13 best metal baseball cleats
Based on reviews from 6 experts and 73 users. Learn how our rankings work or see our guide to metal baseball cleats. Updated Dec 2019.
Based on reviews from 6 experts and 73 users. Learn how our rankings work or see our guide to metal baseball cleats. Updated Dec 2019.
Cleats started off in the most royal of places - the King’s feet. King Henry the VIII’s had his made for the game of soccer. While it was a simple enough construction with leather and studs, it paved the way for the more modern creations that we have today. Through the years, cleats have had several transformations, while branching out to different sports, including baseball.
The very first official baseball cleats that were marketed as such were sold by Waldo Claflin. The shoes he sold were created out of leather with steel plates built into the pair. Players then adapted these for major league baseball. Since then, development after development followed suit. Several brands also came up with their own set of collections containing numerous technologies geared toward a better experience on the diamond.
Adidas, Nike, New Balance, these are just some of the brands that have created top-notch metal baseball cleats which have been used by professional baseballers. Each brand has its own set of shoe technologies to up that diamond game. Boost, Bounce, Zoom technology are just a few of the tech innovations infused into baseball shoes.
Player collaborations are also a common sight in baseball as it allows the brand first-hand feedback for wearers. This, in turn, creates cleats tailor-fitted for baseballers by experts, so to speak. Here are some of the notable baseball brands in the market today:
Branching out into baseball cleat creation must have been a seamless process for the German-brand, considering their football roots. Having the same foundation as soccer cleats, it does not surprise that baseball shoes are somewhat similar to soccer shoes.
Over the years, Adidas has been able to innovate in terms of baseball shoe construction. Here are some of the innovations found in Adidas metal baseball cleats:
Here are some of the baseball stars found sporting a pair of Adidas metal baseball cleats:
The American brand is not one to be left out in shoe innovation. This is true enough when Nike branched out into baseball cleat construction. Integrating some of the shoe technologies that the brand has created throughout the years, theirs is a collection of baseball shoes that help up the ante when it comes to performance. Here are some of the technologies found in Nike metal baseball cleats:
Here some of the shoe innovations incorporated into Nike metal baseball cleats:
Here are some of the professional baseball players who have sported Nike metal baseball cleats in the diamond:
The attention and innovation skills of the then- 24-year-old Kevin Plank literally paid off as the Under Armour brand reached new heights as it entered the global market. Considering the door-to-door start of the young entrepreneur, the brand has achieved enormous growth. UA has not stayed in just sportswear either as it has also branched out into footwear construction. This includes the development of baseball cleats.
Here is a notable Under Armour technology found in most of their metal baseball cleats:
Here are some of the Major League baseballers sporting metal baseball cleats from Under Armour:
With the unlikeliest of inspirations (chicken’s feet), the New Balance brand has gotten something right. The three-pronged anatomy of the brand’s muse has proven to be a brilliant idea as wearers everywhere continue to buy this American company’s products. As this over a century-old company has its roots buried deep within the footwear industry, the brand also branched out into other forms of footwear aside from its running shoe roots. This includes branching out into the creation of baseball cleats.
Here are some of the notable technologies from the New Balance brand:
Each type has its own set of benefits as well as downsides. While none is superior to the other, ultimately, the bottom line depends on which works the best given the circumstance.
With metal baseball cleats, they are the cleat of choice for professionals as the thin metal spikes effectively penetrate the ground, creating traction and stability. They provide maximum grip as the wearer sprints as well as when he slows down. Although notably, this cleat type is more expensive than the molded ones.
For molded baseball cleats, they can be worn on most surfaces, including concrete without much abrasion. The outsole for these cleats is commonly created from highly durable materials. TPU is a common element used for molded cleats. They are also less expensive than metal cleats and are ideal for soft or muddy ground.
Lastly, turf trainers are worn because of their comfort. Commonly used for training or practices, they allow the foot to be close to the ground while keeping the possibility of injuries to a minimum. They are best worn on artificial turf as they provide enough grip and traction.
Metal cleats have long been a favorite by professional baseball players, and for a good reason. Due to the thin design of metal spikes, it can penetrate the ground, creating a more stable feel. It is important to note, however, that metal cleats are slightly more expensive than molded cleats.
It is not advisable to use your metal cleats on concrete surfaces as it can wear out the material. This makes it less effective for the cleat to grip the dirt in the infield.
While both sports make use of metal studs in their setup, there’s a distinct difference in their design. Soccer, for one, makes use of removable conical studs. This allows the players to change their studs and avoid gathering mud/ dirt in the outsole. The ones used for baseball, on the other hand, use studs that are long and thin, which can easily penetrate the infield. It also affords the player a more stable feel.
After every game, it is best to remove your cleats on the dugout and avoid using the pair on concrete surfaces. It is also best to get rid of excess dirt that stuck into the outsole by knocking the cleats together. When cleaning, scrub the pair with an old toothbrush. To get rid of any residual dirt, clean the area with some detergent and water. To rinse, use an old washcloth dipped in warm water. Allow the pair to dry at room temperature. Additionally, it is best not to store them wet to avoid odors.