10 Best Football Cleats (Review) In 2022

- The Best Football Cleat
- 1. Under Armour Men's Spotlight Franchise Rm Football Shoe
- 2. Adidas Men's Adizero 8.0 Football Shoe
- 3. Under Armour Highlight MC
- 4. Under Armour Men’s Spotlight Lux Mc Football Shoe
- 5. Under Armour Men’s Highlight RM Football Shoe
- 6. Under Armour Men’s Leadoff RM Football Shoe
- 7. New Balance Men’s Freezelx Lacrosse Shoe
- 8. Nike Men’s Alpha Menace Shark Football Cleats
- 9. Adidas Men's Freak X Carbon Mid Football Shoe
- 10. Nike Kids' Alpha Menace Shark Football Cleats
The American football game is a high-energy, high-paced sport with an alarmingly high risk of injury. The risk is even higher when playing without the right gear. Football cleats, like helmets, shoulder pads, mouth guards, and more offer great support to the player when on the pitch. Without the right cleat, a foot injury is almost unavoidable. That being said, as there are tons of cleats in the market to choose from, we have created this comprehensive buying guide of the best football cleats.
The Best Football Cleat
1. Under Armour Men’s Spotlight Franchise Rm Football Shoe

Synthetic material-crafted upper
EVA midsole
Rubber outsole/ Cleats
Lace-up enclosure
Under Armour hit these football shoes straight home with one of the most beautiful aesthetic finishes in the market. One look and you are certainly hooked. Beyond aesthetic finish, this men’s football cleats have got more going on. The Under Armour Men’s Spotlight Franchise Rm Football Shoe is constructed with very high-quality synthetic material upper and an added screen-print overlay to deliver long-lasting performance and a solid structure.
Specially made for those that love the easy slip in and out, the football shoes is a low-cut shaft design with padded support for the ankles. Also, check out the inner cushion aimed at giving your feet a soft welcome. Furthermore, the midsole comes in with durable EVA material making sure your feet are sitting on a well-cushioned bed.
That’s not all. Before putting these football shoes, you can’t miss the aggressive rubber cleats below. Now swing it on, and you’ll understand the high traction support they were engineered to deliver. What’s more impressive is the incredible lightweight finish. Thanks to the materials put together in the craft, they are neither flimsy nor cheap-looking yet they are sturdy and easy to move in. All in all, this is the football shoes you’ve been looking for if your aim is a perfect balance between durability, luxurious look, and affordability.
Multiple color design
synthetic & real grass suitable
Affordable
No eyelet protection
Lace tie/untie hassle
Runs small for wide feet
2. Adidas Men’s Adizero 8.0 Football Shoe

All-mesh fabric upper
No time tongue
Low shaft design
Slip-in sock design
The Adidas Men’s Adizero 8.0 Football Shoe brings in three major highlights that made it highly recommended for football players. First, is the upper, which carries the unmissable, famous Adidas three stripes at the forefoot area. It is carefully crafted with an all-round mesh textile material to deliver superior in and out airflow to the feet.
Next is the sock-like (no-tongue) design and of course a lightweight finish. If you are all about speed on the football pitch, both the latter and former will promote easy and fast movement. Furthermore, the shaft of the Adizero 8.0 measures low-top from the arch. While the low-cut shaft opening may appear unusually small, make no mistake, this is yet another one of Adidas’ easy slip-in/out and super fit features. You’ll also love how easy it is to jump in without any hassle. However, if you have very wide feet, slipping in might be a bit of a struggle. But that shouldn’t be a deal-breaker if you order a size up. Another reason to order a size or half size up is the toe box.
The Adidas Adizero is carefully crafted altogether to deliver a snug and firm support on the pitch especially while running. There’s more. The padded insole and midsoles furnished into the shoes contribute to comfortable wear while the outsoles/cleat delivers superior traction. Altogether, the Adizero 8.0 comes in a little expensive but it’s a worthy investment if you are playing football seriously.
Mesh Material allows air
Upper material is flexible
Wearability ease
Wider feet need bigger size
Pricey
May take in moisture easily
3. Under Armour Highlight MC

