| Baseball attire has come a long way from the | | | | within the shoe, such as breathable or removable |
| original gray flannel uniform. And just as the | | | | tongues. Comfort is important. Training shoes |
| uniform has evolved, so has the baseball shoe. | | | | should never be a distraction. |
| The original cleat was a black shoe with a high top | | | | There are several things to consider before |
| that came up to the ankle bone. By 1910, the | | | | leaving the store with a new pair of baseball |
| cleat was low-quarter height. Even more notable | | | | shoes. Before you begin your search, list the |
| was the change in the 1960s when the Kansas | | | | qualities you are looking for. Be sure to bring the |
| City Athletics began wearing white cleats. Another | | | | socks that you will be wearing during practice with |
| significant change was the development of the | | | | you. |
| training shoe. The original cleat was worn during | | | | After finding the shoes that fit your requirements, |
| the game and during training. But the training shoe | | | | walk around the store in them. Check to see if |
| was designed specifically for baseball training and | | | | your arches fit well into the shoe's arches. Do the |
| baseball drills. | | | | shoes bend comfortably with your foot as you |
| A good training shoe can enhance performance | | | | step? Make sure can you pivot in them. Do you |
| during training. Qualities to look for in a training | | | | immediately feel the cleats through the shoe? |
| shoe are versatility, durability, and support. Durable | | | | Tight spots can result in blisters or bruises. Never |
| nubby rubber out soles, or low profile cleats make | | | | buy a shoe that is not comfortable thinking that it |
| the training shoe versatile enough to wear during | | | | just needs to be stretched out or broken in. If it's |
| batting practice, fielding drills, or playing on hard | | | | not comfortable standing in the store, it will |
| turf. There is enough traction for the infield | | | | definitely not be comfortable during training. While |
| without tearing up the turf in the outfield. | | | | you are participating in baseball drills you should be |
| The uppers should be durable and lightweight. | | | | focused on developing your skills and not on your |
| They should be flexible enough to allow the foot | | | | shoes. Remember the qualities you are looking |
| to bend naturally while running, yet sturdy enough | | | | for, and don't leave the store without them! |
| to withstand the abrasive materials they will be | | | | Baseball shoe trends will continue to evolve with |
| exposed to such a sand, stones, and cleats. | | | | the sport. Colors will change to match the unique |
| Insoles should offer enough cushioning so that | | | | personalities of each team. New features will be |
| cleats do not cause discomfort. There should also | | | | developed that will aid in baseball training. Keep an |
| be enough support in the arch to stabilize the | | | | eye out for changes that you could benefit from. |
| ankle. If the lining is made of a non-slip material, it | | | | And maybe, like the Kansas City A's white cleats, |
| will aid in traction since the foot will not slip within | | | | these features might make history some day. |
| the shoe. Look for features that provide airflow | | | | |