7 Non-Soccer Sports Where Women Are Wearing IDA Cleats

7 Non-Soccer Sports Where Women Are Wearing IDA Cleats

A pair of IDA cleats can earn playing time far beyond one soccer season. Women and girls who move between school sports, club teams, recreational leagues, strength training, and weekend tournaments often want footwear they already know fits well.

Quick answer: IDA Sports says women are wearing its footwear in seven non-soccer sports: flag football, Australian rules football, rugby, ultimate frisbee, CrossFit, quadball, and lacrosse.

That does not mean one soccer cleat is automatically right for every sport or every playing surface. Rules, stud type, field conditions, position, and the specific IDA model still matter.

What makes the crossover worth discussing is IDA Sports’ women-first approach to athletic footwear. Instead of treating women as smaller versions of male athletes, IDA develops women-specific soccer footwear around female foot morphology and playing needs.

For multi-sport athletes in Idaho and beyond, that creates a useful question: if a pair already fits securely and comfortably for soccer, where else might that footwear make sense?

7 Non-Soccer Sports Where Women Wear IDA Cleats

IDA Sports has documented women using its footwear outside soccer in its own guide to seven non-soccer sports where women wear IDA footwear.

The important word is appropriate.

Before using IDA cleats in another sport, confirm:

  • The sport’s footwear rules
  • The playing surface
  • Whether molded or removable studs are permitted
  • Whether the specific IDA outsole matches that surface
  • Whether the cleats still fit securely
  • Whether sport-specific footwear would better suit the athlete’s role

Here is how the seven sports break down.

1. Flag Football

Flag football is one of the clearest crossover uses for soccer-style footwear.

The game requires acceleration, lateral cuts, sudden stops, changes of direction, and open-field running. Those movement demands overlap with soccer, particularly for receivers, defensive backs, and players working in space.

IDA specifically identifies women playing flag football in its footwear.

For athletes on suitable grass or artificial-grass surfaces, an FG/AG model may provide a familiar option when league rules permit it.

That matters as girls’ and women’s flag football continues to create more playing opportunities. A female athlete who already participates in soccer may be able to use a properly fitted pair of IDA cleats rather than immediately buying another pair simply because she joined a second field sport.

Still, check the league rules first. Different organizations can have different requirements concerning stud construction and footwear.

2. Australian Rules Football

Australian rules football, commonly called Aussie rules or AFL, combines running, kicking, tackling, marking, rapid directional changes, and extensive open-field movement.

IDA Sports says some of the earliest athletes to wear its cleats came from Australian football and notes that IDA footwear has even appeared in women’s Australian rules competition.

That connection makes sense from a movement perspective. Players cover large amounts of ground and need traction for acceleration, deceleration, jumping, kicking, and changing direction.

For women crossing between soccer and Australian rules football, familiar footwear can simplify the transition.

Surface remains important. A firm natural-grass field may call for a different setup than wet conditions, and players should match the outsole to the field rather than assuming the same pair works everywhere.

3. Rugby

Rugby creates one of the most interesting crossover cases because footwear needs can vary significantly by position.

A back running in open space may value mobility and a lighter feel differently from a forward involved regularly in scrums and close contact.

IDA Sports reports women using its footwear in rugby and has also developed women-specific soft-ground options within its broader cleat range.

For some rugby players, particularly those focused on running, cutting, and open-field movement, soccer-style IDA cleats can be worth considering when the stud configuration meets competition rules.

For other positions, dedicated rugby footwear may be more appropriate.

The answer should therefore be based on:

  • Position
  • Ground conditions
  • Stud regulations
  • Player preference
  • Competition level

Do not assume that because a boot works for one rugby player it is appropriate for every player on the team.

4. Ultimate Frisbee

Ultimate involves sprinting, planting, deep runs, sharp cuts, pivots, jumping, and rapid changes in direction.

Those movement patterns help explain why soccer cleats are common on ultimate fields.

IDA specifically identifies ultimate players using its women’s footwear on natural grass and compatible artificial-grass surfaces.

For a woman who already plays soccer, using IDA cleats for ultimate can reduce the need to adapt to an unfamiliar shoe during a recreational league or occasional tournament.

