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Best Baseball Bats for Youth 2020 – Reviews and Guides

By Michael Graw · Updated on 13/03/2018

Great baseball players are made at an early age, playing in little-league after school during the week and competing in tournaments on the weekends. And like in any sport, part of the progression towards becoming a better athlete is getting a compliment of equipment that suits your game and helps you perform. One of the pieces of equipment that can play a huge role in developing skills and performing at your best as a little-league baseball player is a bat.

Youth bats are similar to their adult counterparts, but are sized and weighted for younger players. Plus, they come in a range of sizes since little league players will inevitably grow throughout their career and develop different bat preferences. In this guide, we’ll cover everything little-league baseball players need to know about how to choose a youth bat and review 10 of the best baseball bats for youth.

How to Choose Best Youth Baseball Bats

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Weight

One of the most important considerations in choosing a youth baseball bat is the weight of the bat. Using a bat too heavy will cause the hitter to swing too low, frequently batting foul balls and tiring the child out quickly with each swing. On the other hand, using a bat that is too light may make it easier to connect with the ball, but will dramatically decrease power so that most hits will end up as infield ground balls or short fly balls. The proper weight depends on the age, size, and muscle development of every individual child, but there are some rules of thumb to calculate appropriate bat weight.

Length

Almost as important as the bat’s weight is its length – and in general, you’ll want to consider the weight and length together when choosing a bat. Of course a longer bat will be heavier than a shorter bat, materials being equal, but the length can also affect the trajectory of a child’s swing. The shortest bat that the batter can reach fully across the plate is often best, since this provides the most controlled swing while also allowing full coverage of the strike zone.

Material

Youth bats typically are made of one of three different materials – composite, aluminum, or wood. Composite bats, which are made of carbon fiber, are often the highest-performance bats on offer but come at a significant price premium. These bats are designed to actually provide more rebound against the ball over time, and have a larger “sweet spot” and reduced vibrations upon connecting with the ball than either metal or wood bats.

Aluminum bats are what most little-league players will be using. They are less expensive than composite bats and, while they decline with age, they do not have any break-in period after purchase and typically have longer lifespans than composite bats. However, they also have a smaller sweet spot and less rebound, which can reduce performance.

Wooden bats are uncommon in little league play because they tend to be unforgiving – the sweet spot is tiny and swing trajectory must be nearly perfect to make the ball travel well. However, they can be good for batting practice and are as durable as any metal bat.

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Our Reviews: The Best Youth Baseball Bats of 2020

1. Easton Ghost X Hyperlite Youth Baseball Bat -11 – Best lightweight bat

[img_products img_code=”61WBXzizJ5L” alt=”Easton Ghost X Hyperlite Youth Baseball Bat -11″ code=”B074CRHH7C”]

The Ghost X Hyperlite boasts one of the highest length to weight ratios among youth bats, thanks to Easton’s exact advance carbon technology. This carbon fiber design allows the bat to be powerful, but keeps the weight of the bat head down so that it is easier to control for many young players. The -11 specification – indicating the difference between length and weight – is ideal for youth athletes. The carbon design also comes with a number of advantages over aluminum youth bats, including a larger sweet spot and improving rebound as the bat ages. However, carbon also comes at a hefty price tag – the Ghost X Hyperlite is one of the more expensive youth bats on the market. The bat is a single piece as opposed to a two-piece design, which users found reduced some of the bat’s rebound but left it feeling fairly balance between the shaft and head. In addition, the cushion on the shaft increases towards the base of the bat, which helps to minimize vibration transfer to the arms and makes the bat more comfortable overall.

