The most common type of baseball shoes are cleats. While people say cleats when referring to the entire shoe, cleats are technically the protrusions on the sole of the shoe that provide additional traction on a slippery or soft surface. In baseball, they are sometimes referred to as spikes.
Why it helps performance
Baseball shoes, or cleats, help give you extra traction, which is important when you are running the bases or running for a ball in the outfield. They also help give your ankle and foot support, which is important when running on potentially uneven terrain.
What is it made of
The spikes on baseball cleats are usually made of metal, plastic, or rubber. Rubber cleats usually feature smaller protrusions in the middle of the sole with grooves around them, or soft rubber spikes around the edges of the heel and sole. Plastic cleats are similar in this regard, except for the fact that they usually feature a hard bottom with thick hard plastic spikes and no grooves. The spikes usually compose the outsole of the shoe. Metal spikes are not thick like plastic spikes, but are thin, which makes it easier to dig into sand and grass, increasing traction.
Washing and care instructions
Before you start washing your cleats, you want to get any loose mud and dirt off of them. To do this, take them outside and clap the cleats together. Use a brush to scrape off any mud that remains. Then, soak the shoes in warm water for approximately 5 minutes. Using a damp dishrag, wipe each individual spike off. Rinse the shoe and repeat the process as necessary. Once you have removed all of the dirt and mud, clean the shoe with a dry rag. Baseball cleats can get dirty and can smell very quickly if they are not properly taken care of, so maintaining a weekly cleaning schedule is essential. You may want to spray the cleats with a product that will help repel dirt and sweat to help keep them clean for longer periods of time.
Who makes it
There are many different brands that manufacture baseball cleats. Ideally, you want a pair of cleats that provide performance benefits but are also very comfortable. Nike, Adidas, and Reebok are three of the most popular manufacturers of cleats. The Nike Huarache 2K4 offers a high level traction system, which should help make you quicker on the field, and features a high level of comfort that puts less pressure on your feet. The Adidas Adizero 5-Tool uses strategically placed spikes to give you more power and strength, while the Reebok Zigtech are light, durable, and provide your feet with exceptional comfort thanks to its OrthoLite foot bed.
Price range
Baseball cleats vary in price depending on the brand and model. Typically, you should expect to pay between $100 and $200 for one of the big name brands, such as Nike, Reebok, and Adidas. Cleats can be found at your local sporting goods store, or can be purchased online. You can usually find cleats for cheaper online, although you do have to factor in shipping and customs costs. While ordering online may be convenient, it is recommended that you buy cleats in store because you want to try them on before purchasing them. The last thing you want is to have a pair of cleats that either don’t fit or are very uncomfortable.
