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Baseball is one of the sports that young kids love to play. The early years are fortunately the best time to get them started in their careers. However, many factors can affect their performance in this sport. The most significant factor would be their baseball cleats.
It is important that you pay as much attention on buying the best youth baseball cleats as you do in choosing baseball bats and uniforms. Ensure that the cleats you buy for your youngsters are comfortable, durable, and helpful for improving their performance as an athlete.
In this article, I have listed the highest rated baseball cleats from three top brands, including their features, advantages, and disadvantages to help you in your hunt for the most ideal pair. So, what are you waiting for? Scroll down to find out more!
Different Types of Baseball Shoes
To choose the best youth baseball cleats, there are important information that you need to know. Baseball shoes can either be molded plastic cleats, metal cleats, or turf shoes. Since different players have different needs, knowing the characteristics of each type will be very useful to achieve your goal.
1. Molded Plastic Cleats
Plastic cleats are most baseball players’ favorites because they are affordable, versatile, and durable. They can be used on a wider range of terrains like asphalt, dirt, mud, solid ground, or concrete roads.
Another good thing about plastic cleats is that they are resistant to wear and tear wherever you wear them. They also perform well on wet and soft grounds.
2. Metal Cleats
Metal cleats provide more traction, balance, and stability to the wearer by having the ability to dig into the ground. However, wearing metal cleats on terrains like concrete and anything other than soft or firm ground can accelerate wear. Metal cleats also come with heftier price tags than the two other types.
3. Turf Shoes
Turf shoes are the types solely used during practice and training and not for real matches. Like plastic cleats, these work well on different terrains. They also have a more neutral style and their look is similar with regular running shoes or trainers.
However, turf shoes do not really have cleats to avoid damaging the turf and ground used for training. They are best used on artificial ground where the traditional cleats will not be able to offer any traction at all.
Factors To Consider Before Purchasing Youth Baseball Cleats
Baseball cleats that are specifically designed for kids and teens are now available in the market. These cleats have the same technologies and features as their adult counterparts. They are also available in different colors and styles that will pair well with the youth’s outgoing personalities.
While these facts can help you find the best pair of baseball cleats for youth much easier, there are still some other considerations, the most important of which are listed below:
1. Size, Fit and Comfort
Finding the right size and fit of baseball cleats is important to ensure comfort and optimum performance. When picking baseball cleats, keep these factors in mind:
- Breathable upper, preferably with perforated or mesh paneling.
- A padded tongue or compression tongue to keep the debris out.
- A padded midsole with shock absorption.
- Extended and padded ankle collar for support.
- Sock liner for moisture wicking and perfect fit.
- Flexible outsole grooves to ensure natural mechanics and gait for efficient and comfortable movement on the field.
Since different models and brands may differ with regard to sizing, you can find proper measurement guides and charts online to serve as your reference. Make sure that you also consult the league guidelines when choosing cleats.
2. Material
The materials used in making baseball cleats determine the flexibility, durability, and weight of the shoes. The combination of materials and technologies used in cleats are often unique to the manufacturer.
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), rubber, plastic, leather, textile, and metal are the best materials that offer durability, longevity, and superior motion control to ensure amazing performance while playing. On the other hand, EVA or Phylon in the insole, midsole, and sock liner provide(provides)utmost comfort and breathability.
3. Playing Style And Position
You should also consider the position of the baseball player when choosing the most appropriate cleats. For example, lighter, lower-cut cleats are ideal for middle infielders while pitchers require three-quarter cleats that offer more ankle support. Personal playing styles and skill levels also play a role in knowing which pair of cleats is needed for optimum performance.
The level of play is another consideration. Smaller and lower level leagues often do not allow metal cleats and prefer molded plastic studs to ensure the safety of younger players. In the case of young players, always make sure to refer to the league rules to know exactly the types of cleats allowed.
4. Price
As with any other purchase, the price is also important. Consider your budget and the features that you are willing to pay for before making a decision.
Of course, higher-end premium models typically cost more than inferior counterparts. Special features and technologies that enhance traction and performance, for example, add up to the product’s price.
However, this is not always the case, as you can find affordable yet comparable options with the help of a little research. I recommend that you take time to study the specs, reviews, and pros and cons for each model. The fact that you are reading this article is a great indication of that.
Well-known and trusted brands also tend to ask for more money for their products but assure their buyers of the quality, performance, comfort, and durability.
When it comes to baseball cleats, be prepared to spend a little more. Do not overspend but never compromise on quality either.
To know how to properly fit baseball cleats, please check this video:
A Review Of The 3 Best Youth Baseball Cleats
Below are some of the best youth baseball cleats that you can find in the market today.
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1. Adidas Adizero Afterburner 2.0
Adidas is one of my most trusted and favorite brands when it comes to baseball cleats. If you want the most lightweight cleats that are made for speed, the Adizero Afterburner 2.0 may be the hardest one to beat.
The manufacturers did such a great work in producing cleats using the lightest possible materials without compromising on quality, comfort, durability, and protection. These cleats have no-sew abrasion-resistant toe caps.
