Cons of Metal Cleats in Softball

Metal cleats used to be the norm in softball and baseball. Coaches and players thought that the only way to get a firm toehold when playing the game was metal cleats that could dig into the dirt and grass and help the player run with the confidence that they would not slip or fall. However, the advent of artificial turf meant that additional cleats would have to be used because the sharp cleats tore up the fake grass and provided no stability. Rubber and plastic cleats proved more versatile and less dangerous than metal spikes.

  1. Safety

    • One of the biggest problems with wearing metal spikes when playing softball is the safety aspect. Metal spikes are especially dangerous when a player slides because those metal spikes are sharp and can cut the fielder who is trying to tag the player who is sliding. On the other hand, if a player slides head first, that player's hands or arms could get stepped on by metal spikes and cut up severely.

    Damage to Field

    • Metal spikes on any kind of artificial turf don't mix. Metal spike dig into the turf, which is usually made of a plastic-like substance. The metal cleats cut up the artificial turf when the player runs. The weight of the body on top of the metal cleats gives the cleats a knife-like action and they can destroy an artificial turf field.

    Late Slides

    • Most players who wear metal cleats for the first time are doing it because they are playing at the college level. Prior to that, they wore plastic molded cleats. They know how to run, walk and slide in the molded cleats. Sliding in metal cleats is a bit more difficult. You actually have to launch your body toward the base, making sure you start your slide early enough that you don't get tripped up. Many players making the adjustment to metal spikes learn this the hard way. They slide too late, which can result in a sprained ankle or a broken leg.

    Walking on Concrete

    • This may seem like a minor problem, but it can still result in injuries if players are not careful. The field may be grass and dirt, but players may have to walk 200 yards or more on concrete to get to the field from the parking lot or the locker room. Walking on concrete while wearing metal spikes can cause an athlete to lose her balance and fall. This is especially true in wet weather.