We’ve been playing, coaching, and helping baseball and fastpitch players for long enough to know what a good cleat feels and prices like. Choosing the right cleat is more than just a game-changer—it’s about confidently stepping onto the field. Comfort, performance, and sidestepping injuries are the trifecta that dictates the best pick in baseball cleats. Our journey through a diverse range of the best baseball and fastpitch cleats hopefully sheds light on what each type brings to the turf.
Mizuno – 9-Spike Swift 6 Metal Fastpitch Cleat
The Mizuno Women’s 9-Spike Swift 6 Metal Fastpitch Softball Cleats are designed to meet the demands of serious athletes. With its gender-engineered design for softball-specific movements, these cleats provide enhanced cushioning and ultimate comfort, making them a top choice for fastpitch players. The 9-Spike cleat configuration along with the Wave technology offers exceptional traction and stability on the field, ensuring that you are always game-ready
Price: $85
Pros:
- Exceptional Traction: The 9-Spike cleat configuration provides excellent grip on the field.
- Enhanced Comfort: Features like a padded “Booty” tongue and full-length midsole cushioning ensure comfort from heel to toe.
- Stability: The Wave technology aids in stabilizing your feet while hitting and throwing, ensuring better performance.
- Breathable: The perforated synthetic upper allows for breathability and a secure fit.
Cons:
- Price: Some might find the original price point higher, although discounts are often available.
- Availability: Finding this specific model in some stores or online platforms may be challenging.
- Limited Color Options: As seen on Dick’s Sporting Goods, the color option available is Navy/White, which might not appeal to everyone
New Balance – Men’s FuelCell 4040 V6 Metal Cleat
The New Balance 4040v6 Men’s Mid Metal Baseball Cleats are designed to provide players with a blend of functionality and comfort. These cleats feature a full-length Fuel Cell midsole and ample cushioning and responsiveness on the field. The upper includes a Fit Weave construction for durability and flexibility, ensuring a snug fit while allowing for natural foot movements. The mid-cut metal spike-cleated design offers support around the ankle, promoting a steady stride during the game.
Price: $75
Pros:
- Full-length Fuel Cell midsole for enhanced cushioning.
- Fit Weave upper provides durability and a snug fit.
- Mid-cut design with metal spikes offers ankle support and excellent traction.
Cons:
- It may be priced higher compared to other models.
- Limited color options are available.
- All players might not prefer the mid-cut design.
Under Armour – Men’s Yard Low Turf
The Under Armour Men’s Yard Low Turf Baseball Cleat Shoe is designed to provide enough traction on wet grass or dirt without full-on cleats. It’s sturdy enough even when wet and is more cost-effective than using more expensive running shoes for baseball practices or games. It’s so versatile that you can drive to and from practice or games without needing to change shoes on the field.
Price: $85
Pros:
- Provides good traction on both wet grass and dirt.
- Durable even when wet.
- Cost-effective as compared to using expensive running shoes for baseball activities.
- Versatile for driving to and from practices or games without changing shoes on the field.
- Soft, sneaker-like feel with UA Charged Cushioning.
- Serious grip for everyday training.
Cons:
- Not cheap
- Not cleats
- We wish there were more color options
Adidas – Men’s Icon 7
The Adidas Men’s Icon 7 Md Baseball Shoe is designed for on-field baseball play. They are mid-cut cleats with a rubber sole, offering a snug fit and featuring 100% textile synthetics. These lightweight cleats are built for traction, and they come with a Bounce midsole for lightweight cushioning, providing comfort throughout the game.
Price: $40
Pros:
- Traction: The rubber molded outsoles provide reliable traction on the field, ensuring players have a good grip during play.
- Comfort: The Bounce midsole offers lightweight cushioning, ensuring comfort even through extended periods of play.
- Supportive Fit: The mid-cut design, along with a snug fit, provides good ankle support and a secure fit for the players
Cons:
- It won’t last forever
- It could look cooler.
Under Armour – Men’s Harper 8 Mid Rm
The Under Armour Men’s Harper 8 Mid Rm Baseball Shoe is designed for baseball and softball players, featuring rubber molded cleats for optimal traction and durability on all field surfaces.
Price: $49
Pros:
- The rubber molded cleats provide excellent traction on various field surfaces, ensuring players can move confidently during games.
- The shoes have a higher back and a nice Velcro strap that provides better ankle support and keeps the foot securely set in the shoe, which can be especially beneficial for players with a history of ankle injuries.
- The shoe has a stable, transparent upper for more lock-down power and a breathable mesh upper for comfort, with strategic TPU shields for added durability in high-abrasive areas.
Cons:
- The shoes tend to run small, so getting the next size up is advisable.
- Durability may be a concern, as a review mentions that with challenging play, they might last six months.
Under Armour – Men’s Leadoff
These rubber baseball cleats are considered the best due to their lightweight, durable synthetic upper with perforations for added breathability, padded collar and heel for comfort, full-length EVA midsole for cushioning, and rubber molded cleats for optimal traction and durability on all field surfaces. The cleats also feature a durable overlay on the toe cap for added protection against wear and tear. At sub $45, they are hard to beat.
Price: $45
Pros: Lightweight and durable synthetic upper, Perforations in toe box for added breathability, Durable overlay on toe cap for extra protection, Padded collar and heel construction for ultimate step-in comfort
Cons: Rubber cleats are not considered the best for most serious players, some color options but not a lot