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Best Baseball Cleats For Playing Baseball

How would you teach yourself to hit and steal if you don’t own the best baseball cleats for the game? In every sport, each gear plays a big role including baseball cleats. The pair is what will determine your performance no matter what your position is. So, if you lack a great pair, then you will need nothing but this article to read through. Because we have compiled 10 of the best baseball cleats that have won different players with their features. 

You don’t believe, do you? Then why not read the article and see yourself? 

10 Best Baseball Cleats

New Balance Men’s L3000v3


best baseball cleats

Be it the look or the performance, the L3000v3 by New Balance knows how to impress the players. Hence, you can call it the best baseball cleats in the world of the game. Coming in a combination of textile and synthetic, the cleats promise you to last longer than you think. While the sole has been made with synthetic, its midsole comes with REVLite technology to offer you light and responsive ride. Moreover, the cleats also provide you with toe protection so that your toe does not get hurt. 

Its upper has been engineered with Fantom Fit so you can get to enjoy ultralight fitment and support. Not just that, you will also love the debris-free construction that makes it avoid sticking dirt even after playing on a muddy field. Since it comes with metal cleat, you will find the pair having a lot of traction. So, you will love to use it both as an infielder and outfielder. Not just that, metal cleats will also give you a lot of agility to utilize on the field. Hence, the grip does not only keep the pair close to the ground but also motivates the player to give a power pack performance. Although, the size can be a weak link since users found it a bit narrow. But this should not be a problem after the break-in period. Another little con about the pair is its lack of padding. Since it has not been padded well enough, you may not feel its cushioning. 

Thumbs up for:

  • Well-built and solid construction.
  • Fantom Fit upper offers great fit and support. 
  • Revlite midsole offers lightweight and responsiveness.
  • Provides toe protection.
  • Does not stack debris to the cleats.
  • The collar is comfortable.
  • Offers great traction.

Thumbs down for:

  • It’s a tad narrow.
  • Padding does not feel the best.

New Balance Men’s L4040v4

New Balance Men's L4040v4

If you want a comfortable pair, then L4040v4 by New Balance can be an ideal choice. It has been constructed with synthetic sole while the upper has used nubuck material. Both the materials offer the same quality and durability you expect from them. Moreover, it also comes with other specific features starting from the edge of spikes to the tip of the tongue. You will find it an ounce lighter than its ancestor whereas the brand has made the pair very flexible for you to move with ease.

Besides, the brand has designed the pair with 8 spikes that does not only help increase your playability with added traction but also deliver great speed that you surely need. Plus, you will have Revlite midsole that will give cushioned comfort and responsive like the previous one offers.

The L4040v4 comes in low profile design that is inspired by Dustin Pedroia who is Boston Red Sox second baseman. Since it has a TPU mesh material, you will find it a bit unique than its previous versions. The best part is that this material further helps keep your feet cool and dry to promote breathability. To add more, it comes with such a plate that will not only support your feet but will also flex the way your feet will do. So, you will not lose any of the sudden take off or slow down.

Besides, its gusseted tongue and lace cage are other great features that have been engineered reducing all the unwanted weight. Like the previous one, it too has metal cleats that will give you the kind of grip you need as an infielder or outfielder. The only issue is that these cleats may not be very durable. However, some users complained about the dirt that sticks too easy under the metal spike. But this is just a minor drawback. 

Thumbs up for:

  • Very lightweight.
  • Well, build and solid construction. 
  • Revlite midsole offers lightweight and responsiveness.
  • Cushioning has been guaranteed. 
  • TPU mesh material offers breathability.
  • The plate offers support and flexibility.
  • Offers great traction. 

Thumbs down for:

  • Dirt gets stuck easily.
  • Spikes are not very durable.

