Batter up! The new crop of youth baseball cleats is here and players are gearing up for next spring on the diamond.
Are you looking to find the best performing cleats for your little slugger?
Quality baseball cleats are essential for any aspiring ballplayer. The best youth baseball cleats will keep them fast and safe on the basepaths.
We suggest considering longevity and performance as the key determinants of which shoe to purchase. Rest assured that all of the youth baseball cleats on this list have superb reviews and have proven the test of time on the youth sports market.
In this article, we will walk through the best offerings from top brands like Nike, New Balance, Under Armour, Adidas, and Mizuno. If you are looking to get your son or daughter geared up for spring, look no further. Read on to learn which cleats are best for your player.
Nike
Nike has a longstanding history of producing quality youth sports equipment. The company updates its modern style every year and makes sure it is on the cutting edge for performance. Here are the best offerings from Nike youth baseball cleats:
1. Nike Alpha Huarache 4
The Nike Alpha Huarache 4 is a great starter shoe for any up-and-coming player. The shoe is offered in many kids’ sizes with a black/white, all-white, red, blue or gray color scheme.
Nike bills this shoe as a premier model for dynamic versatility on the field. The Huarache 4 model is constructed from solid, traction-informed rubber on the outsole, with a synthetic leather upper and foam midsole. This gives excellent feedback and cushioning response when changing direction.
There is a 3/4 height collar to lend additional ankle support without giving up mobility around the ankles when in the batter’s box.
Last update on 2025-01-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Nike Force Trout 9
The Nike Force Trout 9 can keep up in either baseball or softball games. This shoe design incorporates softball players as well and offers a pink styling as well as black/orange.
Lateral support comes from a synthetic leather top that is factory-designed for durability. A rubberized print on the exterior wall limits cuts and abrasions during heavy use.
There is a soft phylon foam cushion along the midsole that provides all-day comfort for sluggers of all ages.
The 12-stud Nike outsole is perfect for promoting the quick lateral movements needed in softball games.
The shoe features an aggressive exterior with wavy details along the outer foot. A dominant swoosh paints the outside of the shoe.
Last update on 2025-01-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
New Balance
New Balance shoes are best known for endurance running, but the company has made a sizable entry into the baseball market over the last few years. Here are our top 5 New Balance youth baseball cleats:
1. New Balance Kids 4040 V7
Another great set of New Balance youth baseball cleats is the New Balance 4040 V7. These cleats feature a higher top with a more traditional New Balance logo on the sidewalls.
Combined mesh and sympathetic upper walls provide long-lasting durability without sacrificing fit. Mesh breathability on top means the shoe will combat sweat, heat, and foot odors. Reaction-Diffusion technology is featured in the design language of the shoe saddle.
The design also includes a supportive mid-cut silhouette. This becomes a frame that supports the player during sprinting and promotes proper running form.
The outer plate is rubber molded and improves acceleration around the diamond.
There is a full-sized EVA midsole cushion to provide arch support and improve comfort. After a long weekend of games, your player’s feet won’t be hurting before school on Monday.
The profile of the shoe from the player’s vantage point makes the cleat look and feel like any other running shoe. For the traditionalist, there are all-black and all-white sets of cleats that will match most jerseys well.
Last update on 2025-01-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. New Balance Kids’ 3000 V7
The 4040 V5 is designed for unmatched comfort, versatility, and durability on the diamond. The shoe is 50% synthetic, 50% mesh, with a synthetic upper for withstanding the elements.
There is a rubber mesh outsole combined with an EVA foam midsole that spans the length of the shoe. The upper offers a silhouette over the middle that improves support of the foot in the shoe.
These are plain and simple classics. You’ve probably seen the 3000 v7’s rushing around the diamond if you’ve spent any amount of time in youth sports.
The shoe is available in extended width sizes as well.
Last update on 2025-01-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. New Balance Lindor V2
The New Balance Lindor V2 offers a classic-cut design to any youngster looking to break into the game of baseball.
An array of spikes splayed out over the forefoot and hindfoot provides needed traction for optimal baserunning. A traditional front stud found at the toe accelerates jumpstarts and improves stopping time.
The shoe features a synthetic upper layer to protect against the elements over time. Having synthetic material on top also improves the overall comfort of the shoe.
This comfort is augmented by REVlite midsole technology. REVlite provides extremely lightweight cushioning that supports players of all skill levels.
The rubber mold that forms the cleat on the outsole is multifunctional. It can provide adequate traction on turf, dirt, and grass surfaces equally well.
Hockey-style lace closure provides a snug fit over the foot. The 4040 v6 comes in five colors. Our favorite is black/hot pink.
