What To Look For
Metal baseball cleats are the preferred type of cleat for professional baseball games and even some little leagues. Metal cleats are long lasting and provide traction for fast running and grip on the ground. Look for cleats that offer at least eight metal spikes or ridges to hold the foot in place. Cleats near the toe edge help provide traction, while cleats near the heel provide help with speed. The shoes ideally should have toe, heel and middle cleats for the best performance. The 3LUXE website recommends the Mizuno 9 Spike Classic Low G4 cleats for professional game play. These cleats are worn by many college teams. Sports Authority has the Akadema Spikes Metal Baseball Cleats with a five-star user rating.
Common Pitfalls
The problem with some metal cleats is that they can dig into soft ground, creating some traction problems in wet weather. Metal cleats can also be dangerous in collisions as a player could accidentally kick another player in the face or another part of the body. Some children's leagues do not allow metal cleats. Check with your league to determine whether metal cleats are allowed or preferred for baseball games. Some metal cleats may cost more than what non-professional baseball players would want to spend for baseball cleats. However, with smart shopping it is possible to find high-quality metal baseball cleats for a reasonable price.
Where To Buy
Almost every sporting goods store offers several brands of baseball cleats. The brand's website generally also will allow direct purchase of the shoes. The problem with online ordering is that you cannot tell how the shoe will fit. It is best to order online only if you known you like the shoe brand and you like how the cleats fit and feel. Sports Authority offers a wide variety of baseball cleat brands, including Nike, Akadema, Mizuno, 3N2 and Champion Sports. Academy and other sporting goods stores will also carry many of the same brands. These stores offer locations around the United States.
Cost
Metal baseball cleats can be expensive, but this is usually because they combine a sports shoe with the technology of a running shoe. The expensive brands offer high quality that will last for several seasons. Expect to pay between $80 and $200 for high-quality metal baseball cleats. The Mizuno 9 Spike Classic Low G4 cleats cost about $100, as of 2010. The Akadema Spikes Metal Baseball Cleats cost around $90.
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