The Best Baseball Cleats for Every Type of Player in 2024
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With so many different types of materials, cleat styles and unique features, finding the best baseball cleats for your needs can be a challenge.
Fortunately, we’ve put in the research to bring you a wide range of some of the best baseball cleats on the market today to elevate your game and give you better confidence on the field.
In our comprehensive baseball cleats guide, we’ll take you through some of the best options, as well as what to look for when on the hunt for new baseball cleats.
Without further delay, let’s check out some of the top options.
Our Picks for the Best Baseball Cleats of 2024:
- Best Baseball Cleats Overall: adidas Icon 7 TPU Cleats
- Best Molded Baseball Cleats: New BalanceFresh Foam 3000 v5 Molded
- Best Baseball Cleats for Wide Feet: Under Armour Micro G Pursuit
- Best Metal Baseball Cleats: Nike Men's Force Trout 6 Pro Metal Baseball Cleats
Best Overall: adidas Icon 7 TPU Cleats
adidas
Key features:
- Price: $85
- Type: Molded
- Style: Mid-cut
- Best for: Just about any baseball player
The Icon 7 TPU Cleats from adidas are some of the most durable and supportive molded cleats on the market. While you may not get the same level of traction that you would get with metal cleats, there’s still plenty of grip to play the game aggressively and confidently.
The upper on the Icon 7 is made with synthetic textile material for added durability, while the design is purposefully narrow for a locked-in feel that provides forward motion.
The beauty of TPU is that it is super lightweight yet tough. In fact, manufacturers will often use this material in work boots because of these two characteristics.
Overall, these cleats are more than versatile enough to handle any playing style on any field.
Pros:
- Super durable TPU outsole
- Plenty of stability and mobility
- Glove-like fit, thanks to the leather lining
Cons:
- Not a diverse set of colors available
Best Molded Baseball Cleats: New BalanceFresh Foam 3000 v5 Molded
New Balance
Key features:
- Price: $89.99
- Type: Molded
- Style: Low-cut
- Best for: Players who need superior traction
The New Balance Fresh Foam 3000 v5 Molded Cleats provide a surprising amount of traction and support relative to quality metal cleats. You can truly play all over the field in these things.
Beyond its stability, we enjoy the lightweight mesh upper that this shoe offers. If you often play in hotter climates, the added breathability can be a lifesaver.
As you might expect from a New Balance shoe, you get a lightweight foam midsole that delivers all-day comfort without bogging you down. We never like shoes that provide tons of comfort at the expense of speed and these shoes strike a beautiful balance between the two.
The one downside to this shoe is that there aren’t many color options to choose from. While the construction might be top-notch, the design itself is fairly basic.
Pros:
- Ample traction and support for a molded cleat
- Breathable mesh upper material
- Comfortable yet lightweight foam midsole
Cons:
- Limited color choices
Best Baseball Cleats for Wide Feet: Under Armour Leadoff Mid RM Baseball Cleats
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Key features:
- Price: $50
- Type: Metal
- Style: Mid-cut
- Best for: Players with wide feet
When it comes to baseball cleats for wide feet, Under Armour makes some of the best cleats around. Beyond their wide design, they use durable materials and comfortable cushioning that keep players feeling fresh, even after playing those few extra innings.
The comfort is thanks to the double-density full-length midsole. Even with the focus on comfort, the addition of the toe protector and metal spikes on the outsole prepare this shoe for the most aggressive of games.
The synthetic upper evens the cleats out in terms of weight, so they’re not so heavy.
As for the overall style, you get a mid-top collar, which provides a bit more stability and support than your average low-top baseball cleat. If you don’t run as much on the field and don’t need that added flexibility, these shoes are an excellent choice!
Pros:
- Very comfortable midsole materials
- Additional stability with mid-top
- Durable and lightweight design
Cons:
- Minimal color options
Best Metal Baseball Cleats: Nike Men's Force Trout 6 Pro Metal Baseball Cleats
Nike
Key features:
- Price: $150
- Type: Metal
- Style: High
- Best for: Serious players
There’s always something unique about buying a pair of cleats based on the style of a famous player. If you’re a fan of the way Trout plays and you want tools to help you better resemble his style, what better place to start than with his signature cleats?