Under Armour Men’s Leadoff Mid RM

New Balance Men's L4040v4

Coming with synthetic leather upper, the pair by Under Armour promises to deliver you amazing comfort with additional support and durability. Since the brand has made the cleats with high-quality materials, you will find it last longer to serve you in several seasons. Besides, its sole has also been made up of synthetic material offering you the same benefits that have just been mentioned. The best part is that you will have mesh tongue coming with a cleat that will not only keep your feet dry and cool but also let your feet breathe. The midsole has used Eva foam that will help cushion your feet while dispersing cleat pressure to give you all the comfort.

The pair features rubber molded cleats that don’t only offer added protection but also make the pair ideal for different fields. Although, you may not get to enjoy its grip but you will love its stability. However, some of the users found the pair to run a little small. So, it is recommended to try out the pair before making a purchase.

Thumbs up for:

  • Well, build and solid construction. 
  • Mesh’s tongue offers breathability.
  • Eva midsole offers to cushion while preventing pressure.
  • Delivers amazing stability.
  • Molded cleats perform great over the different field.
  • Offers great protection and support.
  • Very reasonable to have.

Thumbs down for:

  • The grip is average.
  • May run a tad smaller. 

Adidas Men’s Adizero Afterburner 4

Adidas Men's Adizero Afterburner 4

One of the most highlighting features that make Adizero Afterburner 4 the best baseball cleats is that it offers amazing speed. Looking at its features, it can be said that the brand Adidas has focused highly on speed to deliver. The pair features SPRINT SKIN upper that has been made with synthetic material to reduce all the unwanted weights from the show. Moreover, the cleats also offer great support especially on the heel, foot, and low ankle area so that you can put more concentration on the game. Plus, the pair features midsole made up with LITE STRIKE EVA to make the cleats light and help them cushion your feet. 

There will also be electroplated outsole plate that has been made light to let you enjoy the game. To add more, the brand has designed the pair with 7 cleat outsole pattern engineered to provide you with optimum traction. Furthermore, it has been designed with bootee construction incorporating toe cap guard and molded sock-liner. Speaking of the toe cap guard, it helps reduce toe drag so it can protect your feet from injuries and abrasion. As for the molded sock-liner, it provides your feet with a comfortable fit. So, you will find it one of the best baseball cleats when it comes to base running. However, the issue with the pair is that it lacks the kind of support you expect from such a pair. So, this can a big con for you. Although it takes a bit time to break in, people loved its performance and gave it a big thumbs up for performance. 

Thumbs up for:

  • Designed well with speed.
  • Offers lightweight with reduced weight.
  • Offers added protection to the feet.
  • Traction is great.
  • Midsole helps cushion your feet.
  • Well-built and solid construction.
  • Provides you with snug fitment.

Thumbs down for:

  • Lacks required support.
  • Takes time to break in. 

Nike Lunar Vapor Ultrafly Elite Men

Nike Lunar Vapor Ultrafly Elite Men

Lunar Vapor Ultrafly by Nike has just been designed to make the players fly higher. Coming with low cut design, the cleats feel light to increase your agility.

That’s not the end!  The brand has also designed it in such so that you can enjoy its flexibility and move multiple directions with confidence. This is how they have made it to the list of the best baseball cleats.

Not just that, people have also praised the way it makes a 90-degree turn around the base while trying for additional bases. 

As for the spike, the pair comes with both molded and metal cleats that will give you different benefits from the two. While you can enjoy amazing traction for the presence of metal cleats, you will love to use it on different fields be in muddy or non-muddy due to molded ones. 

Not just that, you will also love the way it offers protection letting you play the game for longer time without any issue.

Even for arch support, these cleats have been preferred by many of the players. The only issue here is that it lacks sufficient ankle support and this can be a drawback for you. However, the cleats have been boasted to offer added cushioning through their light Pebax plate and Lunarlon midsole. It can be said that the users seemed to be very happy with the comfort of the cleats.

Plus, your feet will also thank you by letting them breathe peacefully since the cleats provide amazing ventilation with their mesh upper. 

As for the lace, it’s another great feature that delivers both fitment and customization. Hence, the cleats have almost all the features you want in a pair. 

