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In baseball, the shoes you wear can have a big impact on your performance. The best baseball cleats will elevate your game and make you look good. Finding the right fit and the right style can be just as important as developing strong practice habits.
The Best Baseball Cleats - Our Top Picks
- Best Baseball Cleats Overall: New Balance Fresh Foam 3000 v5 Metal
- Best Looking Baseball Cleats: adidas Adizero Afterburner 8
- Best Baseball Cleats for Pitchers: Under Armour Leadoff Mid RM Baseball Cleats
- Best Metal Baseball Cleats: New Balance FuelCell 4040 v6 Metal
- Best Molded Baseball Cleats: adidas Icon 7 TPU Cleats
- Best Baseball Cleats for Wide Feet: New Balance FuelCell 4040 v6 Turf Trainer
- Best Youth Baseball Cleats: New Balance 3000v5 Youth Molded
- Best Baseball Turf Cleats: New Balance Lindor 1
Not sure what to look for in a cleat? Check out our baseball cleat buying guide. There, you’ll find an in-depth explanation of some of the specifics discussed in this article. If you’re ready to explore different models and brands, we’ve gone out and compiled a list of the best baseball cleats so you can have everything you need to boost your game this season.
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com’s editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated. More importantly, each member of our team is a fitness enthusiast. Fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
Best Overall - New Balance Fresh Foam 3000 v5 Metal
SPECS
- Type: Metal
- Cut: Low cut
- Material: Mesh
- Number of studs: 8
Why We Picked It
The New Balance Fresh Foam 300 v5 metal cleats offer players enough support and traction to make plays all over the field. The shoe’s mesh material makes it highly breathable, especially in warmer climates.
In true New Balance fashion, the lightweight, foam midsole provides comfort without adding extra weight, so you won’t need to sacrifice speed for your feet to feel good.
What We Like
- Lightweight shoe with good support and traction
- Foam midsole for extra comfort during the game
- Mesh material allows your feet to breathe
What We Don’t Like
- Limited color options
- Only low cut
BUY: New Balance Fresh Foam 3000 V5
Best Looking Baseball Cleats - adidas adizero Afterburner 8
SPECS
- Type: Metal
- Cut: Low cut
- Material: Textile synthetics
- Number of studs: 7
Why We Picked It
If you want a cleat with both style and substance, the adidas adizero Afterburner 8 could be a great choice for you. These cleats maintain most of the functionality of elite cleats and all of the style that has made adidas an international powerhouse.
With seven metal studs and a multi-layer construction, these cleats are high performers when it comes to traction and stability. The adizero Afterburner also has adidas Sprintskin on the outer layer, which gives it a sleek look and protects against water in wet conditions.
What We Like
- Sprintskin upper adds durability
- Lightstrike midsole for comfort and stability
- Metal studs for traction
What We Don’t Like
- Little collar padding
- Lace closure design only has one contact point
BUY: adidas adizero Afterburner 8
Best Baseball Cleats for Pitchers - Under Armour Leadoff Mid RM Baseball Cleats
SPECS
- Type: Molded
- Cut: Mid cut
- Material: Textile synthetics
- Number of studs: 10
Why We Picked It
Pitchers should evaluate cleats based on two qualities: stability and toe drag protection. Many cleat manufacturers sell additional accessories to protect your cleat’s toe box, but Under Armour Leadoff builds toe drag protection right into the shoe.
The toe cap on the Leadoff has a perforated double overlay, making it extra thick yet breathable.
What We Like
- Reinforced toe cap to protect the cleat from excessive toe drag
- Mid cut to keep your ankle stable while allowing a strong range of motion
- Perforations in the double overlay for breathability
What We Don’t Like
- No wide foot option
- Very limited color options
BUY: Under Armour Leadoff Mid RM Baseball Cleats
Best Metal Baseball Cleats - New Balance FuelCell 4040 v6 Metal
SPECS
- Type: Metal
- Cut: Low cut
- Material: Mesh
- Number of studs: 8
Why We Picked It
Skilled players demand cleats that will help them compete at the top of their game, and the New Balance FuelCell 400 v6 cleats deliver on key performance points. These cleats will help high-level players accelerate faster and change direction with confidence.
The FuelCell upper is made with Fit Weave technology for flexibility, and the material has enough strength to maintain the shoe’s shape. The midsole is comfortable and has a springy feel so you can reliably drive power through your feet.
What We Like
- The Fit Weave upper is stretchy and supportive during dynamic plays
- The FuelCell midsole gives you an extra boost as you drive your feet
- Aesthetically pleasing with optimum performance
What We Don’t Like
- Price point
- Toe drag can compromise the Fit Weave
BUY: New Balance FuelCell 4040 V6 Metal
Best Molded Baseball Cleats - adidas Icon 7 TPU Cleats
SPECS
- Type: Molded
- Cut: Mid cut
- Material: Textile synthetics
- Number of studs: 9
Why We Picked It
Molded cleats lack the traction of metal cleats, but the adidas Icon 7 TPU are durable and snug to support your foot during everyday baseball play. The upper is made from synthetic textile material and the narrow construction ensures your feet won’t slide around.