2. Combat Youth Maxum Senior League – Best for large sweet spot

[img_products img_code=”51hxz0A7tEL” alt=”Combat Youth Maxum Senior League” code=”B00WGVQKTG”]

Combat prides themselves on making bats with oversized sweet spots, and the Maxum Senior League is no exception. Without increasing the diameter of the bat head, Combat claims that this bat offers a 20% larger sweet spot than competing bats – and players will attest to that claim being true. The one-piece composite design is assembled using Combat’s Pressure Molding Technology, which uses resin injection as opposed to the traditional rolling method and produces a bat head that is more consistent in performance across its face. The only downside to this method is that the bat head is heavier than in traditional composite bats. However, players find that the bat remains well-balanced and the swing feels more like holding a shorter bat due to the control it provides. Vibration transfer to the hands is somewhat higher than in other composite bats, particularly on fouled balls. The handle grip provides plenty of traction, but is thin enough that it does not provide much vibration dampening. This bat comes with a 500-day manufacturer’s warranty – nearly 2 season’s worth of time – which is one of the best warranties available for youth bats.

3. Easton MAKO COMPOSITE Youth Baseball Bat – Best for fast swing

[img_products img_code=”31tj8tJV17L” alt=”Easton MAKO COMPOSITE Youth Baseball Bat” code=”B012CRJBDA”]

If you’re looking for a bat that prioritizes swing speed over everything else, the Mako Composite is the perfect youth bat. This bat is lighter than many other composite bats, in part because it has a slightly smaller barrel diameter – 2 ¼” as opposed to the 2 5/8” diameter found on most youth bats. This can reduce the size of the sweet spot, but allows the bat head to come off the shoulder much more quickly. And players consistently report that the bat pops just as much or more than bats with larger barrels. In addition, this bat uses a two-piece design, meaning the handle and bat head are made separately and then joined, which greatly improves how the bat head responds to torque from the handle. In addition, this two-piece design does a tremendous job of dampening vibrations from the bat head to the hands when connecting with the ball. The major downside to this bat is that although many players love it, they find that it lasts only one to two seasons before cracking. However, the bat comes with a one year warranty so that it is guaranteed to last at least one season.

4. Marucci Youth CU26 Pro – Best for wooden bat

[img_products img_code=”51aMFsvm69L” alt=”Marucci Youth CU26 Pro” code=”B00545JOSU”]

Wooden bats are relatively uncommon among youth players, since they don’t offer nearly the same ease of use as aluminum or composite bats. However, for those looking for a wooden youth bat the CU26 Pro from Marucci is a great choice. This bat is inexpensive – you can buy several of these for the price of an aluminum or composite bat – and comes with a 30-day warranty so that heavy use during the early season may be covered. The bat is extremely well balanced thanks to the fully maple wood construction, and the handle is thin enough to provide extra flex when the bat head connects with the ball. However, this can still be a difficult bat for many youth players to use since there is very little vibration dampening between the bat head and the hands, and no hand grip to provide traction. Wooden bats also typically have a very small sweet spot, which can make hitting more difficult but may be good for practicing swinging. In addition, the length to weight ratio of this bat is relatively low at -5, which can be difficult for youth players who are small for their age.

5. DeMarini CF Zen Balanced Baseball Bat – Best for power hitters

[img_products img_code=”51Bs-vmSb9L” alt=”DeMarini CF Zen Balanced Baseball Bat” code=”B01IVGRT62″]

The CF Zen Balanced bat from DeMarini packs a serious punch. This composite bat features a large 2 5/8” barrel and a heavy length to weight ratio of -5. While that might be too heavy for some youth players, for players who can handle a heavier bat this barrel is perfect for swinging for the fences. Everything about the bat head is designed to pack a punch, and many players are impressed by how much further the ball travels when swinging well with this bat. Part of the reason is that the heavier weight allows the bat weight to be distributed more evenly over the length of the bat, which makes this one of the most well-balanced bats on the market. The two-piece design further helps with transferring torque from the swing into energy in the barrel while at the same time drastically reducing vibration transfer back from the head to the hands. Thankfully, the two-piece design on this bat also appears to be more stable than on Easton’s Mako Composite – most players report being able to use this bat for two seasons or more without issues.

