Like many sports, baseball has its own type of cleat. Baseball cleats are athletic shoes that are modified to provide traction on turf or on slippery surfaces. They are characterized by studs or cleats that line the bottom of the shoe. This allows for traction and easier movement along wet or muddy surfaces. Baseball cleats come in a variety of materials and styles from youth to adult players. Prior to purchasing cleats, check with your league's rules--some types of cleats are prohibited by some leagues.
Baseball Cleat Fit
Baseball cleats should fit comfortably in the toe area. Your toes should not hit the front of the shoe when you stand up. The midsection of the shoe should fit comfortably as soon as you try the shoe on. It should not feel like you need to stretch the sole in order to get the shoe to fit your foot. The heel of a baseball cleat should fit snugly and your foot should not move around.
Molded Cleats
Molded baseball cleats have studs that are attached to the soles of your shoe and cannot be removed. These studs are frequently made out of plastic or rubber. Rubber cleats are generally more beneficial when you are playing on hard surfaces. Molded baseball cleats tend to be cheaper than detachable cleats. However should your molded cleats become damaged, they are more costly to repair.
Detachable Cleats
Detachable cleats have studs that can be removed or replaced. They may be rubber, plastic or metal. These types of cleats are ideal for players who play on a wide variety of fields or in a wide variety of weather conditions. Detachable cleats are often less durable than molded cleats. This is because replacements can create a gap between the sole of your shoe and your studs.
Combination Cleats
Combination cleats come in a wide variety of shapes and lengths. They may use metal and plastic cleats. Players who play in areas that experience heavy amounts of rain often use these types of cleats as they are ideal for wet and muddy surfaces. They provide traction and allow for control as you move about the field.
Studs
It is important to choose a cleat with an appropriate stud size, which depends on the type of field you are playing on. Short studs are useful on hard surfaces, dense grass and artificial turf. Longer studs are beneficial for play on soft soil. Long studs sink into the soil, allowing for better traction. Most baseball cleats have a stud length of 1/2 inch. Youth cleats tend to be shorter.
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