America’s favorite pastime requires some special equipment. Baseball shoes are an important part of your favorite game and can make a world of difference for your performance. Baseball shoes have come a long way over the years. Check out the latest options and see what you might have been missing.
Baseball has long been considered America’s favorite sport and pastime. Who does not love being at the ballpark and the sound of the bat hitting the ball? Baseball is timeless and loved by many.
Those that play love the game and everything about it. Many players have become ritualistic about their training routine and their equipment. Their shoes are just as important to them as any other piece of equipment.
For the most part, the shoes are the same for men and women, with the exception of the cleat. Softball players have regulations about their cleats, whereas men playing baseball do not. Continue reading to find out more about the types of baseball shoes for men and women.
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Turf Baseball Shoes
Artificial turf has been a way to allow a baseball player to continue playing all year round. While it has offered that amazing benefit, it comes with some limitations. Cleats cannot be worn on a turf field because they will destroy it.
A regular sneaker does not provide enough traction. Shoes are a main part of the baseball uniform, and you want to make sure you find the pair that fits perfectly. While there are women’s turf softball shoes, if they do not fit the needs, a female can always wear a men’s turf shoe, just in a smaller size.
New Balance Men’s 3000v4
New Balance has spent significant time and research on developing their shoes. The 3000v4 combines mesh with synthetic leather to give you the most durable and breathable shoe. It comes with a rubber outsole with a tread specifically designed to grip the turf.
The enhanced gripping helps you run quickly in any direction you need. These shoes are so light you will forget you have them on. These turf cleats can also be worn as regular athletic shoes.
Pros:
- Stylish and can be worn off the turf
Cons:
- These shoes are narrow.
- They run small.
Nike Men’s Air Diamond Trainer
The Nike Air Diamond Trainer looks like a traditional baseball shoe. They have the classic black and white colors. It also gives you the traditional tongue you expect on cleats. While these are turf trainers, Nike wanted to hold on to the classic cleat styling.
These shoes also give you all the quality you have come to expect from a Nike shoe. They have a tread that is low profile, so it picks up minimal dirt. These shoes provide all the support you need while on the turf.
Pros:
- High-quality shoe
Cons:
- These shoes run small
- The low tread may not give enough grip
Nike Women’s Alpha Huarache Elite 2 Turf Softball Cleats
The Nike Alpha Huarache Elite provides the best durability, stability, and longevity of the shoe to impact your game in a positive way. The upper is synthetic, gives you the best balance between stable and durable. The foam midsole uses Lunarion to help cushion the impact on your joints.
The pattern of the outsole is a pegged rubber making it ideal for turf, grass, and dirt. This baseball turf shoe includes a toe that is reinforced to provide additional protection to your toes and extra durability. It has a wide base to give you additional stability while making quick turns.
Pros:
- Large toe box perfect for thick socks
Cons:
- It may not be the most comfortable shoe you wear
Cleat Baseball Shoes
There are a large number of cleats available to any baseball or softball player. As with any shoe, each one offers a little something different. Most of the time, it will come down to feel and fit. There is nothing worse than playing a game while your feet hurt. Having the right footwear is going to give you an edge over your competition.
Sometimes, that small edge is all you need. While there are specific shoes for softball, a female can wear men’s baseball cleats as long as they follow the rules for cleats. In softball, the cleats must be rectangular and no more than 3/4 inch long. If you make sure to meet those specifications, there is nothing stopping you from picking any shoe you want.
Nike Men’s Huarachi 2KFilth Pro Mid Baseball Cleat
Nike has been at the front of the baseball world with its high-end cleats. They bring a large amount of experience to the creation of all their cleats. The Huarachi 2KFilth Pro has metal cleats, which have been arranged in a way to improve your responsiveness when running and fielding the ball. It has nine cleats to create efficient rebounding.
These baseball cleats are lightweight, thanks to their material to give you a comfortable feel. It has superior traction even when you make fast movements. These cleats provide grip even in the muddiest conditions. It has a unique combination of heat-molded plastic cleats and synthetic leather. This shoe adjusts to the movement of your foot. The upper is made of mesh, giving you breathability, so your foot is not soaked in sweat during the game.
Pros:
- Does not require a break-in period
- Many colors and styles available
Cons:
- Expensive price tag as compared to others
Mizuno Women’s 9 Spike Swift 4 Fast Pitch Metal Softball Cleat
The Mizuno has nine metal spikes on the outsole that are arranged in a way that provides the best traction no matter if you are fielding or running. When you put your foot on the ground, it will not move unless you want it to. The Mizuno has a midsole that covers the entire length of the shoe.
