With baseball season right around the corner, many ballplayers will soon be flocking to their local sporting goods store to pick up a new pair of baseball cleats. While some of the flashier models may look cooler, they won’t do you any good if you’re stuck on the sidelines because you suffered an ankle injury due to lack of foot support. So if you’re in the market for new baseball cleats, consider referencing this guide when you’re shopping.
1) Don’t Buy Online – While the internet may offer a wider selection than Dick’s Sporting Goods, there is one huge advantage that retail stores offer; you get to try on the cleats. Even if you know your shoe size, trying on the cleats can ensure that they are comfortable in all the right spots. If you buy shoes online, you might end up with a shoe that squishes your toes or one that is loose around the ankle, which can put you at a higher risk for injury. With that in mind, some websites allow you to ship an online purchase to a store for pick-up, which means you’ll have the chance to try them on in the store. If they don’t fit, you can simply return them while you’re there.
2) Check the Rulebook – Depending on the level of play, most leagues will have different rules regarding footwear. Some leagues will allow metal cleats, while others will require all spikes to be rubber. Double check with a coach or the league rulebook to ensure that you are shopping for the right type of cleat.
3) Consider your “Tops” – Baseball shoes come in all shapes and sizes, but there are three main types of shoes. There are high tops, mid tops, and low tops. The “tops” is in reference to how high the shoe comes up the ankle. High tops provide the most ankle support, while low tops are the most lightweight. Choose the appropriate shoe for your situation. If you’ve had past ankle problems or you know you won’t be stealing a lot of bases, consider a high or mid top to give your feet the best protection
4) Buy Snug – Athletic shoes are different than your average shoes because they are developed to accompany a lot of quick twists and movements. When buying shoes for a particular sport, it’s very important to buy something that offers a good deal of support and protection for your ankles. As we’ve mentioned, ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in sports, and the problem is only exacerbated if your shoe doesn’t offer adequate ankle support. If you feel like you’re in between sizes, go with the shoe that feels a little too tight rather than the one that is a little too loose, even though you might think you’ll “grow into them”. Shoes expand a little as they break in, which means the tighter shoe will feel better over time, while the looser shoe will provide you with less ankle support.
5) Practice Running in your Shoes – This is especially important if you’re making the transition from rubber cleats to metal cleats. Metal spikes provide more traction than rubber cleats, but they can lead to more injuries if athletes don’t know how to use them properly. Because metal cleats offer better grip, athletes sometimes suffer knee and foot injuries if the foot twists while the shoe is stuck in the ground. Practice running and sliding in your new cleats so you are comfortable going at full speed during games and practices.
