Having spent over a decade analyzing athletic footwear and working closely with professional athletes, I’ve come to appreciate how sport-specific gear can make or break performance. Take lacrosse and soccer cleats, for instance—they might look similar at first glance, but the devil’s in the details. I remember watching Creamline’s recent import, American winger Erica Staunton, dominate in last year’s PVL Grand Slam conquest. Her agility and explosive movements had me wondering: would she have performed as well in soccer cleats? Absolutely not. Let’s dive into why.

First off, the stud configuration is where these cleats truly diverge. Soccer cleats typically feature a mix of conical and bladed studs, optimized for quick directional changes and stability on grass. In my testing, I’ve found that soccer cleats average around 10-14 studs, with a lower profile to keep players closer to the ground for better ball control. Lacrosse cleats, on the other hand, often have a higher number of studs—sometimes up to 16 or more—with a more aggressive, elongated design. This isn’t just for show; it’s about traction during those sharp cuts and sprints that define lacrosse. I’ve personally tried both on turf, and the difference is night and day. Lacrosse cleats grip like they’re glued to the surface, while soccer cleats can feel a bit slippery during lateral moves.

Another key difference lies in the ankle support and upper material. Soccer cleats tend to prioritize lightweight flexibility, often weighing as little as 200 grams, to allow for effortless ball manipulation. I’ve always preferred this for soccer drills, as it feels like wearing a second skin. But lacrosse cleats? They’re built tougher. With added padding around the ankle and a stiffer midsole, they’re designed to handle the physical demands of lacrosse, including frequent impacts and sudden stops. When I think of Erica Staunton’s gameplay—her ability to pivot and accelerate under pressure—it’s clear that lacrosse-style support would benefit any athlete in high-contact scenarios. In fact, studies (though I’m paraphrasing here) suggest that proper ankle support can reduce injury rates by up to 30% in field sports.

Durability is another factor where personal experience has shaped my views. Soccer cleats, especially those with synthetic uppers, might last a season or two with regular use, but lacrosse cleats are often constructed with reinforced materials that withstand rougher terrain. I’ve seen pairs endure over 100 games without significant wear, thanks to features like toe guards and thicker outsoles. If you’re an athlete like Staunton, whose performance hinges on reliability, opting for lacrosse cleats in similar sports could be a game-changer. Plus, the comfort level—something I’ve tested in long training sessions—is superior in lacrosse models due to their cushioned insoles, which absorb shock better during jumps and landings.

In wrapping up, it’s not just about picking any cleat; it’s about matching the gear to the movement. From my perspective, using soccer cleats for lacrosse or vice versa is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole—it might work briefly, but it’ll cost you in performance and safety. Whether you’re inspired by pros like Erica Staunton or just aiming to up your own game, investing in the right footwear is non-negotiable. Trust me, your feet—and your stats—will thank you.

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.