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15 Best Soccer Cleats (Review) In 2022

Best Choice
adidas performance copa mundial soccer cleats
Adidas Performance Copa Mundial Soccer Cleats
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Best Value
adidas performance ace 16.3
Adidas Performance Ace 16.3 Soccer Cleat
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Premium Pick
nike mercurial vapor xi
Nike Mercurial Vapor XI Soccer Cleats
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By Shoe Hero
Published 12:19 pm
Show contents
Contents
  1. 1. Adidas Performance Copa Mundial Soccer Cleats
  2. 2. Nike Mercurial Vapor XI Soccer Cleats
  3. 3. Vizari Stealth Soccer Cleats
  4. 4. Nike Phantom VSN DF
  5. 5. Adidas Nemeziz Messi
  6. 6. Adidas X 17.2
  7. 7. Under Armour Low MC Nitro
  8. 8. Puma Future 18.4
  9. 9. Nike Mercurial Superfly 6
  10. 10. Puma Universal
  11. 11. ASICS DS Light X-Fly 2
  12. 12. Adidas X 18.2
  13. 13. Adidas Predator 19.3
  14. 14. New Balance Furon 4.0 Pro
  15. 15. Adidas Performance Ace 16.3 Soccer Cleat

To guarantee you become the worldbeater you were destined to be, you need the best soccer cleats to keep you leaping left and right, timing that tackle perfectly, pulling the strings from the center of the park, flying up and down the wing, or barreling towards terrified defenders with only the back of the net on your mind. Like any sport, the right soccer cleats are crucial to giving you the best experience possible and ensure excellent traction, while also preventing a sprained ankle, which can derail your season quicker than expected.

Soccer fans all around the world want to have the finest boots available, and while the season may bed coming to a close (at least across most of the world), finding your perfect pair now will have you ready to hit the ground sprinting once next season rolls around. For a similar type of footwear, check out our list of lacrosse cleats.

The Best Soccer Cleat

Best choice

1.
Adidas Performance Copa Mundial Soccer Cleats

adidas copa mundial
Key Features

    Synthetic lining provides comfort

    Lightweight die-cut EVA midsole

    Durable outsole for natural firm ground

    Full grain leather upper

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Anyone who knows anything about the beautiful game understands there are few better options for the best soccer cleats other than the Adidas Performance Copa Mundial. An enduring style since the 70s, these boots have been worn Kaka, Klose, and Gerrard, and likely 95% of those you’ve played against in your own league.

They’re waterproof, and the simple design means you won’t make yourself a target for proper football men looking to teach you a lesson. As the years have progressed, so has the manufacturing technology, and they’re arguably the most comfortable cleats around. If you’ve not fussed about looking flash and want a no-nonsense pair of boots, look no further. If you love those kinds of sports, check out our guide to the best basketball sneakers.

Pros

Famous design that never goes out of style

Comfortable and slipper-like feel while still providing excellent performance

Suitable for a variety of surfaces

Cons

Fit is slightly bigger than usual

Premium Pick

2.
Nike Mercurial Vapor XI Soccer Cleats

nike mercurial vapor
Key Features

    Synthetic leather upper with ridges to enhance ball control

    Low profile toe box allows you to get under the ball

    Contoured perforated sockliner prevents cleat pressure

    Lightweight compressed nylon plate mirrors shape of foot

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If you do want to show off your silky skills and nimble, Cristiano-esque footwork, the Nike Mercurial Vapor XI are the perfect soccer shoes for you. The most expensive option in our selection, these will get you as close to the world class heights of everyone’s favorite Portuguese behemoth as possible, and will allow you to glide across the pitch with zero effort.

They are lightweight and thin, but still deliver superb durability, at least enough to last the whole season. The low-profile toe box helps you give the ball a greater wallop while still maintaining control, which is perfect for you to strike 40-yard free kicks just like you’ve seen Cristiano do time after time after time.

Pros

Light and thin design but still durable

Easy to clean even after a game in muddy conditions

Excellent support for the whole foot

Cons

Fits slightly on the narrow side

3.
Vizari Stealth Soccer Cleats

vizari stealth
Key Features

    Strong and durable design with stretch lining

    Padded heel and collar lining ensures comfort

    Molded rubber outsole provides traction

    Outsole stitched to upper for durability

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If you need a pair of cleats for your kid who’s just developing a love for soccer, the Vizari Stealth are the perfect entry-level pair for them. They’re cheap but also deliver superb quality to help your kid get started on their road to stardom and ensures they’ll be picked up by Academies in no time at all.

They’re durable and comfortable, while also providing excellent traction, which is always important for younger kids still finding their feet. To give them the proper introduction, they’re suitable for a variety of surfaces to ensure they can have a quick kick around whenever they feel like it. If you are a passionate runner, check out our guide to the best trail running shoes for men.