The Trout 6 Pro Metal baseball cleats are lightweight and comfortable, offering ample versatility on the field. With that said, they are designed more for in and outfielders with their streamlined high-top design.
There are four unique colors to choose from as well, perfect for finding a shoe that suits your style.
The one downside to these is that they take a bit longer to break in compared to other cleats we’ve looked at.
Pros:
- Super lightweight design
- High-end metal spikes
- Ample ankle protection
Cons:
- Can take a while to break in
What Are Baseball Cleats?
Baseball cleats are lightweight shoes with metal, rubber or plastic spikes to complement the hard ground beneath the player's feet. The unique thing about baseball cleats is that manufacturers can make them with metal spikes, as other sports like football and soccer do not allow metal spikes.
You can purchase baseball cleats in various styles and cuts as well and no cleat design is fixed.
For example, some players might prefer high-cut cleats, as they provide more support around the ankle, while others might prefer low-cut cleats, which provide a bit more flexibility.
Different players often prefer wearing different types of cleats as well, which we’ll get into in a bit.
Related Post: The Best Basketball Shoes to Dominate the Court
Why Buy Baseball Cleats?
If you plan on playing competitively, wearing regular shoes can cause injury. Cleats are made to provide grip and balance, which can help with play consistency, regardless of the field conditions.
In essence, they can help you play better and more confidently compared to regular training shoes.
Different Types of Baseball Cleats
One of the most important aspects of buying baseball cleats is understanding the different types of cleats out there.
Before jumping the gun and buying the first pair of cleats you see, it’s also important to check the regulations of your league, as many leagues have rules regarding cleats depending on skill level and age.
Let’s take a look at the different types of baseball cleats.
Metal cleats
Metal cleats are the top choice for the pros, as they provide the best traction. These cleats are made with thin metal spikes that grip hard surfaces like dirt and turf. You won’t get a better grip when running with any other kinds of cleats.
It’s important to understand that these require a fair level of safety awareness, which is why they usually aren’t allowed in little league games. Make sure to check with your league to see if they have regulations regarding metal cleats.
Molded cleats
Molded cleats, otherwise known as rubber cleats, are made out of flexible, durable rubber material. Molded cleats are super versatile, perfect for a wide range of terrain.
Because they are also safer and more comfortable on average compared to metal cleats, we highly recommend them for younger or less experienced players.
TPU cleats
If you want the best of both worlds, we recommend going with a TPU cleat. They provide more grip than rubber but less than metal and sit right in-between in terms of comfort and price.
TPU cleats look very similar to molded cleats, though the spikes are made out of TPU material instead. TPU is a type of durable plastic that’s super lightweight and provides plenty of friction.
Turf shoes
If you’re planning to play on artificial turf, turf shoes are the best choice. These are made with dull studs instead of spikes, so players don’t rip up the turf field as they run around.
If you spend a lot of time training off the field as well, you might consider checking out turf trainers. The studs on trainers are slightly less aggressive, making them more similar to standard athletic shoes.
Cuts
The next thing you’ll want to consider is the cut of your cleats. Cut refers to the height of your upper. When it comes to baseball cleats, you’ll often find two main height lengths — low-cut and mid/high-cut.
Low-cut baseball cleats are more common. They are very lightweight, making them great for players who want optimal agility and speed. The main issue is that this cut often lacks ankle support.
Mid-cuts and high-cuts provide a bit more security and stability, though additional material is naturally heavier. These kinds of cleats are more similar in design to outdoor basketball shoes.
Choosing Your Baseball Cleats Based on Position
One important factor to consider that baseball players often overlook is the position they play the most. Basing your cleats on your preferred position can be incredibly helpful.
Let’s take a look at a few popular positions and what cleats you might choose based on them.
Infielders
If you’re an infielder, we recommend looking for a light and maneuverable cleat, as you’ll likely be running around a lot. If your league allows for metal cleats and the infields you usually play on are packed or dry, metal might be a good choice for some additional traction.
Outfielders
With heavier grass and more dirt, the outfield can get clumpy underneath the feet. If you have thick molded studs, this can be an issue.
