Product Reviews
Written by Chris
Published on February 22, 2024
Finding the right pair of cleats can make a big difference for any young baseball player. Whether they’re sprinting to beat out a ground ball or chasing down a fly in the outfield, a good pair of cleats provides the traction, support, and comfort they need to perform their best.
With so many options available, narrowing down the best youth baseball cleats can feel overwhelming. That’s why we put top brands like Nike, New Balance, Under Armour, and Adidas to the test. We’ve focused on comfort, durability, and performance to help you make an informed decision—and to give your young athlete the confidence they need on the diamond.
Let’s break down the top picks and find the perfect cleats for your player.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 3000v7 Molded Youth Baseball Cleats are more than just functional—they’ve redefined what it means to look good on the diamond. In recent years, New Balance has climbed the ranks to become one of the coolest brands in baseball, with designs that stand out for their modern aesthetic and clean lines. The gold accents on the 3000v7 cleats, for example, are stunning, offering a polished, confident look when your player steps up to the plate. Whether it’s for games or practices, these cleats effortlessly blend style and performance, making them a favorite among young athletes.
Beyond the style, these cleats deliver exceptional comfort with their Fresh Foam X technology, which provides superior cushioning for long hours on the field. The molded cleat configuration ensures reliable traction on grass and dirt, and the lightweight synthetic upper offers durability without feeling bulky. What’s more, New Balance caters to all players by offering wide sizing options—something my son appreciates, as it ensures a comfortable, secure fit even for broader feet.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 3000v7 cleats combine performance, comfort, and an undeniable sense of style. Whether it’s the cutting-edge design or the practical fit options, these cleats truly elevate the experience for young players on and off the field.
The Nike Force Trout 9 Keystone Youth Baseball Cleats, named after MLB superstar Mike Trout, are designed to provide young players with a mix of durability, comfort, and performance. These cleats feature a synthetic upper that offers both lightweight flexibility and solid support, ensuring players feel secure during quick sprints and sharp turns on the field. The molded rubber outsole, equipped with 12 cleats, delivers reliable traction on a variety of surfaces, from dirt to artificial turf.
One standout feature of these cleats is their cushioned midsole, which adds an extra layer of comfort for long practices or game days. That said, the cleats may require a short break-in period to reach their full potential in terms of comfort. The molded rubber outsole, equipped with 12 strategically placed cleats, ensures excellent traction on a variety of surfaces, whether it's grass, dirt, or turf.
In addition to their functionality, the cleats shine in the style department. The Scarlet/White colorway, coupled with the modern design inspired by Trout, makes them a sleek choice for players who want to stand out on the field. While they don’t offer as much ankle support as higher-cut cleats, they strike a good balance for players looking for versatility and comfort.
The Nike Force Trout 8 Keystone cleats are a great option for young players who need reliable traction, durability, and a touch of style. Whether chasing down fly balls or rounding the bases, these cleats provide the performance and look to help any young athlete shine.
The Adidas Adizero Afterburner 8 Youth Baseball Cleats are designed for speed and agility, making them a top pick for players looking to dominate the basepaths or cover ground in the outfield. With a lightweight build and a SprintFrame plate, these cleats deliver excellent stability without the added bulk, allowing for quick, precise movements.
The snug fit provides a locked-in feel for enhanced control, while the breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool and comfortable during games and practices. The molded outsole offers reliable traction on both grass and dirt, ensuring dependable performance across various surfaces. However, the cleats are designed with a narrow profile, which may not be ideal for players with wider feet.
With stylish color options like Core Black and Team Scarlet, the Adizero Afterburner 8 cleats combine performance with standout looks. These cleats are perfect for players who value speed, comfort, and a sharp design on the diamond.
Key Features:
The Adidas Adizero Afterburner 8 cleats are a solid choice for youth players looking for high-performance footwear with a sleek edge.
The Under Armour Harper 7's, inspired by Bryce Harper, are designed to provide young players with durability, support, and comfort. The mid-cut design offers excellent ankle stability, while the synthetic upper is lightweight and tough enough to handle a full season. An adjustable Velcro strap ensures a snug fit, making them easy for younger players to wear.
With a cushioned midsole for all-day comfort and rubber molded cleats for reliable traction on grass and dirt, these cleats are both practical and high-performing. The sleek metallic accents add a bold, modern look, making them as stylish as they are functional. Perfect for players who need extra ankle support and a secure fit, the Harper 7 Mid RM Jr. cleats are a great choice for any position on the field.
When choosing youth baseball cleats, it’s helpful to understand the similarities and differences between leading brands like Nike, New Balance, and Under Armour. Each brand brings its unique strengths to the table while sharing common goals to improve performance, comfort, and safety for young players.
Shared Purpose: All three brands prioritize player comfort, aiming to enhance on-field performance and reduce the risk of injuries. Whether through cushioning, support, or innovative designs, these brands share the goal of making baseball cleats a reliable tool for athletes.
Variety in Selection: Recognizing that cleats are an extension of a player's personality, Nike, New Balance, and Under Armour offer a wide range of colors, designs, and sizes. This variety ensures that players can find cleats that match their preferences and style.
Design and Technology:
Each brand has its signature technology to improve comfort and performance.
Nike: Known for its Zoom Air cushioning technology, which provides excellent support and responsiveness.
New Balance: Utilizes Fresh Foam midsoles for a customized and cushioned fit that adapts to the player's movements.
Under Armour: Features the ClutchFit system, offering a snug, flexible fit for better control on the field.
Price Range:
Price is a significant factor for many families.
