Best Baseball Cleats for Ankle Support
Are you tired of suffering from ankle injuries or discomfort while playing baseball? If you’re looking for the best baseball cleats for ankle support, you’ve come to the right place. Baseball is a physically demanding sport that requires quick movements, agility, and stability, putting a significant amount of strain on your feet and ankles. Wearing the right pair of cleats can make all the difference in your performance and prevent injuries.
In this article, we will explore some of the top baseball cleats that provide excellent ankle support, helping you stay safe and perform at your best on the field. So, whether you’re a professional player or just starting, keep reading to find out which cleats will help you conquer the game with confidence.
Top 5 Best Baseball Cleats for Ankle Support in 2023
1. Under Armour Men’s Harper 2 RM Baseball Shoe – Best Baseball Cleats for Speed
The armour baseball cleats are top-quality products designed specifically for baseball players who demand the very best in terms of support, comfort, and performance on the field. With a 100% synthetic construction, this shoe is both durable and lightweight, making it an excellent choice for players who need to move quickly and be agile on the field. You may read also the guide on the best baseball cleats for flat feet
The molded synthetic upper of the shoe provides dependable support, ensuring a comfortable fit that allows you to focus on the game. This feature also helps to prevent foot fatigue and injury, allowing you to play for longer periods without feeling discomfort or pain.
To further enhance stability and support, the shoe is equipped with an adjustable ankle strap that locks you in securely. This feature helps to prevent your foot from sliding around inside the shoe, ensuring maximum power and control when you need it most.
The full-length EVA midsole of the shoe is another notable feature, as it helps to disperse cleat pressure and provide added comfort and cushioning. This feature is particularly important for players who spend a lot of time running and jumping on the field, as it helps to reduce the impact on their feet and prevent injury.
The rubber molded cleats on the bottom of the shoe provide optimal traction and durability on all field types. This feature ensures that you can move with confidence and agility, even on wet or slippery surfaces.
With a weight of just 12.7 oz, the Under Armour Men’s Harper 2 RM Baseball Shoe is a great choice for players who value speed and mobility. Whether you’re an amateur or a professional baseball player, this shoe is sure to help you perform at your best and take your game to the next level.
Pros:
- Dependable support and comfortable fit: The molded synthetic upper of the shoe is designed to provide dependable support and a comfortable fit, ensuring that your feet stay snug and protected during the game.
- Adjustable ankle strap: The adjustable ankle strap provides powerful stability and support, preventing your ankle from rolling or twisting during play.
- Full-length EVA midsole: The full-length EVA midsole helps disperse cleat pressure, providing added comfort and cushioning for your feet.
- Optimal traction and durability: The right baseball cleats provide optimal traction and durability on all field types, ensuring that you can play with confidence and agility.
- Lightweight: Weighing in at just 12.7 oz., this shoe is lightweight and won’t weigh you down during play.
Cons:
- Synthetic material: Some users may prefer natural materials like leather or suede, which may be more breathable and flexible.
- Not suitable for non-baseball activities: The design and cleats of this shoe make it specifically tailored for baseball and may not be suitable for other activities.
2. Under Armour Unisex-Child Harper 5 Mid Rm Jr. Baseball Shoe – Best Baseball Cleats for Outfielders
The Under Armour Unisex-Child Harper 5 Mid Rm Jr. Baseball Shoe is the perfect footwear for young baseball players who want to elevate their game on the field. These interchangeable cleats are designed to provide both comfort and stability, ensuring that players can focus on their performance without worrying about their footwear.
One of the key features of this shoe is its lightweight textile upper with TPU throughout, which provides zonal abrasion and structure. This means that the shoe is durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of regular use, while also offering the necessary support for the foot during play.
Another important feature is the adjustable ankle strap, which locks in the foot for powerful stability and support. This means that players can move confidently and make quick, sharp movements without worrying about their foot sliding or twisting inside the shoe.
The full-length EVA midsole is another important feature, as it helps disperse cleat pressure and provides ideal comfort and cushioning. This means that players can stay comfortable and focused throughout the game, even during long periods of play.