Pros

Great low-cost soccer cleat for toddlers and young kids

Suitable for multiple ground conditions

Great for wider feet

Cons

Only available in kids’ sizes

4.
Nike Phantom VSN DF

nike phantom vsn
Key Features

    Multi-ground cleat ideal for all soccer environments

    Quadfit mesh inner adjusts to any foot shape

    Breathable fabric lining prevents overheating

    Ghost Lace system conceals laces for better connection

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Another option for big kids and adults who need a multi-ground solution are the sleek Nike Phantom VSN DF. They’re ideal for a variety of foot shapes and will mold to fit you instead of demanding you cram your foot into the cleat and wear them in.

There’s also breathable fabric lining to prevent overheating, and the added texture ensures better ball control, while the Ghost Lace system hides the laces to deliver a cleaner strike. They seem like they’d cost a lot, but they actually come at a highly reasonable price for those who need a boot that does the job and looks great while doing it.

Pros

High quality boot at a reasonable price

Added texture for greater ball grip

Hidden laces ensures better control of the ball

Cons

Too big around mid-foot region on thinner feet

5.
Adidas Nemeziz Messi

adidas nemezis messi
Key Features

    Responsive touch and optimum ball control

    Secure lockdown and ankle stability with Dual Lock Collar

    Firm ground cleats keep improves traction

    Lightweight Messi Gametrax outsole

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Those who want to look like the Greatest of All Time (sorry Ronaldo fans), will need to at least consider the Adidas Nemeziz Messi. They provide a responsive touch with superb ball control, and the firm ground cleat design provides excellent traction. They’re lightweight to ease fatigue, and for true Messi fanboys, you’ll also boast about printing his own footprint with the Gametrax outsole as you glide past the opposition like a specter.

These men’s soccer shoes won’t have you cutting through defenses straight away like the diminutive Argentinian maestro does effortlessly, but practice makes perfect, and who’s more perfect than Lionel Messi? You may also like to check our guide to the best trail running shoes for women.

Pros

Great lightweight feel prevents fatigue during games

Soft and comfortable feel

Stylish design makes you look like a pro

Cons

May need to buy half a size larger than usual

6.
Adidas X 17.2

adidas x fg soccer
Key Features

    Firm ground cleats

    Non-stop grip ensures ball control in all conditions

    Lightweight techfit compression upper

    Designed for explosive speed

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The Adidas X 17.2 give you the chance to get out onto the field as soon as they arrive at your door. There’s no wear-in time, and fit is comfortable while also feeling wholly and curiously familiar, even if you’ve never worn cleats before.

This natural feeling is provided by the lightweight techfit compression upper which doesn’t suffocate your foot but still provides excellent stability on firm ground. The non-stop grip allows for easy ball control in both dry and wet weather, and if you’re looking for a speedy option to breach the last line of defense, this is a great pick for you.

Pros

No wear-in time allows for immediate use

Resistant to water-logging and easy to clean

Comfortable and familiar fit

Cons

Has a slightly narrow upper so may require half a size higher

7.
Under Armour Low MC Nitro

under armour nitro
Key Features

    Combination of coated textiles with strategically placed synthetic for support cage

    Open-holed mesh tongue construction provides breathability

    Molded toe cap for increased protection and durability

    TPU heel clip offers better support and stability

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Available in a plethora of colors to suit all soccer kits both casually and in competitive play, Under Armour Low MC Nitro is a pair of soccer boots for those looking for an upgrade from their entry-level pair. It combines coated textiles with synthetics placed strategically around the boot for optimal support, while the open-holed mesh tongue provides that necessary breathability.

The molded toe cap also delivers durability, which is especially useful when wearing them every week in a variety of conditions. While they are certainly an upgrade from your first pair, they’re unlikely to price many people out of purchasing, giving you a high-quality set of cleats at an excellent price. Be sure to also check out our list of the best high tops for more great items like this.

Pros

Excellent ventilation to prevent foot fatigue and overheating

Fantastic performance for the price

Comfortable for longer games

Cons

Material is a little too stiff and may take a while to break-in

8.
Puma Future 18.4

puma future
Key Features

    Firm ground and artificial cleat design provides versatility

    Lightweight and comfortable design

    Durable construction with synthetic upper

    EvoPOWER design

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The versatile Puma Future 18.4 are suitable for both firm and artificial ground to save you money buying multiple pairs. To ensure comfort, you’ll also be treated to a lightweight feel that doesn’t bog you down late in the game, while the durable construction ensures durability throughout the season.

Its EvoPOWER design ensures excellent energy transfer when striking the ball, while the secure fit provides stability when bearing down on the opposition. This also prevents injury and keeps you playing throughout the season, breaking records and your opponent’s hearts.

Pros

Excellent price for beginners or casual players

Superb and reliable construction encourages longevity

Great secure fit enhances stability and helps prevent injury

Cons

Not ideal for those with wider feet

9.
Nike Mercurial Superfly 6

nike superfly
Key Features

    Dynamic fit collar for secure comfort

    Synthetic and textile upper for durable play

    Plush sockliner delivers low-profile cushioning

    Multi-ground cleats allow for wear on variety of surfaces

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If you need a pair of versatile turf soccer shoes, the Nike Mercurial Superfly 6 are an excellent upper-range option for getting the most out of your money. The dynamic fit collar makes them one of the most secure cleats around, while the plush sockliner is low to the ground for great control of movement and easy twisting and turning.

