It’s baseball season, and you’ve got your glove, bat, helmet, and uniform. But you need a new pair of cleats. Whether you’re playing on dirt, grass, or artificial turf, proper sports equipment doesn’t just make the game easier to play – appropriate equipment helps keep you safe. Before you choose the best baseball cleats though, you need to know what type of surface you’ll be playing on.
We reviewed dozens of baseball cleats to find the best of the best on Amazon. We considered cleats with metal studs and rubber-molded studs, for adults and kids, and the variety of styles in each age group. Furthermore, we looked at turf shoes for those times when studded cleats are not allowed. To determine our best-of list, we kept in mind build, comfort, performance, and fit.
We chose the New Balance Men’s L4040v4 Metal Baseball Shoe as our favorite overall baseball cleat because it provides the most traction thanks to the steel studs. It’s lightweight and flexible, and designed for optimum comfort.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Baseball Cleats
Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
---|---|---|
Best Baseball Cleats Overall | New Balance Men's L4040v4 Metal Baseball Shoe | 4.6 |
Best Baseball Turf Shoes | New Balance Men's 3000v4 Turf Baseball Shoe | 4.6 |
Best Budget Baseball Cleats | adidas Men's Icon Bounce Baseball Cleats | 4.7 |
Best Youth Baseball Cleats | Under Armour Kids' Jr. Baseball Shoe | 4.7 |
Best Kids Baseball Cleats | Under Armour Kids' Leadoff Mid Rm Jr. Baseball Shoe | 4.7 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Baseball Cleats Overall: New Balance Men’s L4040v4 Metal Baseball Shoe
If you’re looking for a baseball sneaker that’s light enough to not weigh you down as you round the bases, then check out our top pick for the best baseball cleats. The New Balance Men’s L4040v4 Metal Baseball Shoe offers a lightweight sneaker that helps keep you quick on your toes. That, coupled with the metal studs, allow you to make fast-changing movements without slipping. The 8-spike configuration provides better grip in dirt and grass so you can take off at high speed or dig your foot in to stabilize your swing.
The New Balance metal cleats feature a low top, with a lace cage, and a gusseted tongue, which lends more flexibility to your ankle. The upper part of the sneaker is made from a synthetic material, and the toe area is wrapped in thermoplastic polyurethane, or TPU, to protect your toes when turning or dragging your foot. But don’t worry if practice goes long, or the game turns into extra innings, this sneaker is equipped with a full-length REVlite midsole for optimum cushioned support. New Balance offers a wide variety of sizes and colors to choose from.
New Balance Men’s L4040v4 Metal Baseball Shoe Key Features:
- Eight metal studs
- REVlite midsole
- Gusseted tongue with lace cage
- Comes in multiple colors and sizes
- TPU protected toe area
Best Baseball Turf Shoes: New Balance Men’s 3000v4 Turf Baseball Shoe
Turf shoes have their place in baseball. If your league doesn’t allow the use of metal cleats or you’re playing on a surface other than grass or dirt, then you want to consider baseball shoes made for artificial turf. Our favorite baseball turf shoe is the New Balance Men’s 3000v4 Turf Baseball Shoe. This sneaker provides traction and stability thanks to the little rubber nubbies on the bottom sole. The rubber nubbies are strategically placed to mimic the placement of metal spikes.
Whether you’re playing on turf or just need a lightweight practice shoe, the New Balance turf shoes are comfortable to wear. They’re made with a synthetic mesh upper, which helps increase breathability. The sneakers come with a full-length Fresh Foam midsole that provides your foot with plush support. The low top with padded tongue and collar create a cushion around your ankle, optimizing your foot’s comfort. These baseball turf shoes come in a variety of sizes and colors.
New Balance Men’s 3000v4 Turf Baseball Shoe Key Features:
- Low top, with synthetic mesh upper
- Cushioned midsole
- Comes in many different colors and sizes
- Lace cage with padded tongue and collar
Best Budget Baseball Cleats: adidas Men’s Icon Bounce Baseball Cleats
If budget is a concern – and even if it isn’t – check out the adidas Men’s Icon Bounce Baseball Cleats. Priced lower than some of our other top picks, adidas offers a low-cut sneaker with metal studs. This cleat has full-length bounce cushioning, which provides enhanced and extended comfort so your feet make it through nine innings. The outer sole is made from a synthetic material, and features perforations to increase air circulation to your feet, keeping them cool and dry. These sneakers also have an ironskin toe cap to reduce abrasion from toe dragging.