The rubber molded cleats provide optimal traction and durability for all field surfaces, ensuring that players can move quickly and confidently on any type of field. The signature Bryce details throughout the shoe add a touch of style and personality to the overall design.
Pros:
- Lightweight textile upper with TPU provides zonal abrasion and structure, making the shoe durable and supportive for young baseball players.
- Adjustable ankle strap offers powerful stability and support, helping to prevent ankle injuries during play.
- Full-length EVA midsole helps to disperse cleat pressure and provides comfort and cushioning, allowing for extended use without discomfort.
- Rubber molded cleats provide optimal traction and durability on all field surfaces, allowing players to perform at their best.
- Signature Bryce’s details throughout add a touch of style to the shoe.
Cons:
- The shoe may not be suitable for players with wider feet, as the sizing and design may be too narrow.
- Some users may find the ankle strap uncomfortable or restrictive, depending on their personal preference and play style.
3. Guardian Blaze Hi Baseball Cleats for Boys Girls – Best Baseball Cleats for Plantar Fasciitis
Guardian Blaze Hi Baseball Cleats for Boys and Girls is the ultimate choice for young athletes who are looking for exceptional performance, support, and comfort on the field. Engineered using a patented V-Cleat configuration, these baseball cleats are designed to offer superior traction, better leadoff, stopping, and cutting, giving any player a performance edge. You may read the ultimate guide on the best baseball turf shoes
These lightest baseball cleats are available in many color options and sizes ranging from little kid size 12 to big kid size 7, making them perfect for kids of all ages. The lace-up, synthetic rubber upper design provides unparalleled support for the player’s ankle, and air exchange vents ensure breathability. The lightweight design allows for superior comfort during all game long, so young athletes can focus on their performance without worrying about foot fatigue.
The cushioned insoles of these comfortable baseball cleats provide support, comfort, and stability, ensuring that athletes stay on top of their game even during the most intense matches. The high-top design of these best cleats offers extreme comfort and durability for both boy and girl athletes, with color options for both.
Guardian Baseball’s branding on the tongue and side of the shoes adds to the overall style of these baseball cleats, making them a popular choice among young athletes. Designed by sports professionals in the USA, all Guardian Baseball cleats for kids are designed to meet the needs of young athletes based on years of experience and improvements brought by former pro and college baseball athletes.
Pros:
- Patented V-Cleat configuration provides better leadoff, stopping, and cutting, giving players a performance edge.
- The lace-up, synthetic rubber upper design provides unparalleled ankle support and air exchange vents for breathability.
- Cushioned insoles provide support, comfort, and stability, reducing foot fatigue during games.
- The high-top design offers extreme comfort and durability for both boys and girls, with color options available.
- Designed in the USA by former pro and college baseball athletes with years of experience in coaching and mentoring youth baseball.
Cons:
- No mention of waterproofing or water resistance, which could be a potential issue during wet playing conditions.
4. New Balance Baseball Cleats M4040v4 – Best Metal Baseball Cleats
The New Balance Men’s M4040v4 metal baseball cleats are the perfect footwear for baseball players who want to improve their game. Designed to adapt to the ever-evolving nature of the sport, this shoe is packed with features that ensure players can keep up with the competition. Made of 100% synthetic nubuck, this shoe is imported and boasts a durable rubber sole that ensures longevity.
The balance cleats’ full-length REVlite RC® midsole provides superior cushioning to make every step and jump almost effortless. This feature ensures players can run faster, jump higher, and move with greater agility on the field. The mid-cut silhouette provides additional support to the ankles, making it easier to make quick cuts and sudden movements without risking injury.
The shoe’s metal cleats provide superior grip on the field, ensuring players can maintain their footing even on the most challenging terrain. The low profile of the cleats allows for greater flexibility, which is essential for fast-paced games. The strategically-placed cushioning in the shoe provides additional support and comfort to the feet, allowing players to focus on the game without worrying about their footwear.
