Best Baseball Cleats In 2022
Nowadays, almost every sport offers shoes that are tailored to suit the nature and requirements of the game and baseball is no different. The best baseball shoes are often built with cleats that provide the needed grip required for various surfaces. With the below list of mens baseball cleats, players can easily pick out comfortable, suitable and reliable cleats. With a guide like ours you will be re-introduced to some of the best baseball cleats in the market. This will also serve as the perfect information guide on the various kinds of cleats on offer.
The Best Baseball Cleat
1New Balance Men’s L3000v3 Metal Baseball Cleats
The New Balance Men’s L3000v3 Metal Baseball Shoe has made it to the top of our list. It is not just a well thought out design but a thoroughly tested one too. The company developed and formed the NB data driven Baseball Platform to ensure they created the standard baseball shoe. Without argument, it is safe to say they achieved this seeing as these New Balance shoes are very sought after. Made from a 100% textile and synthetic materials to ensure year-round durability on all types of surfaces. The mesh upper material is very breathable and keeps the feet from sweating during the game. You’ll be going home with less stinky socks, which is undoubtedly a win-win for everyone. It also features a debris free construction that prevents dirt and other materials from sticking on the cleats.
The 8-spike configuration ensures an excellent grip on practically any terrain. It also enhances the players’ acceleration giving them enough leverage to run with optimum speed. New Balance also threw in extra features like toe protection for extra durability to the forefoot of the shoe. It also offers variants of the same size in different widths. This is a major breakthrough since many users complain of narrow baseball shoes and allows players with larger feet to have great quality options instead of managing smaller sizes. It is a great pick for both infielders and outfielders.
Made with 100% textile and synthetic materials
8-spike construction
Debris free construction
Toe-protect
- BrandNew Balance
- Weight4 pounds
Extremely lightweight and durable
Form fitting and comfortable
Perfect for avoiding injuries
The 2E seems a bit narrow
Some sizes run too big
2Under Armour Men’s Leadoff Low RM Baseball Cleats
The Under Armour Men’s Leadoff Low RM Baseball Shoe is another lightweight baseball shoe. It weighs 11.4 oz and is quite comfortable on the feet, especially for runners. Metal cleats usually weigh more than moulded cleats so if you are looking for lightweight baseball cleats, these low RM’s are perfect. The lightweight feature does not take away from its amazing capacity to perform on the pitch. Take these shoes to any game regardless of the terrain and swing away with optimum balance and comfort.
The cleats are moulded with rubber which results in enhanced traction on any available field. These attractive looking shoes are well designed with synthetic leather uppers to ensure maximum durability. This also provides an extra-comfortable step-in every time you slide your feet in. The mesh tongues also add some breathability to ensure your feet remain cool and dry throughout the game. Instead of one part of the shoe bearing all the pressure, the EVA-cushioned midsoles solve the issue with equal balance. The cushioned midsoles are well distributed along the length of the platforms equalling sharing the weight. Regardless of your feet size, the Under Armour has proven to be accommodating, comfortable and reliable. Make sure you also check our guide to the best spikeless golf shoes.
Synthetic leather uppers
Mesh tongue for better breathability
Full Length EVA-sole
Rubber moulded cleats
- BrandUnder Armour
- Model1297317
- Weight2.5 pounds
Great regardless of the weather
Work great on all terrains
Very comfortable and lightweight
May be too narrow for wide feet
The sizes run a bit small. Best to get a size larger than your actual shoe size
3Nike Men’s Lunar Vapor Ultrafly Elite Baseball Cleats
If you thought that sport shoes with cleats are a waste of money these Nike sneakers would definitely correct that impression. First off, you have to love the phenomenal design on the Nike Men’s Lunar Vapor Ultrafly Elite Baseball Cleat. It’s quite multi-variant with 21 different designs to choose from. The Nike sign is imprinted both on the side and the sole encouraging you to ‘Just Do It’. Specially designed for speed, this is definitely a good choice for runners. It is light on the feet allowing for a faster, smoother and less stressful dash. It has been designed with an asymmetrical tongue and laces for lateral supported.
When making those rounds speedily the shoes are designed to prevent sideways movements that result in slipping and the mesh upper features a skin overlay for better breathability. These molded baseball cleats have a formation of 6 metal studs and 2 TPU studs for enhanced traction on the field. They are beautifully designed traction swirls formed into the plate and traction wings on both sides. This aids better pivoting movements when the shoes hit the ground. For extra comfort, the lunarlon foam ensures a smooth and comfortable glide.
