Can My Kid Wear Baseball Cleats For Soccer?”
Can My Kid Wear Baseball Cleats For Soccer?
The simple and short answer to the big question of if or not your kid can wear baseball cleats for soccer is no. And this article is going to explain why and every other important thing you need to know about cleats when it comes to soccer.
Why Your Kid Can’t Wear Baseball Cleats For Soccer?
There are three major reasons why your child cannot wear a baseball cleat during a soccer game. Firstly, soccer involves full contact and the risks involved in the sport are a whole lot more than what is involved in baseball. Therefore, to prevent injuries, soccer cleats do not come with toe studs. Whereas, baseball cleats have toe studs since the contact and risk involved in the sport are limited.
Also, a baseball cleat is heavier and longer than a soccer cleat. This is due to the midsole and toe studs present in baseball cleats. If your kid wears a baseball cleat for soccer, it may end up weighing them down. This will make it a lot harder for them to run across the field. If your kid can’t run during the game, then their performance will be substantially affected.
Moreover, the referee may not allow your kid to play soccer while wearing a baseball cleat. This is because they know the safety hazards baseball cleats pose during soccer games. So, when getting cleats for soccer for your child, you should go with a soccer cleat.
Types Of Soccer Cleats
Soccer cleats are often categorized into different types based on certain factors like the shape and material of the stud, the surface played on, and even the player’s position. However, the surface played on is one of the common ways soccer cleats are grouped.
Based on this factor, soccer cleats can be classified into the following main categories:
- Indoor
- Artificial/turf ground
- Soft ground
- Firm ground
As a parent looking to buy a soccer cleat for your kid, you should know the different types of soccer cleats and the type of surface your kid will be playing on. Knowing these things will help you select the right cleat for your kid.
How To Buy The Right Soccer Cleat For Your Kid?
Choosing the right soccer cleat for your kid is important. You can’t buy just any cleat and expect to get the best out of it. Instead, make sure you look out for the following important features:
1. Size
Kids can grow pretty fast, so you may consider getting a cleat that has extra toe space to accommodate your kid’s growing feet. This is a good idea, however; you should not get a size that is too big. Your kid’s soccer cleat should fit snugly on the feet.
If the cleat is too big, your child may have a hard time running and kicking. And this will reduce the kid’s performance.
2. Studs
Do not buy a cleat that has metal or pointed studs for your child. The studs on your child’s soccer cleat should be made of either molded plastic or rubber. Also, ensure that the studs are rounded rather than pointed.
3. Material
Soccer cleats made with leather may be a better buy for your kids. This is because leather cleats typically stretch over time. And this would accommodate your kid’s growing feet better.
Synthetic materials stay in shape longer than leather. However, your kid will most likely outgrow their cleat before it gets worn out.
4. Laces
Consider getting a soccer cleat that has Velcro rather than just lace. This is because your kid’s laces can come untied during the game and they may have to stop the game to fix it or they could even trip on it and fall. A Velcro top will prevent this from happening.
Conclusion
Now we have learnt “Can My Kid Wear Baseball Cleats For Soccer?”, Your kid should not wear a baseball cleat to play soccer. Baseball cleats do not offer the necessary protection needed for soccer. And it may also affect your child’s performance during the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Soccer and Football Cleats the Same?
Soccer and football cleats are not the same. A soccer cleat is typically low cut, whereas, a football cleat can be made in high-top, medium, and low styles. Football cleats also have toe studs and thicker outsoles.
2. When Should Kids Start Wearing Cleats?
Kids from 5 years and above should wear cleats and shin guards when playing soccer to prevent injury.
3. How Tight Should Soccer Cleats Be?
Soccer cleats should not be too tight. They should be snug enough to feel firm on the feet to ensure proper control. However, they should not be too tight so that circulation to the feet doesn’t get cut off.