The Best Baseball Cleats for Men

If you’re looking to buy baseball gear, then one of the items at the top of your list should be a pair of cleats. Aside from the obvious baseball bat and glove, you shouldn’t overlook the importance of footwear in this game. A quality pair of cleats will give you the proper traction you need for the explosive, multi-directional movement that baseball requires.

If you’re having trouble deciding, here are four of the best pairs out there.

Choosing a Pair of Baseball Cleats

Here are a couple of things to consider before buying baseball cleats.

• Type of Cleat: Baseball cleats are typically found in three categories—metal cleats, molded cleats, and turf shoes. Metal cleats provide stronger traction than molded and turf shoes and will be most effective when playing on surfaces like hard-packed dirt. Although molded cleats won’t provide the firm grip that metal ones do, they’re durable and just as effective. They usually last longer than metal ones do and are your go-to shoe when playing on softer terrain, but they’re effective on almost every surface. If you’re just practicing off of the field, then turf cleats are your best bet. They’re comfortable and will provide you with the traction you need on artificial turf or other non-field surfaces.
• Comfort: An uncomfortable shoe will probably fatigue you mid-game. A cleat that’s breathable and durable will go a long way.

Top Pick: New Balance Men’s 4040 V5 TPU Molded Baseball Shoe

This is a pair of rubber-molded cleats made with a TPU molded outsole for traction on every surface. They’re made with synthetic material and offer a Fresh Foam midsole that’s soft and cushioned. On top of this, they come in a wide range of colors.

All in all, this cleat offers you the traction, comfort, and durability you need on the baseball field.

Best Metal Cleats: New Balance Men’s 3000 V4 Metal Baseball Shoe

Looking for the firm grip that a metal cleat provides? This pair of cleats from New Balance offers just that—and more. The uppers are made with mesh and synthetic, providing great durability and breathability. They have a bootie construction as well, which allows for a comfortable and custom fit.

With great comfort and traction, this cleat will definitely last you a long while.

Best Molded Cleats: Under Armour Men’s Harper 4 Mid Rm Baseball Shoe

These molded cleats are made with a textile and synthetic material, with their synthetic uppers being lightweight and robust. They come with EVA midsoles that provide cushioning and are designed to disperse internal pressure. The rubber cleats provide traction for all-natural surfaces and are pretty durable as well.

This cleat design is from the Bryce Harper collection. It sports his logo on the cleats’ upper ankle straps that provide ankle stability. Under Armour offers these cleats in a couple of different color options.

Best Turf Cleats: Adidas Performance Men’s Icon 4 Baseball Shoe

Here’s a pair of turf shoes to wear while you’re getting in your reps and drills outside of the field. These shoes are made with a textile and synthetic for longevity and a breathable mesh upper that comes with a TPU overlay for protection against abrasion. The rubber outsole is designed for multi-directional movement in baseball—so you won’t be disadvantaged by wearing these in practices.