STACK Review: Top Baseball Cleats for the 2011 Season
As MLB’s opening day approaches, every ballplayer—from professional to Little Leaguer—is getting ready for America’s favorite pastime. But before the season starts, take a look at the new and advanced baseball cleats being offered by leading performance gear companies.
Running down line drives, shagging fly balls and beating the tag at the plate will be much easier with the latest cleats. Their combination of superior traction, soft cushioning, light weight and durability should boost any player’s game.
Below, we review the features and benefits of some of the best new baseball cleats for 2011.
New Balance MB1103: $95
STACK’s Favorite Features: NB’s new N-ergy heel provides excellent shock absorption and foot cushioning, and it won’t break down during the long season. The New Balance cleat’s synthetic/mesh upper also improves comfort and support. [Click here to see the MB1103 in action with MLB second baseman Skip Schumaker.]
adidas adiZero Diamond King Low: $90
STACK’s Favorite Features: Not only is this the lightest cleat on the market [11.9 oz.], adidas’ patented eight-spike Protrax plate outsole makes it one of the fastest. The specific cleat configuration facilitates optimal traction when accelerating quickly in any direction. [Click here for the complete breakdown.] Nike Air Huarache LWP90 Metal: $90
STACK’s Favorite Features: An ankle lockdown and Phylon foam midsole provide stability and a tight fit, with just the right amount of cleat-pressure dispersion. Nike’s V9 outsole cleat design improves first-step power, allowing runners to explode out of the batter’s box and around the base paths. [Click here for more info.] Under Armour Heater III Mid: $80
STACK’s Favorite Features: UA’s TPU cage, mesh panels and MPZ toe boxes support the midfoot while delivering both breathability and durability. A Rotational Traction cleat configuration on the outsole offers medial and lateral support for multi-directional movements on the field. [Click here for more info.] Jordan Jeter Throwback Cleat: $95
STACK’s Favorite Features: Inspired by Derek Jeter’s nine defining moments, this cleat’s full-length Air-Sole unit midsole provides All-Star-caliber cushioning. A molded heel design offers both comfort and a flexible support structure. [Click here for Jeter’s personal review.] Mizuno 9-Spike Classic G6 Switch: $100
STACK’s Favorite Features: Mizuno’s nine-spike traction outsole is designed to accommodate a baseball player’s movements when running, batting and throwing. A full-length EVA foam footbed supplies shock absorption for a comfortable ride even into extra innings. [For more info, click here.] Reebok Vero IV Low/MM: $80
STACK’s Favorite Features: Reebok’s ToeTection upper promotes durability despite toe-drag while pitching or hitting. A Play Dry moisture-wicking liner and Ortholite anti-microbial footbed keep the feet cool and free of friction-induced ailments, such as blisters. [Click here for more info.]
Sources: eastbay, adidas, new balance, reebok,
Photos: antiquemystque.com, eastbay.com, newbalance.com, reebok.com
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STACK Review: Top Baseball Cleats for the 2011 Season
As MLB’s opening day approaches, every ballplayer—from professional to Little Leaguer—is getting ready for America’s favorite pastime. But before the season starts, take a look at the new and advanced baseball cleats being offered by leading performance gear companies.
Running down line drives, shagging fly balls and beating the tag at the plate will be much easier with the latest cleats. Their combination of superior traction, soft cushioning, light weight and durability should boost any player’s game.
Below, we review the features and benefits of some of the best new baseball cleats for 2011.
New Balance MB1103: $95
STACK’s Favorite Features: NB’s new N-ergy heel provides excellent shock absorption and foot cushioning, and it won’t break down during the long season. The New Balance cleat’s synthetic/mesh upper also improves comfort and support. [Click here to see the MB1103 in action with MLB second baseman Skip Schumaker.]
adidas adiZero Diamond King Low: $90
STACK’s Favorite Features: Not only is this the lightest cleat on the market [11.9 oz.], adidas’ patented eight-spike Protrax plate outsole makes it one of the fastest. The specific cleat configuration facilitates optimal traction when accelerating quickly in any direction. [Click here for the complete breakdown.] Nike Air Huarache LWP90 Metal: $90
STACK’s Favorite Features: An ankle lockdown and Phylon foam midsole provide stability and a tight fit, with just the right amount of cleat-pressure dispersion. Nike’s V9 outsole cleat design improves first-step power, allowing runners to explode out of the batter’s box and around the base paths. [Click here for more info.] Under Armour Heater III Mid: $80
STACK’s Favorite Features: UA’s TPU cage, mesh panels and MPZ toe boxes support the midfoot while delivering both breathability and durability. A Rotational Traction cleat configuration on the outsole offers medial and lateral support for multi-directional movements on the field. [Click here for more info.] Jordan Jeter Throwback Cleat: $95
STACK’s Favorite Features: Inspired by Derek Jeter’s nine defining moments, this cleat’s full-length Air-Sole unit midsole provides All-Star-caliber cushioning. A molded heel design offers both comfort and a flexible support structure. [Click here for Jeter’s personal review.] Mizuno 9-Spike Classic G6 Switch: $100
STACK’s Favorite Features: Mizuno’s nine-spike traction outsole is designed to accommodate a baseball player’s movements when running, batting and throwing. A full-length EVA foam footbed supplies shock absorption for a comfortable ride even into extra innings. [For more info, click here.] Reebok Vero IV Low/MM: $80
STACK’s Favorite Features: Reebok’s ToeTection upper promotes durability despite toe-drag while pitching or hitting. A Play Dry moisture-wicking liner and Ortholite anti-microbial footbed keep the feet cool and free of friction-induced ailments, such as blisters. [Click here for more info.]
Sources: eastbay, adidas, new balance, reebok,
Photos: antiquemystque.com, eastbay.com, newbalance.com, reebok.com