Available in a multitude of colors and sizes, the adidas Icon Bounce cleats are designed for quick movements and fast turns, ideal for playing both offense and defense. Also made for comfort, the padded tongue creates a barrier from tight laces to keep your shoe fitting snug without the laces digging in to your foot. The tongues stays tucked in place due to the wings, and the laces can be extended to wrap higher up the ankle.
adidas Men’s Icon Bounce Baseball Cleats Key Features:
- Elastic band at collar
- Lace closure with extended lace loop
- Flexible, cushioned midsole
- Available in multiple sizes and colors
- Ironskin toe cap
Best Youth Baseball Cleats: Under Armour Kids’ Jr. Baseball Shoe
If you’re looking for a youth baseball cleat, then look no further than the Under Armour Kids’ Jr. Baseball Shoe. It’s our favorite pick for the youngsters who are considered pre-teen. Available in multiple colors and a variety of sizes, this cleat qualifies for all types of field surfaces. Steal second base with confidence as the studded cleats dig in to the dirt or grass. The bottom sole is outfitted with rubber-molded studs for better traction and grip on the field.
The shoe is a low-cut sneaker made from synthetic material. The upper part of the cleat has perforations, and the tongue is mesh, in order for the foot to breathe better. A double overlay on the toe cap enhances protection from the tough wear and tear from the fancy foot work required to play baseball. These cleats feature a full-length EVA foam midsole for optimum comfort and to reduce pressure from the studs. The collar and heel are padded for additional cushioning.
Under Armour Kids’ Jr. Baseball Shoe Key Features:
- Overlay on toe cap for added protection
- Padded heel and collar
- Full-length styrofoam midsole
- Perforated upper with mesh tongue
- Available in various sizes and colors
Best Kids Baseball Cleats: Under Armour Kids’ Leadoff Mid Rm Jr. Baseball Shoe
For little kids learning how to play baseball, we recommend the Under Armour Kids’ Leadoff Mid Rm Jr. Baseball Shoe for little feet. The mid-cut synthetic upper with a high lace cage gives more support to little ankles. The lightweight, but durable, shoe features rubber-molded studs to help your little one run and play with traction, and avoid slipping. There’s a double overlay on the toe area, which helps protect little toes from rough actions like stopping quick or sliding.
To keep the feet cool and dry, the upper sole is perforated and the tongue is made with a synthetic mesh material. The collar, heel, and tongue are padded for additional cushion and support to keep the foot comfortable during play. The Under Armour kids baseball cleats also feature a full-length EVA foam midsole, which helps distribute pressure, felt from the cleats, evenly across the shoe.
Under Armour Kids’ Leadoff Mid Rm Jr. Baseball Shoe Key Features:
- Lightweight synthetic upper
- Overlay on toecap
- Perforations on toe area for added ventilation
- Padded collar and heel
- Full-length EVA midsole
Who Should Buy Baseball Cleats
Baseball cleats are designed for playing on a field of grass or dirt, and are typically only worn during a game. Baseball turf shoes – a slight variation of the cleat – are for any type of field surface, and are often worn during practice. Metal studded cleats are mostly used by professionals and those in more experienced leagues, such as high school and college. Rubber-molded studs are often marketed to the younger crowd since they are safer than metal spikes. However, metal cleats are the superior cleat.
Baseball cleats are a huge asset to the game because they provide more traction and grip than a regular sneaker. Baseball requires quick, changing movements, and there’s nothing worse than slipping, and missing a catch or being called out. Whether you know you need baseball cleats or are deciding which type you should choose, what you get greatly depends on age, where playing will occur, what the league guidelines are, and your preference.
Important Features to Consider
Baseball cleats should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting baseball cleats.
- Metal, molded, or turf. As it has already been stated, what type of cleat you select will depend on the type of field you’ll be playing on. It also depends on your league’s rules. Many ball players have more than one pair, and more than one type of baseball shoe. So you might want to consider getting one of each. Metal cleats provide the best grip, but tear up a field pretty good. Rubber-molded cleats provide almost as much traction as metal cleats, and are a little easier on the environment. Turf shoes feature tiny rubber nubs, which give some traction but don’t ruin surfaces. These are recommended for off-field use, or during practice when you’re constantly on the move, since they are easier on your feet. Most little leagues recommend rubber-molded cleats because metal cleats can be dangerous.