Last update on 2025-01-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. New Balance Romero Duo V2
New Balance is a unique company in that they do not spend money on securing celebrity endorsements. Instead, that money is reinvested into research and development.
That decision really shines in the New Balance Romero Duo V2. The Romero Duo V2 is another half-synthetic, half-mesh cleat offered in a low cut fitting. There is a rubber outsole and a synthetic upper that allows for durability over the course of the season.
The engineering comes into play by keeping your young one safe. These are well-constructed shoes that stand up to poorly kept infield and outfields that often do not receive enough maintenance at the early stages of the game.
The Red/Navy combo is a very stylish look, but the shoe is also available in two other color schemes.
Last update on 2025-01-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Under Armour
Under Armour has placed a strong emphasis on its baseball offerings. They make extremely comfortable youth baseball cleats that still maintain the needed support to prevent injury. Here are five of the best Under Armour youth baseball cleats:
1. Under Armour Leadoff Low Junior
The Leadoff Low Junior is one of Under Armour’s flagship youth baseball cleats. These are some of the most comfortable and forgiving cleats in the game.
The upper shoe is synthetic for lightweight durability. Down below by the toe, there are small perforations that greatly improve breathability without letting dirt in. A toe liner prevents damage from gravel and small rocks.
Hockey lacing secures the front sole. There is a special loop along the upper part of the tongue which houses the laces for an extra-secure feel.
Comfort is where this shoe really shines, however. A padded heel and collar design provide immediate comfort as soon as a player steps in. The full-length EVA midsole provides support along the arches with even cushioning underfoot.
Rubber molded cleats round out this shoe with four rear studs and a cadre of front studs that evenly distribute player weight during movement.
Last update on 2025-01-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Under Armour Kids’ Leadoff Mid Rm Jr 3.0
The Mid RM version of the Leadoff shoe offers the same versatility but with slightly greater support around the ankles. This is a matter of preference for most players, but we like the mid-version for the added support.
Once again, these shoes come in an array of colors, including a nice and eye-popping Royal blue, in case your Little Leaguer has ended up on the Royals.
Last update on 2025-01-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Under Armour Boys’ Leadoff Mid Junior Rubber
The Leadoff was designed like a running shoe. Its primary goal is to be the most comfortable option among youth baseball cleats.
This becomes clear in every aspect of the design. The shoe offers a baseplate from behind the heel up to the forefoot that gives a sense of support and grounding. Hockey-lacing secures the shoe to the foot, and an upper loop houses the laces for a lockdown fit.
Under Armour has placed its signature logo along the backplate of the shoes, and a sunray-styled folding sidewall lines the exterior. There is a toe guard and the front of the shoe features perforations that allow for better venting.
Like the other shoes in the lineup, the Yard features four rear rubber studs and eight front studs. The front studs in this model are uniquely positioned around the outside of the shoe to allow for more cushioning and flexibility. Cleat studs are made of TPU and offer excellent traction due to the all-new Under Armour MicroTips.
A plush sock liner helps the shoe mold perfectly to the foot, and it is easy to forget the cleat is even there. Combined with an EVA midsole, this is definitely one of the most forgiving and comfortable shoes on the market.
Last update on 2025-01-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Under Armour Harper 8 Mid TPU Jr
Bryce Harper may be the baseball hero of this generation. He is one of the hardest workers in baseball and has become a role model for so many young players.
The Harper 8 embodies this mantra. It is built for young players who want to work hard and improve their skills right away.
A lockdown strap in the front provides excellent ankle support when rounding the basepaths. Internal lateral TPU lacing adds to the grip of the foot without applying too much pressure. Strategic TPU supports shield the player in high-abrasion regions.
The shoe features UA-patented HOVR foam cushioning that creates a floating sensation that is very comfortable. Rubber molded cleats on the hindfoot and forefoot maintain stability and traction for every position player.
Red, white, and blue color schemes dominate the shoe appearance. A specialized brown rubber forefoot sole allows for quick accelerations. This is a star-studded design with classic American color schemes.
And of course, a signature Harper logo on the outer heel gives a nod to the All-Star player.
Last update on 2025-01-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Under Armour Harper 8 TPU Jr
The Under Armour Harper 8 TPU cleats provide all the benefits of the Harper 6 mid cleats but with a low cut profile and slightly unique design.
The breathable upper mesh keeps compression against the foot in a full range of motion. There is additional padding for durability in high-contact areas.
An internal lateral lockdown lace system made of TPU secures the shoe on the foot. Stability within the shoe is also improved with an Ortholite sock liner.
HOVR technology cushioning by Under Armour provides a zero gravity-like feel with control and comfort.
