History of Softball Cleats
Cleats have been around since the 1520s. According to history, the ancient Romans and Greeks used cleats in battle. Cleats were first used in sport by Paul Butler in 1882, and during this time period the leather upper was introduced to cleat design to protect athletes' feet from injury. Softball wasn’t invented until 1887, but cleats were adopted as the best footwear for the game pretty early on.
Softball Cleats Buying Guide
Softball cleats come in two different designs: metal cleats and rubber cleats. Metal cleats are lighter than rubber cleats, and provide better grip and traction on the field. The right pair of cleats should have a snug fit with adequate room for the toe. Most people prefer leather cleats for their comfort and durability. Lightweight padding in the midsole is essential for extra cushion. Additionally, it’s important that you check with your league’s requirements for specific rules regarding cleat style. Metal cleats feature permanent metal spikes on the outsole, and are banned from some leagues. Molded cleats are designed with non-removable rubber or plastic studs. Hard plastics are lightweight and have more studs along the outer sole, which make them more comfortable. Training or turf cleats are the most comfortable option, and are ideal for off-field practice.
Best Softball Cleats
Some of the best softball cleats on the market right now include the Mizuno Women’s 9-Spike Swift 5, the Under Armour Spine Glyde, Nike Hyperdiamond Strike cleats, and Mizuno Women’s Finch Franchise 5 cleats. We’ll spotlight two of these in more detail:
Under Armour Spine Glyde: a lightweight cleat that delivers superior durability. These cleats feature an abrasion-resistant toe piece for enhanced protection, and the 9 UA Fang spikes dig in hard for optimum control. The 4D Foam insole molds right to your foot, which improves stability and prevents your ankle from rolling.
Mizuno Women’s Finch Franchise 5: comes with a leather upper for comfort and enhanced fit. Its full-length midsole provides maximum padding, which reduces pressure being applied to your foot. These cleats feature exceptional support, and enhance the wearer’s speed by promoting better traction on a variety of surfaces.
