Fred FontzIn this article, we review the best baseball cleats on the market in 2022. Our top 10 list includes some of the most comfortable metal and molded options for speed, traction, support, and durability on every position on the field.
Recent Updates:
- October 8, 2021: Verified accuracy of picks. Replaced older models with newer versions.
These are the best baseball cleats to buy in 2022:
1. New Balance 4040v5
The best cleat on the market in 2022
The New Balance 4040v5 are easily the most popular cleats on the market. New Balance offers a good selection with nine different color options. Most players have said that these are very comfortable.
Because of the comfort and durability, the 4040v5 comes in as one of our top options. The ability to make the cleat your own by customizing colors, choosing between low-top and mid-top and choosing between metal and rubber puts this shoe over the top.
The majority of people that we have talked to are completely happy with these cleats and loved that they can make the shoe their own.
When you’re looking for baseball cleat reviews, it’s hard to argue with a shoe that has so many positive remarks. Because of that, the New Balance 4040v5 easily takes the top spot on our list of the top 10 baseball cleats.
It goes without saying, the 4040v5 is the best New Balance clean on the market.
- Available in “wide” sizes.
- Option for metal or rubber.
- Option for low-top or mid-top.
- Great comfort.
- Affordable price.
- High durability.
- Some say they run a bit small.
2. Under Armour Harper 2 RM
The best rubber cleat
The UA Harper 2 RM is an amazing cleat. It’s the best baseball cleat for ankle support on the market.
When Harper met with Under Armour, he said he loves the feeling when he wears basketball shoes and that he wanted that feeling replicated in the cleat that would have his name on it. Some have told us these are the most comfortable baseball cleats they’ve ever warn.
The Harper 2 RM may be the coolest baseball cleat on the market and it screams Bryce Harper. There’s a Vegas skyline printed on the shoe and the bright colors draw attention just like Harper’s personality.
While these cleats are probably our favorite, they fall a bit short of being the top-rated cleats on the market. Simply put, the UA Harper 2 RM is the best rubber baseball cleat you can buy.
- Comfort.
- Ankle support.
- Accurate fit.
- Price.
- Great artwork printed on the cleat.
- Limited design options.
- Some feel the shoe is narrow.
- Some have said the Velcro strap is a bit short.
3. Under Armour Leadoff RM
The best lightweight cleat
The UA Leadoff RM is one of our favorite cleats. Under Armour is known for producing a great product.
The Leadoff RM cleats are made of high-quality leather and offer great durability without weighing a player down. They come in at, approximately, 13 ounces which makes them one of the lightest baseball cleats on the market.
You’ll find that the mesh tongue and EVA midsole also make these cleats more comfortable than the average pair. They’re great for all players, and the plastic cleat means that it can be used on most surfaces. For our money, they’re the best molded baseball cleats you’ll find.
The UA Leadoff RM also surprisingly inexpensive by Under Armour standards. Some people aren’t a fan of plastic cleats, but it’s the best pair of plastic baseball cleats you’ll find.
- Great traction.
- Option for low-top or mid-top.
- Sleek design (7 different colors).
- Flexible fabric.
- Some say they run a bit narrow.
4. Adidas Adizero Afterburner V
The best cleat for speed
Adidas has made their name in soccer. You can see some style similarities in this baseball cleat. It’s lightweight and designed for runners. It’s one of the lightest metal baseball cleats on the market.
The Afterburner is another sleek-looking shoe that offers great performance. Adidas offers the Afterburner in 20 different styles.
Because Adidas makes shoes for soccer, you can trust that this is a high-quality cleat despite its lightweight design. This lightweight design makes the Afterburner one of the best baseball cleats for speed.
They’ve kept the light “sprintskin” to ensure durability without adding unnecessary weight. You’ll also find that these shoes have an added “ironskin” covering on the toe for added protection. These may be the best metal cleats on the market.
- Lightweight.
- Tight (sock-like) fit.
- Great traction.
- Not the most comfortable.
5. Under Armour Highlight Yard
The best shoe for ankle support
The UA Highlight Yard is one of the most unique cleats you’ll find in baseball. It may be the best cleat for ankle support on the market. These are easily the highest cleats we’ve seen. What makes them unique is what earns them a spot on this list.
Because of how unique these shoes are, they are one of our favorites on the market in 2022. They’re a high-quality cleat that offers everything you’re looking for.
The extreme high-top offers great support without limiting motion or flexibility. The phylon midsole adds cushioning to the foot and the synthetic material is lightweight and breathable making this an incredibly comfortable shoe.
