Best Baseball Cleats 2022: Top Picks For Training And Games

2022-07-02 04:37:04 By : Mr. Lance Rowe

A standout selection of cleats to help you perform on the field.

Finding the best baseball cleats for your game can be tricky at times given the wide variety of materials, collar heights, and cleat types to choose from.

For instance, metal cleats are great for traction, but can sometimes be prohibited in baseball leagues, especially at youth level, due to the added risk they bring to you and your opposition.

Fortunately, we've rounded up a selection of standout cleats that should complement your best baseball bat and take your game to the next level, based on reviews, price, cleat type, and any other unique features designed to improve your baseball game.

This is especially important as baseball cleats are essential for games as they provide a ton of grip that should allow you to move smoothly across the pitch with improved speed and explosiveness.

So if you're looking for something lightweight, like these adidas Adizero Afterburner 8s, or you're after something designed for pitchers, like these Mizuno 9-Spike Ambition 2s, we''ve got you covered right here.

Stick around as well because we've answered some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding cleats to help you come to an informed decision on which are best for you.

Under Armour is one of the leading sportswear brands in baseball and the Harper 6s look to be an excellent example of the manufacturer's expertise.

They come with 3-3-4 lightweight hybrid cleat plates with front Under Armour Microtips metal spikes for the best speed and traction possible on the field or for when you step up to the plate.

However, their standout feature is perhaps the new Ortholite sock liners which are designed to maintain compression sets for long-lasting comfort.

It's also worth pointing out that the Harper 6s are made from breathable mesh material with additional TPU shields for added durability, thus making them a great option to consider to give you the edge.

For wide feet though, we feel it's hard to look past New Balance FuelCell 4040 v6s as they come in both standard and wide fit, something we've mentioned before in our comparison of Nike and New Balance sizing.

The upsides don't end there though as these cleats also feature New Balance's FuelCell technology in the midsoles which should deliver a propulsive feeling to help drive you forward on the pitch.

The cleats also come with Fit Weave technology in the uppers to give them long-lasting, targeted stretching and plus added support, both of which are ideal for wider feet.

All in all, the FuelCell 4040 v6s look to be a standout pair of cleats that we feel are definitely worth taking a look at.

If you're trying to improve your top speed, then these Adizero Afterburner 8s could be the cleats for you.

adidas boasts that its Sprintskin uppers are incredibly supportive and lightweight. Team this with the Lightstrike midsoles and you should feel incredibly cushioned as the cleats relieve pressure to keep you flying around the pitch.

It's also worth noting that 20% of pieces used to make the uppers are made with a minimum of 50% recycled content, thus making them a more sustainable choice if you're looking to upgrade your baseball cleat game.

On the whole, their impressive lightweight and sustainable construction earn the Afterburner 8s a spot on our list.

While cleats are needed for every position on the field, these 9-Spike Ambition 2s have been designed with pitchers in mind.

They feature Mizuno's Wave Structure technology which is said to relieve the shock sent to your ankles, as well as the pressure felt when planting your foot.

This should help you maintain a stable base when you're getting ready to strike out your opposition.

You also get supportive and durable EVA midsoles as well as nine strategically places spikes positioned to maximise movement and traction, thus making them a great all-round pick for pitchers.

Nike's Vapor Ultrafly 4 Keystones look to be some of the best baseball cleats around on a budget.

Although a little cheaper, the cleats still come packed with technology like Nike's Fastflex sole units with 12 rubber cleats designed to provide powerful traction across the pitch.

The uppers are then made from perforated synthetic leather upper for added breathable, along with the mesh tongues, plus durable support.

Overall, if you're working with a limited budget, then we feel these Ultrafly 4s could be your answer.

With so many cleats available, you may have a few questions about what makes each of them stand out.

Don't worry though because we're here to clear up a few of the most common queries.

Both types have their own distinct advantages when it comes to playing baseball.

For instance, metal cleats usually provide better traction over moulded cleats as they tend to dig deeper into the ground.

However, metal cleats also wear down much faster than rubber cleats if you wear them on harder surfaces.

It's also worth noting that metal cleats can sometimes be prohibited in baseball leagues, especially at the youth levels, as they can be harmful to both yourself and other players on the field.

As a result, it's worth checking the regulations of the league you play in before deciding on which of the two types you should buy.

While it is possible to wear football cleats for baseball, it's widely advised not to as they differ slightly in their designs and purpose.

For example, baseball is all about forward motion and acceleration, therefore, the cleats typically come with front spikes for extra grip off the toe.

It's also recommended that you should always wear baseball cleats if you play in the infield to help you maximise your grip.

It's important to keep your cleats clean in between games to ensure they're ready for your next fixture.

We'd therefore recommend regularly cleaning your cleats, particularly the sole plates, to remove any built-up mud and dirt which may impact your grip.

A soft-bristled brush and warm water are usually the easiest ways to remove the dirt from the uppers. When targeting some of the harder-to-reach areas, a toothbrush usually works well.

To remove mud from the soles, simply bang your cleats together, then brush away any remaining dirt.

For more information, check out our guide to cleaning football cleats and soccer boots as the techniques remain fairly similar.

Read More: Best Baseball Bat Under 200 - Our Top Picks