In baseball, the performance of a player depends on their skill set and the quality of the gear or equipment. The cleats, bats or gloves that you choose can directly impact how you play on the field. Baseball cleats, in particular, can make all the difference between a win and a loss when you are down to the last crucial minutes of the game. Its why you should make sure that you only choose from the best baseball cleats in the market.
As a baseball player, you have to be on the move frequently. So your legs and feet need all the support that they can get from the right footwear. Baseball cleats are designed to aid players in flexibility and movement so that they can run around the field without slowing down or injuring their feet.
In this guide, you will find out everything there is to know about baseball cleats, from their different types to the best cleats that are presently available.
What are the Different Types of Baseball Cleats?
There are various types of baseball cleats that you will come across. They basic difference lies within the studs which are made from materials such as metal or rubber. The type that you choose has to be in accordance with your position on the team.
This is quite important as the wrong pair of cleats could create mobility issues for you during the game. So other than their unique construction or design, you should make sure that you pick cleats which are specifically created for your position as infielder, outfielder or pitcher.
Before we go into that discussion, let's discuss the different kinds of cleats which are created for baseball players.
Molded
These ones come with a molded and versatile design. The curved sole is quite strong and has rubber and plastic studs attached to it. They can actually be worn on every surface from asphalt to concrete or even soft mud. Since the studs are created from a lightweight material, the shoes has a higher bounce from the ground.
For beginners and youth players, these shoes can be a very good choice. Other than that, they can also work for adults who want durability in their footwear.
They are less costly than other type of cleats such as metal but are highly comfortable due to more studs being used in their construction.
If you find yourself playing on challenging terrain where there is a risk of your cleats getting stuck into the ground, you should pick molded baseball cleats.
Turf or Training
As it is fairly obvious by the name, the cleats are essentially used to play on an artificial field such as a turf. The turf cleats are also referred to as trainers because they are commonly worn by players to practice off the field.
This type of baseball cleat offers the highest traction and keep the foot near the ground. It can help you avoid injury and be very comfortable while training for long hours.
The stud pattern is different from plastic ones and slightly towards the flat side. If you look at the design of turf cleats, you will realize that they sleeker than the others. The lack of spikes in these cleats makes them ideal for turfs or practice ground as the grip of the shoe becomes stronger.
During practice sessions on artificial turf, it is actually recommended that you wear these cleats instead of metal or plastic ones. The metal cleats could tear through the surface or cause damage to the field.
Metal
These are quite popular in baseball and often chosen by players for their aggressive movement on the field. The cleats are made of metal and are found on the side of the shoes as well. Metal baseball cleats happen to be designed for specific functions that players on various positions can take advantage of.
Since the material is quite hard, these cleats can work very well on fields that have a rough terrain or harsh surface. If you compare them with molded baseball cleats, you will find that these ones provide the best kind of traction.
Their grip is quite strong and makes it easier for players at-bat to make tricky hits without losing their hold on the bat or tripping. The metal cleats for baseball are preferred by professional players in the MLB for instance, however, their use is subjected to certain rules.
For minor leagues or youth players, the metal cleats might be restricted. This is primarily because the shoes can make people more prone to injury. Since the metal studs dig into ground, it can be challenging to change the direction on the field quickly and follow the ball.
TPU/MCS
Now, this type may seem quite unusual to you but can provide a lot of benefits. The TPU/MCS cleats are made from a specific material that belongs to a category of polyurethane plastics. While these baseball cleats are quite similar to the molded ones, they have a small difference in their design.
The studs found on such cleats are made from a hard and strong plastic instead of rubber. In fact, these shoes are known for their spiky studs that can run smoothly on various fields or grounds.
They also offer a high level of comfort to the players and are less expensive than the molded cleats with rubber studs.
Sizing and Fitting Guide for Baseball Cleats
It is critically important for you to find the right size of baseball cleats. Otherwise, you might end up with cleats that may be too tight or larger than your feet size. When you are searching for the best baseball cleats, it is imperative that you get those which fit snugly.
This way, you can avoid problems such as skin tears or slippage on the field. With the accurate size and fit, you can run and move around freely without worrying about losing your footing.
Getting the right measurement or size for baseball cleats is actually quite simple.
How to Measure the Size
When looking for your size in baseball cleats, you have to consider sizing up both feet. So think of it as going shopping for any other type of sneakers or shoes. However, there is one major difference that you have to keep in mind here. Cleats that are the right fit for you have to be slightly tight.
The idea here is that there shouldn't be a lot of space inside the shoes for the feet to move. You don't want your top slipping to the front or your heel sliding back during an important game. So while getting the most suitable size of baseball cleat for an adult, make sure that there is only a quarter inch of room from the edge.
It should be a snug fit on the heel as most cleats are likely to expand with usage and time. For youths and kids who are in the growing stage, the accurate size of baseball cleats can be a little spacious. However, you don't want to go with baseball cleats that are one or two sizes bigger than the current measurement.
The ideal size for young players is just about an half an inch or size more than the foot. A good way to measure this is by placing one finger towards the heel or ankle of cleat. If it fits comfortably, then you can choose that shoe for a little league or youth player.