The NB Baseball data-driven platform ensures that this shoe is designed with the latest technology to help players perform at their best. The platform’s data analysis tools allow for the collection and interpretation of game data, which can then be used to improve the design and performance of future baseball shoes.
Pros:
- Lightweight design: The New Balance Men’s M4040v4 Metal Baseball Shoe is built lighter than its previous version, which makes it easier for players to move around on the field.
- Excellent support: The mid-cut silhouette of the shoe provides excellent mid-foot support to the wearer, helping them to maintain balance while running or making quick turns.
- Superior grip: The low profile cleats are strategically placed on the sole of the shoe, providing superior grip to the wearer while running or making sudden stops.
- Cushioning: The shoe has strategically-placed cushioning that helps to reduce the impact of running and jumping on the player’s feet, making their game almost effortless.
- Data-driven platform: The NB Baseball data driven platform helps players to analyze their performance and make improvements accordingly.
Cons:
- Limited material options: The shoe is made entirely of synthetic nubuck, which may not be everyone’s preferred material.
- Not suitable for all surfaces: The metal cleats on the shoe are designed specifically for use on grass and dirt surfaces, making them unsuitable for use on other surfaces.
5. Under Armour Men’s Leadoff Mid Jr. Rm Baseball Shoe
The Under Armour Men’s Leadoff Mid Jr. Rm Baseball Shoe is a top-of-the-line shoe that is designed specifically for baseball players. This shoe is 100% synthetic and imported, with a man-made sole that is built to last. The shaft of the shoe measures approximately low-top from the arch, providing excellent support and protection for the wearer’s feet.
One of the key features of the Under Armour Men’s Leadoff Mid Jr. Rm Baseball Shoe is its synthetic leather upper, which provides exceptional step-in comfort while also being incredibly durable and supportive. This means that the wearer will be able to move freely and comfortably on the field without worrying about their shoes falling apart or losing their shape.
Another great feature of these baseball shoes is the mesh tongue, which enhances breathability and helps keep feet cool and dry throughout the game. This is especially important during hot weather or intense gameplay when the wearer’s feet are more likely to sweat.
The full-length EVA midsole of the Under Armour Men’s Leadoff Mid Jr. Rm Baseball Shoe provides added comfort and cushioning, distributing cleat pressure evenly under the foot. This helps to reduce the risk of foot fatigue or injury and allows the wearer to stay comfortable and focused throughout the game.
The rubber molded cleats on these shoes provide optimal traction and durability on all field surfaces. This means that the wearer can run, jump, and pivot with confidence, knowing that their shoes will grip the ground and prevent slips and falls.
Pros:
- The synthetic leather upper provides comfort and support for the feet, making it comfortable to wear during games.
- The mesh tongue enhances breathability and helps keep feet cool and dry throughout the game.
- The full-length EVA midsole offers additional comfort and cushioning, which distributes cleat pressure evenly under the foot, reducing fatigue.
- The rubber molded cleats offer optimal traction and durability on all field surfaces, providing stability and grip during play.
Cons:
- The shoe is designed specifically for baseball, which limits its functionality for other sports or activities.
- As it is an imported product, there may be additional shipping costs and longer wait times for delivery.
What to Look for When Buying Baseball Cleats?
1. Size
Size is a crucial factor when it comes to choosing the best baseball cleats for ankle support. Ill-fitting shoes not only cause discomfort but also increase the risk of injuries, especially when playing a physically demanding sport like baseball. Therefore, it is essential to measure your foot size accurately before buying a pair of cleats.
To measure your foot size, place your foot on a piece of paper and trace around it with a pencil. Then, measure the length from the heel to the longest toe and compare it with the shoe size chart. It is also important to measure the width of your feet, especially if you have wider feet than the standard shoe sizes. Look for the wider sizes available to avoid any discomfort or injuries.
When trying on cleats, make sure to wear socks of the same thickness that you would wear during a game. Additionally, try them on with the ankle brace or any other support that you plan on wearing during the game to ensure a perfect fit. Remember, a well-fitting pair of cleats will provide better ankle support, stability, and comfort, allowing you to perform at your best during the game.