Mesh upper with overlying skin
Hybrid Cleat formation
Synthetic leather and TPU mesh upper
Lunarlon foam cushioning
- BrandNike
Cleats are lightweight
They are also very comfortable
Provide great traction on the field
It’s a pricey option
4Under Armour Men’s Harper 2 RM Baseball Cleats
The Under Armour Men’s Harper 2 RM Baseball Shoe provides great and powerful support via their metal cleats. These shoes have synthetic rubber soles with TPU coating over the heel to ensure increased durability. Synthetic leather may not be as durable as original leather. However, they provide that extra stability and support every reliable sport shoe should have. The moulded synthetic upper is designed to give great support and an easy, comfortable fit. It is woven and well ventilated to ensure proper breathability. The EVA midsole efficiently distributes feet pressure along the entire form of the sole enabling a more comfortable play.
They are available ankle straps that can conveniently be adjusted to suit your preference. More importantly, the straps provide a ‘locked in’ fit to increase stability and ensure your feet don’t slip out. The insole features the high rebound super foam that ensures comfort and shock absorption and the cleat formation has a 3-3-4 configuration that comprises of metal and moulded rubber cleats. The metal cleats ensure efficient acceleration, power and traction while the moulded cleats supply the lightweight and comfortable feel. Our handy guide to the best stability running shoes features more great products like this.
Moulded synthetic upper
Adjustable ankle straps
Full Length EVA midsole
Hybrid cleat plate
- BrandUnder Armour
- Model1297306
- Weight12 ounces
Beautiful design
Moulded cleats for extra comfort
Extra padded insole
Insufficient loopholes around the ankle
Velcro strap isn’t long enough
5Nike Men’s Huarache 2KFilth Pro Baseball Cleat
If you are looking for a more affordable baseball cleat option, then these Nike shoes should definitely be one of the top options. The Nike Men’s Huarache 2KFilth Pro Baseball Cleat feature rubber moulded cleats. Plastic or rubber cleats are generally less expensive than their metal counterparts but they tend to be more durable overtime and can be worn on practically any playing field.
However, when it comes to the grip, they are not as great as metal cleats but these moulded baseball cleats provide great traction and are very light on the feet. The geometric divots do the job of preventing dirt and other materials from sticking to the surface. It’s made from synthetic leather and a TPU mesh to ensure a better fit and increased durability.
The midsole is conveniently cushioned with a lightweight phylon to provide more comfort. If comfort is a number one priority, these cleats should get another tick on your list. They are a relatively heavier than other low tops due to their ankle support. Don’t worry though, the weight is not significant enough to influence your performance. Love these shoes? Check out our review of the best crossfit shoes for our top picks.
Made with synthetic leather
Rubber mould cleats
Lightweight Phylon midsoles
Mesh tongue for extra comfort
- BrandNike
- Weight2 pounds
Cleats are very light on the feet
Great cleats at affordable price
Ankle support for perfect fit
Don’t have as much grip as a metal cleat would
Size runs a bit small
Not so comfortable as the sides are too narrow
6Mizuno Men’s 9 Spike ADV Franchise 8 BK Baseball Cleat
The Mizuno Men’s Spike ADV Franchise 8 BK Baseball Cleat is a highly versatile sport shoe. The proprietary flex construction enhances the overall performance and flexibility making it great for all three basic baseball movements. Whether running, batting or throwing, these super comfortable, beautifully designed cleat shoes are the best bet. It features a full length midsole that provides the entire length of the feet with adequate cushioning for maximum comfort. It has a hybrid rubber and synthetic sole while the upper is made with suede and the double layered mesh upper provides great flexibility, comfort and stability during aggressive play times.
The Mizuno 9-spike is a mid-top ankle shoe secured with an innovative wave technology. This helps to properly distribute foot weight and acts as a shock absorbent. The rubber cleats were made for extra traction; the rugged stud design supplies a great grip for all terrain types. It has a 9-spike construction that is tactfully positioned to increase speed and improve motions. If you like sports footwear, check out our guide to the best Asics shoes.
Rubber moulded studs
9 spike construction
Full length midsole
100% synthetic
- BrandMizuno
- Model9 SPIKE ADV FRANCHISE 8 BK-WH-M
- Weight10.4 ounces
Very lightweight design
Great running shoe
Shock absorbent
May not withstand continuous and vigorous play time.
They run a size too small
7Nike Men’s Air Trout 2 Pro Baseball Cleat
Your cleats should be a reliable companion during every game. In the game of baseball, players need to stay well-grounded and stable when sprinting. The Nike Men’s Air Trout 2 Pro Baseball Cleat is a reliable sport shoe that will put you on top of your game. It features a flywire technology that uses adequate cables to lock your feet into a perfect fit as well as a synthetic leather upper for great form and adequate support. The phylon midsole cushioning also provides that extra comfort that users need.