High shaft
3D-modeled tongue
TPU material Upper
Lace-up enclosure
Specially crafted for those who hold the gameplay at the line of scrimmage, the Under Armour Highlight MC is one of the best high cut football cleats around. From the aesthetics to the support it offers during gameplay, this is your stop if you intend to make a mean entrance at your next practice and still show the stuff you are made off. There’s no beating around the bush here, you either are a fan of a high-cut shaft or you are not. But In case you haven’t picked a side, the extra padded support for your arch to nearly eight inches up your tibia/fibula should catch your attention.
It features a combination of textile and synthetic leather-like material crafted for the most superior flexibility. More so, the inner of the Under Armour Highlight MC is totally impressive. The form-fitting construction ensures the shoes completely snug your feet promoting stability and ease of running on the pitch. Furthermore, the 3D-molded tongue is another feature that adds to comfort delivery.
There’s more. The insoles are made out of padded foam offering shock absorption in addition to extra comfort. Checkout the outsoles made out of durable PU rubber extending into triangular cleats that give the high traction support you need. If you love the all-white design, wait till you see the black, red, blue, and ten other colour designs for you to totally revamp your style.
Extra durable
Offers snug fit
Cleats offer high traction
Pricey
Not very easy to slip-in
Material doesn’t offer breathability
4. Under Armour Men’s Spotlight Lux Mc Football Shoe

Breathable upper
Shaft measures low
Knitted synthetic material upper
Multi-colored design
The Under Armour Men’s Spotlight Lux Mc Football Shoe is where simplicity and exquisite craft meet. At first glance, the Lux Mc doesn’t look like much. But hidden deep within the shoes’ design is a ThreadLock technology that carefully blends traditional knit and thermo polyurethane material to deliver a breathable yet supportive upper.
The low cut shaft is good news to those that like their football shoes easily slip in and out. Even better, the shoe is furnished with a narrow shaft opening that delivers a very snug fit around your feet. In terms of comfort, the high-rebound foam insoles is another good news as this translates to superior shock absorption with every step you take during football action. Whether you’re playing as a receiver, a half back or perhaps, a free safety, the lux Mc is perfect for running at top speeds.
So that you can make those multidirectional moves and halt easily, conical-shapes studs are furnished underneath. Also, the football cleats feature nearly a dozen colour design so you can choose your team’s colour while you dominate the opponent.
Present wearability ease
Multiple Options to choose
Light weight
A little pricey
May run small
Wide feet may struggle
5. Under Armour Men’s Highlight RM Football Shoe

High cut shaft
Hole furnished tongue
Rubber outsole
Rubber molded cleats
Say hello to added support for your ankles with the Under Armour Men’s Highlight RM Football Shoes. No doubt, the highlight RM football shoes look a little bulky, but surprisingly Under Armour finished this one at a lightweight of 12.5 oz. This is all thanks to the blend of textile and synthetic leather-like material that delivers lightweight and flexible wear.
Furthermore, the shoes come with a padded, mesh material construct tongue which allows air in and out. And for added comfort, an EVA material footbed is furnished underfoot to ease your foot throughout the high energy movement in the pitch. Also, don’t let the cleats fool you. It might have been molded out of rubber outsole as an extension, but make no mistake, the menacing look delivers equally aggressive traction just like you need on the pitch. If you are not used to high shaft shoes, you might feel a little awkward initially, but the soft comfortable padding will get you used to it in no time.
Light weight
Affordable
Color variety
Not very easy to slip-in
Size run small
Cleats not long
6. Under Armour Men’s Leadoff RM Football Shoe

Synthetic material upper construct
Mid-cut shaft
Extra padded inner
Perforated toe box & tongues
You can go ahead and pour hundreds of dollars on a football cleat yet not get the quality or comfort you are looking for. Luckily, the Under Armour Men’s Leadoff RM Football Shoe are one of the most affordable cleats in the market for men that brings quality in the mix. The mid-cut shaft design is perfect for those that want extra-padded support and it also features a 100% synthetic material upper construction with a perforated toe box and tongue to promote ventilation.
This is one of those few football shoes that checks out in the department of padded support. From the toe box to the heel, all the way to the collar, Under Armour engineered this one for your total comfort. The midsole isn’t left out either. With an extra-cushioned EVA material, you get to rest your feet on footbeds that evenly distribute pressure.
There’s more. The Leadoff RM football shoes come with versatile under cleats crafted for delivering higher traction on turf and grass. Furthermore, they are an extension of the rubber-crafted outsoles, so they won’t break off that easily like other poorly made cleats. While they may run a little small because of the extra inner paddings, a size up or more order would ensure you have this trusted gear with you at the next game.
Allows air flow
Not pricey
Turf and grass Ok
Lace holes devoid of eyelets
Shaft height may be too high
slip-in/out not very easy
7. New Balance Men’s Freezelx Lacrosse Shoe

