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If you’re new to the world of slowpitch softball, choosing the right cleats can be intimidating. When you go into the sports store, there’s an entire wall of cleats, each with their own designs and unique set of advantages and disadvantages. So how do you choose a cleat that’s right for you?
Luckily, we’re going to make the process extremely simple. We’ve compiled a list of our favourite softball cleats, with detailed information about each shoe to give you the best possible idea as to which cleat is best for you. Take a look through this list to discover the shoe that’s best for you, and even order it online through the Amazon links below to have it shipped for free right to your doorstep.
What is the best slowpitch softball cleat for you? (Girls/Women’s cleats)
1. NIKE Women’s Hyperdiamond 2 Keystone Softball Cleat
These cleats are crafted out of synthetic leather, and a breathable TPU mesh, to make the top of the shoe extremely robust. The Hyperdiamond is also extremely light and comfortable due to the phylon midsole cushioning. On the bottom of the shoe you will find 12-cleat spikes, designed to optimize traction while out there on the field so you don’t have to worry about slipping—only speed.
Nike Women's Hyperdiamond 2 Keystone Softball Cleat Black/White/Wolf Grey Size 8 M US
Pro’s
- Breathable
- Light and breezy
- Robust for use season-after-season
- Supports ankle well.
- Stylish
Con’s
- Not suitable for players with wide feet, as the shoe is designed narrow
- May rub ankle
- Not designed for pitchers.
What players are saying:
2. Under Armour Women’s Glyde RM
This imported cleat is designed out of synthetic materials, textile, and a rubber sole on the bottom. The coated textile forefoot component of these cleats makes it extremely lightweight, giving it the feel of a regular sneaker, and allowing it to last year-over-year. The Glyde is also extremely comfortable and durable due to the die-cut EVA sockliner component. The cleats on the bottom of the shoe are rubber molded, and designed for traction. And last but not least, these cleats’ full-length, signature ArmourBound midsole makes it one of the most comfortable pieces of footware in the game, providing key shock absorption.
Under Armour Women's Glyde RM Softball Shoe, 011/Black, 8
- Engineered synthetic upper provides lightweight support
- Mesh ankle collar & tongue construction for increased comfort & breathability
- Full-length EVA midsole provides ultimate cushion, shock absorption & cleat dispersion
Pro’s
- These cleats offer excellent ankle support.
- Durable, long-lasting make.
- Comfortable shoe due to ArmourBound midsole.
- Lightweight, sneaker-like feel.
- Good value
Con’s
- Narrow tongue that doesn’t fit perfectly over the top of the shoe.
- Can take a while to work in. Players may get blisters for the first week of use.
- The heel of the shoe isn’t as comfortable as other cleats.
What players are saying:
3. NIKE Girl’s Hyperdiamond Keystone GS Softball Cleat
This is the original version of the Hyperdiamond (the Hyperdiamond 2 is listed above). This bright, colourful cleat isn’t only stylish and unique to look at, it’s also got a great design. The Hyperdiamond is made from synthetic materials, with a full-length phylon midsole that gives the shoe maximum comfort, cushioning, and support. This also makes it a very light cleat. The Hyperdiamond’s solid rubber outsole is designed with NIKE’s signature fastflex technology, so that this shoe moves with the contours of your foot, so you can run naturally, at top speed.
Nike Girl's Hyperdiamond 2 Keystone Softball Cleat Black/Pink Blast/Vivid Pink Size 6 M US
- Synthetic leather and TPU mesh upper
- Phylon midsole
- Solid rubber outsole
- 12-cleat configuration
Pro’s
- Stylish, unique look.
- Long-lasting and robust cleat.
- Comfortable to wear on feet.
- Fastflex technology makes the shoe flexible.
- Comes at a great value.
- Comes from one of the most trusted brands in the game.
Con’s
- Some customers found that the shoe fits bigger than they expected.
- Customers now have the Hyperdiamond 2 at their disposal, making this shoe second-best.
What players are saying:
4. Mizuno Women’s 9-Spike Advanced Sweep 3 Softball Shoe
These imported, 100% synthetic Mizuno cleats come with a 9-spike advances outsole that is designed for fastpitch softball, but also works just fine in slowpitch leagues. The Advanced Sweeps come with a parallel outsole Wave technology that maximizes comfort, support, and stability. These shoes are very cushioned. Inside, you will find a full length mid-sole. And at the tips of these cleats, Mizuno has included new and improved “toe protector” technology to make the shoes lighter than ever before while actually increasing the shoe’s durability and toe-protection.