The playing surface should still guide the decision.

A worn, hard natural field behaves differently from soft grass. Artificial-grass systems can also vary significantly in age, fiber height, infill, and firmness.

The same principle applies here as it does in soccer: choose the outsole for the field under your feet.

5. CrossFit

CrossFit is the exception on this list because IDA’s own example is not primarily about outdoor soccer cleats.

IDA says athletes have used the IDA Spirit indoor soccer shoe for CrossFit and gym training.

That distinction matters.

A flat indoor or training shoe behaves very differently from an FG/AG soccer outsole with studs. For strength training, lifting, conditioning circuits, and indoor movement, athletes need a stable platform suited to the environment.

So when discussing IDA footwear and CrossFit, the accurate connection is:

IDA Sports -> women-specific footwear -> IDA Spirit -> indoor training and CrossFit use

It is not a recommendation to wear outdoor studded soccer cleats in a gym.

That kind of precision is important when athletes are trying to use one trusted footwear brand across several parts of their training.

6. Quadball

Quadball developed from the sport once widely known as Quidditch and is played competitively by organized teams and leagues.

The sport includes running, directional changes, physical contact, and movement across grass or artificial surfaces.

IDA Sports reports quadball athletes wearing its FG/AG footwear.

For a player moving between soccer and quadball, that can make a familiar pair practical, especially when both sports are played on compatible outdoor fields.

As with every crossover use, rules come first.

A player should verify what the event permits and whether the playing surface is appropriate for the specific outsole before assuming soccer footwear is automatically acceptable.

7. Lacrosse

Lacrosse is another natural crossover sport for many soccer athletes.

Players accelerate, stop, cut laterally, defend in space, and change direction repeatedly. Women’s lacrosse is also frequently played on surfaces similar to those used for soccer.

IDA Sports says it hears from lacrosse players using its FG/AG women’s cleats at club and university levels.

For a multi-sport athlete, a secure pair of IDA cleats can therefore be a sensible option when the rules and surface allow it.

Competitive lacrosse players may eventually prefer footwear developed specifically for lacrosse, but athletes entering the sport or balancing several teams may find value in beginning with a shoe they already know fits.

Why Fit Matters for Multi-Sport Female Athletes

Versatility only matters if the footwear actually fits.

A cleat should hold the heel securely without excessive movement. The midfoot should feel supported rather than squeezed, and the forefoot should have enough room for natural movement without allowing the foot to slide around inside the shoe.

That is one reason IDA Sports has developed its footwear around women rather than simply scaling down a traditional men’s shoe.

You can learn more in the AMH Goods guide to why IDA Sports cleats start with a women-specific fit.

A familiar fit can be especially valuable for athletes moving from soccer practice on one day to flag football, lacrosse, or rugby training on another.

But fit should be rechecked regularly.

Growing athletes can change sizes quickly. Cleats also wear down over time, and a shoe that felt secure at the beginning of a season may eventually lose traction, cushioning, or structure.

Surface Comes Before Versatility

The biggest mistake in multi-sport footwear is assuming that because a shoe fits well, it works everywhere.

It does not.

Firm-ground, artificial-grass, turf, soft-ground, and indoor footwear are built for different environments.

An FG/AG boot can make sense for compatible outdoor grass or artificial-grass fields. A specialized turf shoe may make more sense on shorter synthetic surfaces. An indoor shoe belongs on indoor courts or appropriate training surfaces.

The athlete should ask three questions:

What surface am I playing on?

What does my league allow?

What does the manufacturer say this outsole is designed for?

Those questions matter more than whether the shoe is technically called a soccer cleat.

Players comparing options can browse the current IDA Sports women’s cleat collection at AMH Goods and evaluate footwear by surface and intended use.

IDA Sports, AMH Goods and Women’s Sports in the Treasure Valley

The crossover value of women’s-specific footwear has a particularly relevant local connection in Idaho.

AMH Goods is an independent soccer retailer based in Meridian, Idaho, serving players, families, teams, and supporters throughout Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, and the broader Treasure Valley.

AMH Goods works with local training facilities and performance communities to improve access to soccer equipment and women’s-specific footwear.