Thumbs up for: 

  • Low cut design helps increase agility.
  • Offers flexibility and multidirectional movement. 
  • Offers great grip.
  • Suitable for different terrain.
  • Makes 90-degree turn around the base.
  • Comes equipped with both metal and molded spikes.
  • Offers great arch support.
  • Cushioning is great.

Thumbs down for: 

  • Does not offer ankle support. 
  • A bit pricy.

Nike Men’s Force Air Trout 4 Pro

Nike Men's Force Air Trout 4 Pro

Another one of the best baseball cleats that earned love from different users is this model by Nike. They offer the cleats with five tools. 

Firstly, you will have a hexagonal Nike Zoom unit at the interior of mid-sole. It has a unique pattern that helps in absorbing the impact of each step so that you can feel comfortable jumping, sliding and running with the cleats.

Second, you will get a TPU plate that feels very flexible and firm on the bottom so that nothing can hinder your natural range of movement. 

There will also be spikes that have been angled precisely to give you optimum grip right on the field. You will also find yourself changing directions at ease which makes it a great pair. Its mesh upper is another tool that also adds benefits to your convenience with a PU overlay. Not only it will keep your feet dry but also will let your feet breathe. The upper is backed by a Waterfall Collar that has used high-quality foam to offer to cushion and added ankle support. It is such a tool that you will need the most for playing the game.

Although the cleats catch dirt pretty easily the materials made it easy to clean. However, lastly, it comes with no-sew gloss toe that offers enough protection to key areas while elevating the toe angling slightly upward. 

Some of the users felt the cleats to be pretty heavy that caused them a bit discomfort at first. But that did not hinder their performance.

Thumbs up for:

  • Offers flexibility and multidirectional movement. 
  • Offers great grip.
  • Cushioning is great.
  • Mesh provides feet with ventilation. 
  • TPU plate is flexible and firm.
  • Able to absorb the impact of each step.
  • Offers great protection and support.

Thumbs down for:

  • Catches the dirt easily.
  • You may feel it heavy at first. 

Mizuno 9-Spike Advanced Franchise

best baseball cleats

Since the brand focuses mostly on speed, performance, and comfort, you will find all of them present in this pair.

Perfect for kids, the pair comes with a full-length midsole that will cushion the feet of the player so comfortably that the kid will never want to take it off. Having been made up of soft and non-abrasive material, the cleats are meant to last many seasons. The great thing is that the player will have 9 molded rubber spikes that have been designed to be able to step on different terrain. It does not matter if the field is muddy or not, the player will love batting, pitching and fielding with the cleats. The only downside here is that the traction has been traded. The grip will not be up to the mark but the pair manages to be stable. So, you can definitely buy it for its stability. Coming in low cut style, the weight of the cleats has been reduced to keep it lightweight. And the light materials complement that as well. However, one con of low cut style is that it will lack ankle support and protection. So it is likely to get injured easily. That said, the cleats are known to keep the feet happy. So, if you want the best baseball cleats, they can be an ideal pick.

Thumbs up for: 

  • Cushion the feet amazingly.
  • Able to be used on different terrain.
  • Offers great stability.
  • Offers amazing protection and support.
  • Feels lightweight on feet.
  • Well-built and solid construction. 
  • Great for artificial turf field.

Thumbs down for: 

  • Lacks ankle support and protection.
  • The grip is not up to the mark. 

Mizuno Men’s 9 Spike ADV Franchise

Mizuno Men's 9 Spike ADV Franchise

Want cleats that will last several seasons? Then let us introduce you to this amazing model provided by Mizuno. It has the ability to perform outstandingly on different terrain, thanks to its rubber molded studs. They are able to last long and perform strong. Plus, the stability they will offer is something that you would admire. 

Although molded spikes are not expected to deliver traction, but they surprise you by keeping your feet close and stuck to the ground. So, the grip is not compromised which is a big plus. The cleats have been made up of synthetic material that proves to be the most durable product you can get on hand or leg to the exact. The material has reduced weight and the brand has designed the cleats very light so your feet can feel comfortable. 

