Footwear / Cleats
Also known as: softball cleats, turf shoes, softball footwear
Cleats provide traction on dirt and grass fields. Metal cleats are often restricted in recreational slow-pitch leagues; molded rubber or plastic cleats are the standard for safety and field preservation.
Slow-pitch is predominantly a recreational discipline played on municipal fields where metal cleats damage the surface and the risk to other players is considered too high. Most leagues mandate rubber-molded or plastic cleats; turf shoes (flat-soled with small rubber nubs) are legal on artificial turf fields. Players who slide often benefit from low-cut cleats for ankle mobility; catchers and pitchers who plant and pivot may prefer mid-cut styles for stability. Always confirm the cleat rule with your league before purchasing.
Example
A new player shows up with metal baseball cleats; the umpire requires her to change to rubber cleats per the league's safety policy before she can take the field.
Related terms
- Batting GlovesBatting gloves are thin gloves worn on one or both hands while hitting to improve grip, reduce vibration, and protect against blisters during long sessions.
- Ball SpecificationsStandard slow-pitch softball specifications call for a 12-inch circumference ball with a defined COR and compression rating. Men's and co-ed leagues commonly use a 12-inch ball; some senior and mixed leagues use an 11-inch ball.
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