Baseball & Softball Cleat Buyers Guide

Having the right equipment is key to playing your best game. And footwear is no different. Athletes wearing regular sneakers cannot get the type of grip that those wearing cleats enjoy. They may also slip or fall on muddy or wet playing surfaces. When choosing any shoe, especially an athletic shoe, the right fit is paramount to safety and performance.

The main difference between a cleat and an athletic shoe are the cleat "studs" or "spikes". Stud length and type can be an important factor. Shorter studs are good for harder surfaces such as artificial turf or densely packed grass. Longer studs are better for softer surfaces, like soft grass or soil, since they allow for sinking into the ground. In general, half an inch is a good length for adult and intermediate players, and children's cleats should be shorter.

1. Finding the Right Fit
Cleats should wrap comfortably around your feet.
Your feet should fit firmly on the soles so that you can feel the traction and control your speed.
Leather stretches, so allow no more than a finger length of space in the toe of the cleat for children to grow into.

2. Cleat Construction
Like most athletic shoes, cleats are either made from leather or synthetic materials.
Leather offers more strength and durability and allows the foot to breathe better. Generally more expensive, leather is usually worn by more advanced players.
Synthetics are easier to clean and dry than leather. Generally less expensive, synthetics are usually worn by youth, entry or mid-level players.

3. Style of Cleats (height of the ankle)
High tops have the highest ankle and hits right above the ankle bone. Good for weak ankles or one who has had a sprain or a break.
Mid tops are similar to basketball shoes and have a weight advantage over high tops.
Low tops lack mid ankle support but are the lightest choice.
Player comfort should dictate the style.

4. Types of Cleats
There are two basic types of cleats, Plastic (also molded rubber) and Metal.

Molded Cleats (Plastic)
The most common cleat design.
Features non-removable hard plastic or rubber spikes on the bottom of the shoe.
Can be worn on and off the field.
Safer than metal cleats for beginning and intermediate players and youth organizations.
Approved for play by most baseball and softball leagues.

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Interchangeable Cleats (Plastic)
Interchangeable cleats have studs on the bottom that can be screwed on and off and can be replaced easily.
Replace worn cleats instead of buying new shoes.
Use plastic cleats for Little League and change to metal cleats for other terrains or types of games.
Cleats can be made of metal, PVC or rubber.

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Metal Cleats
Metal cleats have non-removable metal spikes.
Generally more expensive, but offer better overall construction than many molded cleats.
Used at high school, college, and pro levels.
Please note: Metal cleats are usually NOT allowed in Little League for safety reasons.
In most cases metal is banned in softball as well.