This helps to distribute the weight across the shoe base. This gives you more comfort and removes stress from the pressure points. The tongue is padded and fits snugly around your foot. It is made of synthetic leather that means you have little to no break-in period. It will tighten up around your foot when you tie up the laces.
Pros:
- Fits snugly, so your foot does not move
Cons:
- Snug fit may feel a little too tight
Mid-Cut Baseball Shoes
Mid-cut baseball shoes provide you exceptional support for your ankles. They also protect your ankles from the torque you put on them while playing. While a higher cut shoe may provide the most support, you can find for your ankle, some find them too restricting and opt for a mid-cut shoe to give them a balance of support without restriction.
If you know that you have ankle problems, a mid-cut shoe with a solid midsole can help limit how often you roll your ankle. You want to pay attention to the soles of this type of shoe. Some of them may be too soft.
Under Armour Harper One Mid ST Cleat
While Under Armour has not been part of the world of baseball for as long as some other cleat producers, they have a strong showing with their cleats. The Harper One is a mid-cut shoe that is one piece from the upper to the saddle. This gives you the feeling of a slip-on while wearing the cleats.
They are durable and protect your foot and ankle well. The outer layer is constructed of mesh to allow your foot to breathe. The SuperFoam insole is placed on top of the Charged Cushioning midsole to provide you with a base that is responsive. The multiple layers help absorb the energy felt when your feet pound against the ground. This ultimately saves your energy. You will feel a sufficient amount of bounce. The Harper One has nine spikes to give you substantial traction with every step.
Pros:
- Includes an ankle strap for support
Cons:
- Fit may be too snug for some
Mizuno Men’s 9 Spike ADV Erupt 3 Mid-Cut Softball Cleat
While the Mizuno ADV Erupt is a men’s shoe, it is perfect for women to wear during softball. It has a leather upper that provides an overlay with lateral stiffening. This gives you durability and comfort. This show allows the forefoot to flex in multiple areas. It has a collar and tongue that are plush and a fabric liner that allows the foot to breathe. The EVA footbed runs the length of the shoe to provide comfort, cushion, and shock absorption. The 9 spike gives ultimate traction and ground grip.
Pros:
- They are great for multiple surfaces
Cons:
- These shoes run small.
High Top Baseball Shoes
High-top baseball shoes are your best option if you have ankle problems. They provide the most ankle support of all baseball shoes. These shoes will provide the maximum amount of stability a shoe can offer. They have more material than low baseball shoes does which makes them heavier.
As long as you are not trying to steal bases, that may not matter to you. You should make sure the shoe fits snug but with room in the toe. A properly fitting shoe can help provide support when making quick movements.
3N2 Mofo Turf Trainer
The Mofo Turf Trainer provides the lightest shoe of all the turf shoe options. This brand does not get the attention it deserves. It is a solid shoe that has a midsole giving the most comfort along with superior grip. It has an upper that is durable and will last.
The midsole and outsole are designed specifically to reduce the pressure and stress on joints and knees. This shoe provides additional support for your ankles. There are many options available for wider feet to ensure the best fit.
Pros:
- Affordable price tag
- It comes in various widths
Cons:
- You have to take a chance on these shoes because they are not a common brand
- Not as durable as other shoes
Under Armour Men’s Harper 4 Mid Rm Baseball Shoe
The Under Armour Harper 4 is a seamless construction bringing superior fit for the foot. It does not have a tongue, and that adds to the hugging feeling that the shoe provides. It fits the foot like a sock to provide maximum comfort. It has an adjustable strap for the ankle to provide support and stability.
The full midsole helps to spread the pressure from the cleats to give cushioning and comfort. The Harper 4 has a mixed cleat option. There are metal spikes in the front for speed and molded cleats in the back to provide comfort.
Pros:
- The shoe has a 3D print on the outside on the shoe to provide protection from abrasion.
Cons:
- May feel too snug for some players.
Molded Baseball Shoes
Molded baseball shoes have cleats on the bottom that are made from rubber or plastic. They are durable and versatile and should last through an entire season. These cleats are popular with younger players to provide superior protection when running the bases and sliding.
The stud cannot be removed, but they can be worn on any surface. Molded baseball shoes provide more options with stud layout, which can reduce pressure on the foot and make them more comfortable.
