Lightest Baseball Cleats: Lightweight Cleat Reviews for 2025

Speed and agility can make the difference between a stolen base and an out and the importance of lightweight gear cannot be overstated. As players constantly seek to enhance their performance, manufacturers are responding with innovations that push the boundaries of athletic footwear. In 2024, the competition among baseball cleat brands is fiercer than ever, with each striving to produce the lightest, most responsive designs. This year’s lineup of cleats promises not only to lighten the load on athletes' feet but also to provide superior traction and support. Join us as we explore the cutting-edge technology and design behind the lightest baseball cleats of 2024, ensuring that players can maximize their speed and agility on the field.

 

We’ll cover some of our favorites here, but you can also see more options by checking out our full selection of adult baseball cleats or youth baseball cleats on BaseballMonkey.com. 

 

We’ll cover some of our favorites here, but you can also see more options by checking out our full selection of adult baseball cleats or youth baseball cleats on BaseballMonkey.com. 

 

In this article, we’re covering:

  • List of the Lightest Baseball Cleats
  • How to Select a Lightweight Baseball Cleat

 List of the Lightest Baseball Cleats

1. Nike Alpha Huarache NXT Men's Baseball Cleats - 2024 Model

Metal

Molded

Overview:

  • Nike's 2024 Alpha Huarache NXT Cleats offer extra-inning comfort with a plush Nike React midsole and a lightweight, adaptive feel that doesn't compromise support.

Key Features:

  • Drag-on Toe Overlay: Reinforces toe box and improves grip for pitchers who frequently toe drag
  • NXT Mesh: Circular knit cuff mesh upper conforms to foot and ankle for a seamless, sock-like feel
  • Synergia Hybrid Cleat Plate: Nike's highest-performing, ultra-light cleat plate with molded MCS studs.

2. Mizuno Pro Men's Baseball Cleats

Metal

Molded

Overview:

  • This cleat redefines excellence with a water-resistant coating over its knit upper, ensuring not only a dry and comfortable fit but also providing structural support without compromising flexibility. Borrowing innovation from Mizuno's renowned running shoes, the full-length Mizuno Enerzy® midsole and insole deliver unparalleled cushioning and responsiveness. The 2-Way Grip heel liner takes performance to the next level by focusing on reducing heel slippage, enabling swift take-offs for optimal agility on the field.

Key Features:

  • Water-resistant coating over its knit upper
  • Full-length Mizuno Enerzy® midsole 
  • 2-Way Grip heel liner

3. New Balance 3000v7 Men's Low Baseball Cleats

Metal

Molded

Overview:

  • Crafted with an innovative PU-coated mesh upper, these cleats offer a luxurious, soft feel without compromising durability. Experience unmatched cushioning with the Fresh Foam X midsole while enjoying enhanced flexibility thanks to the flex zone in the 8-spike metal plate. With a TPU heel clip inspired by NB heritage lifestyle models, these cleats seamlessly blend style and performance. 

Key Features:

  • Fresh Foam X midsole for incredible comfort
  • Innovative PU-coated mesh
  • 8-spike metal plate with Flex Sone

4. New Balance 4040v7 Men's Low Baseball Cleat

Metal

Molded

Overview:

  • The 4040v7 cleat features a full-length FuelCell midsole that provides added comfort while giving the player a spring-like feel as they take that first step. New Balance has engineered zonal mesh that is vacuum-formed with a thin layer of TPU film to add more durability to the cleat. A speed aesthetic from the top of the tongue to the bottom of the studs gives the 4040v7 a clean and quick look. New Balance has also re-engineered and re-designed the translucent plate and added color-popping cleat rings. 

Key Features:

  • Full-length FuelCell midsole provides comfort 
  • Speed aesthetic from the top of the tongue to the bottom of the studs
  • Engineered zonal mesh provides added breathability

5. Nike Force Zoom Trout 9 Pro Men's Baseball Cleats

Metal

Molded

Overview:

  • Lighter, stronger, and more comfortable than ever, these cleats feature a low-top design that pays tribute to Trout's rookie-year favorites. The new upper and revamped midsole ensure you move efficiently on the field, while the forefoot Zoom Air unit adds a responsive springiness to your quick movements—whether you're sprinting out of the batter’s box or chasing down a fly ball. 

Key Features:

  • Lighter, stronger, and more comfortable than previous versions
  • New upper and revamped midsole for improved efficiency on the field
  • Forefoot Zoom Air unit adds responsive springiness for quick movements, 

6. SQAIRZ GFP Men's Baseball Cleat

Metal

Molded

Overview:

  • The Sqairz GFP Men's Baseball Cleat is designed for maximum grip, stability, and traction on natural grass. Featuring Smart Traction metal spikes, an integrated stabilizer, and a lightweight NRG-Foam™ midsole, it ensures superior comfort and performance. The Sta-Put™ lacing system and patented toe box enhance balance, power, and energy transfer for improved exit velocity. 100% waterproof, breathable, and built for competitive play.

Key Features:

  • An integrated stabilizer links the TPU Heel Counter to the arch, offering excellent comfort, torsion resistance, and ergonomic support.
  • Lightweight NRG-Foam™ midsole and removable dual-density compression foam insole delivers instant comfort and energy return.
  • Featuring a proprietary Sta-Put™ lacing system, with printed silicone nubs, locks in comfort and performance, so you never have to re-tie your laces during a game.