Other than this, you should always give comfort a top priority during the hunt for high quality baseball cleats. Since you will be wearing the shoes for a few hours on the field, they should keep your feet in shape and prevent blisters as well.
Selecting Baseball Cleats According to Position
Once you have figured out which type is best suited to your style of play and matches the requirements of your league, you need to consider your position on the team. As it has been mentioned above, baseball cleats are created or designed according to those.
Some may be great for outfielders while others could be the ideal choice for a pitcher or infielder. Its mainly to do with the design and construction of the shoes.
Before we go on to discuss the various positions and how to find the right cleats according to them, let's clarify a bit of a confusion that some players might have. Baseball and softball cleats are very similar so there may be quite a few people who could mistake the two. To picking the wrong shoes, you should know what makes them different from each other.
Difference Between Baseball and Softball Cleats
The history of baseball cleats goes back to the 1860s when the first pair was reportedly developed by Reebok. According to researchers, Paul Butler was spotted wearing shoes with metal spikes on the field during that time. From then onwards, players began to quickly adapt to this new trend of wearing baseball cleats during the game.
Cleats for baseball have evolved greatly over the years. As compared to softball shoes, the design of these ones is vastly different. Footwear for baseball players usually comes with a wide toe hole or box that helps improve their grip on the ground.
Softball cleats are narrow from the front and should have rectangular studs. This is quite the contrast from baseball shoes which can carry studs of any shape or edge.
These are the basic factors that can help you differentiate between baseball and softball cleats.
Now, moving on, here are some of the important positions that you need to take into account when buying the best cleats for baseball.
Outfielder
If you play at the outfield position on the team, you should look into selecting footwear with metal studs. This is primarily because molded or plastic studs in cleats tend to catch a higher amount of dirt or mud.
On the outfield, you want something that can help you hold a firm position in the ground and allow you to run, dive or switch positions in seconds. Cleats with metal studs can provide you with great traction and smooth movement.
You will not have to worry about carrying debris from the ground or field while catching or throwing the ball.
Pitcher
The shoes for pitchers also need a lot of support and freedom as well. Most pitchers require gear which helps them with their quick reflexes.
For them, the cleats should be able to dig into the ground and provide stability. Its why metal studs can work wonders for a player trying to get the batter dismissed.
Baseball shoes with metal studs are quite high-powered and are a better choice for pitchers than molded or plastic cleats.
Infielder
Now, this position is quite interesting and require good speed and strength. If you are an infielder, you actually have a choice of molded baseball cleats and metal ones. Both of these types suit the position and you can make your pick depending on the ground or surface of play.
So in case the terrain is dense and soft, you could opt for metal cleats which would offer a firm grip without damaging the field.
Otherwise, molded cleats with rubber studs can be quite effective for making catches or throws.
How to Choose the Best Baseball Cleats
There are a lot of things that you have to take into account while picking the right baseball shoes. You don't want to end up with a pair that begins to show wear and tear after one season or causes blisters on your feet in a few hours.
To make sure that the ones you choose are high quality, you need to focus on some of these traits or features that can help you bring your best to the game.
Materials
The material and the construction of a baseball cleat is critically important to its performance. You'll find that there mostly two kinds of materials used to create or design footwear for adults and youths in baseball, synthetic leather and genuine leather.
Original Leather
With original leather, you might be able to get slightly more out of your cleats. This material offers a high durability, is very breathable and resistant to damage.
While these are great characteristics that could put you at an instant advantage on the field, you should know that a shoe made from genuine leather is quite expensive.
If you have the budget and are willing to make a hefty investment in your footwear, then you should choose the ones made from this material.
Synthetic Leather
Otherwise, a baseball cleat that has been been created with synthetic leather can also make for a great choice. It is used in some of the best baseball cleats in the market.
This material is made with a combination of others which include mesh and polyester. Cleats designed from synthetic leather are quite flexible and can last a long time if cared for properly.
They are also highly affordable and can be ideal for youths in high school or kids as well.
Height
This is one of the most important things to look at when choosing a pair of cleats. The height of shoes varies with design, style and sometimes type too. During your search for the perfect baseball cleats, you will come across shoes that are low-cut and high-cut.
The one you select depends on your preference and the kind of support your ankle requires on the field.
Low-Cut or Top
As you may have already guessed, the low-cut or top cleats are slightly short in height and have a shoe hole which is closer to the ground. Cleats which come with this specification are very quick and lightweight too.
The low-cut shoes are designed to provide greater speed to the players with less ankle support. You can also roll them if you like.
High-Cut or Top
These cleats are created to offer the best support to the ankle. The high top shoe is almost full length and quite the distance from the field.
If you are looking for stability and strength more than speed, then this height of shoe can work very well for you.
It is slightly heavier than the low top cleats due to additional ankle support so your feet may feel the impact after a long game.
There are also some cleats that come in a mid top height which basically means that they offer ease of movement along with solid ankle support.
Durability
When it comes to baseball cleats, you are making a considerable investment that can range from $100 and under to higher. So its crucial that you get your money's worth and have shoes which are highly durable and last for two to three seasons.