Another upside to this fashionable shoe is the NikeSkin technology that combines PU film and mesh which ensures durability. The EVA sock-liner ensures there is enough comfort under the feet and the TPU plate serves a 9-cleat configuration that enables phenomenal traction and adequate durability. They are 6 full- length metal cleats and three smaller ones smartly position at the forefoot for increased traction and due comfort.
Phylon midsole cushioning
TPU plate with 9-cleat configuration
Synthetic leather upper
Flywire technology
- BrandNike
- Weight2 pounds
Great design
Affordable option
Comfortable and suitable fit
A bit too narrow for wide feet
8Adidas Men’s Adizero Afterburner V Baseball Shoe
The Adidas Adizero Afterburner V is one of the best baseball cleats in the game. If you just want to look good on the field, you might as well stop reading now and buy a pair of these. But if you care about your performance too, there are a few things you need to know. The Adidas Adizero Afterburner V is all about traction. This modern baseball cleat is designed for explosive power and quick, accurate stopping. Underneath the cleat is a Sprintframe plate covered in Sprintstuds, allowing you to get immediate traction. It also features a rotational traction zone, designed to make turning on the spot quicker and more precise.
Importantly, these baseball cleats are also super lightweight and comfortable. Weighing just 9.6 ounces, we weren’t convinced they would have enough padding to stop you from getting blisters. But, in a genius bit of design, Adidas has doubled the thickness of the midsole, for more comfort and less cleat pressure. They also have a revolutionary laminated package, which supports the ankle and stops it from rolling. In short, these are some of the lightest and most comfortable cleats in the game. Add this to the incredible traction and you’re going to be unbeatable. And for some amazing storage solutions for baseball players, check out our guide to the best baseball equipment bags.
Made from textile and synthetic
Litestrike EVA midsole
Laminated package
Sprintframe plate with Sprintstuds
Rotational traction zone
Ironskin toe cap
- BrandAdidas
- ModelAQ0097
- Weight9.6 ounces
One of the best-looking cleats in the game
Super lightweight
Comfortable and very supportive
Outstanding traction
Not suitable for wide feet
Some issues with durability
9New Balance Men’s 4040 V5 Metal Baseball Shoe
Next up, we’ve got the newest version of the New Balance 4040 Baseball Cleats. These cleats have been around for a while now and have been seen on some of the top pros, so you know they’re going to be good. Aside from being some of the cleanest-looking cleats in the game, we were super impressed by their performance on the field. As you know, traction is crucial in baseball, which is why these cleats are fitted with an eight-spike metal plate outsole that provides amazing flexibility, support, and of course, traction. You can turn on a dime in these cleats.
The upper part of the cleat is made from a mixture of leather and mesh, designed for both durability and breathability. This sits on top of the ABZORB midsole, which is a technology New Balance uses in their running shoes. It absorbs impact using cushioning and compression resistance, allowing you to run faster and for longer.
Made from leather and mesh
Eight-spike metal plate outsole
ABZORB midsole
Available in 15 colors
- BrandNew Balance
- ModelL4040SD5
- Weight14 ounces
Durable materials
Super comfortable
Shock-absorbing midsole
Worn by the pros
Runs small
10Adidas Men’s Speed Turf Baseball Shoe
When you’re coaching baseball or doing long training sessions, you don’t want to wear cleats all day. The pressure of the studs on your feet can get really uncomfortable after a few hours, even if you have super high-quality cleats. That’s why we’re giving the Adidas Men’s Speed Turf Baseball Shoe a place on our list. The cleverly-designed rubber sole provides amazing traction considering that it doesn’t have any studs. Called the Turf Traction sole, it has large tread blocks in the middle and tiny tread blocks on the outside, designed to give you excellent traction in the heel and toe areas. The upper part of the shoe is made from synthetic mesh with TPU overlays for durability. Plus, it has a widening lacing system for the perfect fit.
Mesh upper with TPU overlays
Mesh tongue with Gore Wings
Widening lacing system
Turf Traction sole
Available in nine colors
- BrandAdidas
- ModelG27681
- Weight10.4 ounces
Perfect for training and coaching
Impressive traction
Durable upper
Not suitable for competitive games
Baseball Cleat Buying Guide & FAQ
For the love of the game of baseball, we have put together this essential guide. This will put you through a lot of things you should know about baseball cleats.
