When you're playing baseball, it's important to put on the proper footwear. Since the game is played on dirt, grass, or turf, the shoes must be able to provide better traction, allow for easy direction changes when running, and improve performance on these surfaces. If you're looking for the perfect pair of cleats, we share the best options for 2023 in this article. 

Types of baseball cleats

If you're looking for the perfect turf shoes, you're bound to have a lot of questions. Should you buy a pair of shoes that's made with synthetic materials? Are rubber cleats better than metal ones? Which cleat type is best? How can you ensure you get optimal comfort, excellent traction and superior performance?

In order to make the best decision, it’s important to become familiar with the various styles of baseball footwear in order to purchase the right type of cleats. Metal cleats, molded cleats, and turf shoes are the most popular styles of cleats and they all have different purposes. Overall, molded cleats are the most preferred by baseball players.

Metal Cleats

Metal baseball cleats are cleats that have metal studs that are permanently attached to the shoe's heel. These cleats were created with unique functions in mind. Metal cleats are ideal for providing the best traction since their sharp studs can quickly excavate the difficult pitch. 

Metal cleats, unlike other cleats, are excellent at providing adequate traction. This allows players to easily slow down or take off. However, they are a most common cause of injury among athletes. Since they excavate the ground when the player changes course, the player's risk of injury increases.

Molded Cleats

A spiked or studded baseball molded cleat is a shoe with spikes or studs on the sole. These cleats are made of rubber or plastic. On baseball field surfaces, these cleats assist baseball players in gaining stability when running or changing direction. Molded cleats were once only worn by young baseball players because they provide defense when sliding and running bases.

However, more athletes have started to use molded cleats in recent years, even outside of youth leagues, due to their superior grip and optimal traction on harder surfaces like artificial turf. However, while they offer good protection against injuries caused by sliding, the studs or spikes wear down quicker than metal cleats, so they need to be replaced more often. 

Rubber cleats

This type of cleats uses rubber spikes for traction on various surfaces. They generally have large and flat spikes that are mainly beneficial for softer surfaces like grass or turf. Players that wear these cleats gain more traction when running, which makes them a great choice for outdoor sports where the player needs to make quick cuts or changes in direction. They can also help you keep your feet dry and are useful for players of all skill levels. However, rubber cleats do not offer as much protection as cleats with metal spikes and they do not last as long. They also tend to get clogged with grass and dirt, which can interfere with their performance.

Turf Cleats

Choose a pair of turf cleats if you want the most comfortable baseball cleats possible. Turf cleats are effective at providing additional traction and they are a great option for low-pitch softball teams since they can keep a stronger grip on the dirt and grass. If you need more aggressive traction for a more natural movement on the field while you avoid foot fatigue, turf cleats might be the best option for you.

Interchangeable Cleats

Want to try out both molded and metal cleats? Different cleat companies have introduced interchangeable cleats to make your wish come true. The key advantage is that you can switch between metal and molded studs and modify them both with the same shoe.  An interchangeable cleat's spikes are attached to the foot with screws. As a result, changing those studs is a breeze. However, since it has more features, it is heavier than other types of cleats. 

Are metal or plastic cleats better for baseball?

Metal cleats are the preferred cleats among most professional baseball players as they have certain benefits that molded baseball cleats do not. They do, however, have some drawbacks.

Metal cleats have small, sharp, and solid metal parts embedded in the soles of the shoes. Because of the metal spikes, the shoes dig deeper into the dirt. As a result, metal cleats provide more traction. However, molded cleats enable players to change direction more easily while running.

Metal cleats are great for hard surfaces, but they wear out quickly and can be uncomfortable to wear, particularly if a game takes longer than expected. Baseball molded cleats are less effective on hard surfaces, but they are more durable in general. They are much stronger, with improved ankle support and traction.

All in all, molded cleat models are a popular choice for most players due to their comfort and durability. They also provide a good grip on both dry and wet surfaces, giving you a more than acceptable performance quality in most fields. For that reason, while metal cleats can sometimes be an excellent choice for certain fields, molded cleats are generally the preferred option for most adult players.

Can you wear metal cleats in baseball?

Metal cleats are prohibited in some baseball leagues, especially at the youth levels, because they can be harmful. In some games, metal spiked or cleated shoes are not allowed. Shoes with molded cleats, on the other hand, are permitted.

Here is more information regarding metal cleats: 

• Removable spikes or cleats are allowed in the Little League (Majors) division and below if no metal remains exposed after removal.
• Metal spikes or cleats are allowed in the Intermediate 50/70, Junior, and Senior Leagues.

Make sure you know your league rules before buying metal cleats!

How does my position affect which cleats I buy?

How do you go about choosing the right baseball cleats? The position you play heavily affects what cleats you should buy. So, let's take a look at the best choice for baseball cleats depending on where you play!

Infielder

When deciding between metal and plastic cleats, bear in mind the upkeep and maintenance of the field you play on. Infielders often find that plastic studs hold too much dirt if the ground is compact and thick. It can become an issue as the soles accumulate sand and gravel, making movement difficult. Metal cleats are the better option for fields like this, especially if you tend to play on natural surfaces.

Outfielder

If your outfield is well kept, lush and firm, you should choose metal spikes over molded cleats because they won’t pick up big patches of grass. Outfielders can trust their cleats to dig in and out of the ground quickly and efficiently while catching fly balls by planting their toes hard and deep into the turf.

Pitcher

Pitchers' push-off foot is one of the things that makes them throw great pitches. It is a great source of strength for them. Their foundation won’t be stable if their cleats don’t stick properly. Metal-studded baseball cleats can provide the stability that all pitchers need when playing on tightly packed ground. Often, since the side of the shoe moves below the ankle bone of the foot, we recommend a low top for pitchers. Rubbing may occur while wearing a high top!

