The best baseball boots by Nike
Buying guide
Nike offers a diverse selection of boots for adults and kids.
Baseball season is in full swing. From now until September, diamonds will be filled with teams taking part in "America's favourite pastime". One essential piece of gear that all baseball players wear, regardless of position, is baseball boots.
They're a crucial part of the baseball kit 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 boots are made and designed for 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 boots:
materials on the upper, outer and midsole; boot 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 boots, you've come to the right place. This round-up has the best Nike baseball boots for youth and men.
Baseball boot upper, outer and midsole materials
Nike baseball boots 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 boots. Anatomical straps are a common feature added to help secure laces and offer ankle support on Nike baseball boots.
Outer materials: Nike baseball boots feature synthetic leather, rubber, breathable mesh, webbing and other materials.
Midsole materials: Midsole cushioning offers comfort and support to Nike boots and may include React Foam, Air Zoom or Nike Fastflex additions. Many Nike baseball boots also have additional plates for support, including TPU plates and double plates.
Boot height
There are two types of boot heights: low and mid. Each offers different levels of ankle support and stability.
"For players who 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 boots offer more support for lateral movements than lower cuts do. However, they may feel more restrictive.
LOW BOOTS
These boots have a low rise on the ankles:
Youth
Jordan 1 Low Younger/Older Kids' Boot
Styled after Nike's iconic Air Jordan sneakers, these baseball boots 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 Younger/Older Kids' Baseball Boot
The Nike Huarache style is known for its sock-like fit and these baseball boots are all about comfort and a smooth fit with a flexible Nike Fastflex outsole. Bonus: the style comes in 11 different colourways to match any kit.
Nike Force Trout 9 Pro MCS Older Kids' Baseball Boot
MLB player Mike Trout helped create these baseball boots inspired by his favourite pair of rookie boots. They have a durable mesh upper for lightweight breathability and a unique Swoosh design.
Adult
Nike Force Zoom Trout 9 Elite Baseball Boot
These baseball boots, designed by Mike Trout, have lots of cushioning thanks to a double-stacked Air Zoom 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 Boot
The midsole of these baseball boots 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 Shoe
Designed to be worn on turf, these baseball boots are big on grip. The rubber sole and wrap are meant to increase traction on turf from warm-up time to in-action play.
MID BOOTS
Looking for moderate ankle stability? Mid-boot height is a good choice.
Youth
Jordan 1 Mid Younger/Older Kids' Boot
These baseball boots 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 boots
Inspired by the Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuña Jr., these baseball boots deliver a Caribbean colourway inspired by sunsets in 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 Boot
These baseball boots 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 Boot
Looking for metal boots 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-stud configuration on the bottom for serious grip on dirt and grass.
Spike type
There are three main types of spikes: metal, TPU (hard plastic) and moulded rubber. Nike offers baseball boot spikes that are suitable for outdoor and indoor play.
Metal and TPU spikes are typically recommended for outdoor dirt and grass diamonds. Moulded rubber is most common for boot spikes in indoor/turf baseball.
"For boots specifically, the player usually chooses based on preference or league rules, as certain leagues don't allow metal and prefer moulded for players", Zaporteza says. "On the technical side, metal boots are generally a little heavier than moulded boots".
Words by Emily Shiffer