Guide to Buying Baseball Cleats & Spikes

When you need new baseball cleats, it can seem like there are a million and one different options to choose from. With so many factors to consider, finding the right pair of cleats for your needs can be difficult. To make your search as easy as possible, we’re here to help you narrow it down.

In our baseball cleats buying guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about what to look for in a new pair of cleats so you can hit the diamond with the right gear to elevate your game. But first, let’s discuss why baseball spikes are important.

Why Baseball Cleats are Important

Baseball cleats have plastic studs or metal spikes that give you the traction you need on the field. The right cleats will give you more power in the batter's box and on the pitcher's mound, help you start and stop on a dime, and keep you stable as you run bases or chase down a fly ball. Baseball cleats also have several specialized features, such as a more flexible sole and a stud at the toe of the cleats, that help you maintain a firm grip on the ground. They’re specifically designed for baseball players, reducing the chance of slips, improving stability, and giving you extra leverage. The added traction reduces the risk of injuries, making baseball cleats an essential piece of equipment on the diamond.

Baseball Cleats vs. Cleats for Other Sports

Many players think they can wear soccer or football cleats for baseball. That’s not exactly true. While all types of cleats do provide traction, they’re far from identical. Each kind of cleat is designed to support the specific movements common to that sport. Wearing cleats for the wrong sport won’t give you the same level of performance, and under the wrong conditions, it can even be dangerous. Baseball cleats are available in low-, mid-, and high-top designs. They’re designed to give you extra traction to support sharp movements and leverage for power at the plate. Unlike soccer cleats, they have a spike on the tip of the sole to add even more traction. Cleats for some sports lack this spike. Wearing the right cleats is essential to maximize your performance and minimize the risk of injury. By understanding the differences between the various types of cleats, you’ll be able to find the right gear for your sport.

Baseball Cleats vs. Soccer Cleats

Soccer cleats typically have uppers made from thick, flexible leather to help them withstand repeated direct contact with the ball. Because metal spikes would be dangerous on the soccer field, they’re made exclusively with hard plastic studs. For the same reason, they also lack the toe studs of baseball cleats. They have an extremely light construction to maximize mobility and minimize drag, which makes them more flexible but less supportive than baseball cleats.

Baseball Cleats vs. Football Cleats

Like baseball cleats, football cleats are built for sharp movements, but the similarities end there. Football cleats have a heavier construction and thicker materials to protect from impacts. Most are high-cut or mid-cut to provide ankle support and minimize the risk of injury from sudden impacts and sharp cuts. For safety reasons, they don’t have metal spikes, which are unsafe in a contact sport.

Types of Baseball Cleats

Rubber Molded Cleats

Molded cleats have durable rubber studs on their soles to improve traction on a variety of surfaces without adding extra weight. Unlike most types of cleats, they’re safe to use on artificial turf fields, and their soft soles make them a good choice for children. While they don’t offer as much traction as plastic or metal cleats, their versatility, safety, and affordability make them popular for athletes of all ages.

TPU/MCS Cleats

TPU/MCS, or thermoplastic polyurethane, cleats are similar to molded rubber cleats, but their studs are made of hard plastic for greater traction. Their plastic soles balance the flexibility and safety of rubber cleats and the support and traction of metal ones. While plastic cleats aren’t as durable as metal cleats, they’re also less likely to cause injuries. However, they’re unsafe to wear on artificial turf fields because their studs can get caught. They also tend to pick up clumps of mud and grass on wet fields, which can reduce your traction and slow you down. Many hard plastic cleats have a low-top design, which reduces their weight and improves your mobility.

Metal Cleats

The superior traction of metal cleats makes them popular among baseball players, especially professionals like MLB players. The metal spikes on their soles give them exceptional grip on grass and dirt surfaces. Their stiff soles make them very supportive, but a little less comfortable than hard plastic cleats. Metal cleats can damage artificial turf fields. In addition, they’re typically banned from youth leagues because their spikes can injure other players. They tend to cost more than other cleats and require maintenance to prevent rusting. Keeping them dry can help prevent rust and prolong their lifespan.

Turf Shoes

Turf shoes have small rubber nubs or treads that provide traction on artificial turf surfaces without damaging them. These comfortable and lightweight cleats offer excellent grip on turf fields. They’re great for players who regularly train and compete on turf fields. Because of their light weight and versatility, some players also prefer them for natural surfaces. It may be worth investing in turf shoes even if you typically play on a grass field. Turf fields are increasingly popular, so you’ll probably need turf shoes for away games.

What to Look For in Turf Shoes

Turf is notoriously slippery, especially when wet. When looking for turf shoes, get a pair with well-designed soles. Look for a pair with prominent rubber nubs across the entire bottom, and avoid those with a flat sole and fewer nubs.

Training Shoes

Training baseball shoes are almost identical to turf shoes, but they have flat treads instead of rubber nubs on the soles. Their flat design gives them better traction on hard floors, which makes them good for indoor practices and gym training. While they won’t damage a turf field, they don’t provide much traction on rough surfaces, so it’s best to avoid wearing them outside.