Moreover, the pair features full-length midsole that warrants you to provide maximum cushioning. So, comfortable has been guaranteed again. The cleats come with short profile, its low cut style makes it perfect for home runs. You will also get to enjoy agility with such design. But you have to be careful while wearing the cleats since it does not offer ankle protection. So, if you stay careless, you are more prone to injuries and bruises.

However, some users found it a bit stiff during the initial uses. But that just happens before break-in time. So, it is not a big con actually. 

Thumbs up for:

  • Well-built and solid construction.
  • Able to be used on different terrains.
  • Offers great stability.
  • Helps make you more agile.
  • Feels light on feet.
  • Offers satiable cushioning.
  • Provides optimum grip.

Thumbs down for:

  • There is no ankle support.
  • You may find it stiff during the break in period.

Under Armour Mens UA Yard Low

Under Armour Mens UA Yard Low

There are a number of traits to talk about UA Yard model by Under Armour. These are the factors that make it the best baseball cleats in the market.The quality has been ensured by the brand with the fabric material that is used for the cleats. 

Its upper is made combining fabric and synthetic to offer the most long-lasting performances throughout the season. The materials come in a sporty silhouette that complements the overall design. Its collar and tongue have been cushioned as much as they are required to. They will cushion your feet so that you can feel comfortable during the long play. There will be lace-up closure that you will find adjustable to get your feet a secure fit. Plus, it also ensures proper fitment since the pair comes true to its size.

The best thing about the pair is that it offers breathability, thanks to the mesh fabric linings. With this, your feet will get a chance to breathe properly while being cool and dry. 

As for the insole, the cleats come with high-rebound SuperFoam enginnered to offer great comfort and shock absorption. Not just that, you will also love its outsole for offering stability on different fields. The pair has rubber molded studs that also serve the same benefit. Plus, you will find yourself being more agile because of that. However, the grip is not very impressive. But it’s just a known con of such spikes. It comes in a low cut style that gives you all the freedom to move in any direction you want without any halt. There will not be any ankle support and protection, so yeah, this can cause you harm.

Thumbs up for: 

  • Well-built and solid construction.
  • Offers amazing cushioning.
  • Able to be used on different terrains.
  • Ensures proper fitment with adjustable laces.
  • Offers great stability.
  • Feels light on feet.
  • Helps make you more agile.
  • The shock absorption is impressive.

Thumbs down for:

  • No ankle support and protection.
  • Traction is not impressive.

Nike Vapor Untouchable Pro 3

Nike Vapor Untouchable Pro 3

Last but surely not the least, Untouchable Pro 3 by Nike is a kind of pair that suits different players of with different positions.

One feature that has been praised by the majority of the users is that it offers great breathability. The upper shell of the cleats is designed with mesh and synthetic skins where mesh helps keep the feet dry, cool and synthetic offers flexibility and durability. 

Not just that, these materials also play a great role in reducing the overall weight so that your feet can feel light wearing them.

The brand has designed the pair with One-piece circular knit bootie construction that helps create a sock-like fit so it can wrap around your ankle and offer a secure fit. So, the whole design seems impressive without the tongue.

To add more, the pair comes with carbon fiber plate having 14 studs that offer traction as well as a strength so that you can play the game with confidence.

Although it takes a bit of time to break in, people were impressed with the performance of the product.

Not just that, people also loved the cleats even stating how much dirt it sticks to the surface. But they least cared about the con.

Thumbs up for:

  • Well-built and solid construction.
  • Offers snug fitment without the tongue.
  • Breathability helps in keeping the feet cool and dry.
  • Stability has been guaranteed.
  • Traction is great.
  • Offers multidirectional movement.
  • Feels light on feet.
  • Offers great support.

Thumbs down for:

  • Takes time to break in.
  • Sticks dirt to the surface easily.

The Buying guide 

First of all, we will talk about types of cleats.

1. Metal cleats

Positives

Metal cleats are mostly known for their superb grip that makes them dig into the grass or infield dirt effectively. You can enjoy all the traction you need for taking off or slowing down.   

