A study from the Journal of Athletic Training found injuries were more likely to occur in softball than baseball. One way you can ensure the least possible chance of injury is by having the proper sportswear- like softball cleats!
Softball cleats can not only prevent injury but improve an athlete’s performance on the field.
New Balance is one of the top brands for sneakers and sporting shoes around. But are their softball cleats worth it for your star softball player?
In this guide, we give an overview and review of New Balance softball cleats available so you can make the best-informed purchase.
Molded and Metal Ball Cleats
For women’s fastpitch softball, there are two types of New Balance fastpitch softball cleats to choose from- molded and metal. Let’s compare and contrast the two.
For metal ball cleats, the material is in the name. These cleats have metal spikes along the bottom that are sharp and strong. They usually provide better traction than molded cleats and are great for use on hard surfaces. Pitchers and infielders will get great use from metal cleats, as traction is their number one priority.
Molded ball cleats are usually made from plastic, and don’t dig into the ground as deep as a metal cleat. This allows for easy movement on the field while still providing good traction, making them great for soft surfaces. All players besides pitchers and infielders could consider molded ball cleats to give them a good range of motion on the field.
If you’re looking to buy ball cleats for a younger player, it may be wise to steer clear of metal cleats for now. Most youth leagues won’t allow them anyway since they pose more danger than molded cleats.
Let’s dive into our review of the best softball cleats– both molded and metal- offered by New Balance.
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Velo V1 TPU Molded Softball Shoe
If your softball player’s top priority is comfortability during the game, take a closer look at the Fresh Foam Velo V1s from New Balance. These sleek molded cleats feature a rubber sole and New Balance’s fresh foam comfort midsole insert. The fresh foam keeps the feet comfortable by reducing cleat pressure throughout the shoe.
Keeping the feet cool is necessary during those hot, late summer games! Luckily, the upper insert on the Velo V1s is perforated and synthetic, allowing for breathability during use. The molded plate will enhance traction on the field for rounding those bases.
These cleats are offered in many colors from fresh white to royal blue/white and even white and gold. You’re sure to find a pair no matter your player’s individual style. Some customer reviews suggest sizing up by a half-size, with many softball moms praising the cleats for their extreme comfortability compared to other leading brands.
- Full-length Fresh Foam comfort midsole
- Lace Cage tongue to keep laces tucked away
- Synthetic/Mesh Upper With Tpu Reinforcement
- Full-length Fresh Foam comfort midsole
- Lace Cage tongue to keep laces tucked away
- Perforated, synthetic vamp ups breathability
New Balance Women’s Fuse V2 Metal Softball Shoe
These low-cut metal fastpitch softball cleats are designed specifically with enhancing the game in mind. The metal plate features eight spikes for maximum traction and stability on the diamond.
Though the shoe is 100% synthetic for breathability, a toe overlay feature makes for a durable shoe that’ll protect your athlete’s toe without adding weight to the shoe. Underfoot, New Balance’s REVlite midsole sits on top of the metal plate to hold the shoe together and add extra comfort.
And don’t forget the lace cage, perfect for tucking away laces to give security and a snug fit. The price runs a little over a hundred dollars, but you’ll be paying for great durability and enhanced traction when running or pitching.
The Fuse V2s are offered in a few solid colors, with one customer claiming they lasted their athlete an entire softball season! Look no further than the New Balance V2s for a long-lasting, quality metal ball cleat.
- Lace Cage for tucking laces away
- Synthetic nubuck upper is durable, comfortable, and supportive
- Revlite midsole offers the perfect amount of cushioning and responsiveness
- Lace closure provides a snug, secure fit
- Innovative RevLite midsole provides premium responsiveness and durability At a 30% lighter weight than other foams with comparable performance
- Synthetic upper
- Tpu molded cleats
New Balance Women’s Romero LE Softball Cleats
These stunning and sleek gold and white metal cleats are a great innovative option. These molded cleats feature a composite plate that gives you the comfort of a molded cleat with the traction and speed of a metal cleat. So if your athlete needs molded cleats but is looking to step up to the next level, try the Romero LEs from New Balance.
The Romero LEs also includes a few other innovative features. A bootie tongue construction makes it easy to take the cleat on and off. The mesh heel offers long-lasting comfort along with the REVlite midsole for cushioning.
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Velo V2 Metal Softball Shoe
Did you like the sound of the comfortable foam insert from the Velo V1s but looking for a metal cleat? New Balance has you covered. The metal Fresh Foam Velo V2 combines the best of both cleats.
The fresh foam midsole can’t be praised enough. This sole is unmatched, designed to deliver a lightweight, smooth ride. You’ll also get the metal-studded outsole for ultimate traction, whether playing on the diamond or in the outfield.
One unique feature of these cleats is the anti-abrasion collar. This collar is mesh, making the shoe breathable and comfortable. These cleats also sport design options in multiple team colors appropriate for any league so your player can show off their team pride.
You can improve your athlete’s speed in comfort and style with the Fresh Foam Velo V2 Metal cleats from New Balance. Many customers boasted a happy softball kid after making this investment!
- FRESH FOAM midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- Perforated synthetic nubuck upper
- Metal studded outsole provides enhanced traction on the diamond and the outfield
- Lace cage lets you tuck away your laces for a clean, game-ready look
- Designed in team colors for a bold athletic aesthetic
- FRESH FOAM midsole cushioning is precision engineered to deliver an ultra-cushioned, lightweight ride
- One-piece perforated upper offers a lightweight feel and enhanced breathability
- TPU-molded cleat provides enhanced traction while remaining lightweight
- Molded TPU heel insert delivers enhanced support
- Comfort Collar helps prevent irritation and hugs the ankle for a superior fit
Where to Find New Balance Softball Cleats
As you’ve learned, New Balance covers all the bases for the best softball cleats no matter your priorities. For quick delivery and easy service, you can purchase New Balance softball cleats on Amazon.
Looking to deck out your softball athlete in new gear? At Fastpitch Softball Gear, we review everything beyond cleats from uniforms to gloves to bats. We compare products to give you the best overall look at what’s out there.
Check out our other reviews for softball cleats to peruse so you have plenty to choose from!
Last update on 2024-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API