The low-cut feel provides increased mobility around the ankles ideal for pitchers and outfielders. The shoe is outfitted with a unique red and white design that features neon green tips on the rubber studs.
For hard workers like Harper that want some added mobility around the ankle, the Harper 6 low is a perfect choice.
Last update on 2025-01-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Adidas
Adidas has garnered fame as a soccer brand, but the research that has gone into soccer shoes has translated well into youth baseball cleats. In no particular order, here are the best Adidas youth baseball cleats:
1. Adidas Boy’s Adizero Impact
The Adidas Boy’s Adizero Impact is a standard, no-fuss offering for parents of players who simply want a good all-around shoe.
This is a flagship model shoe that stands up well in a variety of conditions, including both grass and turf. Players tend to enjoy the wide lacing in this model as it adds a feeling of extra security at the plate without becoming too compressive.
Check out the Adizero and see if they are your style; they offer one of the best value propositions to parents of kids who are just trying out the sport of baseball.
Last update on 2025-01-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Adidas Icon 7 Md Baseball Cleats
In our opinion, the Icon 7 molded youth baseball cleats are the best of the Adidas offerings. These are premium cleats with attention paid to every detail of the player experience.
The exceptional design starts on the mesh upper with TPU overlays that protect against scuffs and abrasion. This upper greatly improves longevity for busy, year-round players.
The shoe is unique in that it is constructed like a bootie without a tongue in the design. It simply slips over the foot like a sock and then secures down with traditional lacing. This leads to an extremely comfortable padded feel that hugs the foot snugly.
The tightness of the lacing won’t loosen over the course of the game with silicon eyelets placed toward the heel. This limits internal translational movement of the foot and directs power transfer to the ground while running. There is also an elastic band that helps widen the collar area to facilitate putting the shoe on before the game.
There is a full-length BOOST midsole that provides comfort by taking away cleat pressure. The Icon V Bounce Iced Out cleats feature a ProTrax 5×3 configuration that presses the weight of the cleat into the dirt. This also reduces cleat pressure and leads to explosive acceleration.
For serious players who are playing a lot of games throughout the season, the Icon V Bounce Iced Out can’t be beaten.
- Kids' baseball cleats for on-field play
- Lace closure for a snug fit
- Textile upper and lining offer breathable comfort
- Bounce midsole provides cushioning
- Molded rubber cleat outsole for grip
Last update on 2025-01-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Adidas Icon 8 Toddler/Little Big Kid)
The Icon 8 is a classic sporty shoe that gives kids excellent all-around performance regardless of position. The styling of this shoe compares well to many classic Adidas soccer shoes, but the technology is well adapted to baseball.
Your kids will swing for the fences but not out of their shoes in these Icon classics. Lace closure makes for a snug fit that doesn’t create too much compression.
There is a textile and synthetic upper shoe that is more durable than most other cleats on this list. Having the comfort of textile and the protection of synthetic is a unique combination that works really well for baseball players.
The shoes overall provide a snug feel. They do not easily overtighten unless the shoes are not correctly sized on the player.
There is a Flexible Bounce midsole technology that cushions the player from direct impact. It converts these forces into their running lane to provide a small boost.
Outer spikes help this cushioned feeling when running. There are four spikes in the rear of the shoe and nine in the front. A front toe spike mimics metal cleat placement and improves acceleration.
Many kids say these are some of the speediest cleats they’ve owned, which is why they have been massively popular over the years.
Last update on 2025-01-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Mizuno
Rounding out the top brands in the youth baseball cleats market, Mizuno offers some unique stylings with excellent traction. Mizuno cleats are built to last and feature some of the best technology for longevity. Here are the best 5 Mizuno youth baseball cleats:
1. Mizuno Youth Wave Lightrevo
The Mizuno Youth Franchise 7 is a leading model from Mizuno using their Wave technology and packaging it into a stylish pair of cleats for younger players.
There is a distinctive padded tongue that exits the shoe relatively high. This allows the tongue to contain the front edge of the baseball pant, which is a style many younger players favor.
You simply can’t go wrong with these shoes. The Franchise 7 offers a classic look with great reliability in any situation, especially at the younger age levels of the game.
Last update on 2025-01-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Mizuno Unisex-Child Baseball Cleat
Mizuno repackaged their engineering for other sports into a baseball-specific package for young kids with their standard Unisex-Child baseball cleat.
This is a no-nonsense simple construction with a baseball-oriented spike pattern that allows for fast starts toward first base out of the box.
The shoe is exceptional in turf environments. It would be a recommended first choice for young players whose home field is made of turf.
