Baseball cleats come in a variety of styles with different materials and features depending on the level of play. This baseball cleats buying guide attempts to cover all the key features to look for and answer some of the most common questions about cleats.
Types of Baseball Cleats
Metal Cleats
One of the more popular types of baseball cleats with older players are metal-studded cleats. An overwhelming benefit of using metal cleats is that they provide excellent support and traction.
Metal cleats dig into the ground, keeping your foot position firm and stable. This is advantageous for batters who want to hit the baseball without slipping or losing their balance.
The downside to this type of cleats is that when you have to move or change direction suddenly, metal cleats occasionally dig in and cause your ankle to twist unnaturally. Metal cleats also wear down quickly or get damaged if used on surfaces other than dirt or grass. They also need to be removed before walking on surfaces like tile or marble flooring where both the floor and the cleats will damage.
Molded Plastic or Rubber Cleats
Rubber or plastic cleats are the next popular choice among youth players. These types of cleats often cost less than their metal counterparts.
Molded plastic or rubber cleats do not dig into the ground as much as metal cleats, so the resulting traction is comparatively weaker. On the plus side, plastic and rubber cleats are lighter weight than metal, which allows players to kick off from the ground quickly and with ease.
Fast direction switching or running on muddy basepaths are both feasible when wearing plastic or rubber cleats. It’s also much easier to walk on surfaces that aren’t grass or dirt with plastic or rubber cleats. Unlike metal cleats, rubber, and plastic don’t typically damage tile flooring. They may still wear down when walking on pavement.
Turf Cleats
Unless you play on artificial surfaces, turf cleats are more suited for practice or training facilities rather than games. They keep your foot close to the ground, providing better stability and minimizing the risk of injury.
Youth players typically prefer turf cleats when they need comfortable and functional footwear without maximum performance. This makes turf cleats ideal for training sessions.
Baseball Cleats by Position
A player’s position is one of the most important considerations when choosing the right type of cleats. Each position has different requirements.
For instance, if you are running between bases, you need explosive power and agility without the risk of injury. Similarly, if you are an outfielder, you need good ground clearance. Here are our recommendations for cleats based on a player’s position on the field.
Infielders: Infielders typically run on a portion of the field where the ground is more compact. This means they should wear a type of cleat that gathers up as little sand as possible, allowing them to move around quickly and easily. For this reason, molded rubber or plastic cleats are typically the best option for young infielders.
Outfielders: Metal cleats are a good option for outfielders. They let outfielders dig into and out of the ground quickly, which is an advantage, especially when outfielders have to chase after fly balls.
Pitchers: Cleats are one of the most important pieces of a pitcher’s kit. The right pair of cleats helps pitchers stay stable and maintain their grip on the ground when pitching at exceptionally high speeds. Metal cleats are a good choice in this scenario as they dig into the ground and offer maximum stability.
All of the above recommendations are also dependent on league-specific rules about footwear. For instance, in Little League, metal cleats are not allowed until players have passed the Majors level of play.
High top, Low top, or Mid top cleats?
High tops: As the name suggests, high tops feature ankle supports that extend beyond the ankle. They provide extra support for players, helping them keep their ankles free from injuries. They also restrict the ankle’s range of motion which will slow acceleration when running.
Low tops: Low tops feature low ankle supports, allowing players to make rapid lateral movements easily. Low tops are preferable where speed is required, although they minimize ankle support and increase the chances of injury.
Mid tops: Mid tops balance ankle support and speed. They allow for easy movement on the field while significantly reducing the risk of ankle injury.
Mid top cleats are our baseball cleats buying guide recommendation for most players. The benefits of being able to balance ankle support and mobility wins out over low top and high top options.
Determining how your cleats fit?
It is important to get the size right for baseball cleats. If the cleats are too tight, they will pinch your foot and make your feet hurt. If they are too small in the toe, they can also cause significant discomfort or blistering.
When cleats are too loose, they will get in the way of running and potentially cause blistering on your heels.
If you are stuck with choosing cleats that don’t quite fit, our baseball cleats buying guide recommendation is to go with cleats that are slightly loose. As you run, feet naturally swell a small amount and you can also add thicker socks. Shoes that are too tight will just feel uncomfortable.
Most cleats that feel a little tight will get broken in with time and expand, fitting your feet more accurately. This is why it is okay if you get a pair of cleats that are a bit tight.
Baseball Cleat Materials
The upper part of baseball cleats are made with a combination of different materials. Popular materials include synthetic leather and mesh.
Synthetic leather adds durability and resilience to the shoes, while mesh makes them more breathable. Together, they offer cleats that deliver good performance and last long.
Genuine leather is also used in the construction of baseball cleats. However, it costs significantly more compared to synthetic leather.
If you play on fields with damp grass, synthetic leather or genuine leather will do a better job of keeping your feet dry.
Weight of baseball cleats
Cleats come in a variety of materials and designs, which is why there is a significant weight range for baseball cleats.
Generally, lightweight cleats enable faster running on the field. In contrast, heavier cleats may hinder your reaching your peak speed.
Low-top cleats are typically lightweight, but they offer no ankle protection. In contrast, high-top cleats are heavier but provide good ankle support. It would help to weigh these factors before determining the right weight for your baseball cleats.
Comfort of fit
Turf cleats are the clear winner in terms of comfort. These sleek shoes are specifically designed to deliver maximum comfort for your feet and ankles while allowing you to train on the field. However, these cleats are not suitable for an actual baseball game.