How We Chose Our Selection Of Baseball Cleats
Here are three things stood out to us while compiling the best baseball cleats;
Quality - Playing a game like baseball requires good quality traction shoes for extra speed, balance and ultimately, comfort. We ensured that all the products listed above were made from lightweight and durable materials.
Reviews - A good review certifies a great product. It was quite hard to find the cons on the listed top 10 baseball cleats. Most of the customer feedback was highly positive and very satisfactory.
Price - The prices from these top brands were quite inexpensive. We chose products that go soft on the pocket but readily deliver value and optimum quality.
Features To Look For In Baseball Cleats
Brand - Certain longstanding brands have had years to perfect their sport shoe designs. With thorough testing and experiments, they have been able to formulate high quality, durable, comfortable and high-performance cleats.
Style - They are high top, mid, and low baseball cleat options. The high tops reach above the ankle; they provide more lateral support to the player. It does, however, restrict movement but goes a long way to protect the ankle from injuries.
For a more comfortable feel, the mid ankle shoes work best for that while providing good ankle protection. The low tops are great for speed and agility, they fall below the ankle and allow fast paced running and manoeuvrability while racing across the pitch.
Material - Some cleats are made from original leather, as mentioned before; it is more durable and breathable. However, it also more expensive than other options. Synthetic leather, on the other hand, provides more support at the centre and fore-foot. They are also more affordable.
Spike Type - There are three different types of cleats, metal, moulded rubber/plastic and turf shoes. Metal cleats give the best traction, they have a better grip that players need especially when running and braking. It also gives the batter good balance and form when preparing to hit the oncoming ball without slipping.
Moulded rubbers are a more durable option; they are fixed to the outer sole and provide adequate stability. They are sturdy enough to be worn on practically any platform and are also more affordable than metal cleats. This option is better when playing on softer fields as they don’t have the same traction as the metal cleats.
Turf trainers, as the name suggest, are the shoes players wear when they are practicing. They are more comfortable than cleats and should be worn on turfs for better traction. They are also interchangeable cleats; this offers players a combination of both metal and moulded rubber on the same sole.
Ankle Support - As explained earlier, if you already have an ankle injury or are preventing one, high tops and mid tops are the better option.
The Position of the Player - The position you’re playing determines the type of cleats you should have. Infielders should consider the type of terrain they play on before picking out metal or rubber cleats. If the ground is dense they should opt for metal cleats, however if it is moist the better option is rubber cleats. This is because rubber bounces off soft and muddy surfaces better.
On a well maintained field that is firm and stable, metal cleats would work better for outfielders. Metal studs plant better in the soil than rubber, this helps when chasing the ball. Pitchers, on the other hand, need a good push-off leverage to throw perfectly. They require more stable cleats, and probably low tops. Metal studs would work better for pitchers too for increased stability.
Types Of Baseball Cleats
There are 3 major baseball cleats and one for training on Turf terrains.
Metal Baseball Cleats: These cleats are made of metal and provide the best traction. They are able to dig into tough terrains and strong grass. They, however,are more prone to injure players, especially when they make sudden, unexpected movements.
Moulded Plastic Cleats: This option is quite stable and strong as they are inbuilt on the shoe. They can be worn on various surfaces including asphalt and concrete without wearing out.
Trainer/Turf Shoes: These are worn by players when training on turfs. Turf shoes keep the foot close to the ground and provide enough traction without high risk of injury.
Interchangeable cleats: This is a combination of both metal and mould. Most times, they are attached on the shoe and can be taken out after the game. However, these cleats are generally heavier than singular cleats for obvious reasons.
Baseball Cleat FAQ
Q: Are there any regulations on what type of cleats to use?
A: Metal cleats can be used in high school baseball and in college softball. In 2008, the NFHS decided to permit high school softball players to wear metal cleats as well. Not all states have adopted this; the best option is to check with your league so you know which cleats are allowed.
Q: How do I clean baseball cleats?
A: Take off the excess dirt from the soles of the shoes, use a brush or old toothbrush to dry clean the remaining dirt. Mix a cleaning solution made with warm water and soap. Shake it till the mixture foams up. Dip a brush or toothbrush in the solution and scrub out the dirt. Wipe off with a clean cloth after and allow it to air-dry.
Q: How to break in baseball cleats?
A: Before putting on your new cleat-shoes, put on an extra pair of socks, this will help stretch the leather. Take them out and bend the edges to stretch them out. Use a leather protractor to apply a coat on the base and then put them on again. After this, soak your legs (with the shoes still on) in warm water. After a few minutes, pull them off and keep them in a place to dry naturally. This will speed up the break-in process.