Softball used to be a game that was associated with family picnics in the park or company outings. It was fun, casual and non-threatening. It can still be just that, but softball is one of the most intense and competitive women's sports, and players are looking for every advantage they can get. That includes finding the right cleats or spikes that provide traction, comfort and stability. Most softball players wear nonmetal spikes that have well-researched traction patterns on the sole of the shoe to help balance. That is generally the most important factor, particularly for anyone on the dirt of the infield. You need ultra-quick reactions to make plays on hard-hit drives and can only do it if you have confidence that you can stay on your feet and not end up falling on your face when going after a hard one-hopper.
What to Look for
Leather softball cleats are usually the most comfortable shoes a player can wear on the softball field. They are light, strong and provide you with some degree of confidence. The shoe will also have a removable insole that gives support to the more vulnerable areas of the foot. It is removable because some players change those insoles frequently, while other may actually choose to go on the field without them. The sole of the shoe is generally made out of rubber and the cleat pattern that provides the most support is circular. In previous generations, the cleats were on the outside of the shoe but the circular pattern can improve balance, particularly when a game is being played in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
Common Pitfalls
Some players still use metal spikes, but they can be dangerous to both you and your opponent. Sliding with metal spikes can result in nasty cuts and bruises for an opponent who tries to apply a tag and ends up with skin on metal. They are also perilous for the player wearing the metal spikes: A slight slip while running the bases or going after a batted ball in the field can result in a troubling and painful spill. Nonmetal softball cleats are far less dangerous. Softball cleats need to be flexible so a player can run, bat and throw comfortably. The foot moves differently for all three of those tasks so a player should test the shoe to make sure all three can be done comfortably before purchasing them.
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