Lace secure
Synthetic upper construction
Cushioned inner
Rubber-molded cleats
If you are looking for a solid pivot on the pitch, the New Balance Men’s Freezelx Lacrosse Shoe will deliver. One of the quick things you’ll notice about the Freezelx is that the studs are a lot wider in design. No doubt, this is an aggressive construction with a guarantee of one of the most superior traction you’ll ever find. The upper is a construct of high premium synthetic material that will stand the test of time and use whilst the cleats offer enough ankle support though the shaft isn’t a high cut.
There’s more. The bootie construction is a combination of comfortable cushioned material with a waterproof and breathable membrane. If you’ve got a high arch, this New Balance cleats will come in handy. You’ll also love that the inner is generously roomy and will accommodate even wide feet. While It may require some breaking in, you’ll definitely get used to it after a couple of uses.
Additionally, the cleats are a perfect extension of the rubber-crafted outsole, so be sure to have a shoe that’ll last you a while and supply a fantastic grip on high turf and grass. Altogether, the Freezelx doesn’t come cheap but you won’t regret a penny invested.
Easy to slip in
Water resist material
Available in multicolor
Lace holes don’t have eyelets
May require breaking-in
A bit pricey
8. Nike Men’s Alpha Menace Shark Football Cleats

Combined Mesh & synthetic upper
Lace enclosure
Padded tongue support
Rubber molded studs
Whether you are a quarterback or a linebacker, the Nike Men’s Alpha Menace Shark Football Cleats might just be what you need for your multidirectional sprinting and quick halting. Check out the insoles and midsoles. The cushioned construct not only provides a comfortable feel around your toes and heels, but your soles also get to rest on a comfy footbed. This ensures proper distribution of pressure thereby greatly reducing pain.
The pointed studs is another plus for the Alpha Menace shark. They are uniquely long and rubber-molded which translate to less maintenance, unlike detachable cleats. That’s not all. They are ruggedly fashioned to deliver the right amount of traction whether you are playing on natural grass or synthetic. The highlights of the alpha menace come down to the Nike Flywire technology which guarantees grey fit, lightweight, and maximum support. Bottom line: a Nike crafted cleat at this price is totally worth it.
Low shaft promotes acess
Excellent fit
Lightweight
Narrow for wide feet
May run a bit small
Can be more breathable
9. Adidas Men’s Freak X Carbon Mid Football Shoe

Molded cleats
Metallic-like synthetic material
Mid-cut shaft
Adjustable lace-up
Adidas brings in this mid-cut shaft design with speed and offense in mind. At first glance, the metallic-like upper outlook is one feature you can’t miss. For total protection when you cross over to the opponent’s half, the Adidas Men’s Freak X Carbon Mid Football Shoe is crafted from a tough synthetic material that offers a lot of stability and support.
While running, these cleats are crafted to hold your heals firmly, thereby eliminating wobbling movements. The Freak X Carbon is a mid-cut shaft offering you all the ankle support you need and eliminating the hassle that comes with slipping into the very high shaft design. Adidas poured in their shoe craft technology on this one so that you can enjoy lightweight and not compromise the needed support.
Therefore, the insoles and midsole didn’t come short of delivering comfort too, which is all thanks to the extra cushioned EVA material. Now, add the rubber molded cleats with secondary support and you’ll be cutting and shifting like a pro on the turf.
Cushioned midsole
Easier to access
Different colour option available
Secondary cleat support prone to breaking
No lace-hole eyelets
Size may run small
10. Nike Kids’ Alpha Menace Shark Football Cleats

