Types of Softball Cleats
Choosing the right pair of fastpitch softball cleats can have a big impact not just on your performance, but also when it comes to your comfort levels. There are a few different types of cleats available, so it's best to understand which one is ideal for your style of play. It's also important to consider factors such as age, league rules and your skill level.
Metal Softball Cleats (Adults)
Metal cleats are designed to dig into natural surfaces such as grass and dirt. They are only for use on natural grass due to the damage they may cause to turf. They’re generally banned from use in youth and casual leagues.
Molded Softball Cleats (Adults)
Molded softball cleats are made from thermoplastic materials and can be used on both artificial turf and natural playing surfaces. They’re commonly used in youth softball leagues where metal cleats are prohibited. Many softball players prefer the lighter weight of molded cleats.
Turf Softball Cleats
Players who only play on turf or who participate in off-field training on artificial surfaces may prefer turf cleats. The spikes on turf softball cleats are much shorter and only designed for use on artificial turf surfaces.
High-Top Softball Cleats
High-top softball cleats have a higher back that extends up over the ankle. They’re the best if you’re looking for women’s softball cleats with ankle support. While high-top cleats offer more support, they can be heavier than a low-cut cleat.
Mid-Cut Softball Cleats
In between a high-top and standard low-top softball cleat comes the mid-cut softball cleat. These offer extra ankle support when compared to a low-cut cleat, but aren’t as restrictive as the best high-top softball cleats.
Low-Top Softball Cleats
Low-top softball cleats are the standard fastpitch cleat. They are the lightest of the three typical types of cleat but offer less ankle support than a mid-cut or high-top softball cleat.
Factors to Consider for Softball Cleats.
There are many other factors to consider besides the cut and type of cleat. The best women's fastpitch softball cleat may not be the best slow-pitch softball cleat, and some leagues have rules that restrict the type of cleat that’s allowed for use during play. Let’s take a closer look at some specific scenarios that could impact your decision when choosing the best softball cleat for you.
Adult League Rules and Restrictions
Adult fastpitch softball leagues tend to have looser restrictions when it comes to the type of cleat you're allowed to wear, especially if you play at a high skill level. While metal cleats may be allowed at the highest level of fastpitch play, casual and amateur leagues could require the use of TPU-molded cleats. Most slow-pitch softball leagues ban the use of metal cleats. Regardless of which league you play in, it's always best to verify league rules before purchasing your new softball cleats.
Youth League Rules and Restrictions
Nearly every youth league bans the use of metal cleats regardless of whether it's a fastpitch or slow pitch softball league. Most youth leagues have clearly defined rules concerning the types of cleats that are acceptable for use, so it's important to check with your league if you have any questions about rules concerning cleats for youth softball players.
Foot and Ankle Support
Different women's softball cleats offer different types of support. If you're looking for a cleat with more ankle support, the best high-top softball cleats will provide a lot more support than low-cut cleats will. Mid-top fastpitch cleats offer some support while offering more ankle flexibility than high-top softball cleats.
You should also consider how much foot support your new cleats can offer. Depending on how snug you like your cleats, some brands offer different options that affect how snug cleats will fit and what parts of the foot receive the most support.
Material and Comfort
You should never discount comfort when choosing the best fastpitch softball cleats. Even if your new cleats have all the latest features, if they’re not comfortable, they probably aren't the best softball shoe for you. Modern cleats can be molded from leather or synthetic materials, and the type of material used can change how they feel on your feet. Leather can be more durable, but less breathable. Softball cleats crafted from synthetic materials that can be lighter but may offer a different feel than traditional leather.
Best Softball Cleats by Category
The best softball cleat will depend on your specific playing experience and the types of leagues you play in. Let's take a look at the best softball cleats in different categories.
Best Budget Softball Cleats
Mizuno Finch Select Nine Low Molded Fastpitch Softball Cleats: The Mizuno Finch Select Nine offers players a great combination of Mizuno’s innovative Mizuno Wave technology while also being affordable. The Finch Select Nine features an EVA midsole to ensure the player’s comfortability as well as superior traction on the field.
Best Metal (Adult) Softball Cleats
Mizuno 9-Spike Swift 7 Women’s Low Metal Fastpitch Softball Cleats: Mizuno’s 9-Spike Swift 7 is the #1 fastpitch softball cleat as they are gender engineered for softball-specific movements and provide the player with enhanced cushioning and comfort. 9-spikes on the underfoot create superior traction, while the Mizuno Wave Structure provides stability and relieves shock sent to the feet and ankles upon planting your feet or making quick movements.
Best Molded (Youth/Adult) Softball Cleats
Mizuno 9-Spike Swift 7 Women’s Low Metal Fastpitch Softball Cleats: Mizuno’s 9-Spike Swift 7 is the #1 fastpitch softball cleat as they are gender engineered for softball-specific movements and provide the player with enhanced cushioning and comfort. 9-spikes on the underfoot create superior traction, while the Mizuno Wave Structure provides stability and relieves shock sent to the feet and ankles upon planting your feet or making quick movements.
Best Softball Turf Shoes
New Balance Fuse V3 Women’s Low Turf Shoes: New Balance’s Fuse V3 Women’s Low Turf Shoes are both lightweight and extremely comfortable. The FuelCell midsole gives players a propulsive and liveliness in the underfoot while creating a comfortable base for players. Fuse V3 also features an aggressive underfoot to create unrivaled traction on artificial fields and a synthetic upper with no-sew overlays for a great fit and feel.
Best Low-Top Softball Cleats
Mizuno 9-Spike Swift 7 Women’s Low Metal Fastpitch Softball Cleats: Mizuno’s 9-Spike Swift 7 is the best low-top softball cleat as these cleats are gender engineered for softball-specific movements and provide the player with enhanced cushioning and comfort. 9-spikes on the underfoot create superior traction, while the Mizuno Wave Structure provides stability and relieves shock sent to the feet and ankles upon planting your feet or making quick movements.
Most Comfortable Softball Cleats
Mizuno Dominant Knit Women’s Metal Fastpitch Softball Cleats - 2022 Model: Mizuno’s Dominant Knit are the most comfortable softball cleats without sacrificing style or performance. The full knit upper allows the cleat to conform to the player’s perfectly while providing unmatched breathability. Dominant Knit cleats also feature a full-length midsole to provide an added cushion that helps reduce stud pressure. With performance also in mind, the Dominant Knit includes Mizuno’s new C-Flex Outsole to combine stability, flexibility, and traction.
Best Lightweight Softball Cleats
New Balance Fuse V3 Women’s Low TPU Cleat: New Balance’s Fuse V3 is the best lightweight softball cleat that performs at an elite level. These cleats weigh in at 227.7 grams (8 oz.) and do not sacrifice comfortability or performance. The FuelCell midsole gives the player a propulsive feel, allowing for a quick first step, and the updated TPU plate on the Fuse V3 improves the player’s traction. A perforated synthetic upper that allows for better breathability and comfortability as well in the Fuse V3.
Find the Best Selection of Softball Cleats at BaseballMonkey!
Now that you've read more about the features of the best women's softball cleats, it's time to start browsing our selection. If you don't see a cleat on this list that suits your needs, take some time to browse our full selection of women’s softball cleats and youth girls’ softball cleats on BaseballMonkey.com!