2. Material
When choosing the best baseball cleats for ankle support, one of the most important factors to consider is the material. As mentioned earlier, baseball cleats are made of two types of materials: synthetic and genuine leather.
Synthetic leather is the more popular material used in making baseball cleats because of its affordability, comfort, and ability to provide a good fit. It is made of various synthetic materials that mimic the properties of real leather. This means that synthetic leather is usually lightweight, flexible, and water-resistant, which makes it ideal for playing in various weather conditions.
On the other hand, genuine leather is a natural material that is more durable, and breathable and offers better support than synthetic leather. It is made from the hides of animals like cows, sheep, or goats. Genuine leather cleats are often more expensive than synthetic leather cleats, but they are worth the investment if you’re looking for durability and long-lasting support.
3. Water Resistance
Water resistance is a crucial factor to consider when selecting the best baseball cleats for ankle support. Baseball games are often played under unpredictable weather conditions, and rain is one of the elements that can affect a player’s performance on the field. A pair of water-resistant baseball cleats can help players stay comfortable and dry during wet and rainy games.
Water-resistant cleats are designed to repel moisture and prevent water from seeping through the material. They are typically made of durable and high-quality materials such as leather, synthetic fabrics, or waterproof membranes that keep the feet dry and protected.
Having water-resistant cleats is not only beneficial for the player’s comfort but also for the cleats’ longevity. Wet conditions can cause damage to the cleats, which can lead to a shorter lifespan and a decrease in performance. You may read also the guide on the best under armour baseball cleats
4. Cleat Height
When it comes to choosing baseball cleats for ankle support, cleat height is a crucial factor to consider. The height of your cleats can determine the amount of support your ankles receive during play. There are three types of cleats to choose from: high tops, mid tops, and low tops.
High tops are the tallest cleats and extend beyond the ankle, providing maximum support and stability. They are ideal for players with a history of ankle injuries or those who require extra support during lateral movements. However, high tops may restrict your range of motion, so it’s important to find a balance between support and mobility.
Mid tops offer a compromise between high and low tops, providing moderate ankle support without limiting your movement. They are a good choice for players who need some level of ankle protection but also require flexibility and agility on the field.
Low tops are the shortest cleats and offer the least amount of ankle support. They are lightweight and designed for speed and agility, making them a popular choice among outfielders and base runners. However, they may not provide enough support for players with weak ankles or a history of injuries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ankle injuries can be a major setback for baseball players, and selecting the right pair of cleats with proper ankle support is crucial to prevent them. While there are numerous options available in the market, the best baseball cleats for ankle support should have features like a high-top design, sturdy upper construction, ample cushioning, and a durable outsole.
Some popular options include Under Armour Harper 5, and New Balance 4040v5. It’s important to consider the individual needs of the player, their position on the field, and playing conditions when choosing the right cleats. Investing in a good pair of baseball cleats with proper ankle support can not only improve performance but also prevent injuries and keep players on the field for longer periods.
FAQs
Are baseball cleats worth it?
Yes, if you are playing organized baseball, it is worth investing in a pair of cleats to improve your performance and safety on the field. The type of cleats you choose will depend on your skill level and budget.
Are metal or rubber cleats better?
Both metal and rubber cleats have their pros and cons. Metal cleats offer better traction but can be a safety hazard, while rubber cleats have less traction but are safer. The choice between the two depends on your skill level and experience.
Are high top baseball cleats good?
Yes, high top baseball cleats are good as they provide additional support and foot safety compared to low-cut cleats. They are preferred by players looking for a sturdy base and are often used by batters who hit for power. However, mid-cut cleats can also provide a mix of flexibility and support.
What brand of cleats do most MLB players wear?
Currently, the most commonly worn brand of cleats among MLB players is Nike, with 50% of the league wearing them. However, six other companies compete in the market, including New Balance, Adidas, Under Armour, Jordan, Mizuno, and Asics.
