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We Know: How to Buy Baseball/Softball Cleats
Optional Features for Cleats
Baseball and softball cleats may have one or more of the following features:
- Padded tongue: Offers additional protection on top of the foot.
- Heel padding: Offers additional protection for the heel.
- Spike wrench: To remove or adjust metal spikes.
- Non-slip lining: Improves the fit and increases comfort.
- Rubber toe: Lengthens durability as it prevents the toe from wearing out quickly.
Types of Cleats
Today's style of metal cleats is much safer than the older kind that used pointed metal spikes in the sole for traction. The
spikes often caused injuries when they impaled another player. They also dug into the ground too much at times which caused
ankle injuries. They've been replaced with metal tabs. There are several styles and types of cleats:
- Metal: These are usually not permitted in amateur and youth softball leagues.
- Thermal Plastic Unit (TPU): A safer alternative to spikes, these shoes use plastic cleats for traction. Most players
use this style of cleat.
- Interchangeable: The metal spikes can be replaced when they wear out, plus, they can be worn as metal or TPU shoes.
- Turf shoes: These are designed to provide traction on artificial turf without destroying the playing surface.
Available Baseball/Softball Cleats
There are many styles and kinds of cleats you can purchase, including:
- Puma Ultra Interchangeable Baseball Cleat Mens: Sells for about $65.
- Reebok Vero FL Mid Metal Baseball Cleat Mens: Sells for about $55.
- Easton Thunder Baseball or Softball Cleat: Convertible shoe with low ankle support. Sells for about $40.
- Turf Hog Mid by Adidas: Artificial turf shoes. Sells for about $55.
- 9-Spike Classic G4 Baseball Cleat: Low ankle support. Sells for about $90.
- Adidas Fast Pitch IC Softball Cleat: Sells for about $70.
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