It’s one of the more expensive cleats on the market, but we believe it’s worth the price.
- Extra ankle support.
- Synthetic leather – lightweight but durable.
- Phylon midsole for extra cushion.
- Price.
6. New Balance Fresh Foam 3000v5
The most comfortable cleat for wide feet
New Balance makes the most comfortable cleats on the market. A large part of that is that these are the best cleats for wide feet. You can find the regular or wide option in sizes from 5 to 17. It’s increasingly difficult to find wide cleats.
The 3000v5 offers a Fresh Foam midsole for comfort. You’ll also find that New Balance uses a laser etched plate and a toe protector to ensure safety for the player and durability in the shoe.
These may be the best baseball cleat for infielders. The sharp metal cleats allow an infielder to dig in and it has a debris-free tongue that makes it ideal for handling infield dirt.
- Comfort.
- Wide sizes.
- Sharp metal cleat.
- Sleek design.
- Variety of colors.
- Lacks ankle support.
7. Nike Lunar Trout 2
The best shoes for mid-foot/arch support
The Nike Lunar Trout 2 doesn’t meet the quality of the UA Harper, but it’s the best Nike cleat on the market. The shoe obviously gets its name Mike Trout. Lunar refers to the Lunarlon foam placed in the sole of the foot. This is a metal cleat.
The Lunarlon is one of the key pieces that make this great. It makes the Lunar Trout 2 one of the best baseball cleats for arch support that you’ll find.
Most reviews will tell you that these are very comfortable cleats. The design offers a snug fit that isn’t too tight while the mesh still allows for breathability.
- Durable.
- Snug fit.
- Light weight.
- High-top.
8. Mizuno 9-Spike
The most durable cleat, great for catchers
The Mizuno 9-Spike is a mid-top cleat that has rubber cleats or studs. These cleats are known for their comfort and durability.
While the 9 Spike has a boring design, it offers high quality. The mid-top design offers some support for the ankle. They’ve used a dual-layered mesh upper. The mesh allows for breathability while the dual-layer offers flexibility and durability.
Mizuno has developed a wave technology designed to help provide stability and grip from the shoe itself. These cleats won’t stand out as a player walks onto the field, but they’ll provide great support and comfort long after the final pitch.
The 9 Spike’s light weight, durability and comfort make it one of the best cleats for catchers.
- Lightweight.
- Great durability.
- Comfortable fit.
- Run small, customers suggest ordering 1 size larger than normal.
- Boring design.
9. Nike Alpha Huarache Varsity Keystone
The best overall foot support
The Alpha Huarache Varsity Keystone is our favorite of the Nike Huaraches, but the truth is, all of them are fantastic.
What sets the Varsity Keystone apart from the others is that it has a strap that crosses the mid-foot for added support.
The Huarache offers a significant amount of support by offering a mid-foot strap and a 3/4 heel. It may be the best cleat for plantar fasciitis and other heel pain. These are also some of the best cleats for Server’s disease.
The strap is designed for holding the laces in place more than offering additional support, but it offers additional strength all the same. Many customers claim that there isn’t much break in time, increasing comfort.
- Durable design.
- Strap across mid-foot.
- Tight fit.
- Light weight.
- Very plain design.
- Sizing can run a bit tight.
10. Nike Lunar Vapor Ultrafly Elite 2
The best-looking cleat
The Nike Vapor has an almost futuristic look to it which will draw attention from your teammates. They’re low-top and lightweight meaning the Lunar Vapor Ultrafly Elite 2 is another one of the best baseball cleats for speed.
The Lunar Vapor Ultrafly Elite 2 may be one of the best-looking cleats you’ll find. Beyond its looks, Nike made a shoe that is incredibly comfortable. The shoe has a sock liner to improve cushioning and there are perforations to increase breathability.
If you’re a fan of low-top cleats, this is a great option as the synthetic material offers one of the lightest shoes you’ll find.
What we really like is the flycable that helps secure the cleat around a player’s ankle. If you’re looking for that “it factor” these are the coolest cleats on the market in 2022.
- Great fit.
- Comfort.
- Traction.
- Light weight.
- Lacks variety.
- No ankle support.
Conclusion
Purchasing cleats is a discussion that comes down to preference. There are a number of great options on the market in 2022.
If you’re looking for a light cleat our favorite high-top cleat isn’t going to help you. Likewise, if you have a history of ankle problems, the New Balance 4040v5 isn’t going to be right for you.
We hope that these reviews have offered enough variety to help you find the cleat that is right for you. Whether you’re playing six days a week or just a few times a month, we believe these are the best cleats for baseball you can buy.