Under Armour Women’s Glyde RM
The Under Armour Glyde RM has rubber cleats and not metal. These spikes take the impact of pounding your feet into the ground to reduce the stress on your body. The Armourbound is a cushioned midsole that provides more comfort as compared to competitors.
You will not feel pressure from the spikes against your foot even when standing around in your cleats. The synthetic leather of this shoe gives a snug fit and increased durability. The shoe is reinforced around the toe to increase the longevity of the shoe.
Pros:
- Affordably priced
- Great for those with feet that tend to be sensitive
Cons:
- Rubber spikes decrease performance
New Balance Men’s 4040 V5 TPU Molded Baseball Shoe
The New Balance 4040 V5 is equipped with a TPU molded cleat to give you the best traction no matter what surface on which you are playing. It has a midsole that is made from fresh foam, which has been engineered to create a lightweight, cushioned shoe. The shoe itself is geared toward a runner, while the cleats on the bottom provided the needed traction. You can wear these as a running shoe.
Pros:
- It comes in seasonal colors and materials.
Cons:
- Their sizes run small and are not intended for a wide foot.
Adidas Performance Women’s PowerAlley 2W Softball Cleat
The Adidas PowerAlley was created with the goal of reducing the weight of the cleat. They come with a midsole made from EVA, which is incredibly light. This gives your feet the comfort you want and protects them from the pressure of the spikes. There is a shank plate in the midsole to provide stability for the entire shoe from the heel to the toe.
This plate does not add to the weight of the shoe. It tightly conforms to your foot to provide the most comfortable fit despite the decrease in material. There is a section for the toe that provides reinforcement in an area that tends to take a lot of abuse.
Pros:
- OrthoLite Sockliner provides wicking capability to keep sweat away from your foot
Cons:
- Less material often means a decreased lifespan
Speed Trainer Baseball Shoes
The speed trainer is intended to give you maximum speed to run the bases. They are a low cut shoe, so they do not provide much in the way of ankle support and stability. They provide flexible support for your foot but keep speed in mind.
Adidas Originals Men’s Speed Trainer 4 Baseball Shoe
The Adidas Originals Speed Trainer combines mesh with synthetic fabric just as many others do. This one, however, gives you the classic styling of Adidas that we all love. The mesh upper gives you the ultimate in breathability. It has a double overlay providing you with the support that remains flexible.
With the speed trainer, you do not have to sacrifice speed for the sake of support. You have a superior heel grip in this shoe. The toe cap of the shoe is a seamless iron skin to give you additional resistance to abrasion so you will not blow out the top of your shoe.
Pros:
- Stylish looking shoe
- Many color options
Cons:
- They are not true to size
Metal Cleat Baseball Shoes
Metal cleats give a player the best traction because they are able to dig into grass and infields of hard dirt. The grip they provide helps you take off into a run as well as slow down. They are great when you are up to bat as they help you dig a hold in the batter’s box. This helps you bat without worrying about slipping.
They get worn down when you wear them on surfaces that are not dirt or grass. They may cause an injury if you try to change directions quickly because they dig into the ground so deeply.
Adidas Men’s Adizero Afterburner 2.0 Metal Cleat
The Adidas Afterburner 2.0 is designed to help you steal the bases. These metal baseball cleats were designed specifically with shoe weight in mind. Adidas used their knowledge and experience to create one of the fastest and lightest cleats you can find on the market.
Every material in this shoe is the lightest possible, furthering the lightweightness of the shoe. They did not sacrifice the durability of the cleat or the protection it provides your foot. There is less material in the midsole between your foot and the cleats, but that does not take away from the comfort.
This shoe has only seven spikes instead of the standard nine in an effort to reduce the weight of the shoe. This reduction in spikes does not reduce the amount of traction they provide to you during your game.
Pros:
- Lightest cleat you can find
Cons:
- A flexible shoe is not the best for batting
New Balance 4040v3 Baseball Cleat
The New Balance 4040v3 was designed to be effective at running and fielding. The shoe itself is more geared toward a runner, while the cleats on the bottom provided the needed traction. This shoe is comfortable and lightweight due to the REVLite foam that cushions the entire sole.
Despite the addition of this cushion, these shoes are lighter than others. The 4040v cradles your foot in comfort. There is mesh in the sides as well as the upper to give you maximum breathability, which is ideal on a hot day. These baseball cleats add a drive zone feature to the shoe front that reinforces it. It also is a different color to prompt the player where to push off to generate the most power.
Pros:
- Provides substantial ankle support
Cons:
- Shoe durability is reduced for comfort