Mizuno Women's 9-Spike Advanced Sweep 3 Softball Shoe, White-Red, 9 D US
- 9-Spike Advanced Outsole designed for Fast pitch
- Parallel outsole Wave technology provides cushioning and stability
- Full length mid-sole for maximum comfort
- New and improved innovative built in "toe protector" reduces weight while providing enhanced durability
Pro’s
- Long-lasting shoe. Very robust.
- Cleats come with a toe protector
- Durable and comfortable.
Con’s
- Some customers found that this shoe fits smaller than they expected.
- A bit expensive for the value of the shoe.
What players are saying:
What is the best slowpitch softball cleat for you? (Boys/Men’s cleats)
1. Under Armour Men’s Leadoff Low RM
We’re only listing one cleat on here for men, because we feel like there’s no need to look further! These imported Under Armour cleats are designed from textile and synthetic materials, with a rubber sole/cleats. The synthetic leather top makes the shoe extremely robust and long-lasting, as well as comfortable against the foot. This cleat offers amazing support, so players don’t have to worry about their feet and ankles giving out. The mesh tongue in these cleats makes it an extremely breathable piece of footwear, and helps to keep your foot from over-sweating or over-heating. And, with a full-length EVA midsole, these cleats are able to effectively disperse pressure when running/upon impact. The Leadoff’s are designed for a breathable, comfortable, supportive footwear experience for optimal gameplay.
Under Armour Men's Leadoff Low RM Baseball Shoe, Black (011)/White, 12
- Synthetic leather upper provides exceptional step-in comfort with added durability & support
- Mesh tongue for enhanced breathability to keep feet cool & dry all game long
- Full-length EVA midsole for added comfort, cushioning that evenly distributes cleat pressure under the foot
Pro’s
- Very comfortable and breathable cleats
- Comes at an excellent value
- Fits perfectly
- Robust and long-lasting.
Con’s
- Narrow toe area.
- Heel could use a bit more padding.
What players are saying:
How to choose the best slowpitch softball cleat (advice when looking for shoes):
1. Check the rules of your league:
It’s important to always check to make sure your cleats match the specifications of your league. For example, metal-tipped and steel cleats are not allowed in slowpitch softball.
2. Know what surface you’re playing on.
Slowpitch softball can be played either indoors or outdoors. So be sure which type of surface you’re playing on before buying your cleats. If you’re playing on an outdoor field, you will definitely want to use cleats. But depending on the type of indoor surface, you may not want shoes with spikes on the bottom.
3. Sizing
Some brands of cleats fit larger or smaller than others. So, be sure to do some research on the brand (particularly check the reviews that customers have left) to see if you need to order a half-size larger or smaller than you’re used to.
4. Gender
There is no rule stating that men must wear “mens” cleats and women must wear “womens.” So, if you find a pair of cleats you like that is made for the opposite gender, and you try them on and they fit, go ahead and use them! The most important thing is that they fit well and you’re comfortable.
How to break in your slowpitch softball cleats
Whichever pair of cleats you buy, it’s always recommended that you break them in before playing, so you can avoid getting blisters out on the field, and concentrate on the game. Breaking in your cleats is easy, and just takes a little bit of pre-game preparation. Here’s some of the best ways to break in your cleat before gameplay.
1. Use petroleum jelly to prevent blisters.
If you’ve played softball before, you’re probably already wise to which parts of your feet tend to get the most blisters. So, take petroleum jelly and lather it onto the parts of your cleat that will be rubbing against your foot in the areas where blisters normally form. This is often on the back of your heel, and on the tops and sides of your toes. The petroleum jelly will help to soften the material of the shoe, as if you’re using moisturizer on skin.
2. Use two pairs of socks during practice.
Doubling up on your socks during practice will make the shoe tighter on your foot, allowing the shoe to form to your foot’s unique shape. That way, when you take the second pair of socks off, the shoe will be naturally formed to match your foot.
3. Two-hand twist.
Take your shoes in your hands, and twist them as if you’re wringing out a towel. This will help to break in your shoes, and soften the material. When you’re playing on the field, you’re going to be moving your foot around in every direction. So, by twisting your shoe like this first, it will react better to the quick movements of your feet, rather than being hard and resistant.
4. Foot/shoe soak.
This is one of the best methods for breaking in your cleats. Simply fill up a bucket or tub of warm water, and submerge your feet in the water while wearing your cleats on your feet. Make sure your cleats are done up snug on your foot. Keep your feet in the water for half-an-hour. Then, keep the shoes on your feet and go about the rest of your day (preferably on a day when you can be outside in the sun/warmth). By allowing the shoes to dry on your feet, you’re forcing them to shape to the contours of your unique foot.
