It is time to get my son cleats, and at 13u it is the first year of metal cleats.

As a catcher, do you prefer the molded or metal? I've heard molded is more comfortable behind the plate.

He also plays outfield, 2B, and pitches.I don't have any objections to buying him a pair of each (molded and metal). I thought about interchangeable, but heard some not so good things.

I do think he will be catching more so I would buy the better cleat for that position.

Suggestions? Opinions? Thanks in advance!

Quite a few of the catchers I know prefer to wear molded in practice, and wear metal in the games. The molded cleats are easier on their feet and they prefer to wear them when catching pens and other drills, and also wear the molded when playing on turk. They save the metal for playing games on grass.

I hope this helps.

My catcher son prefers metal for games. He says they don't get as gummed up with mud (release mud more easily) and provide better traction when throwing and batting. He like to wear trainers/turf shoes in practice and bullpen.

I wore turf shoes for practice and preferred the molded cleats for behind the plate. They were MUCH more comfortable. I wore metal for several years, but I switched my senior year to the molded (switched back) and it was a big difference.

Thanks for everyone's answers...we are actually buying both.

My son talked to his catching coach. He told him when he played he preferred molded for the comfort, and also suggested low and not mid height, allowing for more flexibility in the ankle area behind the plate.

My son prefers mid, so that's what we are getting, and a pair of metal also (lots on clearance right now)