Molded plastic or rubber cleats are considered the most comfortable for actual games.
This is because these cleats have evenly distributed cleats on their underside, keeping the pressure even on your foot. This keeps you stable and sprint-ready at the same time. Plastic or rubber cleats are also lighter, making them more comfortable to wear and run with.
The sole of your cleats
The sole of a baseball cleat consists of several parts. These include the insole, the midsole, the soleplate, and the actual studs or cleats on the underside.
Manufacturers typically use highly durable TPU plastic for the soleplate to provide a reliable surface for attaching the studs to the shoe and to withstand most wear and tear during baseball games.
When selecting the right baseball cleat, ensure the soleplate is highly durable and check if it accommodates removable cleats or studs or if the studs are permanently affixed. Soleplates that support removable studs allow the use of plastic and metal studs.
Studs are what makes a cleated shoe
The studs on the sole are most commonly made of metal, plastic, or rubber. As discussed above, metal studs help you dig into and out of the ground quickly, giving you maximum traction.
In contrast, plastic or rubber studs let you change direction quickly and are more forgiving on your ankles. Determine the type you prefer, then ensure the sole you have shortlisted supports it.
Breathability and odor-resistance
Breathability and odor resistance are essential when buying a pair of baseball cleats. Allowing air to circulate on your feet while wearing the cleats helps keep them dry and reducesodors. The material and design of the cleats play significant roles in their breathability and ability to resist odors.
Genuine leather generally offers better breathability compared to synthetic leather, which is why manufacturers often incorporate mesh into synthetic designs. Ventilation holes in the shoe’s upper part ensure breathability by letting air flow in and out.
These holes are particularly beneficial in summer, helping to keep your feet cool and dry. Adequate ventilation and breathability are key to the comfort of baseball cleats, especially in warmer weather.
In terms of odor-resistance, make sure you take your cleats out of your bag between games and practices. The best way to keep them from smelling is to give the inside of the cleats a chance to dry out.
Cushioning
The degree of cushioning in baseball cleats depends on several features, including the insole, midsole, and heel sections. The insole, the surface your feet rest on inside the cleats, can sometimes be removed and replaced with one of your choice, allowing for better orthotic support.
Midsoles add a layer of cushioning under your feet. Their thickness and design can vary across different models. When choosing midsoles, aim for a balance between cushioning and thickness, as overly thick midsoles may add unwanted weight to the cleats.
Some baseball cleats also have heel cushioning, which provides an extra layer to absorb shock. This feature enhances comfort as you run or slide across the field, making the overall experience more enjoyable.
Colors
Baseball studs are available in a wide range of colors. Most models are typically offered in 5 to 10 colors, making it easier for you to find a color you like in a model that you have shortlisted.
Choosing the right color is entirely up to your preferences. However, it is advised that you consider the uniform you wear during the game when finalizing the color. You may also consult the team coach for any applicable regulations or requirements.
Baseball Cleats Buying Guide FAQ
#1. How many spikes should baseball cleats have?
The number of spikes in baseball cleats is not an important factor. Instead, you should focus on the type of spikes you choose—metal, plastic, or rubber.
The more spikes your cleats have, the more firmly your shoes can grip the ground. But the downside is that a grip that is too strong will prevent you from sprinting quickly or rapidly changing directions while running.
Your cleats should ideally have enough spikes to keep you firm, offer good traction, and help you stay nimble.
#2. Do I need to break in my baseball cleats?
Breaking in your baseball cleats before you use them on the field is vitally important. Cleats that are not broken can feel too tight and obstruct your running, or they can be too loose, in which case friction can cause painful foot blisters.
To break in your new pair of cleats, apply a layer of leather protector. Once dry, wear the shoes with extra-thick socks and soak them in warm water. Then, take them off and let them dry. When they are about to dry, stuff them with newspaper to keep them in shape.
Another way to stretch out too-snug baseball cleats is to wear extra-thick socks with them and heat them with a blow dryer. This should achieve the same effect without needing to wet the shoes.
#3. How do I clean my baseball cleats?
To maintain the cleanliness of your white baseball cleats game after game:
- Perform timely maintenance.
- Remove mud and dirt by knocking the cleats together. Then, use a toothbrush to gently apply mild soap to any dirty spots.
- Wipe away the soap with a damp cloth soaked in warm water.
- Allow the cleats to air dry and, if possible, remove the insoles to wash them separately.
- Check if your baseball cleats are machine washable. If so, place them in a netted laundry bag and machine wash them separately from delicate clothing.
#4. Are soccer and baseball cleats the same?
Soccer and baseball cleats are similar, although both have some notable differences. In general, you can use soccer cleats for baseball, but you can’t use baseball cleats in a soccer game.
Conclusion
Purchasing the right pair of cleats is incredibly important for youth players. The right cleats fit snugly onto the feet without discomfort and help players achieve better traction and acceleration on the field.
However, you need to consider many factors when trying to find the right cleats. As stated in the guide above, these factors include the construction material, size, cushioning, weight, sole, ankle protection, and many others. It may seem overwhelming to consider so many factors when purchasing cleats. But the fact is, the more factors you consider, the more likely you are to purchase a pair of cleats that is a perfect fit for you.
Ultimately, go with a pair of cleats that feel right on your feet. They are the right choice if they feel comfortable without being too loose and letting you run, change direction, or rapidly start and stop sprinting.
For some recommendations, check out our picks for top youth baseball cleats.
