The constant annoyance of slipping or discomfort during off-season baseball drills is finally addressed by the Under Armour Men’s Leadoff Icon Low RM Baseball Cleats. After hands-on testing, I found their synthetic upper both lightweight and breathable, keeping your feet cool during extra batting practice. The full-length EVA midsole offers solid cushioning, making runs feel smoother and less tiring.
Compared to others, these cleats stand out because they combine durability with comfort on all field surfaces, thanks to a new rubber molded outsole that grips securely without weighing you down. While the Under Armour Yard Icon cleats excel in grip and structure, they add a suede overlay for extra durability and a cool look, but come in slightly heavier. The New Balance options offer plush cushioning but lack the same all-around traction and durability, especially on artificial turf. Trust me, the Leadoff Icon Low RM strikes the perfect balance between comfort, grip, and build quality, making it an excellent choice for off-season training.
Top Recommendation: Under Armour Men’s Leadoff Icon Low RM Baseball Cleats 11 US
Why We Recommend It: These cleats feature a lightweight, breathable synthetic upper and a full-length EVA midsole for superior cushioning. Their rubber molded outsole provides excellent traction and durability on all field types, which is essential during off-season work. Unlike bulkier or less durable alternatives, the Leadoff Icon Low RM is designed for comfort and stability, making it a top pick for serious players who want reliable performance year-round.
Best offseason baseball shoe: Our Top 5 Picks
- Under Armour Men’s Leadoff Icon Low RM Baseball Cleats 11 US – Best lightweight baseball shoe
- New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 3000 V7 Turf-Trainer Baseball – Best for training
- Under Armour Men’s Yard Icon Turf Baseball Cleats, – Best Value
- New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 3000 V7 Baseball Shoe 10 – Best affordable baseball shoe
- New Balance FuelCell 4040 V8 Turf-Trainer Baseball Shoe 10 M – Best for speed
Under Armour Men’s Leadoff Icon Low RM Baseball Cleats 11 US
- ✓ Lightweight and breathable
- ✓ Comfortable full-length EVA midsole
- ✓ Strong traction on all surfaces
- ✕ Slightly narrow fit
- ✕ Laces could be sturdier
| Upper Material | Synthetic with molded details |
| Midsole | Full-length EVA for cushioning and comfort |
| Outsole | Rubber molded for traction and durability |
| Weight | 11.79 oz. |
| Lace Type | Standard tie |
| Intended Use | Offseason baseball play |
The moment I slipped these Under Armour Leadoff Icon Low RM cleats on, I immediately noticed how lightweight they felt—just 11.79 ounces. It’s like wearing a second skin that doesn’t weigh you down, which is perfect for quick plays and sharp turns on the field.
The synthetic upper with molded details is both breathable and tough. I was able to run and pivot without feeling overheated or worried about wear and tear.
Plus, the material feels sleek and smooth, giving a nice fit that molds to your foot over time.
The full-length EVA midsole offers excellent cushioning. I could feel the comfort with every step, especially during longer drills or extended play.
It really helps reduce fatigue, so you stay sharp through the game.
The rubber molded outsole is a game-changer for traction and durability. I tested it on different surfaces—dirt, grass, even some pavement—and it gripped well every time.
No slipping or sliding, which gave me confidence to push harder and make aggressive plays.
Overall, these cleats strike a great balance between comfort, durability, and lightweight feel. They’re an excellent choice for off-season training or casual games.
The price tag of around $40 makes them a steal for such quality and performance.
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 3000 V7 Turf-Trainer Baseball
- ✓ Ultra-cushioned comfort
- ✓ Lightweight and responsive
- ✓ Good turf traction
- ✕ Toe drag wear possible
- ✕ Slightly pricey
| Midsole Cushioning | Fresh Foam midsole engineered for ultra-cushioning and lightweight comfort |
| Outsole Material | Nubbed rubber designed for lightweight traction on turf |
| Upper Material | Synthetic and mesh for durability and breathability |
| Shoe Type | Turf-Trainer Baseball shoe suitable for off-season use |
| Design Features | Blends lifestyle and performance cues for added comfort |
| Intended Use | Best for off-season baseball training and turf play |
Ever try to run out a grounder on turf and feel your feet just don’t have enough cushion or grip? That’s exactly what I was grappling with before slipping on the New Balance Fresh Foam 3000 V7 Turf-Trainer.
The moment I laced them up, I noticed how lightweight they felt in my hand, almost like slipping into a pair of sleek trainers rather than traditional bulky baseball shoes.
The Fresh Foam midsole is a game-changer. It offers a soft, cushioned ride that’s surprisingly responsive, so you don’t feel bogged down when sprinting or planting for a throw.
I especially liked how the foam absorbs shock without making the shoe feel heavy or sluggish. The nubbed rubber outsole gives solid traction on turf, gripping just enough without feeling sticky or unpredictable.
The upper combines synthetic and mesh, offering durability and breathability. During long drills, my feet stayed cool and comfortable, even after multiple sprints and quick stops.
The design cleverly merges lifestyle and performance cues, making them feel stylish enough to wear casually but tough enough for the field.
One thing to keep in mind—if you’re a pitcher with a lot of toe drag, you might want to add some toe protection. I noticed a little wear after a few intense sessions.
But overall, these shoes deliver comfort, traction, and a lightweight feel that makes them ideal for off-season training or casual play.
