Metal cleats now legal, NFHS approves for 2008 Options

[jlurban]

Metal cleats are now legal for use in prep softball, according to a July 9th announcement by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). The following news release "High School Softball Rules Amended to Permit Metal Cleats in 2008" is excerpted from the NFHS web site:

High school softball players will be permitted to wear metal cleats and metal toe plates beginning with the 2008 season.

This change in Rule 3-2-11 is one of three rules revisions approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Softball Rules Committee at its annual meeting June 10-12 in Indianapolis. The rules changes subsequently were approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

"Metal cleats provide better traction for athletes on nearly all surfaces, including hard, wet or under-maintained fields," said Cindy Simmons, chair of the NFHS Softball Rules Committee and assistant executive director of the Oregon School Activities Association. "They also help prevent slippage on the bases, especially home plate."

Current rules prohibit runners from illegal tactics when sliding, and if sliding is executed correctly, the risk of defensive players being "spiked" will decrease.

[SpartanIlliniCub]

I never understood how the danger of getting "spiked" was greater with metal spikes over plastic ones. Both materials are hard! Couldn't you get spiked just as easily with hard plastic spikes?

I wonder if players were getting injured from slipping in the field and along the base paths... otherwise why would the NFHS change the rule?

[sballer4life]

I've seen a few players slip on the softball field—especially outfielders chasing down a fly ball on wet grass—but they never sustained a serious injury. Metal cleats should provide better traction, preventing these types of accidents. But I've also seen knee injuries that were caused by TOO MUCH traction. If the leg is hit from the side at knee-level and the foot does not give way, a lot of strain is put on the ACL. And what does the NFHS mean about sliding correctly to avoid “spiking” a defensive player? Are we supposed to slide head-first rather than feet-first all of the time?

[SpartanIlliniCub]

Does anyone know why metal cleats are considered better? The plastic on the non-metal cleats is really hard—how is it that there is such a big difference?

[BashBabe57]

first of all, this is very exciting!! having worn both metal and plastic spikes, i can tell you that metals are better for me! not everyone likes them though. i still have players on my college team that prefer plastics to metals. but i do like metals better for the decreased slippage in the outfield. i would slip all the time with plastics, especially on wet surfaces, when trying to throw the balls in after crow hopping. also, it's nice for changing direction on the base paths. as sballer4life said though, you have to be careful, especially when first wearing metals, to not hurt yourself. when you don't expect yourself to stop so suddenly, it could cause strain on your knees or other body parts. so ease into them!

also, the risk of injury by getting spiked with metals is FAR greater than plastics. one of the shortstops on my team got spiked hard by someone sliding into her with metals and the cut was DEEP—nothing compared to a plastic spike. it was serious, and she couldn't play 100% for almost a week!

further, i've had some personal issues with metals when i'm diving for balls in the outfield. i don't know how i do it, but every time i seem to dive i scrape up the inside of my thigh or calf with my metal spikes. and these hurt!!! i actually still have scars from all 3 times that i scraped myself and it's been almost 6 months since the first one! that might just be me though...but moral of my story, it hurts a lot when you get spiked with metals—definitely more than plastics!

in general, i'm glad for this advancement made by the committee. hopefully more will come...like moving the mound back???

[fastpitchfan]

Any recommendation about the particular brand or type of metal spikes that work best for you?

[SpartanIlliniCub]

Here's a recommendation for you:

If you want metal softball cleats don't go to Amazon.com.

I took a quick look and there are NO metal softball cleats for women available. There are plenty of men's metal baseball and softball cleats, but the only ones available for women are molded plastic ones.

You may have to order from a special catalog to buy some metal cleats.

[BashBabe57]

finding women's spikes (metal or plastics) is HARD!!! usually going to any sporting goods store will leave you empty-handed by the lack of options, which means you usually have to order them—which can be troubling in that you can't try them on before you order them. i would suggest ringor.com though as a brand that i specifically like. they're one of only a few companies that have designed women's metal spikes and if you're a pitcher, they also provide speciality toe protection shoes. they do have a 30-day return policy if you get the wrong size. they're kinda pricey but i've had mine for 2 complete college and summer travel seasons. i'm in need of a new pair now but 2 years seems like a pretty good life for heavy use on the shoes.

if you're not into ordering shoes, you might have to go with a men's style which some of my teammates do. good luck!

[Titan09]

I do not like ordering my softball shoes online because I do not get a chance to try them on before buying them. Like Bashbabe mentioned I usually go with a men's style. I have had a lot of luck with the Nike brand. They are reasonably priced and do not wear down as fast as some of the other brands I have worn in the past. They fit my feet well even though they are men's shoes which usually tend to run wider than women's shoes. To make them last even longer I usually line the bottom of the inside with a foot insert that you can get at Walgreens or pretty much any grocery store. The insert keeps the inside from wearing down and it gives a little extra cushion and support to my feet. With my inserts and my Nikes I am ready to go!

[SpartanIlliniCub]

Buying online can be a major problem. The selection is better but you never know what you'll exactly get before it comes to your door, and a return involves shipping and handling fees to send it back. I have heard of some online shoe companies (though i forget which ones) that allow customers to buy 1 pair of shoes, but pick two sizes, to be delivered to their door. The buyer can pick which one fits better and the shipping & handling is prepaid on the other one to send it back.

A novel idea! Those of you looking for cleats/gear online should check if the site has this option available.

[Coach K]

Does anyone know why metal cleats are considered better? The plastic on the non-metal cleats is really hard—how is it that there is such a big difference?

It's in the shape of the individual nubs. Take a look at a metal cleat. The nubs are much thinner (about 1/16th of an inch thick)—thus they cut into hard surfaces where a wider plastic nub will not. It also means that they cut easier and deeper into human flesh. I've got the shin scars to prove it.