Having the right equipment is key to playing your best game. This is especially true when talking about proper footwear. Buying the right cleats will not only result in a better player; they will prevent foot injuries, and ensure that you or your little leaguer has a safe and rewarding baseball or softball career.
What are Cleats?
Athletes wearing regular sneakers may slip or fall on muddy or wet playing surfaces. Cleats are characterized by a series of studs at the bottom, which “grip” the and help players move better on different surfaces, such as muddy grass.
Factors to Consider
There are several factors to consider when shopping for cleats. You or your budding MVP will be spending a lot of time in these shoes, so it is important to know this information before making a purchase:
- The league you play in may have specific requirements
- The types of fields you play on
- The level of your game
This information will all you to narrow down the field to the most appropriate choices. For instance, if you are buying for someone in Little League, the most important thing to know is that metal cleats are NOT allowed for safety reasons. In most cases metal is banned in softball as well.
Types of Cleats
There are two basic types of cleats, Plastic (also molded rubber) or Metal.
| Plastic (Molded) | Metal | |||
Molded Cleats
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Interchangeable Cleats
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Metal Cleats
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Style of Cleats
Shoe style is determined by the height of the ankle.
- High tops have the highest ankle. Hits right above the ankle bone. Good for weak ankles or one who has had a sprain or a break.
- Mid tops are of basketball shoe height. Have a weight advantage over high tops.
- Low tops lack mid ankle support but are the lightest choice.
In the end the end player comfort should dictate the style.
Cleat Construction
Cleats, like most athletic shoes, are either made from leather or synthetic materials.
Leather, especially full-grain leather, offers more strength and durability and allows the foot to breath better. Leather is usually what more advanced players prefer and they are generally more expensive.
Synthetics are easier to clean and dry than leather. They are usually a good choice for youth, entry or mid-level players, and are generally less expensive
Finding the Right Cleat
When choosing any shoe, especially an athletic shoe, the right fit is paramount to safety and performance.
- Cleats should wrap comfortably around your feet.
- Your feet should fit firmly on the soles so that you can feel the traction and control your speed.
- Velcro or buckled straps can be an advantage over shoelaces, because shoelaces tend to loosen after a while and may affect your game.
- Remember that Leather stretches. If you are buying for a growing kid, allow no more than a finger length of space in the toe of the cleat for them to grow into.
Since the difference between a cleat and an atheltic shoe are the cleat studs, stud length can be an important factor as well. The length of the studs relates is directly related to how stable you will be on the playing surface. Shorter studs are good for harder surfaces such as artificial turf or densely packed grass. Longer studs are preferrable for softer surfaces, like soft soil, since they allow for sinking into the ground. In general, half an inch is a good length for adult and intermediate players, and children’s cleats should be shorter.
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