Not just that, this traction further helps you with agility. And the best thing is that these cleats are typically lighter than other types.

To add more, metal cleats help a batter dig a toe hold in the batter box making it easier for you to try out a powerful swing without slipping.   

You will find them perfect especially for high competition game. 

Negatives

Although, they are popular in the world of professional sport, but these cleats have been stated to be illegal in different baseball leagues. 

Plus, they also do not work very well since they are also found to cause injuries if a player changes direction all of a sudden. Besides, there is also a risk if the player has the tendency to slide feet more often since these slide can lead to severely injured leg. 

To avoid such accident, it’s better to avoid using these cleats on any surface other than dirt or grass. 

2. Molded Cleats

Positives

Molded cleats are popular for their versatility and durability. They are made mostly up of plastic and come with rubber studs that make them strong and last throughout the season. Moreover, these materials come fixed on the outsole. 

The best part is that they can be used on different playing surfaces no matter if its concrete or asphalt. They are found to be super stable and sturdy that makes them more ideal than metal ones.  

These cleats are amazing for offering satiable protection while running and sliding the bases. So, youth players can opt for molded cleats without giving a second thought. 

Another reason why these cleats should be your choice is that they come in reasonable price tags. So, you don’t have to break the bank to go and get them. 

To add more, such cleats are also comfortable to wear. And since they have more studs on their layout, it helps reduce the pressure of wearing footwear. 

Negatives

The traction has been traded for all those benefits. Since they don’t have that much grip, it’s better to use them on a soft field or muddy surface. You will find them bouncing off the ground if used on muddy which may disappoint you a bit. However, the cleats are able to endure muddy conditions which a big plus. 

3.Turf or trainer cleats:

Positives

Such cleats are basically preferred by baseball players for training and practice. If you practice on the field, opt for turfs since they are very comfortable to wear. Plus, they also will not rip up that easily as metal cleats would. Make sure you wear turfs on artificial turf since it will deliver the right amount of traction on hard terrain. Such cleats won’t only keep your feet stuck to the surface but also offer you great amount grip while lessening the risk of injury. Although baseball players do not prefer such cleats for the sport, a lot of slow-pitch players pick them for their comfort. 

Negatives

If you get the cleats without studs, you may witness less performance from them.Moreover, it has been recommended to avoid wearing plastic spikes over artificial turn. You don’t want the spikes to be incapable of gripping the ground right? Such an incident has a higher chance to lead to severe injury as well. 

Player position

Your position plays a great role in determining the type of cleats since it has its influence on them. So, get yourself a pair banking on your position on the field.

You can opt for a flexible pair if you are a base stealer. It’s because you will be able to move from base to base through its flexibility.

Meanwhile, cleats with multidirectional ability are great for defensive players. Not only they will let you move in different directions easily but also uplift your performance. However, banking on your position, we have provided some suggestions on the type of cleats that will suit you. 

Infielder

Always take the maintenance of the field into consideration whenever looking for any type of cleats. You can opt for metal cleats if you find the ground dense or compact. It’s because they will be easier to dig through the soil if you compare them to the plastic soles. 

If the ground is more of muddy or soft, you can go with molded cleats. 

Outfielder

If you are a player with positions like left and right outfielder, then you’ll do great on metal cleats. They won’t be picking up large patches of grass that can hinder your performance. And since the grass will be softer, you will get to enjoy the traction of metal needed for the play. But make sure that the outfield you will be playing on is firm, lush and well-maintained. 

Being an outfielder, you are likely to plant your toe deep into the ground while you chase fly-ball. So, you can trust these cleats that will dig into the grass effectively and easily. 

Pitcher

When you have push-off feet, you are meant to throw a better ball. It’s because you will be using your feet for support and power. So, you will need cleats that will provide you with plenty of stability. If your cleats do not stick properly, your base won’t be stable. In this situation, metal stud cleats can be a perfect option since they offer the kind of stability you need. They will stick to the ground very effectively when it’s dense and compact. So, if you are a pitcher, look for such a pair. 

