Updated on October 1, 2020.
The debate over when to wear turf shoes versus cleats for softball has reached extra innings, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find a definitive answer. With so many factors surrounding the indoor vs. outdoor cleats matchup, it might be time to gain some traction by digging further into the turf cleats debate. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you might choose one over the other. But, first, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about cleats and turfs:
Are Turf Shoes and Indoor Shoes the Same?
Although there are some similarities between men’s or women’s turf shoes and indoor shoes, the short answer to this question is still obvious; no. Even indoor turf cleats have striking differences compared to a standard tennis shoe. The most notable difference can be found on the outsoles. Both women’s and men’s turf shoes for softball have small studs engineered for traction on the outsole, while indoor shoes typically have a flat outsole.
If you’re playing on a consistent playing surface (such as a hardwood floor for basketball players), indoor shoes may work out fine, but they’ll definitely prevent you from reaching your peak performance in sports with uneven playing surfaces such as softball. Even if you play indoor softball, you still want to consider the differences of the playing surface under your feet. Running on the dirt base path versus fielding on turf means you need more than just a flat outsole to stay on your toes at all times. The best turf shoes for softball will offer the traction you need for a seamless transition on both surfaces.
Playing outdoors adds another layer of concern for those thinking indoor shoes are all they need to succeed. If a surface is wet you could risk serious injury by choosing the wrong shoe. Can you wear turf shoes on grass? Yes! Baseball turfs and other varieties offer suitable traction for keeping you on your feet while sprinting for the final out of your championship game. The last thing you want is a shoe that slips when you run out of the infield onto turf or grass to make the biggest play of your career!
Are Turf Shoes Good for Softball?
Both women’s and men’s softball turf shoes are a great option for the sport because they offer superior grip on grass or dirt compared to sneakers. Turf shoes also offer more comfort than a molded cleat (which comes in handy during a long day or weekend of tournament play). Youth turf shoes are praised by coaches and grounds crews alike because they offer the traction players need without ruining turf training facilities or fields.
What about turf shoes for pitchers? Yes, even if you are the lone ranger on the mound you can benefit from the comfort and traction turf shoes for softball provide. No matter what position you play, you will find the turf shoes vs sneakers debate to be a no-brainer after you’ve taken the best turf cleats for a spin around the diamond. Even if you prefer to play games in molded cleats, training or practicing in artificial turf cleats will help keep your feet fresh for the upcoming games. Save the field and save your feet by choosing elite softball and baseball turfs like these.
What are Turf Shoes?
Turf softball shoes, sometimes referred to as astro turf shoes, are engineered to provide maximum comfort and traction for both indoor and outdoor diamonds. If you are a fielder or aggressive base runner, you will quickly recognize and appreciate the extra traction men’s or women’s softball turf shoes provide. Using molded cleats on turf can destroy the artificial surface, which pretty much ends the turf shoes vs cleats debate for most players. However, if that’s not enough, imagine having the traction of a molded cleat combined with the comfort of your favorite sneakers and you’ll begin to understand why turfs might be right for you. The best turf shoes for softball will be comfortable, provide support in the ankles as well as soles, and give you the traction you need to play at your highest level.
Why Wear Turf Shoes?
To summarize the benefits of turf shoes:
- More Traction Than Sneakers on Variable Playing Surfaces
- More Comfortable Than Molded Cleats
- Good for Indoor & Outdoor Environments
- Designed & Engineered for Softball
- Best Option for Training Or Practicing
- Helps You Play at Your Highest Level
Turf Shoes or Cleats for Softball?
Are turf shoes better than cleats for softball? For most people it probably comes down to personal preference. On a rainy day playing in muddy, wet grass, perhaps an outfielder will prefer molded cleats. However, if injury risk is a factor you consider, imagine what happens when those studs get caught in the thick mud. Will you blow a knee or break an ankle? That’s the last thing you need when your team needs you for the next game in the tournament!
3N2’s Turf Shoes for Softball
3N2 has best-on-the-market turf shoes to keep you comfortable and performing at your best.
Our Mofo Turf Trainer features an upper made of genuine leather and our own METAMESH with reinforcement that’s double-stitched in all the right places. A feather-light GLIDE midsole helps relieve knee and back pressure, while a TPU shank and molded heel work in tandem to guarantee stability and perfect fit. The IGNITE outsole provides support and traction that’s second to none.
3N2’s Viper Turf is lightweight and stylish, featuring a pro-grade suede and leather upper with our feather-light GLIDE midsole that helps relieve knee and back pressure. The Viper Turf can handle anything you throw at it, from casual training to back-to-back tournament games.
Ready to Buy Your Softball Turf Shoes?
Both slow and fastpitch softball turf shoes offer the traction you need without having to worry about getting stuck in the mud. They are also safer for sliding feet first into bases to reduce the injury risk of other players. This is especially important in youth softball where base running fundamentals are still being learned! Perhaps more importantly is the comfort a turf shoe will provide as it feels like a sneaker but grips like a cleat. If you want to play with your focus on the field instead of what’s on your feet, then you should head over to 3N2 to check out a pair of softball turfs for your next at-bat. Looks like you’re in the batter’s box. Batter Up!