The Best Baseball Cleats by Nike
Buying Guide
Nike offers a diverse selection of cleats for adults and kids.
Baseball season is in full swing. From now through September, diamonds will be filled with teams taking part in “America’s favorite pastime.” One essential piece of gear that all baseball players wear, regardless of position, is baseball cleats.
They’re a crucial part of the baseball uniform because they help increase traction in dirt and grass, offer additional ankle stability and help prevent injury, according to a report from the Hospital for Special Surgery.
“All of our cleats are made and designed to specific actions of Diamond Sports in general,” says Albert Zaporteza, Nike expert product line manager, Global Footwear.
However, there are many things to consider when buying a pair of baseball cleats:
materials on the upper, outer, and midsole; cleat height at the ankle (low and mid); and spike type (i.e., metal, hard plastic TPU, or rubber).
If you’re starting your search for the best baseball cleats, you’ve come to the right place. This roundup has the best Nike baseball cleats for youth and men.
Baseball Cleat Upper, Outer, and Midsole Materials
Nike baseball cleats have many different materials that make up the upper, outer, and midsole.
Upper Materials: For breathability, fabrics like ripstop mesh may be integrated into windows and uppers of Nike baseball cleats. Anatomical straps are a common feature added to help secure laces and offer ankle support on Nike baseball cleats.
Outer Materials: Nike baseball cleats feature synthetic leather, rubber, breathable mesh, webbing, and other materials.
Midsole Materials: Midsole cushioning offers comfort and support to Nike cleats and may include React Foam, Zoom Air or Nike Fastflex additions. Many Nike baseball cleats also have additional plates for support, including TPU plates and double plates.
Cleat Height
There are two types of cleat heights: low and mid. Each offers different levels of ankle support and stability.
“For players that prefer a lower-cut upper, low tops will work best. They are also generally lighter than mids,” Zaporteza says. He adds that mids work well for players looking for support around the ankle. Per the HSS report, mid-height cleats offer more support for lateral movements than lower cuts do. However, they may feel more restrictive.
LOW CLEATS
These cleats have a low rise on the ankles:
Youth
Jordan 1 Low Little/Big Kids' Cleats
Styled after Nike’s iconic Air Jordan sneakers, these baseball cleats have the signature Swoosh with a synthetic leather upper. The wide spike placement on the bottom will help any ballplayer pivot quickly and efficiently, whether you’re playing infield or outfield.
Nike Alpha Huarache 4 Keystone Little/Big Kids' Baseball Cleats
The Nike Huarache style is known for its sock-like fit, and these baseball cleats are all about comfort and a smooth fit with a flexible Nike Fastflex outsole. Bonus: The style comes in 11 different colorways to match any uniform.
Nike Force Trout 9 Pro MCS Big Kids' Baseball Cleats
MLB player Mike Trout helped create these baseball cleats inspired by his favorite pair of rookie cleats. They have a durable mesh upper for lightweight breathability and a unique Swoosh design.
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Adult
Nike Force Zoom Trout 9 Elite Baseball Cleats
These baseball cleats, designed by Mike Trout, have tons of cushioning thanks to a double-stacked Zoom Air in the forefoot, which is meant to increase speed on the diamond and add extra comfort.
Nike Alpha Huarache Elite 4 Low MCS JRD Baseball Cleats
The midsole of these baseball cleats is made with Nike React foam for a supportive and lightweight fit. Its two-piece plate has plastic spikes to help you grip any surface on the baseball diamond.
Nike Air Diamond Varsity Turf Men's Baseball Shoes
Designed to be worn on turf, these baseball cleats are big on grip. The rubber sole and wrap are meant to increase traction on turf from warmup time to in-action play.
MID CLEATS
Looking for moderate ankle stability? Mid-cleat height is a good choice.
Youth
Jordan 1 Mid Little/Big Kids' Cleats
These baseball cleats are big on style, thanks to inspiration from Air Jordans. The synthetic leather upper creates more support for your ankles, with wide spike placement on the bottom of the shoe to help you grip the field without slipping.
Adult
Nike Alpha Huarache Elite 4 Mid "Ronald Acuña Jr." Baseball Cleats
Inspired by the Atlanta Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr., these baseball cleats deliver a Caribbean colorway inspired by sunsets from Venezuela. With support from Nike React foam and a two-piece plate with metal spikes, you can shift and sprint quickly after any ball on the field.
Jordan 1 Retro MCS Men's Baseball Cleats
These baseball cleats are the ultimate throwback, bringing the classic Air Jordan 1 aesthetic to the baseball diamond. They have a foam midsole for a comfy fit and a TPU plate for solid traction.
Jordan 1 Retro Metal Men's Baseball Cleats
Looking for metal cleats with plenty of swag? Look no further. These shoes not only deliver on Air Jordan style but also have a Pebax® plate with a nine-cleat configuration on the bottom for serious grip on dirt and grass.
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Spike Type
There are three main types of spikes: metal, TPU (hard plastic), and molded rubber. Nike offers baseball cleat spikes that are suitable for outdoor and indoor play.
Metal and TPU spikes are typically recommended for outdoor dirt and grass diamonds. Molded rubber is most common for cleat spikes in indoor/turf baseball.
“For cleats specifically, the player usually chooses based on preference or league rules, as certain leagues don’t allow metal and prefer molded for players,” Zaporteza says. “On the technical side, metal cleats are generally a little heavier than molded cleats.”
Words by Emily Shiffer