Are baseball cleats the same size as regular shoes?

When cleats are compared to standard shoes, there isn't much of a difference in sizing. Cleats look just like normal tennis or athletic shoes. When it's time to buy new cleats, make sure you put them on with athletic socks on.

Can baseball cleats be used for football?

Football players can wear soccer cleats or football cleats. Baseball players can wear baseball, football, or soccer cleats, but infield players can only wear baseball cleats, according to experts.

Are molded cleats better for turf?

Artificial turf may be damaged by metal or molded cleats. Modern spikes are ideally suited for natural grass that can withstand impacts and rebound since they puncture the ground for traction. Artificial turf is shallower than natural grass, so the spikes would have less surface area to dig into. As you can imagine, turf cleats are a lot better on turf!

What are the lightest baseball cleats?

One of the lightest cleats in the game at the moment are the Adidas Adizero Afterburner 6. They feature a sturdy, lightweight upper for extra support and stability along the base path, as well as a widened lacing system for a custom, locked-down fit. To aid acceleration, the cleated outsole grips the ground.

What cleats do MLB players wear?

Here is a list of baseball cleats used by professional players in the 2020 season:

• PE Nike Men's Alpha Huarache Elite 2 Low Cleats are worn by Gleyber Torres
• The Nike Alpha Huarache 2 Mid Cleats are worn by Josh Donadson, Giancarlo Stanton, and Pete Alonso
• Under Armour Harper 3 Cleats are worn by Fernando Tatis Jr.
• Nike Lunar Vapor Ultrafly Elite 2 Cleats are worn by George Springer
• Dee Gordon and Justin Verlander wear Under Armour Yard Cleats
• Fransisco Lindor wears New Balance Cypher 12 Cleats
• Trea Turner wears the Adidas adiZero Afterburner 6 Cleats
• Manny Machado wears Jordan 13 Cleats

The most popular baseball cleat brands are:

• Jordan Baseball Cleats
• Under Armour Baseball Cleats
• New Balance Baseball Cleats
• Nike Baseball Cleats
• Adidas Baseball Cleats

What are the best cleats for baseball?

NB 3000v4 Low Molded Cleats

The 4040v4 TPU Molded Cleat has been revised to include an ultra-flexible and supportive plate and is lighter than before. The REVlite midsole in this low-cut molded cleat provides sensitive cushioning that won't slow you down. Plus, the mesh upper is durable and breathable, allowing you to compete inning after inning. The 4040v4 molded cleat features incredible mid-foot protection, low-profile cleats for superior grip, and strategically positioned cushioning to make your game nearly effortless.

UA 2023 Adult Leadoff Mid RM

Take the field with the most comfortable cleats. They have a padded collar, just the right amount of cushioning, and provide maximum traction without putting any pressure on your feet. 

Adidas Adizero Afterburner 6

In these baseball cleats, you can change the innings with your rhythm. They feature a sturdy, lightweight upper for extra support and stability along the base path, as well as a widened lacing system for a custom, locked-down fit. To aid acceleration, the cleated outsole grips the ground.

NB 4040v5 Low Molded Cleats

The 4040v5 Low-Cut TPU AF baseball cleats have an ultra-light REVlite midsole and a flexible yet supportive 8-spike plate. They have a finely tuned Kinetic Stitch TPU-coated upper that helps deliver zonal power without sacrificing versatility, making it lighter than its predecessor.

NB Low Baseball Cleats David Sunflower

The men's Fresh Foam 3000v5 baseball shoe is the perfect choice for grass or gravel, with a full-length Fresh Foam midsole designed for baseball-specific movement and comfort. When sprinting around the bases or jogging in the outfield, the shoe features a synthetic TPU/polyester hybrid design for optimal toughness and breathability.

The new full-length Fresh Foam midsole is lighter and has more bounce than the previous one. The metal-cleated outsole provides superior traction on and off the field. This is a one-of-a-kind cleat created in partnership with David Sunflower Seeds, featuring an exclusive color scheme and graphics.

UA Adult Leadoff Mid RM

The Under Armour Men's Leadoff Low Baseball Cleats feature a lightweight and sturdy rubber upper with perforations in the toe box for increased breathability.

Adidas Icon V Turf

These baseball cleats are made for strength and inspired by casual streetwear. They feature a sock-like fit for increased stability and a locked-down feel, as well as sensitive cushioning for all-day comfort. The TPU outsole provides flexible grip in the outfield and around the bases.

Mizuno 9-Spike Dominant IC

Mizuno's famous 9 SPIKE® setup features a design that prioritizes superior comfort, soft flexibility, and increased cushioning. Mizuno Wave® technology helps players maintain a highly stable base while hitting and fielding by absorbing energy when planting their feet and making aggressive plays. Dominant IC was created with the goal of relieving players of their concerns about comfort and security, enabling them to focus on their success and dominating the game.

NB 3000v4 Low Baseball Cleats

For the first time, the 3000v4 brings Fresh Foam's extraordinary softness. You can now concentrate on your game thanks to extra cushioning and an all-new plate engineered to mimic the feel of a spiked running shoe.

UA Harper 2 Mid

The woven, ventilated upper is designed to fit and feel like a sneaker while providing lightweight, breathable efficiency. For added toughness, the heel and forefoot have a TPU coating. The ankle brace that can be adjusted provides powerful stability and support. SuperFoam insoles with high rebound and offers maximum shock absorption and comfort. On the diamond, the charged cushioning midsole transforms impact into explosive speed and strength.