TPU is a material that is lightweight and versatile. It is often used in work boots due to its durability, and adidas has found a way to incorporate it into the Icon 7 outsole for maximum sturdiness.
What We Like
- TPU outsole is very durable
- Leather lining creates a snug fit
- Mid cut to give you stability and mobility
What We Don’t Like
- Only 3 colors are available
- No Bounce midsole to help generate power
Best Baseball Cleats for Wide Feet - New Balance FuelCell 4040 v6 Turf Trainer
SPECS
- Type: Turf
- Cut: Low cut
- Material: Mesh
- Number of studs: N/A
Why We Picked It
If you have wide feet, you probably know that New Balance offers most of their shoes in a wide option. Like the metal version of this cleat, the FuelCell midsole boosts power and the FitWeave technology gives the upper flexibility and stability.
But what sets the FuelCell 4040 v6 Turf trainer apart is the burrito lace closure that keeps wide feet as secure as possible.
What We Like
- Burrito lace closure
- FuelCell and FitWeave tech
- Rubber outsole for traction on and off the field
What We Don’t Like
- Requires toe protection if you drag your toe
- Turf cleats sacrifice some traction on normal fields
BUY: New Balance FuelCell 4040 v6 Turf Trainer
Best Youth Baseball Cleats - New Balance 3000v5 Youth Molded
SPECS
- Type: Molded
- Cut: High cut
- Material: Synthetics and mesh
- Number of studs: 14
Why We Picked It
Support and safety come first with youth sports equipment. You want to protect kids from avoidable injuries as their skills develop, especially those that could cause lasting damage like knee or ankle injuries.
The New Balance 3000v5 Youth is a molded cleat that is high cut and has a lace closure all the way to the ankle to minimize the chances of a sprain. It also has 14 studs to generate powerful traction without metal studs.
What We Like
- High cut to stabilize and protect ankles
- Budget-friendly price
- 14 studs to maximize traction
What We Don’t Like
- No wide options
- Only available in solid colors
BUY: New Balance 3000v5 Youth Molded
Best Baseball Turf Cleats - New Balance Lindor 1
SPECS
- Type: Turf
- Cut: High cut or low cut
- Material: Rubber/mesh
- Number of studs: N/A
Why We Picked It
The New Balance Lindor 1 looks like a sneaker but functions like a turf cleat. The detachable strap at the top can make it a high-cut shoe if you need extra stability or a low-cut shoe if you prefer more flexibility.
This cleat was designed by Francisco Lindor and features artistic elements from Puerto Rico. It is stylish and there are several design patterns to choose from.
What We Like
- Doubles as a street shoe
- A detachable strap makes it a high-cut or low-cut cleat
- Multiple design options
What We Don’t Like
- Questionable traction
- Not designed for durability
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Baseball Cleats for You
Types of Baseball Cleats
- Molded: Molded cleats balance durability and protection. They are made out of plastic and have rubber studs, making them great for youth players who may not have developed the skills that metal cleats require.
- Metal: Used by professionals and other high-level players, metal cleats offer superior traction but require the most skill because of the risks posed by sliding feet first. The metal studs can also get caught in the ground, which can lead to twisted ankles.
- Turf: Turf cleats are a specialized class of baseball cleats. Because they don’t have defined studs like molded and metal cleats, they are typically more comfortable. They provide a strong grip on synthetic grass, but you won’t see many players wearing them on normal fields.
- Interchangeable: Interchangeable cleats allow you to swap between metal and molded studs. This flexibility is a major plus but increases the weight of a cleat.
Low, Mid, or High Cut
When deciding between low-cut or high-cut cleats, think about the range of motion. Low-cut cleats allow a full range of motion, while high-cut cleats stabilize your ankle.
Relatively newer cleats have a mid-cut style, which provides a balance of maneuverability and stability.
Stud Length
Interchangeable cleats allow you to change the length of your studs depending on your traction needs. Some fields and weather conditions call for maximum traction, while others require only a modest amount.
Toe Drag
Pitchers often drag the toe of their back foot when on the mound. To combat the extra wear that this puts on cleats, some models are made with reinforced toe boxes. Drag protection accessories are also available from some manufacturers.
FAQs About Baseball Cleats
How long do baseball cleats last?
It depends on how well you take care of them. Like most athletic equipment, proper maintenance—like replacing worn-out laces or buying toe drag accessories—will extend their life.
Are metal or rubber cleats better?
Metal and rubber cleats both have their advantages and disadvantages. Metal cleats offer the best traction, but they increase the risk of twisting an ankle or knee because the studs can penetrate deep into the ground. Metal cleats can also be a hazard to other players, especially when sliding feet first.
Rubber cleats have less traction but are safer. The best cleat for you really depends on your skill level and experience.
Are baseball cleats worth it?
If you are going to be playing organized baseball, cleats are definitely worth it. The type of cleats you buy will depend on how serious of a player you are, your skill level, and how much money you’re willing to spend. To enjoy the game thoroughly, we definitely recommend buying a pair of cleats.
About the Author
Cory is a certified personal trainer and fitness nutrition coach. After spending six years as an educator and coach, Cory joined the ACTIVE team as a staff writer turning his passion for education toward helping ACTIVE readers live their best, healthiest lives.
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