The Best Softball Cleats for 2024
High-performing options for traction, support, and comfort.
Whether you’re taking off to steal second, chasing down a ball at the warning track, or turning on that inside pitch, you’re going to need the right footwear to pull off these athletic maneuvers.
Cleats are a perfect match for the game of softball and the field on which it’s played.
They provide the grip and stability that players need for explosive movements on both infield dirt and outfield grass.
That’s impressive work for a pair of cleats, so it likely comes as no surprise that certain softball cleats perform it better than others.
Here, we’ve put together a list of the best softball cleats for 2024.
These metal and molded cleat options will boost your traction, provide a secure and stable fit, and keep your feet comfortable all the way through extra innings.
Choosing a High-Quality Pair of Softball Cleats
Softball is an all-around demanding sport that requires speed, strength, skill, and teamwork—among several other factors.
Whether you’re training, practicing, or competing in-game, you need gear that will not only keep up but actually boost your performance.
This is certainly the case when it comes to choosing softball cleats.
Opting for a high-quality pair of softball cleats that supports your explosive movements on the field can mean getting a glove on that ball in the gap or that last step to beat out a throw at first.
Like many other athletic shoe and cleat offerings, softball cleats feature breathable materials, responsive cushioning, and come in both low and mid heights.
Low-tops cleats will prioritize speed and agility, while mid-tops provide a bit more stability and ankle support.
If we move to the bottom of the cleat, you’ll find four main types: metal, molded, TPU, and turf.
Of all your options, metal cleats offer the best traction and grip thanks to their thin metal spike design that easily penetrates both the grass and dirt of a softball diamond.
Metal cleats are the go-to for softball players in competitive leagues.
But keep in mind that metal cleats are typically reserved for higher levels of play, usually from about the high school level and up.
So, always be sure to check your league’s rulebook (or with your coach) before choosing your cleats, as certain styles might be prohibited.
Molded cleats are a very common style that are worn by players at all levels of play.
They offer players a comfortable and durable fit with a built-in rubber stud construction.
TPU cleats are a popular option that falls somewhere in between molded cleats and metal cleats.
Instead of using rubber or metal, TPU cleats feature a hard plastic-like material for the spike pattern, which is lightweight, impact-resistant, and comfortable.
Finally, you also have turf cleats, which have a comfortable build that’s similar to a training shoe but with additional grip for playing on an artificial surface.
When you go to purchase your softball cleats this season, take a second to think of all the action you’re going to put your feet through and everything you’ll be counting on them to do.
You’re definitely going to want to opt for a high-quality pair with great traction that are supportive and comfortable.
Note: Featured products are independently selected and reviewed by Compression Athlete. If you purchase through our links, we may earn commission.
1. Adidas Adizero PUREHUSTLE 3 Softball Cleats
The Adidas Adizero PUREHUSTLE 3 pair a soft and responsive Lightstrike midsole with breathable mesh panels for comfort through every inning. These softball cleats are available in several stylish color options.
Shop at Adidas: Adidas Adizero PUREHUSTLE 3
Adidas’ Adizero PUREHUSTLE 3 utilize a lightweight design with a 3D heel clip for support on fast turns and quick movements. These softball cleats have metal studs on the outsole for superior traction on both grass and dirt.
2. Adidas PUREHUSTLE 3 Elite Softball Cleats
The Adidas PUREHUSTLE 3 Elite feature a ribbed tongue for a soft fit and a signature Lightstrike midsole for soft cushioning and a speedy lightweight feel.
Shop at Adidas: Adidas PUREHUSTLE 3 Elite
Adidas’ PUREHUSTLE 3 Elite utilize a 3D heel clip for support on fast turns and quick movements. These softball cleats have metal studs on the outsole for essential play-making traction.
3. Adidas PUREHUSTLE 3 Softball Cleats
The Adidas PUREHUSTLE 3 feature a soft and responsive Lightstrike midsole for a lightweight speed-optimizing design. These softball cleats are available in classic white and black color options, as well as a sparkle stripe Sis Bates signature cleat version.
Shop at Adidas: Adidas PUREHUSTLE 3
Shop at Adidas: Adidas PUREHUSTLE 3 (Sis Bates)
Adidas’ PUREHUSTLE 3 sport a breathable mesh tongue and a cleated synthetic outsole with carefully placed metal studs for superior traction on grass and dirt.
4. Nike Hyperdiamond 4 Softball Cleats
The Nike Hyperdiamond 4 pair comfortable React cushioning with 8 angular cleats set in a flexible plastic plate for superior traction and stability.
Shop at Nike: Nike Hyperdiamond 4 (Elite)
Shop at Nike: Nike Hyperdiamond 4 (Pro)
Nike’s Hyperdiamond 4 utilize tough and lightweight Drag-On material on the forefoot for added durability. These softball cleats are available in many color options.
5. Under Armour Glyde 2 Softball Cleats
The Under Armour Glyde 2 combine a Charged Cushioning midsole for explosive speed with a MicroTips cleat plate that provides comfortable and lightweight traction. These softball cleats sport a plush pocket around the ankle for a soft and supportive fit.
Shop at Under Armour: UA Glyde 2
Shop at Under Armour: UA Glyde 2 (TPU)
Under Armour’s Glyde 2 utilize 10 strategically placed cleats for improved traction and reduced pressure. These softball cleats have a PerfX Pro sockliner that molds to your foot for step-in comfort and are available in several color options.
6. New Balance Fresh Foam X Velo v3 Softball Cleats
The New Balance Fresh Foam X Velo v3 pair an innovative PU-coated mesh upper that’s soft and durable with a plush Fresh Foam X midsole for a cushioned feel that’s incredibly comfortable.
Shop at New Balance: NB Fresh Foam X Velo v3
Shop at New Balance: NB Fresh Foam X Velo v3 (Molded)
New Balance’s Fresh Foam X Velo v3 utilize an 8-spike design with an added flex zone for superior traction on both dirt and grass. These softball cleats have a TPU heel clip and are available in several classic color options.
7. New Balance FuelCell FUSE v4 Softball Cleats
The New Balance FuelCell FUSE v4 feature a full-length FuelCell foam midsole for high rebound and a propulsive feel. These softball cleats sport a debossed synthetic upper for support and durability.
Shop at New Balance: NB FuelCell FUSE v4
New Balance’s FuelCell FUSE v4 utilize a high traction 7-spike plate design with softer TPU spikes in the PROmotion zone for natural foot articulation. These softball cleats have a molded PU insert for incredible comfort and a consistent fit.
8. Mizuno 9-Spike Advanced Finch Elite 6 Softball Cleats
The Mizuno 9-Spike Advanced Finch Elite 6 feature signature 9-Spike technology and a C-Flex Outsole for enhanced traction and flexibility. These softball cleats utilize a U4icX Strobel Lasting Board for a comfortable underfoot feel.
Shop at Dick’s Sporting Goods: Mizuno 9-Spike Advanced Finch Elite 6
Shop at Dick’s Sporting Goods: Mizuno 9-Spike Advanced Finch Elite 6 (TPU)
Mizuno’s 9-Spike Advanced Finch Elite 6 sport Wave technology that provides a stable platform and superior cushioning. These softball cleats have a 2-layered insole for maximum comfort and are available in several color options.
A great pair of cleats isn’t the only softball essential that you’ll need.
Be sure to check out our top picks for the best compression shorts for softball.
And with all the wear and tear that softball players put on their muscles over the course of a season, recovery is a huge part of performing your best.
Check out our top picks for the best muscle recovery tools.
