Why do pitchers need different softball cleats than non pitchers? Simple, during a pitchers motion the big toe portion of the foot is dragged on the ground this can cause wear and tear on the cleat. This can cause the cleat to break down and eventually develop a hole. That is why there are softball cleats outfitted with what is termed a pitchers toe. This pitchers toe serves to reinforce the area of the cleat most prone to breaking down in pitchers. If you are a serious softball pitcher, you need to have a softball cleat with a pitchers toe. Below I have listed what I believe to be the best softball cleats for pitchers:
3Nt Rally PT Softball Cleats– This toe provides a great deal of protection via a toe bumper. Also, as you can read in the description this toe provides a good deal of ankle support. So if you suffer from recurrent ankle injuries and are a pitcher this would be a cleat to heavily consider.
Ringors Women’s Dynasty 2.0 Leather Spike with Pitchers Toe– This is the best cleat for softball pitchers on the market, however it is also the most expensive. It is certified by the APMA and features a full length EVA insole as well. It’s produced by Rignor which specializes in softball equipment. It has more solid toe protection than the 3nt Rally PT Softball Cleat as well
Mizuno 9 Spike Sweep Women’s Fastpitch Softball Cleat– This cleat also features a reinforced toe within an EVA footbed. In my opinion it is almost the equal of the Ringor shoe above, but at lesser cost. This is the softball cleat that I bought for my daughter.