6. Louisville Slugger Prime 916 Youth Baseball Bat – Best for vibration dampening

[img_products img_code=”61pCQz03cnL” alt=”Louisville Slugger Prime 916 Youth Baseball Bat” code=”B012KBTJGW”]

Louisville Slugger has a long and storied reputation as a quality bat maker, and the Prime 916 bat doesn’t disappoint. This is one of the first three-piece composite bats on the market, and Louisville Slugger took this approach to provide serious flex between the handle and bat head. That means the barrel can act as a trampoline when it connects with the ball, making for long-hauling fly balls and fiery grounders, and leaves almost no vibration traveling back to the hands during foul balls. The Prime 916 also features a large sweet spot thanks to the bat head’s Fused Carbon Structure construction. The bat has a relatively light length to weight ratio of -12, thanks in part to using a smaller bat diameter of 2 ¼” – while this can reduce the area for the bat to connect with the ball, it also allows for greater acceleration of the bat head off the shoulder. This bat is a great choice for younger players who need a lighter bat than the DeMarini CF Zen Balanced but who don’t want to give up on batting power. Plus, it comes with Louisville Slugger’s 30-day trial guarantee.

7. Rawlings Quatro Composite Baseball Bat – Best for all-around hitters

[img_products img_code=”61i89ycRWVL” alt=”Rawlings Quatro Composite Baseball Bat” code=”B0733MSNFQ”]

The Quatro Composite bat is a great choice for youth players who need a bat that isn’t going to weight them down and that can be forgiving when hitting. This bat features an extra long barrel to handle length ratio, making it easier for batters to cover the entire plate and catch at least a piece of the ball. The -10 length to weight ratio is favored among many players as a good balance between weight and power, and the bat itself is evenly balanced despite the added barrel length thanks to the extra lightweight cap on the end of the barrel. The bat is easy to bring around off the shoulder quickly and offers a solid rebound when it connects with the ball. However, players report that it is not the bat that’s going to be hitting home runs every time you step up to the plate since the ball comes off the bat somewhat slowly. The two-piece construction is sturdy – the bat should last at least two seasons – and is excellent at reducing vibrations to the hands even with the reduced shaft length.

8. Mizuno Generation Baseball Bat – Best for aluminum bat

[img_products img_code=”51mNKRLXfXL” alt=”Mizuno Generation Baseball Bat” code=”B01G70SBDO”]

The Generation bat is Mizuno’s top of the line aluminum alloy bat for youth, and for less than half the cost of a comparable composite bat this bat still packs a punch. The most notable feature of this bat is the nearly even length and weight – the ratio is only -3. This means the bat is significantly heavier than most composite bats, but it also means that the bat weight is distributed relatively evenly across the length of the bat to produce a more balanced swing. The barrel was designed with Mizuno’s CORTECH process, which changes the thickness of the barrel wall across the center of the barrel so that the sweet spot is not only enormous, but it provides a tremendous amount of rebound for swinging big. Like most alloy bats, this one-piece design suffers from significant vibration transfer from the barrel to the hands and the rebound will decrease over time rather than improve as for composite bats. However, the bat also comes with Mizuno’s one-year warranty, so it is guaranteed to last through at least one season.

9. Axe Bat ELITE Hybrid Baseball Bat – Best for balanced swing

[img_products img_code=”51c4berTv1L” alt=”Axe Bat ELITE Hybrid Baseball Bat” code=”B0755HBSH9″]

This two-piece aluminum alloy bat from Axe Bat provides the best of many worlds, but really excels in the balance it provides between the shaft and barrel. The bat has a -5 ratio between the length and weight, so while it is not the lightest bat on the market it does allow the weight to be distributed evenly throughout the bat. In addition, the two-piece design provides a good amount of flex during the swing that adds to the balanced feel, increases the rebound of the ball off the bat, and reduces vibration transfer back to the hands. In addition, the custom-designed cap on the end of the barrel is lightweight and made to enhance the balance of the bat and the size of the barrel’s sweet spot. The handle also differs from most competitor bats by using a semi-pointed base and a one-sided grip that makes it both more comfortable to hold and easier to swing. Because the barrel is made of aluminum, this bat also tends to be more durable than composite bat competitors and does not require any breaking in to get the promised pop out of the ball.

