Four Baseball Cleats That Make a Big Difference

Deciding on the right pair of cleats depends on the player’s ability and the league. If you are playing little league, high school or the Pros, the right baseball cleats can make a ballplayer successful. Baseball cleats give a person the proper traction and support when manoeuvring around a baseball field. The elite payers purchase cleats that have the special performance feature which allows them to excel, due to the fact cleats enhance their ability and could be the decider in a game. There are 4 baseball cleats variations: the molded, metal, interchangeable and turf, below are a brief description of each.

Molded

Molded cleats make up the sole of the baseball shoe. The entire shoe is molded in one piece, usually plastic or rubber, to make up the cleat. Some molded baseball cleats are designed to have the plastic cleats removed (with a cleat screw key). Molded cleats allow a lot more flexibility for the wearer. If the playing surface is extremely grassy, wet or muddy the individual can remove the cleats by unscrewing stud from the shoe. A person can replace the screw with a longer or smaller cleat stud, which would allow for better footing.

Metal

Regular cleats, usually called metal ‘spikes,’ are designed for extremely hard surfaces, such as the baseball infield. Metal baseball cleats are what normal baseball pitchers wear. The cleat digs deep into the dirt and sand which enables them to grip the field, allowing for sure footing and traction. Metal cleat spikes are permanently configured within the shoe.

Interchangeable

Interchangeable cleats are what many of the professional baseball players choose to wear. These cleats can either be used for the infield or the outfield. With interchangeable baseball cleats, a person can change their cleats between plastic and metal studs. This is a real advantage when it comes to playing, as interchangeable cleats make a difference on hard or soft surfaces. Interchangeable cleats have grooved rubber bottoms which provide traction on playing surfaces such as AstroTurf which is similar to concrete or asphalt.

Turf

Turf cleats were intended for artificial grass. The bottom of turf cleats consist of hundreds of little spikes that grip and cling to the ground. These cleats are used indoor stadiums by big league players. Wearing cleats on turf fields seem to provide players some protection from anterior cruciate ligament injury, especial when making quick turns. Yet, turf cleats are seldom used, as most baseball parks are of grass and dirt.

If you were to run as fast as possible down a concrete surface wearing hard metal studs and then had to turn quickly, the result would not be good. The surface and style of play would influence a person’s choice in the type of cleat they would use. Furthermore, the only thing that really matters is if the shoe fits the wearer’s foot correctly. Don’t settle for buying cheap baseball cleats that will just fall apart in a year. Look for mid or high cut baseball cleats as they should protect a players ankles.

Recommendation: Purchase detachable cleats either by Nike or Reebok. Nike makes very comfortable shoes and provides addition studs for free. Reebok baseball cleats are solid, and provide stable traction.

If you found this article helpful or interesting, be sure to check out my other articles on hybrid golf clubs, ski jackets, and ski pants.