Finding the right youth baseball cleats for young ball players is a critical step in making sure they are able to perform at their highest level.  Youth baseball cleats have two primary functions: comfort and traction. If you want your child to avoid slipping on a wet or muddy field, then buying the athletic shoes with metal or plastic studs is the best way to ensure he or she is safe.

Choosing metal or plastic will depend on the sport your child plays. In baseball, the standard cleat material is plastic. Metal cleats, which can really be harmful to other youth baseball players, is illegal.

Harder surfaces (artificial turf, for example) need shorter cleats. Soft playing fields need longer cleats. As a rule of thumb, cleats should be long enough for the player to have adequate traction, but not so long that the cleats sink into the field surface, causes the wearer to stop suddenly in his tracks and create a knee injury.

Suggestions for Choosing Youth Baseball Cleats:

Mizuno youth baseball cleats are a brand that have been tested by some of the most notable professional athletes. The cleats use the new 9 Spike design, which adds three additional cleats to the front of an athletic shoe. The three extra cleats are angled to prevent tilting and give the play more stability on the field.

This shoe also uses Wave Infinity midsoles, which provide extra cushioning for the feet and extend the life of the shoe. This is a welcome technology for the ankle joints and knees, which can take a beating when there is not enough cushion in the shoe. The type of cushioning in Mizuno youth baseball cleats is VS-1 foam padding, which is excellent for reducing shock absorption. Mizuno youth baseball cleats retail for about $100 to $130.

For the baseball outfielder, Nike Shox baseball cleats are an excellent lightweight option. Made of mesh and synthetic leather, these youth baseball cleats have a nine-cleat configuration and a molded heel, which are great for traction. The light weight of the shoe makes it ideal for a fast runner and has very responsive cushion to safely absorb impact. The only drawback for the Nike Shox shoe is that some wearers have complained of limited ventilation and have had to figure out how to deal with sweat odor after playing in them. The Nike Shox retails for about $59.97.

My Personal Favorites When It Comes to Youth Baseball Cleats…

Adidas baseball shoes for youth places a special emphasis on being lightweight. Triple Star baseball shoes have a lightweight upper in a synthetic leather. With a mesh tongue and rubber outsoles in two different colors, the Triple Star has a special feature in its padded ankle liner. This is a safeguard against ankle injuries. This shoe retails for about $35. Triple Star shoes for girls cost between $28 and $30.

Adidas Diamond King youth cleats have the same great features as the Triple Star, with one exception. There is a non-slip heel lining that provides extra cushion for impact. The Diamond King sells for about $25.

Finding the right cleats requires careful shopping. You want to make sure you select the safest features for your child and for the sport he plays. With so many chic choices on the market, you will even be able to find the “coolest” youth baseball cleats with fancy designed uppers and dazzling soles.