10. Louisville Slugger YBCT152 Youth Catalyst – Best for starter bat

[img_products img_code=”61swgaDatYL” alt=”Louisville Slugger YBCT152 Youth Catalyst” code=”B00OEW5SDY”]

If you’re looking for a great entry level bat, but don’t want to spend hundreds on a two-piece composite or high-end aluminum alloy bat, the Catalyst from Louisville Slugger is a great choice. This bat is a one-piece composite bat, so it has many of the advantages of composite bats at a significantly reduced cost. The -12 length to weight ratio means that this bat is also one of the lighter weight bats on the market, so it’s perfect for newer youth players who need to practice controlling their swing before moving to a heavier bat. Plus, the barrel features a large sweet spot that makes it easier for inexperienced batters to hit well. The one-piece design is not as good at dampening vibration or providing a trampoline effect for the ball, so this bat may be less preferable for youth players who are looking to swing big and hit home runs. Although the overall design of the bat is very good, one common complaint is that the base of the handle flares outward, which can make it uncomfortable for younger players with small hands.

Tips for youth baseball players

Practice makes perfect, and that’s never more true than for swinging a baseball bat. Growing into a consistent, strong swing takes patience and thousands of swings – but taking tips along the way can also be a big help. For the aspiring youth player, these are some of my favorite tips.

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Choke up – Choking up on the bat reduces its effective length, which can make a huge difference in the amount of control you have through your swing. While choking up can reduce power, it can be a great method for extending at-bats when you’ve already got one or two strikes and would rather put the ball in play than strike out.
Remember your legs – Your legs may not hold the bat, but they’re critically important to a solid swing. They’re not only your base, they’re your primary power source. Keep your legs shoulder width apart to maintain good balance throughout the swing, from start to finish, and stay on the balls of your feet rather than shifting weight backwards or forwards. In addition, use your legs to generate power when you contact the ball by rolling slightly onto the outsides of your toes.
Practice bunting – Bunting is one of the best skills you can practice, because it forces you to work on hand-eye coordination in a way that is difficult to isolate during full swings. Making delicate contact with the ball requires precise bat and hand control, plus good sighting of the ball’s motion out of the pitcher’s hand. For this reason, even if you only bunt rarely during games, it can be a valuable tool to help you improve your batting all around.

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Conclusion

Getting a great baseball bat can be a big step for youth baseball players, since getting your own equipment can unlock a world of potential for improving your game and becoming more dedicated as a baseball player. There are a wide variety of baseball bats on the market, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to purchase a bat that will last years and allow your child to grow as a batter. Get ready for the spring season with a new bat and watch your child start swinging for the fences!

Best Baseball & Softball Cleats 2020: A Guide for Both Men and Women

By Michael Graw · Updated on 07/03/2018

Baseball can seem slow at first. But once a batter puts the ball into play, every millisecond counts. The difference between a scoring play and an out can be only inches – a slip in the infield dirt when fielding a ball or losing traction while sprinting towards first base can drastically change the course of a game. Every bit of performance as a runner and fielder matters to your team’s success, and having the right pair of cleats can give you the competitive edge that you need to win.

Of course, as with most types of footwear, there are a staggering number of options for baseball cleats out there. In this guide, we’ll give you all the information you need to choose the right baseball cleat for you and review 12 of the best baseball cleats – six for men and six for women – on the market right now.

How to Choose Best Baseball and Softball Cleats

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Material

Baseball cleats are typically made of either genuine leather or synthetic leather. Genuine leather is considered to be superior since it is more breathable, provides better stretch against the foot, and is more durable. However, it also comes at significantly higher price tag than synthetic leather, which also offers the benefit of increased support and stiffness around the front and middle of the foot.

