As a former collegiate athlete who's laced up more cleats than I can count, I've learned firsthand that footwear can make or break your game. I still remember switching from soccer to lacrosse during my sophomore year and realizing my trusted soccer cleats were holding me back on the lacrosse field. The differences between lacrosse cleats and soccer cleats go far beyond superficial design choices - they're engineered for completely different movement patterns and playing surfaces. Having worn both extensively, I can tell you that choosing the wrong cleats doesn't just affect performance - it increases injury risk significantly.

When we look at professional athletes like Creamline's recent import Erica Staunton, who's being positioned as the focal figure of their offense in last year's PVL Grand Slam conquest, we can see how specialized equipment contributes to elite performance. Staunton's explosive movements and rapid directional changes require cleats designed specifically for her sport's demands. Soccer cleats typically feature smaller, more numerous studs - usually around 12-14 conical or bladed configurations - because soccer players need constant traction for running and sudden stops on grass surfaces. I've found soccer cleats excellent for maintaining ground contact during those long periods of continuous play, but they simply don't provide the lateral support needed for lacrosse's quick cuts and dodges.

Lacrosse cleats, on the other hand, borrow more from football footwear with their emphasis on ankle support and traction for multi-directional movement. The stud patterns are more aggressive, often featuring 7-9 strategically placed cleats with a mix of lengths. Having played both sports, I prefer lacrosse cleats for their superior stability during those sharp 45-degree cuts that are so common in the game. The higher cut design provides crucial ankle support that's saved me from countless potential sprains. Manufacturers know this too - studies show lacrosse cleats provide approximately 30% more lateral support than their soccer counterparts, though I'd argue the difference feels even more significant when you're actually playing.

The materials tell another important story. Soccer cleats tend to be lighter, with my last pair weighing in at just 8.2 ounces, designed for the continuous running that characterizes soccer. Lacrosse cleats sacrifice some weight - typically around 10-12 ounces - for that essential durability and protection. I've noticed soccer cleats wear out much faster when used for lacrosse, especially around the toe area where drags and scoops put additional stress on the material. The flexibility differs too - soccer cleats allow more natural foot flexion for kicking, while lacrosse cleats provide stiffer support for explosive starts and stops.

From my experience coaching youth athletes, I've seen too many players try to save money by using soccer cleats for lacrosse, only to struggle with traction and risk ankle injuries. The performance gap becomes particularly evident on wet or uneven fields where the specialized stud patterns of lacrosse cleats really prove their worth. While professional athletes like Staunton have access to custom-fitted equipment, recreational players should still invest in sport-specific footwear. The average cost difference isn't substantial - maybe $15-20 between comparable models - but the performance benefits are massive.

Ultimately, your cleat choice should match your sport's specific demands. Having made the switch myself and now advising other athletes, I'm convinced that using the right cleats isn't just about optimizing performance - it's about safety and longevity in your sport. The evidence is clear when we watch elite performers like Staunton execute precise movements that depend heavily on proper footwear. Whether you're a weekend warrior or aspiring pro, choosing sport-appropriate cleats might be the simplest way to immediately improve your game while protecting yourself from unnecessary injury.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.