Optimizing Cleats for Pitching

2017LHPscrewball posted:

Is this complete overkill?

Yep.

Seriously though, the best cleats for your player are the ones that feel the best to him.  I don't know how ANY pitcher could pitch in anything but low cuts, but I've definitely seen it happen.  Too loose and he could develop blisters; same for too snug.  Most of the new stuff requires little-to-no break-in period either.

GHHS Jr preferred a specific style of Nike that had me scouring eBay twice a year (Nike Elite Show 2).  He's a big kid, so he always liked light-but-sturdy spikes.  He absolutely hated any of the made-for-speed spikes, because he didn't get a lot of support and his feet were killing him after every game.  Fast forward to college and he's issued--you guessed it--a pair of the made-for-speed spikes.  He dealt with shin splints for 3 weeks until I sent him a pair of good inserts (Archmolds), which solved the problem within a week.  It's amazing how much folks like Nike, Adidas, UA and others charge for a pair of cleats, then use absolute crap inserts in them.

One thing I would definitely suggest is having Tuff Toe applied to his left shoe (not the pre-molded, the tube).  It'll keep him from blowing out the toe and save you $$$ in the long run.

2017LHPscrewball posted:

 Is this complete overkill?

Yes, absolutely.  But not for a rainy Thursday.

Athletic footwear for a pitcher should provide proper traction, be comfortable and allow for maximum athletic motion.  Extra protection isn't part of the equation like it would be for football linemen and maybe catchers.  So, definitely low.  I don't see where a stiff shoe would allow you to push off harder but I do see a stiff shoe being uncomfortable and restricting maximum athletic movement, so broken in.  Spike length - generally partially worn.  Won't get caught on things as easily but provides adequate traction.  Too small is definitely out - this goes back to allowing for maximum athletic motion.  When shoes are too small, there is a chain reaction with various parts of the body trying to adjust.  Really not good for athletic performance.  A little extra space can be easily taken care of if too much.  Insoles.

Ha, almost identical thoughts at same time.  Regarding GH's suggestion for TuffToe, it's hard to find the tube version and not the premolded in some areas.  ShoeGoo will do in a pinch, although not as durable.  I still use it for my trainers because of how much BP i have to throw.

Couldn't agree more about cheap insoles in expensive shoes.  Even top-of-the-line running shoes.  Just makes no sense.

Hey Cabbage, I saw your reply and thought the same.  FYI:  You can actually purchase the tube from their web site (www.tufftoe.com), or even mail your cleats in and have them apply it.  They also sell cleats right off their site, but the selection is pretty skimpy.

GHHS-2016LHP posted:

Hey Cabbage, I saw your reply and thought the same.  FYI:  You can actually purchase the tube from their web site (www.tufftoe.com), or even mail your cleats in and have them apply it.  They also sell cleats right off their site, but the selection is pretty skimpy.

I think if you send it to them, they end up dipping it somehow which results in a really solid, smooth application.

Great to know, thanks GH.  Hope your son is off to a good start.  Back to full health yet?  Is he likely to get innings this spring?

2017LHP, yes exactly.  I've gotten pretty good with laying a smooth spread of ShoeGoo too... like I said, not as good but quite a bit cheaper and no shipping or waiting (except overnight dry).

The boy is fully recovered, thanks for asking! Nothing is guaranteed, but he's holding up his end on the bump and finished fall ball very strong. I wouldn't bet against him.

I also agree that the tube stuff is pretty easy to put on yourself. Even with the company in driving distance to me, I still do it myself.

GHHS-2016LHP posted:

The boy is fully recovered, thanks for asking! Nothing is guaranteed, but he's holding up his end on the bump and finished fall ball very strong. I wouldn't bet against him.

I also agree that the tube stuff is pretty easy to put on yourself. Even with the company in driving distance to me, I still do it myself.

OK, GH, I know we talked before... was thinking it was PM but I couldn't find.  This may have come up and I forgot in my old age but...

saw on your boy's profile, he was born in the same city I was.  We have some more talking to do 

I couldn't find a PM either, no biggie though. Yeah, he's a Y-town boy. Between the military and and my gub'ment job now, I've been all over this fine country. I don't miss the weather (especially this time of year), but I miss the people for sure. The wife is from Cincy and we're all headed there for the holidays. I'm gonna freeze my butt off, but it'll be great to see family.

Ironically, I PM'd with LHP2017 a year ago and my last reply was "keep him healthy". You know what they say: If you wanna make God laugh, tell him how you have things all planned out.

Many locations across Atlanta, including Lakepoint, do not allow pitchers to use cleats.  Turfs only.  My son isn't at the level yet where he is trying to produce max power, but for now he just uses turfs on most mounds.