Ankle support

Baseball cleats come in three distinct classes of ankle cuff height – low-, mid-, and high-cut cleats. Low-cut cleats do not provide any material around the ankle, and so do nothing to prevent against ankle injuries, but are ideal for running in a straight line since they are lightweight and offer the greatest range of foot motion. High-cut cleats, on the other hand, may feel clunky and heavy when running but the added structure around your ankle can go a long way towards preventing injury when moving in the field. Mid-cut cleats offer a compromise between the two styles, although buying two pairs of cleats – a low-cut pair for running the bases and a high-cut pair for fielding – offers the best of both worlds for those who can afford it.

Cleat type

The cleats on baseball cleats are typically made of either metal or molded plastic. Although turf shoes, cleat-less shoes intended for training on turf fields, are available, they will not be covered in this guide.

Metal cleats offer superior traction to plastic cleats, effectively digging into both infield dirt and outfield grass. They also allow players to dig into the dirt in the batter’s box to maintain a steady stance. However, this traction comes at a price premium and metal cleats do not last as long as their plastic counterparts, especially if worn off the field. In addition, the excellent traction of metal cleats has been known to cause injury when players try to make quick movements and the cleat is dug into the ground.

Plastic cleats are cheaper and more durable than metal cleats, but don’t provide the same traction or acceleration on the field. However, this reduced traction may be advantageous when the field is wet and muddy, since the plastic cleats will allow you to bounce over the surface of the mud rather than sink into it.

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Best Men’s Baseball Cleats 2020 – Reviews and Comparison

1. Nike Men’s Huarachi 2KFilth Pro Mid Baseball Cleat – Best for high performance

[img_products img_code=”71krXnXDacL” alt=”Nike Men’s Huarachi 2KFilth Pro Mid Baseball Cleat” code=”B00VKY5RVW”]

Nike is known throughout the baseball world for making top-end cleats, and the Huarachi 2KFilth Pro is no exception. This metal cleat is spectacularly designed, with the most unique feature being Nike’s attention to detail in the cleat arrangement. The nine cleats are configured so as to maximize rebound off the ground and responsiveness when fielding and running. In addition, the midsole is designed using lightweight material that is both comfortable and helps reduce the weight of the shoe overall. The quick movements do not take away from the shoe’s traction, either – this shoe grips well even in muddy infield conditions. The combination of synthetic leather and heat-molded plastic allows the shoe to adjust elastically to your foot as it moves and requires little break-in. Plus, the mesh upper makes the shoe very breathable even during hot games so that your feet won’t sweat. Overall, this is one of the highest performance cleats on the market for those willing to pay the high price premium. An added bonus is that it comes in numerous styles and colors for those who like to customize their equipment.

2. New Balance 4040v3 Baseball Cleat – Best low-cut cleat

[img_products img_code=”512HgPnMKcL” alt=”New Balance 4040v3 Baseball Cleat” code=”B00SJ5SP0A”]

This cleat from New Balance build on their previous 300v3 cleat, and is designed to be effectively a running shoe modified with cleats on the bottom for traction when fielding. The shoe is extremely lightweight, yet comfortable thanks to the addition of a REVLite foam cushion throughout the entire sole of the shoe. This cushion layer is 30% lighter than comparable New Balance foams, so it adds little to the weight of the shoe and won’t slow you down. At the same time, it provides superior cradling for your foot and many users find this cleat to be extremely comfortable. The cleat is also designed to be highly breathable, and incorporates mesh not only into the upper but also into the sides of the shoes. While this somewhat reduces the durability of the shoes, it can make a huge difference to foot comfort during hot baseball games. Another interesting feature of this shoe is the “drive zone” at the front of the shoe, which New Balance reinforced and gave a different color in order to indicate the part of the foot that players should be pushing off from to generate power when batting or running. The 4040v3 cleat is available as a low- or mid-cut cleat – while the latter adds weight and reduces the running shoe feel, it also adds a significant degree of ankle support.