Nike and New Balance: Tend to have higher price points, reflecting their advanced technology and long-standing reputation for durability.
Under Armour: Offers slightly more budget-friendly options without compromising on quality, making it an appealing choice for those looking to save.
Brand Reputation:
Nike: A long-established leader with decades of trust in the sports industry.
New Balance: The rising star, quickly becoming the most popular cleat brand in youth baseball.
Under Armour: A newer player in the baseball cleat market but gaining recognition for its innovative designs and accommodating sizing options.
Outfielders: Metal cleats are recommended if allowed in your league, as they don't pick up large portions of grass and dirt that molded cleats do.
Infielders: Most infields are fine for molded cleats, but if your infield is dry or compact, metal cleats can give you the extra traction you need to dig in.
Pitchers: A low-top cleat is encouraged, as a high-top cleat can cause uncomfortable rubbing and result in foot blisters. Comfort and pivotability are key, regardless of cleat type. Metal cleats are never allowed on artificial pitchers' mounds.
Choosing the right pair of youth baseball cleats is about more than just looks. Here are the key factors to consider when making your decision:
1. Fit
The right fit is crucial for performance and injury prevention. Cleats should feel snug but not tight, offering enough support to prevent tripping or blisters while running. Consider sizing up by half a size to accommodate thicker baseball socks. A well-fitted cleat can reduce discomfort and help your child focus on the game.
2: Cleat Type
Molded Cleats: Rubber or plastic studs permanently attached to the sole. Ideal for most field types and commonly allowed in youth leagues.
Metal Cleats: Replaceable metal studs that provide excellent traction but are typically reserved for older players due to injury risks. Not recommended for turf fields.
Turf Shoes: Nubby rubber soles for great traction on turf fields and hard surfaces. Also comfortable for practice sessions.
MCS (Multi-Surface Cleats): Designed for versatility, using hard plastic studs for effective grip on both dirt and turf.
3. Comfort
Since young players spend hours on their feet, comfort should be a priority. Look for cleats with quality materials that offer support and stability for sudden stops, quick movements, and directional changes. Comfortable cleats also tend to last longer and withstand more wear and tear.
4. Style
Style isn’t as important as fit or functionality, but it can boost a player’s confidence. Cleats come in a variety of colors and designs, like New Balance’s popular red cleats, allowing players to express their personality on the field.
5. Cleat Height
Low-Cut Cleats: Offer maximum mobility and flexibility.
Mid-Cut Cleats: Provide a balance between ankle support and flexibility.
High-Cut Cleats: Deliver maximum ankle stability, ideal for players who need extra support.
6. Price
Cleat prices range widely, and it’s important to strike a balance between quality and cost. Investing in durable cleats can save money in the long run if your child plays often. However, keep in mind that children’s feet grow quickly, so you may only get one season of use out of a pair. Consider checking clearance sections for deals on quality brands.
Choosing the right pair of youth baseball cleats can make a big difference in a young athlete’s performance, confidence, and comfort on the field. After comparing four of the top brands—Nike, New Balance, Adidas, and Under Armour—it’s clear that each brings something unique to the game.
Ultimately, our top pick is New Balance, thanks to their exceptional combination of comfort, innovative technology, stylish designs, and wide sizing options that cater to players with all types of feet. Their cleats stand out not only for their performance but also for their attention to the needs of youth players.
We hope this guide has provided you with the insights you need to make the best choice for your young athlete. Whether they’re sprinting to steal a base or chasing down a fly ball, the right cleats can help them play their best—and look good while doing it!
Are youth baseball cleats the same size as regular sneakers?
Youth baseball cleats are sized similarly to regular sneakers, but sizing may vary depending on the brand. It's always recommended to try on cleats before purchasing to make sure they fit, as well as to allow for some room for growth since children's feet grow quickly. Some baseball cleats may have a slightly tighter fit in order to provide better support and traction on the field, so try to read as many reviews as you can before making a purchase.
What's the difference between baseball, soccer and football cleats?
The main differences between baseball, soccer, and football cleats are in their design and the type of traction they provide.
Baseball cleats usually have a thicker sole with metal or molded plastic spikes, which provide excellent grip on the different types of baseball field playing surfaces. They may also have a toe cleat for added stability and traction during running, stopping, and pivoting.
Soccer cleats typically have a thinner, more flexible sole with smaller, often rounded or bladed, studs. This design allows for greater maneuverability and quick changes of direction on the smooth, flat surface of a soccer field.
Football cleats have a similar design to baseball cleats but have a higher cut for ankle support. Football cleats usually have a thicker, more durable sole and either metal or plastic spikes or studs.
What is the price range for youth baseball cleats?
Even some of the top brands like Nike and Adidas have affordable baseball cleat options. Baseball cleats usually range from $30 all the way up to $140.
What type of cleats are best for baseball?
The types of cleats that are best for youth baseball will depend on the player's age, skill level, the type of field they will be playing on as well as league rules.
Are high-top or low-top cleats best for baseball?
The decision to wear high-top or low-top cleats in baseball is largely a matter of personal preference and depends on the player's individual needs and the type of position they play.
High-top cleats provide more ankle support and can be beneficial for players who need extra stability and protection during quick movements, such as infielders and catchers. They can also help prevent ankle injuries.
Low-top cleats are lighter and provide more flexibility and mobility, which can be beneficial for outfielders and base runners who need to cover more ground quickly. They can also be more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time and are generally easier to break in.
Does anyone make custom youth baseball cleats?
Mizuno offers a custom cleat designer program on their website. You can select from a wide variety of colors, and designs and you can even add your name, number, or team's logo.
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chris@rbilife.com
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