7. Nike Alpha Huarache 4 Elite Men's Low Baseball Cleats

Metal

Molded

Overview:

  • Nike React technology in the midsole provides a smooth ride that keeps the player comfortable all game long while providing extreme responsiveness to provide the player with a quick first step. The 2-piece plate on the Alpha Huarache 4 Elite provides optimal flexibility and comfortable underfoot to give players a “runnable” feel no matter where they are on the field. 

Key Features:

  • Nike React technology is a lightweight, durable foam in the midsole
  • 2-piece plate on the underfoot provides premium flexibility and comfort
  • Anatomical lace around the midfoot keeps the player’s foot secure

8. New Balance FuelCell Ohtani 1 Men's Low Baseball Cleat

Metal

Turf

Overview:

  • Engineered for dual-threat dominance on the diamond, these cleats redefine on-field performance. The molded CPU upper ensures unmatched durability, withstanding the rigors of repeated toe-dragging motions during pitching. A responsive FuelCell foam midsole propels you forward with every stride. Designed using Ohtani's biometric data and insights, these cleats feature a TPU wing for lateral stability and a polished plate surface to repel mud, ensuring peak performance through every inning of the season. 

Key Features:

  • FuelCell foam delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward
  • Creation informed by Shohei Ohtani’s biometric data and design insight
  • A TPU wing on the lateral midfoot wraps up from the sole plate to help stabilize the foot

How to Select a Lightweight Baseball Cleat

There are a few factors to consider when choosing the best lightweight baseball cleat for your game. You'll need to decide: 

  • Which type of lightweight cleat will suit you best
  • The type of materials you want used in crafting the shoe 
  • Which cut is best for your feet

After you've learned more about these three aspects and have decided on your favorite cleat, the final step is to assess the appropriate size.

To determine the right size cleat, check out our complete guide on how to size baseball and softball cleats.

Get to Know the Different Types of Cleats

When shopping for lightweight baseball cleats, you'll notice there are three primary types to choose from. Some leagues have different rules as to the types of cleats allowed, so before choosing, make sure you review your league’s rules. Regardless of the type of cleat you're looking for, there are many lightweight models available in each category.

  • Metal Cleats: Professional ballplayers generally prefer metal cleats over other styles. Their sharpness bites into infield dirt and outfield grass while providing superior traction in wet weather. Metal cleats are generally banned at most youth levels and some amateur leagues, so be sure to check with your baseball association rules before purchasing your new cleats.
  • Molded Cleats: Molded cleats are durable rubber studs that provide good traction on nearly any playing surface, real or artificial. They’re a great option for little leaguers and youth players. They are also a good choice for players who play on multiple surfaces but only want one pair of lightweight cleats.
  • Turf Shoes: Traction can sometimes be difficult on artificial turf. If you play exclusively on turf fields, you’ll likely want to choose turf shoes. The studs on these shoes are shorter to preserve field conditions and offer more traction than simple sneakers. Many competitive ballplayers like to keep a pair of turf shoes on hand for batting cages and off-field training.

For more detailed advice on choosing the right cleats, check out our cleat-buying guide.

 

Consider What Material the Cleat is Made From

Baseball cleats can be crafted from a few types of materials. Each material has its own advantages, but keep in mind that some materials are heavier than others, so you may sacrifice weight if you prefer one material over another.

  • Leather: Leather has been a traditional baseball cleat material since the invention of the sport. It produces a more breathable and stretchable shoe but can be difficult to take care of and may add weight.
  • Mesh: Mesh materials are lightweight and offer more airflow and breathability. However, the mesh can allow moisture and mud to penetrate the shoe in wet playing conditions.
  • Synthetic Fabric: Modern synthetic fabric is designed to be lighter than most other materials. It’s also easy to clean and care for. Lightweight baseball cleats crafted from synthetic materials are an ideal choice if you often play in wet weather or muddy field conditions.

Determine Which Height You Need

It's also important to understand that baseball cleats come in different heights (known as cuts). The cut of a cleat will affect the weight simply because more materials are needed for the construction of, say, high-top baseball cleats vs. low-top baseball cleats. Depending on your needs, you might end up sacrificing weight for the appropriate height. Regardless of which cut you choose, it is possible to find a lightweight shoe at nearly any height. But as a general rule, low-top baseball cleats will be the lightest.

  • Low-Tops: Low-top cleats are the lightest due to their construction. While they are the lightest baseball cleats, they do offer less ankle support.  
  • Mid-Tops: Mid-top shoes are slightly higher at the ankles. Unlike low-tops, the mid-top cut of cleats offers some ankle support and a snugger fit.
  • High-Tops: If you require more ankle support and a tighter fit, the high-top cut is your best option. While you are sacrificing weight, the high-top cut offers the best support.

Find the Lightest Selection of Baseball Cleats at BaseballMonkey!

Once you've factored in the type of cleat, height and materials used in construction, you're ready to find the best lightweight baseball cleat for your game. We've given you several of our favorite options, but if you’re still not sure about what lightweight cleat you want, take some time to browse our full selection of adult baseball cleats or youth baseball cleats on BaseballMonkey.com!