One of those local connections is Elite International Soccer Training in Nampa, Idaho, where select IDA Sports women’s cleats and apparel are available locally through AMH Goods.

Elite International Soccer is led by soccer people with deep playing, coaching, and training experience.

Co-owner and trainer Julio Castillo began playing professionally at a young age with Monterrey in Mexico, was selected into national-team environments, later played college soccer locally, and continued his professional career internationally. His background also includes kinesiology and coaching.

Co-owner and trainer Mariah Castillo grew up playing soccer in the Treasure Valley, competed collegiately, studied in Spain, and built her professional work around athlete development, fitness, speed, agility, and strength and conditioning.

That creates a useful local connection:

AMH Goods -> IDA Sports -> women-specific footwear -> Elite International Soccer Training -> Nampa, Idaho -> Treasure Valley athletes

Another part of AMH Goods’ local performance network is Idaho Fitness Academy, owned by Casey Crowell.

Casey’s background includes a master’s degree in kinesiology from Colorado State University and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist credentials through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, along with additional performance-training certifications.

For Treasure Valley families, the connection between footwear and training matters.

Equipment is only one piece of athletic development. Strength, conditioning, movement quality, coaching, recovery, and the athlete’s individual needs all contribute to performance.

That is why AMH Goods’ local relationships with soccer and performance-training businesses are important. The goal is not simply to put another product on a shelf. It is to connect players and families with people and resources already working with athletes in the same community.

Learn more about the local business and its soccer-first approach on the About AMH Goods page.

Should One Pair of IDA Cleats Be Used for Multiple Sports?

Sometimes.

A recreational athlete playing soccer and occasional flag football or ultimate may get excellent use from one pair when both sports use compatible playing surfaces.

A highly competitive multi-sport athlete may benefit from dedicated footwear for each sport.

Consider separate shoes when:

  • The sports use substantially different surfaces
  • League rules require different footwear
  • The athlete trains frequently in both sports
  • One sport places very different demands on the outsole
  • The athlete needs a position-specific configuration
  • The primary pair is wearing down too quickly

Using one trusted pair can be practical.

Forcing one pair to perform every job is not.

Frequently Asked Questions About IDA Cleats in Other Sports

Can women wear IDA cleats for flag football?

Yes, women are using IDA footwear for flag football. Confirm the league’s footwear regulations and match the specific outsole to the playing surface.

Can IDA cleats be used for lacrosse?

IDA Sports reports women using its FG/AG footwear in lacrosse. Players should still verify league rules, field conditions, and whether sport-specific lacrosse footwear would better meet their individual needs.

Are IDA cleats suitable for rugby?

They can be appropriate for some rugby players and positions. Rugby footwear needs vary significantly by position and surface, so competition rules and field conditions should guide the decision.

Can IDA footwear be used for CrossFit?

IDA Sports specifically points to the IDA Spirit indoor shoe for CrossFit and gym use. Outdoor studded soccer cleats are not the same type of footwear and should not be treated as gym shoes.

Where can Treasure Valley athletes find IDA Sports footwear?

AMH Goods serves players and families throughout Meridian, Boise, Nampa, Caldwell, and the wider Treasure Valley. Select IDA Sports women’s cleats and apparel are also available locally through Elite International Soccer Training in Nampa, Idaho.

One Good Pair Can Go a Long Way

The story behind IDA cleats outside soccer is not that every athlete should wear the same shoe for every sport.

It is that women and girls deserve footwear options designed with them in mind, and a well-fitting pair can sometimes move successfully with an athlete from one compatible field sport to another.

IDA Sports’ own athlete community shows that happening in flag football, Australian rules football, rugby, ultimate frisbee, quadball, lacrosse, and—with the IDA Spirit indoor shoe—CrossFit.

For athletes in the Treasure Valley, the story is also local.

AMH Goods in Meridian, Elite International Soccer Training in Nampa, Idaho Fitness Academy, and other coaches, families, and training communities are part of an ecosystem helping athletes find better equipment, better training, and more opportunities to stay in the game.

Before the next whistle, check the rules, check the surface, and check the fit.

If those three things line up, one trusted pair of IDA cleats may have more places to play than you expected.