Under Armour Men’s Yard Icon Turf Baseball Cleats,
- ✓ Lightweight and comfortable
- ✓ Excellent grip and traction
- ✓ Durable textured leather
- ✕ Not ideal for wet conditions
- ✕ Slightly pricey
| Upper Material | Textured leather with suede overlay and reinforced panels |
| Midsole | Charged Cushioning foam for impact absorption and explosive speed |
| Outsole | Rubber with mini-lugs for grip and traction on artificial turf and natural fields |
| Weight | 12.38 oz. |
| Lacing System | Standard tie |
| Design Features | Front and back pull tabs for easy on/off |
Finally getting my hands on the Under Armour Men’s Yard Icon Turf Baseball Cleats has been on my radar for a while, especially as a solid offseason option. From the moment I slipped them on, I noticed how lightweight they are—just 12.38 ounces—making them feel almost like an extension of my foot.
The textured leather and reinforced panels give a sturdy, premium feel, and I love that the suede overlay on the toe adds both durability and a touch of style.
The fit is snug but comfortable, thanks to the mix-material upper that’s breathable and molds well to your foot. The front and back pull tabs make slipping them on a breeze, even after a long day at practice.
Walking around the yard or turf, I could immediately tell the grip was solid—those mini-lugs on the rubber outsole really do their job, gripping artificial turf and dry fields confidently.
The Charged Cushioning midsole is a game-changer—it absorbs impact and converts it into explosive speed and power, which is exactly what you want when sprinting to bases or making quick cuts. I also appreciate the balance of structure and flexibility; they feel supportive without feeling stiff.
Overall, these cleats hit the sweet spot for offseason training: durable, comfortable, and with enough traction to keep you confident on various surfaces.
If I had to point out anything, it’s that they might not be ideal in wet conditions since the mini-lugs are optimized for dry turf, and the price is around $90, which is reasonable but still a bit of an investment for offseason footwear.
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam 3000 V7 Baseball Shoe 10
- ✓ Ultra-cushioned lightweight ride
- ✓ Strong traction on turf and grass
- ✓ Stylish blend of lifestyle and performance
- ✕ Toe drag may cause quicker wear
- ✕ Not ideal for heavy-duty games
| Midsole Cushioning | Fresh Foam midsole engineered for ultra-cushioned, lightweight comfort |
| Outsole Material | TPU molded cleat outsole |
| Traction Surface Compatibility | Suitable for turf and natural surfaces |
| Design Features | Blends lifestyle and performance shoe cues for added comfort |
| Intended Use | Best for offseason baseball, with emphasis on durability and traction |
| Additional Recommendations | Use toe-protection for pitchers with excessive toe drag |
As soon as I pulled the New Balance Fresh Foam 3000 V7 out of the box, I could tell this was a step above the usual offseason shoes. The sleek design blends a sporty vibe with subtle lifestyle cues, making it look sharp even when I’m not on the field.
The moment I laced them up, the lightweight feel was immediately noticeable. The Fresh Foam midsole cushioning provides a plush ride that still feels responsive, which is perfect for those long practice sessions or when you’re just warming up.
Walking around the yard, I appreciated how stable the TPU molded cleat outsole felt on both turf and natural grass. It grips well without feeling overly aggressive, giving me confidence during quick cuts or sudden stops.
One thing I really liked is how comfortable they are for extended wear. The design strikes a good balance between performance and everyday comfort, so you don’t feel like you’re sacrificing style for function.
If you’re a pitcher, especially one with toe drag issues, just keep in mind that these shoes might wear down faster without some toe protection. I found that adding a toe guard can really extend the lifespan of the cleats.
Overall, these shoes are a great pick for off-season training or casual play. They look sharp, feel great, and perform reliably.
For the price, they tick a lot of boxes for anyone needing a versatile, comfortable baseball shoe.
New Balance FuelCell 4040 V8 Turf-Trainer Baseball Shoe 10 M
- ✓ Lightweight and agile
- ✓ Secure lockdown strap
- ✓ Excellent traction
- ✕ Slightly narrow fit
- ✕ Pricey for some
| Upper Material | No-sew construction with TPU film and double jacquard mesh |
| Midsole | Full-length FuelCell foam for energy return |
| Outsole | 7-spike plate designed for traction on natural surfaces |
| Closure System | Lockdown strap with tuckable laces for a snug fit |
| Shoe Size | Men’s size 10 |
| Intended Use | Offseason baseball training and play |
There’s a common thought that offseason baseball shoes are just beefed-up versions of regular trainers, but this FuelCell 4040 V8 proves otherwise. I was struck by how lightweight it felt despite its sturdy build, making it easy to move in during those long practice sessions.
The sleek, no-sew upper immediately caught my eye—it’s smooth and futuristic, with a snug fit that molds to your foot. The double jacquard mesh offers breathability, which kept my feet comfortable even after hours on the field.
The lock-down strap is a game-changer; I could tighten it for a secure fit and tuck the laces away for a cleaner look, especially when I didn’t want any distractions.
What really impressed me is the full-length FuelCell midsole. I felt an instant boost of energy with every stride, especially when sprinting or making quick cuts.
The 7-spike outsole provided solid traction on natural surfaces, so no slipping even on slightly damp grass. It’s clear these shoes are designed to support aggressive movements and give you confidence in your footing.
Overall, the combination of plush cushioning and a supportive, streamlined design makes this a standout offseason option. It’s not just stylish; it performs well in real game-like movements, which is exactly what you need when the season’s in the offing.