Choosing the Right Type of Baseball Cleats

There are several factors to consider when deciding what kind of cleats will be right for you. Consider your position, the level of traction you’ll need, and how much ankle support you want. Also, take into account the rules of your local league.

Cleat Regulations

Bringing your favorite pair of cleats won’t matter if you’re not allowed to wear them. Many leagues and fields have specific rules about what kinds of cleats and shoes players can wear. For example, nearly every turf field bans cleats because they can damage the surface. Many leagues, especially youth and high school leagues, don’t permit metal cleats for safety reasons.

Low-Top vs. Mid- & High-Top Cleats

Baseball cleats are available in low-top, mid-top, or high-top designs. This refers to the height of the shoe’s collar: low-tops end below the ankle, high-tops rise above it, and mid-tops fall between the two. Here are their benefits and drawbacks.

Low-Tops: Low-cut cleats have less material, making them very light and flexible, which improves your speed and agility. However, they don’t offer much ankle support.

Mid-Tops: These cleats strike a balance between ankle support and mobility, making them a good all-around pick.

High-Tops: These cleats have superior stability and ankle support, which minimizes the risk of injury during slides and quick turns and increases power at the plate. They’re heavier than low-tops, so they can reduce your agility a bit.

Baseball Cleats by Position

Your position seriously impacts how you’ll need to move on the field, so it’s one of the most important factors to consider when buying baseball cleats. Outfielders need the speed to catch up with long fly balls, while catchers need stability and support to help them squat for extended periods. Here are some basics about the best cleats for your position.

Cleats for Outfielders

Outfielders need more raw speed than agility, and they need stability for long dashes. That means nearly any style of baseball cleat can work well for them. However, many experienced outfielders prefer metal cleats because they’re less likely to pick up clumps of dirt and grass, which can slow them down when chasing a fly ball.

Cleats for Infielders

Because infielders need to make quick lateral movements, traction and agility are their top priorities. All stud types can work on a well-maintained dirt infield, but only metal cleats can offer enough traction on poorly-maintained fields. Most infielders wear low-cut cleats for improved agility.

Cleats for Pitchers

Pitchers need maximum stability and leverage, so most prefer hard plastic or metal cleats. Low-top cleats work best for pitchers because they don’t interfere with the precise footwork that pitching requires.

Cleats for Catchers

As with outfielders, nearly any type of stud can work for catchers. However, many of them prefer metal studs for traction. Most catchers wear high-top cleats for support, which minimizes ankle strain caused by squatting for extended periods.

How Cleats Should Fit

Getting cleats in the right size is crucial. If they’re too small, they can cause discomfort, cut off circulation, and even result in long-term joint problems. If they’re too big, they can slip around under you, slowing you down, reducing your balance, and causing blisters. When shopping for new cleats, look for a pair that feels snug but not tight. Your cleats should have enough space for your toes to wiggle, but not so much that they slip around as you move. You should be able to move comfortably in any direction while wearing them without any pinching or discomfort. Your cleats should have about a quarter inch of space between the tip of your toes and the end of the shoe. This will keep your toes comfortable and reduce the chance of foot injuries. It’s best to go with the tighter fit if you're between sizes because the cleats will naturally expand a bit after some use. If you prefer mid- or high-top cleats, ensure that the collar around your ankle fits correctly. Like the rest of the cleat, the material around the ankle should have a snug, “locked-in” feeling without impeding your movement. If the collar is too loose, it’ll add extra weight without protection. If it’s too tight, it’ll hinder your mobility and may cut off your circulation or cause discomfort. When trying on cleats, remember that baseball socks are fairly thick. Try on your cleats with the same socks you’ll play in to ensure they fit as expected. If you don’t have those socks on hand, cleats that are half a size bigger than your regular sneakers will usually fit properly.

How to Take Care of Baseball Cleats

Properly maintaining your new cleats is vital in ensuring their longevity, comfort, and performance. A decent pair of baseball cleats can last about two seasons with good maintenance. Without it, they might not last even a single season. This is especially true for metal cleats, which can rust without proper care.

Here’s how to take care of your cleats:

1. Remove any loose debris from the surface of the cleats. Tap them together to free any dirt caught between the studs, then use a cloth to wipe the surface.
2. Using a soft-bristled brush or a cloth, scrub your cleats with a mixed cleaning solution of mild detergent or soap and lukewarm water, focusing on stained or soiled areas. Avoid using harsh chemicals such as bleach when creating a cleaning solution. Don’t use heavy abrasives like a wire brush, which can damage your shoes. If your cleats have leather uppers, instead, use a dry cloth to apply specialized leather cleaner.
3. Rinse the cleats thoroughly with water, taking care not to soak the insides.
4. Allow your cleats to air dry. Don’t expose them to direct heat, which can damage or warp the materials. If you have metal cleats, dab the soles with a towel to dry them fully and prevent rust.

If you take care of your baseball cleats, they’ll take care of you. Consistently maintaining them will maximize their lifespan and value and enhance your performance on the diamond.