Synthetic upper
Breathable tongue
Adjustable lace-up
Molded studs
If you’ve seen the adult series of the AlphaMenace shark and the comfort support it offers, then you’ll totally be psyched about the Nike Kids’ Alpha Menace Shark Football Cleats. Like the adult version, the upper is a combined synthetic/mesh construct with an adjustable lace enclosure to keep the shoes firmly secure on your kid’s feet.
There’s more, the insides (insole and outsoles) come with extra foam cushion and lining so your kids can get comfy while playing. If your boy or girl is just getting a hang of the game, not to worry because the durable rubber outsole was carefully molded into aggressive studs to deliver great traction in any direction.
Comfy inner
Great traction support
Allows air through the tongue
No multiple color option
Could be more breathable
No eyelets support for Lace holes
Football Cleat Buying Guide
While assembling the above best football cleats the market has to offer, we looked at some of the factors or characteristics that guided our choice. We thought it’d be great if you know them so that you can make an informed decision as well.
Features To Look For In Best Football Cleats
Comfort - This is a factor that cannot be overemphasized. The reason is, many people sometimes get too excited about style and aesthetic finish before considering comfort. Comfort strings along a couple of other factors such as size, insole, midsole, and flexibility. These are all vital for you to be comfortable in your shoes.
You can’t go for a shoe that’s too tight or too loose, it’s a recipe for disaster on the pitch. Furthermore, insoles and midsoles are the extra padding inside your shoes. If they are not cushioned enough, your feet won’t tell a good story after a game. Finally, the outer cover of your shoes referred to as the upper must offer some flexibility yet not compromise stability.
Durability - This is pretty much straight forward right? No, it isn’t because the market is flooded with tons of poorly crafted football cleats. One of the easiest things to do is to pay for a product that won’t stand the test of time or pressure. A durable football cleat has to be made out of durable materials.
The question is, what material should you look out for? A lot of product descriptions say “synthetic material.” Make sure you look out for thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). They are usually strong and can withstand environmental conditions. In addition, Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA) is a flexible material used in crafting the midsoles. They are water-resistant and they don’t crack.
Fit - This is a function of how well a cleats mold or hugs your feet. An ideal football cleat should fit you like a sock without too much space between your feet and the cleat material. This is a highly important factor as it helps to avoid injury. What’s more, football is a game that involves running. Therefore a perfectly fitted shoe will support your movement on the field. If they are too tight, you will likely end the game with blisters. If they are too loose, you could have a case of your shoes pulling off.
A few tips: A leather-made cleat usually stretches over time. So you may need to put that into consideration if you want to opt for leather made shoes. TPU material on the other hand does not significantly stretch after breaking-in. Hence, the exact size might be ideal unless the design runs small or big. If you have the chance to buy at a local store, try walking in them to see if it doesn’t hurt and the material isn’t too hard.
Grip - American football is a high-energy game that involves a lot of running, twisting, turning. The risk of falling is already too high, so you can’t afford to get shoes that will make you slip during a match. You need to look out for shoes that offer a very high grip or traction. This might also be dependent on surface i.e grass or turf. Some shoes have studs or cleats that are versatile enough to offer good grip or traction on both surfaces while others are made for either surface. Look out for shoes that offer traction support on the surface you are used to playing.
Laces - No matter how great and durable the material of your football shoes are, if you can’t secure the shoes well, it won’t offer the support you need. Ensure you get shoes with laces that are strong and won’t snap during gameplay. Other cleat designs offer other forms of secure mechanisms such as “hook and loop” strap. Also, a narrow collar design that lets the shoes fit like a sock. Sometimes, some manufacturers offer a combination of lace and snug-fit design.
Low/High Cut - Football cleats are crafted in different shaft height. They can be either low or high. Also, a high shaft design can either be mid-high or High. There are no laws guiding whichever works for each individual. The low cut usually terminates a few inches above the ankle. They offer more freedom of movement and easy to slip in and out. Mid-high/high on the other hand are a lot bulky.
Some players are not comfortable in them compared to the low cut designs. They, however, offer greater support for the ankles and many inches higher. They can come in handy in preventing injuries. Once the lace is firmly secured, high cut football cleats do not easily pull off the feet during a match. If you have suffered an injury in the past, extra support from a high cut is highly recommended.
Support - Football cleats are usually furnished with insole and midsoles. Both offer support while on the pitch. They are both in the form of padded, foam material that absorbs impact as you run, walk, or engage other movements. If they are not well cushioned, long hours of playing football could result in injuries. Furthermore, the outsoles of the shoes are another important part of the shoe that offers stability. They are usually crafted from rubber. Make sure they are not too hard because they can break. A good outsole rubber is usually flexible and at the same time strong enough to withstand pressure.
Types Of Football Cleats
Molded Cleats - Football cleats of this kind are designed with permanent studs/cleats. This translates to a complete replacement if the cleats become damaged. They are usually an extension of the outsole and aren’t replaceable. They also have a downside, i.e they can’t be used on different playing surfaces. The advantage is that they require less maintenance and are much affordable.
Detachable Cleats - From the word detachable, the cleats are replaceable. These football boots are much more expensive. They offer players the option of replacement when damaged in addition to versatility because they can be used on different kinds of surfaces. Not only are the studs changeable, but the length can also be adjustable to offer greater traction. Aside from being inexpensive, they also require maintenance which molded cleats don’t need.
Turf Cleats - Turf cleats are like a balance between molded and detachable. They aren’t detachable like the molded cleats but they offer great traction and can be used on different surfaces. Furthermore, they are not as expensive as the detachable cleats so a lot of serious players go for them because they offer close to the detachable cleats.