3. Adidas Men’s Adizero Afterburner 2.0 Metal Cleat – Best for running

[img_products img_code=”515MfeFxWaL” alt=”Adidas Men’s Adizero Afterburner 2.0 Metal Cleat” code=”B012D70SKE”]

If you’re looking for a cleat that will help you steal bases, the Adizero Afterburner 2.0 is the shoe for you. This cleat was designed with weight savings in mind, and Adidas went all out to make it one of the lightest and fastest cleats on the market. All of the construction materials used in the shoe are the lightest possible options available without sacrificing the lifespan and protection of the shoe. For example, the Litestrike EVA midsole was specifically designed to be lighter than the midsoles found in nearly all other baseball cleats. And despite leaving little material between your foot and the ground, users universally agree that these cleats are highly comfortable for hours-long games. Although these shoes only have seven cleats instead of nine – another tweak to make them lighter – these cleats still do an excellent job of providing traction when running. However, they are less adept for fielding and lateral movements. In addition, the lightweight materials tend to be more flexible across the sole, which is perfect for running but less desirable when batting or fielding.

4. Under Armour Harper One Mid ST Cleat – Best for Comfort

[img_products img_code=”41xQJHrJxqL” alt=”Under Armour Harper One Mid ST Cleat” code=”B01JMBB682″]

Under Armour is a late-comer to the baseball world compared to companies like Nike or New Balance, but they have made cleats that can compete. The Harper One is an excellent mid-cut cleat that boasts a single-piece synthetic construction from the saddle to the upper of the shoe. This design allows the cleat to fit like a slip-on sneaker as well as adds durability and protection for your foot. The outer layer of the shoe is mesh throughout to help with breathability. In addition, this shoe features an extremely responsive base thanks to the inclusion of a SuperFoam insole on top of a Charged Cushioning midsole. Together, these layers displace a lot of the impact energy of hitting the ground – which saves your legs energy over the course of a game – and allow you to bounce powerfully off the balls of your feet. This bounce is further accentuated by the 9-spike configuration, which is optimized for pushing off the ground while providing solid traction with each pace. Finally, the ankle strap across the top of the shoe provides exceptional support along with the high cut.

5. Mizuno Men’s Heist IQ Baseball Cleat – Best for breathability

[img_products img_code=”415OWk6-pYL” alt=”Mizuno Men’s Heist IQ Baseball Cleat” code=”B00VTG8C7C”]

What sets the Heist IQ cleat apart from competitors is the three-layer construction, which was designed with breathability in mind. This cleat mixes synthetic leather and plastic mesh to allow heat to flow easily from the interior to the outside of the shoe, while the lack of sewed parts throughout the layering means that the shoe doesn’t sacrifice anything in durability. Inside the shoe is Mizuno’s spectacular U4ic full-length midsole, which provides a soft cushion that unlike many other midsoles won’t fade over time. Another nice feature of this shoe that is perfect for rounding the bases or fielding difficult ground balls is the flexible outsole. This flexibility allows the shoe to respond when your foot applies torque from the inside and keeps the spikes pointed into the ground, which can improve traction as you move. Because of this, Mizuno was able to equip the shoe with thinner than normal metal spikes that are designed with turning – either around the bases or in the infield – in mind. The cleats are available in either low- or mid-cut styles depending on your need for ankle support.