- Low, mid, or high top. Another consideration to make is the cut of shoe. Sneakers come in low top, mid top, and high top. Most baseball cleats are available as low or mid top. Low-top baseball cleats are designed for speed and flexibility, while mid-top baseball cleats offer more support and stability to your ankles. Which you choose is mostly preference, but each type provides slightly different functions. Mid tops can also be used for speed, but flexibility might be restricted.
- Size and fit. And of course you need the baseball cleat to fit correctly, or you could really hurt your feet and ankles. Check with the manufacturer to find out how their sizes run, as some may run small or large. Consider the placement of laces, tongue, and collar. These features can make a difference in how the shoe fits, whether it will remain snug or comfortable. Not all laces are created equal, and the lace cage pattern differs with each shoe. Some cleats offer a wide lace pattern, which allows for a more sock-like fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the purpose of baseball cleats?
Baseball cleats provide traction and grip on surfaces such as dirt and grass. They are designed to give you more support and stability when making quick, jarring movements so you don’t slip and fall. They also provide stability when anchoring your foot at the plate, allowing you a more solid pivot when swinging the bat.
Do you need cleats for baseball?
Yes and no. Expert or professional baseball players need baseball cleats to perform at the top of their game. Younger players may or may not need cleats to play baseball, but it is typically recommended.
What is the difference between soccer cleats and baseball cleats?
Soccer cleats and baseball cleats are not interchangeable. The positioning of the studs is different, as is the weight and cut of the shoe. Soccer cleats feature two studs at the front of the shoe that are spread out. Baseball cleats typically have one front stud, which could injure a soccer player’s shin. Baseball cleats are typically heavier, and are available in low, mid, or high cuts. Soccer cleats are lighter, and only available as low cut. Soccer cleats are also not available with metal studs since they are built for running longer distances with less quick movements.
Can football cleats be used for baseball?
No, football cleats should not be used to play baseball, or vice versa. Cleats vary in style, studs, weight, and cut, depending on the sport they are intended for. Football cleats tend to be heavier with a higher cut in order to better support and stabilize a player’s foot and ankle.
Other Baseball Cleats We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other baseball cleats. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best baseball cleats list, they’re the best of the rest, and are still great options for playing baseball. The information you need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Youth Baseball Cleats
- Kids Baseball Cleats
- Baseball Cleats with Molded Studs
- Baseball Cleats with Metal Studs
- Baseball Turf Shoes
Youth Baseball Cleats
adidas Kids’ Afterburner 6 Grail Md Cleats Baseball Shoe
The adidas Afterburner low-cut baseball cleats feature a wide lace design to enhance support and fit. They also feature a synthetic upper with padded tongue.
Key Features:
- Ironskin toe cap
- Molded rubber studs
- Comes in various colors and sizes
Cost: $18
The adidas Kids’ Icon 4 sneakers sport rubber cleats, which provide traction on multiple playing fields. These low-top sneakers are available in a variety of sizes and colors.
Key Features:
- Synthetic upper and sole
- Rubber-molded outsole
- Perforated top with ironskin toe cap
Cost: $15
Under Armour Men’s Leadoff Mid Jr. Rm Baseball Shoe
This mid-cut baseball shoe features rubber-molded cleats, with a lightweight, synthetic upper.
Key Features:
- EVA foam midsole
- Mesh tongue for added breathability
- Comes in multiple sizes and colors
Kids Baseball Cleats
New Balance Kids’ 4040v5 Molded Baseball Shoe
These baseball shoes feature rubber-molded cleats with low-cut, synthetic uppers.
Key Features:
- Styrofoam insole, with REVlite
- Available in various colors and sizes
- Breathable textile lining, with padded collar
Cost: $40
Nike Kids’ Alpha Huarache Pro Mid Baseball Cleats
Nike Alpha Huarache Pro features a mid-cut, synthetic leather upper with toe guard, and is outfitted with rubber cleats.
Key Features:
- Foam cushioning with padded heel
- Perforated for breathability
- Comes in multiple sizes and colors
Cost: $75
Nike Kids’ Force Trout 6 Keystone Baseball Cleats
Available in two colors and multiple sizes, these mid-top baseball cleats feature a synthetic toe cap and 12 rubber studs.
