What To Look For
Baseball cleats help women maintain their footing regardless of the playing surface, so it's important to choose the right pair. Your cleats should fit snugly but comfortably; if your foot slides around inside the shoe, it is too loose. Better-quality cleats come with a reinforced toe, which is ideal for players--especially pitchers--who drag their back toe when throwing the ball.
Metal cleats offer the best grip but not all leagues allow them. Interchangeable cleats, which have removable metal studs, are a second option. Molded rubber or plastic cleats are the next best solution and are better suited for young players. You may also wish to buy a pair of turf shoes, which are similar to sneakers, if your team holds practices indoors during bad weather.
Common Pitfalls
Ill-fitting footwear is a common problem, particularly in youth athletics, where the players' feet are still growing. Don't buy baseball cleats with the intention to "grow into them" or break them in--your cleats should fit well immediately. When you outgrow them, buy a new pair.
Also, if you are buying cleats in the men's section because the store doesn't sell women's baseball cleats, ask a salesperson to do a size conversion. Men's cleats in smaller sizes are suitable for women's baseball. They may fit differently, so try on the cleats before you leave the store.
Where To Buy
All sporting goods stores sell women's softball cleats. Women's baseball cleats, however, may be harder to find. The main difference between the two types is that baseball cleats are more likely to have metal studs, so shop around if this is what you want. You can also buy women's baseball cleats online from the major manufacturers.
Cost
Cleats vary in price depending on the manufacturer and materials. Cleats made from leather are typically more expensive than synthetic shoes because the material is stronger and more durable. Metal cleats are also slightly more expensive than molded cleats, but the better quality is worth it for most players from high school through to college. On average, cleats cost from $20 to $100 as of summer 2010.
Insider Tips
If possible, buy a new pair of cleats toward the end of the baseball season. Stores will often have sales on baseball equipment during the summer because they're trying to get rid of the current year's stock. The drawback is that there may not be as many cleats to choose from, but you have until the next baseball season to find the perfect pair.
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