Baseball & Softball Cleats
There are a number of factors to consider when purchasing baseball  or softball footwear. The level of your game, the league you play in (you won't need cleats if you're not playing in a league), the types of fields you play on, and how much you want to spend should all factor into your decision. Of course, you can't forget comfort. You (or the Little Leaguer you are buying for) will be spending lots of time in these boots. Most leagues require you to wear the proper cleats during play, so it is important to know this information before making a purchase.
Shoe Materials
Essentially, cleats are just like sneakers or other fitness shoes in design and fit, except for the cleats themselves. Remember that comfort is of the essence, so be sure to try on the shoes to see how they fit before buying. Note that you can choose from two types of material, either leather or synthetic. The pair you purchase will largely depend on your skill level and how serious you are about the sport.
Leather
Leather offers the best feel and fit of any cleat, but they are generally more expensive. Since full-grain leather shoes are strong, durable, and breathable, they are what advanced players prefer. Don't forget that leather will stretch. If you want to spend the money on really good shoes for kids whose feet are still growing, allow no more than a finger length of space in the toe of the cleat for them to grow into.
Synthetic Materials
These are good for youth, entry- and mid-level players since they are generally less expensive than leather shoes. Note that these shoes are easier to clean and dry out than leather shoes.
Types of Cleats
There are two main types of cleats: plastic and metal. Not all cleats are made the same, nor meant for the same purpose. If you are buying for someone in Little League, the most important thing to know is that metal cleats are NOT allowed for safety reasons. Read on for more details about the different cleat types.
Plastic (Molded) | Metal |
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Turf Shoes - Turf shoes contain various raised patterns on the bottom in place of studs.
- For use on harder outdoor surfaces and on artificial turf.
- Generally good training shoes that could serve as a back-up game pair for hard-surface conditions.
| Molded Cleats - The most basic cleat design.
- Molded baseball cleats have non-removable rubber or hard plastic cleats formed on the bottom of the shoe.
- They are stable, strong, and simple, and they can be worn on and off the field without a problem.
- Ideal for beginning and intermediate level players and youth leagues.
- Approved for play by most major baseball and softball organizations.
- Also required by many youth programs for safety reasons.
| Interchangeable Cleats - Interchangeable cleats feature studs on the bottom that can be screwed on and off and replaced easily.
- Allows the user to replace worn cleats instead of buying new shoes.
- These shoes are like buying two for the price of one. You can wear the plastic cleats for Little League and the metal cleats for other terrains or types of games.
- In addition to rubber, cleats made of metal, PVC or other materials can be used.
| Metal Cleats - Metal cleats have a permanent metal spike configuration.
- Usually prohibited in most youth and amateur softball organizations.
- Typically more expensive, and offer better overall construction than many molded cleats.
- Used at high school, college, and pro levels.
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Shoe Style
There are three styles of shoes with cleats determined by the height of the ankle. High tops have the highest ankle that hits right above the ankle bone, while mid tops are about average height. Both of these styles are good choices if you have weak ankles, or if you have ever experienced problems with your ankles (especially sprains or breaks). High tops also protect your ankle in the case that you are hit by a ball. Mid tops have the advantage when it comes to weight, as do low tops. However, low tops lack the support that mid and high tops provide. Ultimately, the choice is a matter of comfort and safety.
Major Manufacturers
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