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Nike vs New Balance Lacrosse Cleats (2026): Huarache 9 vs Freeze 5.0 vs Burn X5
Prices updated November 2, 2026.
Nike and New Balance make most of the lacrosse cleats you'll see on a field. Nike's Huarache line and New Balance's Freeze and Burn lines have been around for years and get new versions and colorways every season. This guide compares them on fit, styles and price, then lists every Nike and New Balance cleat in our daily price check with today's prices (checked October 29, 2026; prices updated November 1, 2026). Plenty of them are on sale right now.
The short answer
Fit decides it. Many players find New Balance roomier, with more width options, and Nike narrower and snugger. If a player has wide feet, start with New Balance; if they have narrow feet or have always worn Nike, start with the Huarache. Both brands make solid lacrosse cleats, and the price differences mostly come down to which colorways are on sale.
Today's best Nike deals: Huarache 9 Elite Blue and Volt LE Low at $63.99 (was $125), Huarache 9 Varsity at $63.99 (was $90), and Huarache 9 Elite Low at $79.99 (was $120). Best New Balance deals: Burn X4 at $59.99 (was $119.99), Freeze 5.0 Clementine Low at $67.49 (was $119.99), and Freeze 5.0 x UNLTD Desert Storm Mid at $79.99 (was $139.95).
The lineups
Nike's lacrosse cleat is the Huarache. The Huarache 9 Elite is the top model, in Low ($120 list) and Mid ($130 list). The Huarache 9 Varsity ($90 list) is the budget version with simpler materials, a good choice for younger players or anyone who goes through cleats quickly.
New Balance has three lines. The Freeze is its flagship lacrosse cleat, now the Freeze 5.0, in Low ($129.95) and Mid ($139.95). The Burn X5 ($119.99) is a lighter, speed-oriented cleat, popular with attackmen and midfielders. The Rush V4 ($79.99, Low or Mid) is the budget line. Previous generations, the Freeze 4.0 and Burn X4, are now deeply discounted.
Fit and width
This is the most important difference, and it's individual. As a general pattern, New Balance tends to fit wider through the forefoot and has historically offered wide sizes in some models, while Nike's Huarache tends to fit narrower and more snug. Sizing is close to each brand's running shoes, so a player's sneaker size in that brand is a good starting point.
Always check the fit with game socks: a thumb's width at the toe, no heel slip, and no pinching at the widest part of the foot. If you're buying online, choose a retailer with easy exchanges.
Mid vs low in each brand
Both brands offer their flagship in mid and low. Mids feel more locked in around the ankle; lows are lighter and feel quicker. Neither prevents ankle sprains on its own. Players who've worn one height tend to stick with it. Because both the Huarache 9 Elite and Freeze 5.0 come in both heights, you can choose the brand by fit and the height by preference.
Elite vs budget models
The Huarache 9 Elite and Freeze 5.0 use more premium uppers and plates than the Huarache 9 Varsity and Rush V4. For a varsity player practicing daily, the flagship is usually worth it, especially on sale. For a youth or first-year player, the budget models are fine, and today a discounted flagship like the Freeze 5.0 Clementine Low ($67.49) or Huarache 9 Elite LE Low ($63.99) can cost less than a full-price budget cleat.
Previous generation vs current
Each new generation brings design updates, but the previous generation is still a capable cleat. The New Balance Burn X4 is now 38 to 50 percent off in our tracker. If the player's size is available, last generation's flagship at a budget price is often the best value in lacrosse cleats.
What about Adidas and Under Armour?
They make lacrosse and multi-sport cleats too, and two are on sale in our tracker: the Adidas Adizero at $55.99 (was $120) and the Under Armour Blur Nitro MC at $90 (was $120). If neither Nike nor New Balance fits well, try them. For more on choosing cleats, see our full lacrosse cleats guide.
Which should you buy?
Choose New Balance if the player has wider feet, likes a roomier toe box, or wants the most choice between flagship, speed and budget lines. The Freeze 5.0 is the all-around pick, the Burn X5 the lighter speed pick, and the Rush V4 the budget pick. Right now, the previous-generation Burn X4 at $59.99 (was $119.99) is the best New Balance value we track.
Choose Nike if the player has narrower feet, likes a snug, sock-like fit, or already wears Huaraches and is happy with them. The Huarache 9 Elite is the pick for serious players, and the Blue and Volt LE Low at $63.99 is a flagship cleat at budget prices. The Huarache 9 Varsity at $63.99 is a solid choice for younger players.
Whichever brand you choose, buy the size that fits today, not one to grow into. Oversized cleats cause blisters and slips, and lacrosse cleats rarely last more than a season or two of regular play anyway.
Nike lacrosse cleats (7)
Huarache 9 Elite and Varsity.
New Balance lacrosse cleats (17)
Freeze, Burn and Rush.
Other brands (2)
Adidas and Under Armour.
Related buying guides
Buying tips
- Wide feet: try New Balance first. Narrow feet: try Nike first.
- Pick mid or low by comfort; neither prevents sprains.
- Last generation's flagship on sale is often the best value.
- Budget models (Huarache Varsity, Rush V4) are fine for young players.
- Buy where exchanges are easy.
Click any product for its full price history and a link to the retailer.