You might consider metal cleats that are well-spaced if your league allows for it. If not, well-spaced TPU cleats can also be
useful, especially if you don’t want to take large chunks of dirt with you every time you charge a fly ball.
Pitchers
As a pitcher, the question of molded versus metal cleats aren’t the most important. Instead, you want to focus on how easy your cleats are to pivot and how comfortable they feel to stand in. The last thing you’ll want to worry about when on the mound is distracting blisters.
When you try on your cleats for the first time, make sure they’re snug. Take some time to practice a few fake pitches with them, too, to get a better idea of how they’ll feel in the game.
Sizing
Because baseball cleats most often have the same fit as everyday casual shoes, finding the right sizing is relatively easy. Let’s take a look at a few tips to keep in mind when looking for the best baseball cleats.
Toe Room
It’s best to leave no more than a quarter inch in room from the end of your large toe to the front of the cleat. Your heel should fit snugly in the back without shifting around while walking or running.
Snug Fit
While you don’t want your cleats to be so tight that they cut off your circulation, they should feel snug like a glove. If you are in-between sizes, choose a shoe that is a size down to ensure a tighter fit.
Remember that your cleats will expand over time as you continue wearing them, which will eventually make them more comfortable.
Comfort
One of your top priorities when trying on shoes should be comfort. It won’t matter how great your shoes look if your feet hurt while you’re in them.
The games that you’ll have to wear these for will likely be a few hours or more, so make sure they’re comfortable enough for that kind of longevity.
FAQs
Are metal or rubber baseball cleats better?
Both metal and rubber baseball cleats have their own advantages and disadvantages when playing baseball.
While metal cleats often provide better traction since they dig deeper into the ground, they often wear out much faster, especially when worn on hard surfaces.
Plus, many baseball leagues prohibit metal cleats, especially at the youth level, as they can be quite dangerous.
Rubber cleats won’t provide as much traction, though they are much safer and don’t wear down as easily.
Are metal or plastic baseball cleats better?
Metal cleats will provide much more traction than plastic cleats as they dig harder into the dirt. With that said, many leagues don’t allow them because they can be dangerous, so consult with your league’s rules and regulations before buying them.
Are metal or molded baseball cleats better?
While molded cleats are lighter than metal, helping you cut faster across the diamond or charge a fly ball, they don’t provide nearly as much grip as metal cleats, which can dig deep into dirt and grass.
Should I buy baseball cleats a size bigger?
Baseball cleats fit similarly to everyday shoes and if you’re in-between sizes, we recommend buying a size down. Your toe shouldn’t be any more than a quarter-inch from the cleat’s end. A tighter shoe will expand over time as you continue playing in it.
Do metal baseball cleats damage turf?
Metal baseball cleats will damage artificial turf, which is why turf manufacturers recommend rubber or plastic cleats.
How can I make my baseball cleats more comfortable?
One of the best and most natural ways to make your cleats more comfortable is by wearing them until you break them in. If you want to break them in more quickly, you can soak your cleats in hot water with your feet in them.
Put your socks and cleats on and dip them into a bucket of hot water for around 20 minutes. When you’re done, dry them out using a cloth to get the majority of the water out. Then, put them back on your feet to walk around for a while.
Doing this will loosen up the leather, helping it to expand around the shape of your feet.
Can I wear football cleats for baseball?
We wouldn’t advise wearing football cleats for baseball, as the design isn’t meant for the game. Baseball cleats, for example, often come with front spikes, giving you an extra toe grip for forward acceleration.
What are the most popular baseball cleats in the MLB?
The most popular baseball cleats in the MLB are from top-tier brands, including Nike, New Balance, adidas and Under Armour.
Final Thoughts
While we often think of baseball gloves and bats as the most important pieces of baseball equipment in a player’s arsenal, cleats are just as important, if not more.
With the right pair of baseball cleats, you can unlock your body to run bases faster and swing with more power. These top baseball cleats above are designed to help baseball players optimize their playing.
We hope you found some cleats on this list that gel with your style and preferences. Snag a fresh pair of cleats today and take your game to the next level.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