However, it is also recommended that you choose one with a low-top design. It’s because a high top one may cause rubbing and you don’t want that. 

Cut length 

Cut lengths are divided into three categories when it comes to the baseball cleats. These are: 

Low cut

Low cut cleat comes with shorter profile making it great for home runs. Such cleats come in lightweight allowing you to be more agile. There will not be any restriction on your ankle to hinder your performance. 

However, you must remember that you are more likely to roll your ankles with such cleats while playing on the field or running the base. So you should be careful during the play. 

Mid top

Mid top style offers plenty of protection near the ankles. So if security is your priority, then such cut style can be a great option. 

Moreover, you will also be provided with more protection and support than other styles. Besides, such a style also offers more flexibility and room than others. 

High top

Such a cut style is known as 5/8 cut. It basically provides you with stability on the entire foot area right from ankle to your knee. Although, it will limit your freedom of movement but you will be able to make sideward or lateral movements easily with such style. 

Size

It is very essential to know your size before getting yourself baseball cleats. Not only it will ensure proper fitment but also guarantee comfort. If you want, you can try out some steps that will help you understand whether the cleats will be comfortable to wear or not. 

These are the signs that will ensure comfort:

  • The room on the heel area should not be more than a finger’s diameter.
  • You should not feel pressure or pain in any area at the time of walking with the pair. 
  • If you want to make proper fitment, then have a look at the tips we have provided below:
  • It will be better if you buy cleats with lacing system rather than ones with Velcro straps. This will enable you to tighten the cleat properly while keeping your feet secured during the game. 
  • Do not buy loose cleats. It’s because, after the break in period, the pair will get loose eventually. So, opting for a loose cleat may make the footwear looser. So, go with a tad tighter ones. 

Stud length

Shorter studs are great for hard and compact ground. But, if you play on a soft field, then opt for longer ones. It’s because such sort of stud will help offer great grip when you are on the move. And this will further help you with improving your performance on the field. 

Parts of the baseball cleat

It is also essential for you to know about the parts of baseball cleats. This will give you better idea about the shoe and also will help you find an ideal pair. 

  • Upper
  • Tongue
  • Insole/midsole
  • Soleplate
  • Studs
  • Cut length
  • Lacing
  • Toecap
  • Heel counter

Best Baseball Cleats Brands

It’s the shoemakers who dedicate all of their time in making the baseball cleats perfect. Because without such cleats, a player feels incomplete. So, before getting a pair for yourself, it is important that you know something about all those brands that are popular for their cleats. 

Nike

Nike is one of the first athletic brands that always pop up on your mind when it comes to buying any sports gear. Many top players of baseball sport have worn their cleats. Even Mike Trout owns a signature model of his own name. Nike offers a wide range of baseball cleats in a variety of colors, types, and styles. 

Adidas

If it’s not Nike that comes to your mind, then it has to be Adidas. They are known as another titan of all baseball manufacturers.

However, the brand focuses mostly on low-cut style cleats allowing them to offer the best light footwear in the market. 

New Balance 

Although they are not as much popular as the other two, they still have the best baseball cleats for all the players. 

Even some of the players compare the cleats of New Balance that match the level of Nike cleats. 

Not only their cleats offer great performance but also you will find a lot of variety to choose from. 

Under Armour 

Another brand that is very popular among baseball players is Under Armour. Their cleats range from low-cut style to high top style.

Bryce Harper who is known as the celebrity player baseball sport owns a lineup of Under Armour cleats that come in both metal and molded studs. 

Mizuno 

Mizuno is not a very popular brand but some of their cleats have become a big hit in the market that made them noticeable. 

Although, they lack range in variety as well as in pizzazz and selection but their high-quality materials and great design lead the brand to become a top seller. 

Wind up

There are a ton of factors that you need to take into consideration before you get yourself a pair. Although, we have provided you with the best list and a guide but you have to understand your requirements at first to get a suitable one. 

However, hope we have eased your struggle and you won’t find it very hard now to opt for a pair that is meant only for you. 

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