Are Point Spikes (with Resin Soles) Recommended for Recreational Baseball? A Beginner’s Guide to the Differences Between Metal Spikes, Field Regulations, and How to Choose the Right Ones

When starting out in amateur baseball, the next thing you should buy after a glove is cleats.
I recently bought a new pair of cleats for the first time in a while, so I thought I'd write about what I know about cleats with spikes.

What are spikes?

Baseball spikes are athletic shoes with claw-like protrusions on the soles.
Broadly speaking, there are three types of running shoes: metal spikes, point spikes (also called resin-soled spikes), and training shoes.
To suddenly accelerate or brake, the structure needs to be such that you can firmly brace yourself.
Spikes are necessary for generating explosive power by providing a grip on the ground with the protrusions on the sole of the shoe.

metal spikes

Metal spikes are generally perceived as being favored by players with experience in hardball baseball.
In terms of price range, metal spikes are generally the most expensive, with standard models typically costing around 10,000 to 30,000 yen.
However, I was a little surprised to see that some quite inexpensive options have recently become available.
After searching online, it seems there are some available for around 4000 yen.

It has the strongest braking power of the three types.
However, the disadvantages include its high cost and the fact that it is often prohibited on baseball fields intended for softball.
Some shoes have a design that allows you to replace just the spike portion of the sole, and I think it's a good point that you can continue to use them for a long time by replacing parts.
However, these spikes are heavier than other types, and those with replaceable parts are even heavier due to the larger amount of metal components.
Furthermore, due to restrictions on the use of baseball equipment imposed by the Japan High School Baseball Federation, there are limitations on the colors that can be used in official matches, resulting in a general trend towards plain, dark-colored designs.

The regulations are surprisingly detailed.

Pointed spikes (resin-soled spikes)

靴底のツメが金属製ではなく、樹脂製のスパイクです。
This type is widely used in amateur baseball games, such as those played with softballs.
They are reasonably priced, ranging from around 5,000 to 8,000 yen, and are lighter than metal shoes, making them feel similar to regular athletic shoes.

However, they have less physical durability than metal, and the nails will wear down with prolonged use.
Pointed spikes typically have the spikes and shoe part integrated, making them non-replaceable.
Therefore, it's recommended to treat them as consumables and replace them every one to two years.

Training shoes

These are athletic shoes with many small, round bumps on the soles, rather than claws.
They're also sometimes called training shoes or athletic shoes.
It's not quite up to par for games or practices on a proper field, but it's great for when you just want to play catch or something.
The price is around 3,000 to 4,000 yen, so I think it's just right for people who only want to play catch.
The two types of spikes mentioned earlier are best avoided for walking on surfaces like asphalt, but training shoes can be used almost the same as regular athletic shoes.

Recently purchased point spikes

When I started playing amateur baseball, the first thing I did was buy a pair of cleats with spikes.
At first, I didn't really understand the difference between these and regular athletic shoes, but when you play baseball in regular shoes, you just slip all the time.
Because it's a sport that often requires quick reflexes, not wearing spikes can lead to serious injuries.

I tried shoes from various manufacturers, including Mizuno, Adidas, and Nike, but I didn't notice any difference in performance.
Therefore, I think it's perfectly fine to choose based on your design preferences.
I liked cleats with a long tongue that folded forward because it prevented sand from getting in.
You don't see this design anymore these days...

What I bought this time is a pair of Under Armour cleats, which I've never bought before.

Under Armour products are more expensive than those of other manufacturers, regardless of the brand.
However, these spikes were an older model and were only around 5000 yen, so I ended up buying them.
The design is simple, using only black and white.
I think this color would go well with any color bat or glove.

I was a little concerned that the spikes had a higher point than the ones I'd been using until now.
While this might mean the brakes work better, I'm worried that they might wear out faster.
I'll add my thoughts after using it for a while longer.

Precautions and care instructions for use

Now, here are some points to keep in mind when using point spikes.
Naturally, while wearing them, avoid walking on hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete.
Not only will the points wear down, but they could also damage the ground.

After use, wipe off any sand or dirt with a damp cloth or brush.
Washing it by directly rinsing it with water can cause moisture to accumulate inside, potentially leading to mold growth.
If the whole thing is covered in mud, there's nothing you can do, but make sure to dry it thoroughly in a well-ventilated area.

Even if you don't clean them with water, when storing them, take them out of the spike case and let them air dry thoroughly.
Even if you only use it once a week, the points can wear down in about a year depending on how you use it, so you should replace it when it gets worn out.
I've also tried using protective accessories called "P-leather," which are attached to the toe area of the pivot foot, but the studs wore down faster.
But if you wear it, people might think you're a pitcher, which could make you look a little cooler.

summary

If you're starting out in amateur baseball, cleats are just as important as a glove.
You can't go wrong with point spikes (resin-soled spikes), so just buy a design you like.