As I lace up my lacrosse cleats before practice, I can't help but reflect on how crucial proper footwear is for athletic performance. Having played both lacrosse and soccer competitively for over eight years, I've developed strong opinions about the distinct characteristics of each sport's footwear. The recent news about Creamline's American winger Erica Staunton joining their PVL Grand Slam conquest reminds me how specialized equipment can make or break an athlete's performance at the highest levels.

When you first glance at lacrosse and soccer cleats, they might appear similar, but the differences become immediately apparent once you start moving. Soccer cleats typically feature a lower profile with more numerous, shorter studs distributed evenly across the sole - usually around 10-14 conical studs measuring approximately 0.5 inches in height. This configuration provides the continuous ground contact and quick directional changes that soccer demands. I remember trying to play lacrosse in soccer cleats during my first year and struggling tremendously with traction during sudden stops and explosive movements. Lacrosse cleats, in contrast, have fewer but longer studs - often 7-9 strategically placed studs reaching up to 0.75 inches - including prominent toe studs that soccer cleats completely lack. This design gives lacrosse players that explosive forward propulsion and lateral stability needed for the sport's stop-start nature.

The materials tell another important story. High-end soccer cleats prioritize ball feel above everything else, using ultra-thin synthetic materials that might weigh as little as 6-8 ounces per cleat. Lacrosse cleats, while still lightweight at around 8-10 ounces, offer more substantial ankle support and protection - something I've come to appreciate after numerous accidental stepped-on ankles during games. The stiffer construction in lacrosse cleats provides that crucial lateral support when making sharp cuts, whereas soccer cleats maintain flexibility to accommodate the foot's natural movement during kicking motions.

Looking at professional athletes like Erica Staunton, who's expected to be a focal point in Creamline's offense during their PVL Grand Slam campaign, we can see how specialized equipment contributes to elite performance. While I'm nowhere near that level, I've learned through experience that using the wrong cleats doesn't just hinder performance - it increases injury risk. I've seen statistics suggesting that ankle injuries decrease by approximately 30% when athletes use sport-appropriate footwear, though I'd need to verify that exact figure through proper research.

The performance implications extend beyond just traction and support. Soccer cleats are designed with kicking precision in mind, featuring clean striking surfaces and minimal seams where the foot contacts the ball. Lacrosse cleats, meanwhile, account for the different movements involved in cradling, throwing, and the physical contact inherent in the game. Personally, I find lacrosse cleats more comfortable for longer periods of wear, though soccer purists might disagree. The break-in period for lacrosse cleats tends to be shorter in my experience - maybe 2-3 practices compared to 4-5 for soccer cleats.

Ultimately, understanding these distinctions matters more than many athletes realize. Whether you're a weekend warrior or an aspiring professional like the players Erica Staunton competes against, choosing the right footwear directly impacts your performance and safety. I've made the mistake of using cross-sport footwear before, and the difference isn't subtle - it's the difference between feeling confident in your movements and constantly fighting your equipment. The specialized design of each cleat type reflects the unique demands of its respective sport, and respecting those differences can elevate your game in ways you might not expect.

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.