6. Easton Men’s Mako Cleat – Best for comfort

[img_products img_code=”41B9KLmTHcL” alt=”Easton Men’s Mako Cleat” code=”B00MUY6BUM”]

The Mako cleat has a lot to offer, but its best feature by far is the full-length Cork Advantage insole. This insole provides a ton of comfort for your foot by absorbing shock and keeping pressure off the parts of your feet that can hurt by the end of a game. And it does all of this without sacrificing rebound off the ground. In addition, wearers rave about the gel pad on the bottom of the heel, which can drastically reduce pain in the foot over the course of a busy season. The polyurethane construction and mesh upper provide a degree of durability that is difficult to match with the synthetic leather found on many baseball cleats. Plus, the upper is designed to be flexible to move with your foot when running rather than put pressure against it. The major downside to these cleats is the spikes themselves. Unlike many professional baseball cleats, these shoes use plastic spikes in a V-formation and the spikes typically wear down or break off within a few seasons of use. However, as long as the cleats last, the traction they provide is comparable to many cleats with metal spikes.

Best Women’s Softball Cleats 2020 – Reviews and Comparison

1. Mizuno Women’s 9 Spike Swift 4 Fast Pitch Metal Softball Cleat – Best for traction

[img_products img_code=”51yOXFpScYL” alt=”Mizuno Women’s 9 Spike Swift 4 Fast Pitch Metal Softball Cleat” code=”B00ZBC1VH8″]

Mizuno brought their A-game with these softball cleats. The highlight feature of the shoe is the 9-spike outsole, which features metal spikes arranged for maximum traction whether you’re running or fielding. With these cleats, once your foot is in the ground, it’s not going anywhere without you intending it to. The full-length midsole also helps with this traction by distributing the weight of your body evenly across the base of the shoe and providing comfort against the pressure points. Plus, the shoe is designed to fit snugly around your foot so that there is no slippage on the interior, either. It achieves this with a padded “booty” tongue that snugs up against your foot and a full synthetic leather construction that requires little break-in but cinches down around your foot once the shoe is laced up. The shoe provides some breathability thank to the mesh in the upper, but overall the synthetic material used is relatively good at moving heat. Finally, this cleat is very lightweight – around 11 oz, making it one of the lighter softball cleats on the market.

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2. Under Armour Women’s Glyde RM – Best for shock absorption

[img_products img_code=”41s4AEjdRsL” alt=”Under Armour Women’s Glyde RM Softball Cleats” code=”B01D3RWU4A”]

The Glyde RM cleats don’t provide the same traction and performance as Mizuno’s 9 Spike line of cleats, but what they lack in performance they make up for in comfort against your foot. First, these cleats use rubber spikes rather than metal spikes. This is one of the major sources of lost performance, but it also makes these shoes significantly less expensive and drastically reduces the amount of pounding that the bottom of your feet take every time they hit the ground. Second, the shoes feature a full-length Armourbound midsole that provides a significant amount of cushioning relative to the midsoles found in other softball cleats. These midsoles not only keep your feet comfortable while standing in the shoe, but also act to dampen the pressure of the spikes against your feet as you’re running and fielding. Together, this comfort can be worth the loss in performance for those with sensitive feet or who are aching by the end of the season. The shoe itself is made of synthetic leather that provides a snug fit and excellent durability, and the lifespan of the shoe is further increased by the addition of a reinforced area around the toe to protect against excessive wear.

3. Adidas Performance Women’s PowerAlley 2W Softball Cleat – Best for lightweight

[img_products img_code=”41AjnCdwmaL” alt=”Adidas Performance Women’s PowerAlley 2W Softball Cleat” code=”B00M96L8D6″]

The PowerAlley cleat from Adidas was designed with reducing weight as the primary goal, and the result is one of the lightest softball cleats on the market – lighter even than Mizuno’s Swift 4 cleat. Part of the secret is the super light EVA midsole, which provides just enough comfort to keep your feet from feeling the pressure of the spikes. The midsole is reinforced with an internal shank plate, which helps to keep the shoe stable from toe to heel despite its light weight. The shoe is also constructed of thin natural and synthetic leather, which conforms to your foot tightly to enable the shoe to use less material while still providing a comfortable fit. Because the thinner material somewhat reduces the lifespan of the shoe, Adidas added a reinforced section around the toe and upper foot where the shoe typically sees the most wear during play. Another welcome feature of this shoe is the included OrthoLite Sockliner, which is designed to aid the breathability of the shoe by wicking moisture directly into the liner and away from your feet. This greatly improves how long your feet will feel dry, which in turn enhances the comfort and wearability of these shoes – especially in hot conditions.

