Speed kills, and when you step on the field, you make sure to have the best tools at your disposal. When you step on the diamond, one of the most important things you can have is the right pair of on-field shoes. Your cleats need to fit right, feel right, and look good in the process. I’m here to walk you through the three things you have to know before you buy your new pair of spikes.
1. What CAN You Wear?
You probably already know this, but certain spikes are reserved for certain age groups. Cleats with metal spikes, like the kind the big leaguers wear, are usually allowed for ages 13 and above, but check with your league to see when you’re allowed to make the change.
If you’re still not ready for metal spikes, you’re going to have to stick with rubber or “molded” cleats. But don’t worry; all the big players in the cleat game (Nike, UA, New Balance, etc.) make cleats for the younger kids too.
If you thought that those are the only two types of cleats, you would be right, but those aren’t the only two types of shoes to play in anymore. With the introduction of turf baseball fields to keep down watering costs and maintenance, some fields are requiring that all players wear turfs or indoor shoes whenever they step on the field. Even if you never play on a turf field, these shoes are nice to slip on after a game.
2. High or mid? What kinda guy are ya?
The next important question in the cleat buying process affects your style, comfort, and possibly your health: What type of “top” do you want?
Everyone’s heard of high-top tennis shoes, but did you know that they make high-top cleats also? Typically, the guys who choose high-top cleats either:
- Have ankle problems and need a little extra support
- Play basketball in the offseason, and are uncomfortable in anything else
- Or, they just love the way that high-top cleats look.
In addition to the ankle support, high-top cleats are also nice just in case you take a foul ball of the inside of the ankle. The extra little padding never hurt. Personally, I always preferred the classic mid-top look, but make sure to evaluate what’s comfortable, what fits your medical needs, and what looks the best when choosing between these two.
3. Everybody’s got a brand
I bet you knew this was coming. Maybe you’re like Ken Griffey Jr. and you’re a die hard Nike guy. Or, you might be like a ton of MLB guys and prefer to wear New Balance. You might love Under Armour so much that you can’t live without their cleats. Whichever brand you lean towards, I’d encourage you to try on a couple of shoes from the other guys – you might be surprised. And remember, don’t just buy a shoe because of a swoosh or a style. I always loved Nike’s Huaraches, but they never felt comfortable. You can’t play up to your ability if you’re not comfortable.
Final advice
If your feet are growing, you can always go a half-size bigger in cleats. If they’re slipping, double layer those socks, and you should be good to go. Obviously, if you’re just about done growing, find something that fits and stick with it.
Always, always, always clean your cleats. A dirty cleat with a clean uniform? Huge mistake. You want to come out on the field fresh and ready to go.
And finally, work hard. Your cleats only look and perform as good as the guy wearing them, so make sure to read up on some additional Coachtube tips to get your game’s level the highest it’s ever been.
P.S. Enjoy those shiny new cleats.