This model also features a Diamond mesh-anchored tongue and heel and pearlized synthetic upper for breathability and comfort. On areas that require additional protection and support, Adidas used TPU, a type of lightweight yet sturdy plastic with elastic and abrasion-resistance properties.
More amazing features of the Adidas Adizero Afterburner 2.0 are the Ortholite sock liner with a good compression quality, resiliency, and anti-microbial properties that also enhance comfort and fit.
The Litestrike EVA Midsole is also specially designed for great support without adding too much weight. The lightweight Sprintframe outsole plate paired with wave-patterned Protrax cleats also provides support, optimal ground adhesion, and maximum dirt penetration to improve overall speed and performance.
While it does not come with many design options, the Adizero AfterBurner 2.0 does come in different color styles. These include a solar diamond glow design on the upper portion of the shoe that gives it an extra flash on the field.
Overall, the Adidas Adizero AfterBurner 2.0 Baseball cleats are definitely on top of my best youth baseball cleats list.
Pros
Cons
- Lightweight frame and construction
- Allows for amazing speed
- Snug and comfortable fit
- Full EVA midsole offers lightweight support
- Among the most lightweight and comfortable cleats on the market
- Great for most playing positions, especially those that require a lot of running
- Great value for your money
- Amazing traction for balance and stability
- Fantastic all-around shoes
- A bit more expensive than most cleats
- Prices vary greatly among sellers
- Metal cleats wear easily on other terrains
2. New Balance Men’s L4040V3 Cleat Baseball Shoe
New Balance is another internationally leading manufacturer of the best athletic footwear, including baseball cleats. The New Balance Men’s L4040V3 Cleats are designed to offer both adult and youth baseball players a lightweight option that does not hold back on quality and performance.
This particular model is great for children between four and 12 years old. Aside from its amazing styles and colors, it also helps budding athletes to enhance their speed, footwork, and performance on the field.
The shoes are made with a synthetic Nubuck leather upper and rubber soles that are lightweight and durable. The Nubuck upper is intended to withstand the inevitable pressure and abrasion caused by sliding through the bases.
The upper also features a padded collar to offer additional comfort and protect the feet from blistering. The no-sew FantomFit Technology also ensures the perfect fit and adequate support.
The New Balance L4040V3 also has a protective tongue to steer your feet clear of debris, sand, and dirt throughout your game. This reduces irritability and discomfort while also making the cleaning process much easier.
Another plus is that New Balance offers this model in a variety of widths, providing even more customization and ensuring the right fit for all players.
While this model is among the most expensive baseball cleats, it is certainly worth its price for the lightweight and seamless fit, comfort, and speed that it offers.
Pros
Cons
- Comfortable to wear
- Nice style and color schemes
- Lightweight
- FantomFit Technology
- Available in normal and wide variants for an even better fit
- Durable
- Sizes run a bit large
- Quite expensive
3. NIKE Men’s Huarache 2K Filth Pro Mid Baseball Cleat
If durability, comfort, and quality are your top priorities when it comes to baseball cleats, I highly recommend Nike’s Huarache 2K Filth Baseball cleats. This model claims to be the most durable of its kind, which makes it a favorite among star players like Matt Kemp, Felix Hernandez, Trevor Story, and Carlos Gonzales among many others.
The Nike Men’s Huarache 2K Filth features a top-of-the-line design and uses a combined TPU mesh and synthetic leather material for durability. It also has a mesh inner material to ensure breathability, eliminate odor, and keep your feet cool and dry even during the most intense and heated games.
Engineers behind the design also studied how baseball players move and step while running on the field and used their observations in optimizing the shoes’ traction through a nine-cleat configuration.
Huarache 2K Filth also features a Phylon midsole and Nike’s Dynamic Flywire Technology to provide the most comfortable cushioning and support for the bridge of the feet, without the added weight.
Geometric divots on the surface of the cleats ward off dirt and debris for easier clean-up and maintenance.
This model is also available in a variety of color combinations and styles to fit the player’s personal preferences. These cleats are a solid choice that offers amazing value for a reasonable price.
Pros
Cons
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Improves running speed and comfort
- Durable and easy to clean
- Nine-cleat configuration for improved sole traction
- Mid-top design offers amazing ankle support
- Works great on difficult terrains like dirt and mud
- Breathable mesh and synthetic leather material
- Sizes run small, so you may need to get a larger size especially since synthetic materials do not stretch as much as other materials
- Can be too narrow and not suitable for wide-footed players
Conclusion
Overall, the Adizero Afterburner 2.0, New Balance Men’s L4040V3, and the Nike Huarache 2K Filth are all amazing picks. However, I choose the Adizero Afterburner 2.0 as the best youth baseball cleats.
It is the winner in terms of fit, support, comfort, lightweight, stability, and value for your money. It is also quite durable and offers the best traction as long as you use it on dirt and ground fields only.
I hope this article helped shed some light and has been useful in helping you find the best baseball cleats for yourself or your youngster!
Do you need other baseball gear or other fitness products for your little one? Let our buying guides help you in your decision – making journey!