Choosing a Pair of Cleats
Baseball cleats are a vital part of any good game. After your
bat makes contact with the ball, you need to be able to move at top speed almost
instantly. And when you're in the field, you need to be able to shift your
weight, run and stop quickly.
Types of Cleats
Baseball cleats come in two basic varieties: molded and detachable.
Molded cleats have studs, most often rubber
or hard plastic, which protrude directly from the outsole of the shoe. These
studs puncture the playing surface, thereby providing traction and stability to
the player. They cannot be removed, since they are an integrated part of the
bottom of the shoe. This type of cleat is easy to maintain and does not require
any manipulation.
Detachable cleats have removable spikes that
can be switched and replaced. These cleats often come with metal and hard
plastic or rubber spikes that can be swapped depending on the field conditions.
Some playing fields or leagues ban the use of metal spikes for safety and
surface maintenance reasons. With a detachable cleat, a player can simply
replace the metal spikes with rubber or plastic ones. For this reason,
detachable cleats are ideal for experienced players, although they require some
maintenance.
Materials
Baseball cleats are made from a variety of leathers and synthetic materials.
Leather cleats tend to stretch with wear and mold to the feet. They are also
very flexible and highly breathable. Leather is also more durable than its
synthetic counterparts.
In general, cleats made from synthetic materials are less expensive than
leather, but are also less durable and less breathable. These factors can affect
the wearer's comfort and performance over an extended period of time.
Design
Cleats come in two different styles -- low- or 3/4-height. A 3/4-height shoe
provides extra support for the ankle and helps to prevent injury to the ankle
and connective tissue of the lower leg. Some players feel restricted by
3/4-height cleats and prefer the freedom of ankle movement that a low-cut shoe
allows. For the most part, the design of your cleats is a matter of personal
preference and comfort.
Fitting Baseball Cleats
When you get your cleats, you should try them on with a thick pair of socks.
Make sure the shoes are snug, with less than a thumb's width of space between
your toes and the front of the shoes. It's important to realize that cleats,
regardless of material, will stretch with use. Also, shoes that are too large
can cause blisters and injuries as a player can more easily trip and twist his
or her ankle. In general, your cleats should fit snugly and offer your feet an
adequate amount of support.
Care of Shoes
To maintain your cleats, remove the dirt and mud from between the spikes after
use. Some people find it easier to let the mud dry and then chisel it off with a
stick or their fingers. The important thing is to make sure your cleats are
clean before wearing them again.
In the event that your cleats get wet, dry them naturally or by using a
humidifier -- don't put them over a heater or another artificial heat source.
This will make them stiff and could cause the leather or other material to
crack. It may also be a good idea to stuff them with newspaper to help them
maintain their shape.
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