Key Features:
- Mesh tongue
- Full-length styrofoam cushion
- Heel pull tab
Cost: $56
Nike Kids’ Hyperdiamond Keystone Baseball Cleats
These low-top Nike baseball shoes for kids feature rubber-molded cleats with 12 studs.
Key Features:
- Synthetic leather mesh uppers
- Soft phylon foam midsole
- Available in multiple sizes
Baseball Cleats with Molded Studs
adidas Men’s Afterburner 6 Grail Md Cleats Baseball Shoe
These baseball sneakers feature rubber-molded cleats, a lightweight upper, and a wide lace design.
Key Features:
- Low top with padded tongue
- Ironskin toe cap
- Available in various colors and sizes
Cost: $32
Mizuno Advanced Molded Baseball Cleat
The Mizuno baseball shoes have rubber-molded cleats, suitable for all field conditions.
Key Features:
- Low-cut design
- Full-length midsole
- Available in other colors and sizes
Cost: $45
New Balance Men’s 3000v4 Baseball Shoe
New Balance features a low-top, molded cleat with lightweight cushioning and breathable mesh upper, with a synthetic overlay.
Key Features:
- Polyurethane thermoplastic plate
- EVA foam midsole helps reduce stud pressure
- Available in multiple sizes and colors
Cost: $60
Under Armour Men’s Harper Mid Rm Baseball Shoe
Made from synthetic leather, this Under Armour baseball cleat features mid-top, rubber-molded cleats and an adjustable ankle strap for added support.
Key Features:
- Synthetic upper gives durability and support
- Mesh tongue for additional cooling
- Styrofoam midsole
Baseball Cleats with Metal Studs
adidas Men’s Adizero Afterburner V Baseball Shoe
Designed for sprinting and speed, these adidas baseball cleats feature a double-thick midsole for improved comfort.
Key Features:
- Textile synthetic mesh, with ironskin toe cap
- Light EVA foam midsole
- Available in many colors and sizes
Cost: $49
Mizuno Mens 9-Spike Swagger Baseball Cleat
Available in a variety of colors and sizes, these baseball shoes feature a 9-spike cleat for ultimate traction.
Key Features:
- Metal studs
- Padded tongue
- Full-length midsole
Cost: $40
Mizuno Men’s Heist IQ Baseball
These baseball shoes have metal cleats and a full-length cushioned midsole.
Key Features:
- Upper synthetic mesh for better breathability
- Comes in a variety colors and sizes
- 3-layer, no-sew upper design
Cost: $39
Mizuno Men’s Vapor Elite 7 Low Baseball Cleat
These baseball shoes feature steel cleats with a 9-spike configuration.
Key Features:
- Synthetic mesh upper, with padded tongue
- Full-length midsole
- Available in various colors and sizes
Cost: $50
New Balance Men’s 3000v4 Metal Baseball Shoe
New Balance features Fresh Foam technology, which provides a plush foam midsole for optimum comfort. Available in an array colors and sizes, these baseball shoes have synthetic soles with steel cleats.
Key Features:
- Textile and synthetic mesh uppers
- Extra plush heel
- Low top
Baseball Turf Shoes
adidas Men’s Speed Turf Baseball Shoe
The adidas baseball shoe is designed for turf use, and features a wide lace system to ensure a snug fit.
Key Features:
- Synthetic mesh upper with breathable mesh tongue
- Bonded rubber soles
- Comes in a variety of colors and sizes
Cost: $56
adidas Originals Men’s Speed Trainer Baseball Shoe
Made for use on and off the playing field, these baseball shoes have a rubber sole and an ironskin toe cap.
Key Features:
- Synthetic mesh upper
- Low top
- Available in an array of sizes and colors
Cost: $39
adidas Performance Men’s Icon Baseball Shoe
Made for moving in multiple directions, these turf shoes feature a gum-rubber bottom sole.
Key Features:
- Synthetic upper mesh
- Mid top
- Comes in various colors and sizes
Cost: $43
These turf shoes are meant for all-terrain, and feature little rubber nubbies for better traction.
Key Features:
- Textile and synthetic mesh upper
- Padded tongue
- Available in various sizes and colors
Cost: $75