4. Nike Women’s HyperDiamond Strike Low Metal Softball Cleats – Best for budget cleats

[img_products img_code=”51OFSdoXfNL” alt=”Nike Women’s HyperDiamond Strike Low Metal Softball Cleats” code=”B01K7ZLLEG”]

If you’re on a tight budget, or looking to invest in softball gear other than cleats this season, the HyperDiamond Strike cleats from Nike are hard to beat for the price. At less than half the cost of many competitor cleats, these shoes offer the craftsmanship (and bragging rights) that comes with the Nike brand name as well as solid performance. The shoe features a plastic outsole with nine metal cleats, so it’s certainly designed to provide solid traction on the field in all conditions. The midsole is designed for comfort and running agility, and uses a full-length Phylon pad for cushioning. The result is a lightweight shoe that is both responsive and excellent at dampening vibration back to your foot in order to reduce fatigue. Between the lightweight midsole and the synthetic leather construction, this cleat falls on the light side for softball cleats and as such is best for players who excel at running the bases. However, since it is only available in a low-cut style, this cleat is less ideal for players who find themselves frequently torqueing their ankles to field infield ground balls.

5. Ringor Women’s Diamond Dynasty II – Best for full leather cleat

[img_products img_code=”41ydlZdKkHL” alt=”Ringor Women’s Diamond Dynasty II” code=”B07TWBW622″]

The Diamond Dynasty II cleat was designed to look every bit the part of the old school softball cleat and to match the features of older style leather cleats. The outer and upper are constructed entirely of natural leather, which is excellent at conforming to your foot for ultimate comfort and unparalleled durability. In addition, the toe piece is reinforced with rubber to prevent excessive wear on this vulnerable part of the shoe. While some players swear by leather, this material does increase the price and weight of the shoe – so it may be a better choice for all-around players than for those looking to steal bases. In addition, the leather outer requires a break-in period of several weeks before it will feel comfortable around your foot and is not as breathable as synthetic or mesh construction materials during hot weather. The midsole incorporates a full-length EVA foam pad, which provides plenty of comfort underfoot and protects against pressure from the spikes. Finally, the cleat features nine metal spikes, making it a great choice for traction performance on the field.

6. Easton Mako Wos – Best for introductory cleats

[img_products img_code=”41gkZHQhhvL” alt=”Easton MAKO WOS Women’s Softball Cleats” code=”B00U0BVTHC”]

If you’re not fully committed to softball or don’t want to spend a large sum of money on cleats, the Mako Wos are a great budget choice that can serve as a stepping stone towards a more advanced cleat. First, the cleat uses rubber spikes rather than metal spikes. The rubber spikes typically provide less traction, but may be easier for new softball players to navigate without tripping and place less pressure on the feet. In addition, the midsole is plush to make the shoe feel more comfortable, similar to a traditional sneaker rather than a softball cleat. The low-cut style does not provide much ankle support, which can also be more comfortable for less experienced players as it is more akin to sneakers and running shoes. The shoe is constructed from polyurethane rubber for the outer and upper, and unfortunately has little built-in mechanism to allow heat to escape. As a result, this shoe is relatively uncomfortable for season-long use during the summer. In addition, the rubber is durable enough for one season, but is unlikely to last much longer than that.

Conclusion

Small changes in performance can make a huge difference in the outcome of a baseball game, so it’s important to give yourself every advantage you can on the field. That starts at your feet, by having the right pair of cleats to keep you moving as fast as possible without risking ankle injuries. Now that you know how to choose a pair of cleats and know which models are among the best baseball cleats available, you’re ready to get out on the field and inch your team closer to victory.