Cleats that are made from original leather can have more durability than other materials. Similarly mesh or synthetic leather shoes could also be long-lasting when cleaned properly with a damp rag and stored in a dry place. You can use an old toothbrush to get the dirt off the studs.
Metal and rubber studs do not get damaged easily so you can be at peace of mind with such cleats.
Brands
As a player, you want nothing but the best from your footwear. Pros in the MLB usually prefer baseball cleats from brands such as Adidas, Under Armour, New Balance and Nike. They make some of the finest and coolest baseball cleats that you'll find.
You can explore a lot of options in brands before making a purchase.
Interchangeable Cleats
This is one critically essential feature that can make you a better player on the field. The modern day baseball shoes that you see come with the choice of interchangeable cleats.
There are companies or brands such as New Balance or Nike who have created footwear which allows the player to benefit from both metal and molded studs. You can easily change the cleats on your shoes as most of them come with screws.
So the player has the choice to switch depending on their personal preference for the game or the condition of the field.
League Regulations
The Major League allows players to wear metal studs or spikes for great traction and grip. Since these are slightly risky, they are restricted in the little league where molded or interchangeable cleats are permitted.
For high school and college players, cleats with metal studs are allowed.
The Top 7 Picks in Baseball Cleats
The hunt for the ideal baseball cleat can be slightly confusing. There are a lot of great options and sometimes, you may find yourself overwhelmed between the choices. To make it easier for you, here are top seven baseball cleats that you can find currently.
1. Adidas PowerAlley 4
These Adidas Baseball cleats are one of the most powerful shoes in the sportswear. Like New Balance, Adidas is also know for making sports gear of the highest quality.
With their leather construction and metal studs, they are designed to boost a player's performance on the field. These cleats are low top and offer steady ankle support too.
If you want to choose metal cleats rather than plastic cleats, this one should be at the top of your list. The shoe offers the highest level of comfort and reduced pressure with its Ironskin toe overlay feature.
These Adidas baseball cleats have pretty much everything going for them.
2. New Balance 4040 v5
The New Balance baseball cleats have been designed from synthetic material and can instantly lift your style game as a baseball player. These metal cleats are quite spiky and provide a lot of support during tricky movements.
Due to their low top structure, players can enjoy quick speed on the field. With maximum traction and flexibility, the New Balance cleats are certainly worth the high price tag they carry.
You may also find an affordable option but if you want a customized pair of metal baseball cleats, then try accommodating it within your budget.
3. Mizuno 9-Spike
This is one of the best baseball cleat that you will come across in the market. Unlike the New Balance and Adidas shoe, the Mizuno 9-Spike has molded cleats. In fact, these are among the finest molded baseball cleats.
The studs are designed from rubber while the sole is synthetic. Instead of the usual high top or low top shoe, this shoe comes in a mid-range height.
This means that you will get good speed with ample ankle support. If you want to opt for molded baseball cleats, this is one choice that should be at the top of your list.
4. Nike Vapor Ultrafly Keystone
For young kids and youth player, these are the perfect baseball cleats. They have been created with synthetic leather and are quite breathable as well. The running shoes feature rubber studs instead of metal cleats and a mesh design on the top.
These have a high top design which offers full length cover to the ankle and come with sole cushion too. This keeps the feet well-protected and provide additional comfort.
If you are looking to buy the best cleats for youth baseball, then these can make for a great choice.
5. Nike Huarache 2k Filth
The Nike baseball cleats are no stranger in the world of sports. They are often worn by professionals in the league and college players as well. These cleats are designed with mesh and rank among the best metal baseball cleats.
This cleat has a powerful stud pattern which makes it great for pitchers. It provides a strong grip and allows players to dig their feet in any type of field.
You also don't have to worry about ankle support with these shoes. While you may not get a full length back, the cleats come in a mid top height which offers protection to the leg area without compromising the speed.
They are actually the best baseball cleats for pitchers that you'll find.
6. New Balance 3000 V4
New Balance is renowned for producing high quality footwear for baseball and this one is no different. The low top cleats have a lot going for them. These metal cleats are quite hard and offer a firm grip to the player.
With its unique design, the New Balance shoe provides quick movement on the field. If you are looking for the best baseball cleats for wide feet, then this is it.
The New Balance 3000 V4 offers a high level of comfort on the heel and can make it easier for you to adjust according to the catch or throw.
7. Under Armour Harper One
The shoe is named after Bryce Harper and has a design which stands out immediately. This comes in a high top range of height and provides a full length backing to the ankle.
Just like other good quality running shoes, the metal cleats are designed for breathability and agility. These high top baseball cleats are strong and come with a SuperSole for better comfort. This makes them the best baseball cleats for heel pain as the impact is greatly reduced.
Unlike molded cleats, the studs can be planted into the ground for an improved grip.
Conclusion
It can be challenging to pick the right baseball cleat. You can take your pick from some of the top notch ones given here. While they all have great features and look incredibly stylish, the New Balance 4040 V5 is a league of its own.
The metals cleats by New Balance are low top and work better than the plastic cleats on harsh surfaces.
You'll find that these to be highly comfortable and certainly worth the investment as one of the best baseball cleats in the market.