Last update on 2025-01-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Mizuno 9-Spike Dominant IC
Mizuno’s Mizuno 9-Spike Dominant IC comes in mid and low configurations. The choice between the two comes down to player preference. Mid stylings offer more stability and ankle support, while low stylings allow for more freedom of movement.
The Mizuno 9-Spike Dominant IC is a classic baseball cleat. The standard black and white look with high lacing marries modern styling with a classic, clean appearance. Standard metal studs provide all the traction that more experienced, older players need on a stable and comfortable base.
9-spike technology is a premium, state-of-the-art offering on Mizuno cleats. Designers at Mizuno have included 3 zones on the outsole where the cleat patterning enhances power, propulsion, and performance. This is matched by an EVA midsole that gives a premium feel to the base of the foot all the way from heel to toe.
Mizuno Wave technology helps to relieve the ankle shock during quick stops and instead translates that force to help redirect movement. This creates the feeling of a highly stable base that players love.
Last update on 2025-01-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Mizuno Select Nine JR
The Select Nine JR Low is a primary youth offering from Mizuno, although other models can be fitted to smaller feet.
The Select Nine JR is a top rubber molded cleat aimed at sports development and little leaguers. These cleats work great for any position, including catchers and pitchers.
The EVA midsole keeps the player comfortable over the course of the game and increases durability. The shoe offers Mizuno Wave patented technology that helps relieve pressure off the midfoot. It also improves stability during lateral movements to keep ankles safe.
The Select Nine JR also features a velcro top strap as well as faux laces over the upper. This helps to keep kids on the field with their shoes tied.
The cleat pattern includes the midfoot as well as small inner studs, separating these cleats from other brands.
5. Mizuno Utility Baseball Trainer
Mizuno is one of the only companies to offer a dedicated baseball trainer for year-round comfort. For players who are spending a lot of time in turf training environments, a trainer shoe is essential to save time and increase all-day comfort. These shoes are for driven players who are committed to the game.
The design and tread pattern on these shoes allows players to transition seamlessly from outdoor to indoor practice without having to remove metal cleats to prevent scratching the floor.
The outsole on these trainers incorporates three separate outsole zones that are distinct for baseball-specific movements. The development team analyzed dozens of player movements and strategically placed traction supports where players need them most.
These shoes can be used on multiple surfaces, particularly on dirt and artificial turf. They are not optimized for in-game performance except on turf surfaces.
The trainer shoe comes in black-white and gray-white options.
Last update on 2025-01-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Honorable Mention: Mizuno Dominant All Surface Knit Low Turf
The Dominant All Surface Knit Turf shoes come in a low configuration that is ideal for speedy baserunners playing on turf. These shoes are Mizuno’s newest model to enter the Dominant family.
The knit design over the upper offers exceptional flexibility and comfort. It also allows this shoe to fit naturally for all foot types.
The shoe shines on turf, but can also be used well with maximum performance on grass and other indoor surfaces.
The research and development team at Mizuno analyzed players’ individual foot directions and pressure points over different surfaces. They then created a multi-directional configuration for the studs that improves lateral movements and accelerations on the basepaths. The L-shaped studs help enhance the grip and prevent deformation over time.
The Dominant AS is one of the most versatile shoes in the game of baseball.
- BBSB Shoes & Cleats
Last update on 2025-01-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Honorable Mention: Mizuno Dominant 2 Low
Rounding out the list of top models from Mizuno, the 9-Spike Dominant 2 Low matches patented 9-spike technology with increased mobility around the ankles.
Mizuno Wave patented technology keeps players on a stable footing when rounding the basepaths. It also absorbs pressure during planting and while making aggressive plays.
Dominant models were designed to eliminate stability concerns, leading to a safer and smoother playing experience. Enhanced cushioning on the midsole means that players won’t be lacking for comfort, either.
The Dominant 2 Low comes with a diagonal Mizuno logo over the heel as well as over the outer foot. A smaller logo lines the inner toe plate. The mesh toe region offers a clean visual that players enjoy.
Hockey-style lacing improves support with a lace holder loop over the midfoot. While these shoes are designed in a low configuration, there is still plenty of support while running. The shoes come in white, blue, black, red, and gray color schemes.
Choosing Youth Baseball Cleats
With quality offerings from Nike, New Balance, Under Armour, Adidas, and Mizuno, there are plenty of high-quality youth baseball cleats on the market.
Generally, the price range for most models falls between $25 and $115, but every model on this list provides fantastic value for the money. We know that your little slugger will get years of use out of any one of these baseball cleats.
If you have any questions about purchasing shoes or cleats for your young player, do not hesitate to contact us today! We will be happy to help you find the best options available.
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