The multi-ground cleats can withstand a variety of different surfaces, while the ankle sleeve protects you from injury better than previous Mercurial models. If you’re tired of buying multiple boots a year, the durability of the Superfly 6s will also be a welcome change. Our handy guide to the best white sneakers features more great products like this. 

Pros

Suitable for use on both grass and turf

Well-constructed and durable to last the entire season

Improved ankle sleeve provides better stability and prevents ankle rolling

Cons

Cleats may not last as long as others when used on harder ground

10.
Puma Universal

puma universal
Key Features

    Designed for dry, all-natural surfaces

    Strong abrasion resistant materials ensure durability

    Wide enough to fit with soccer socks

    Soft material allows for wide flexibility

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Another cheap option is the Puma Universal which boast a durability that far exceeds the price you’ll pay. The abrasion resistant material keeps them looking as good as new all-season long, but also delivers a wide range of flexibility to support you better during sprints, tracking back, and darting into pockets of space.

They’re designed for dry, all-natural surfaces, but can also perform admirably on turf. Unlike other soccer cleats, they’re wide enough to accommodate proper soccer socks and shin guards with ankle protectors to make pulling them on and taking them off no hassle at all.

Pros

Decent performance at a reasonable and affordable price

Great for multiple ground types including turf

Comfortable and durable for all-year wear

Cons

Not as breathable as other options

11.
ASICS DS Light X-Fly 2

asics ds light x fly
Key Features

    Low-profile cleat design for even distribution and solid traction

    Micro-synthetic upper conforms to foot for better touch

    Lightweight Solyte material is durable and comfortable

    Suitable for a variety of ground conditions

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Bold and just a little brash, the ASICS DS Light X-Fly 2 are the perfect low-to-mid-range soccer cleats for anyone wanting to make a statement on the field. The vibrant red color helps you stand out, but they’re more than just an eye-catching pair of cleats, though, and you’ll also be gifted a conforming fit for better ball control and even cleat distribution for better traction.

The Solyte material is – as the name suggests – super lightweight and will help you feel you’re gliding across the turf. They’re also suitable for multiple ground conditions and ensure explosive speed when you need that extra yard of pace to get the ball in the back of the net. Love this product? Check out our review of the best stability running shoes for our top picks.

Pros

Run true to size for simple and hassle-free fit

Excellent speed explosion and first touch

Superb traction for easy turning, take off, and stopping

Cons

Maybe a little too narrow for some players

12.
Adidas X 18.2

adidas x firm ground
Key Features

    Signature Clawcollar shape locks foot for stability and support

    Minimal feel and more direct touch from lightweight mesh upper

    Arrowhead forefoot studs and round heel studs provide quick starts and stops

    Cleats designed for firm ground

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The Adidas X 18.2 are a superb pick for anyone seeking better stability and support and may be vital for those who have suffered ankle and knee injuries in the past. The signature Clawcollar shape locks your foot into place, making every sprint and step the most stable you’ve experienced.

They’re also lightweight to offer a minimal feel, and this helps contribute to better control when receiving the ball. As for take off and stopping, the arrowhead forefoot and heel studs work in tandem to prevent slipping when reaching high speeds. For longer games, they’re also breathable allowing you to focus on the game and not on your ever-warming feet.

Pros

Excellent price for superb performance

Lightweight, nimble, and comfortable with secure fit

Breathable to prevent overheating in overtime

Cons

Not a wide variety of color schemes available

13.
Adidas Predator 19.3

adidas predator
Key Features

    Primemesh upper material provides breathability and comfort

    TPU and rubber studs ensures traction on firm ground

    Controlskin forefoot upper delivers excellent ball control

    Lace-up adjustability allows for a more secure fit

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If you’ve played soccer all your life, you no doubt remember when the Predators first hit the scene and everyone who thought they were Zidane, Raul, or Beckham needed a pair. The Adidas Predator 19.3 is one of the latest evolutions of this iconic boot and still impresses despite tough competition.

It delivers breathability and assured comfort, while then Controlskin forefoot upper helps the ball stick to your toe with ease. There’s also lace-up adjustability, which combined with the wide-fitting design helps prevent cramping in those most crucial moments. To top it all off, the sleek matte finish is unassuming but still demonstrates you know what you’re doing, making you a truly deadly player to come up against. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best crossfit shoes.

Pros

Sleek matte finish looks cool

Textile / synthetic blend provides lightweight feel and durability

Comfortable and wide fit when on your foot to prevent cramping

Cons

Runs small so aim for a size or two larger than normal for the best fit

14.
New Balance Furon 4.0 Pro

new balance furon v4
Key Features

    Sprinter-inspired multi-zonal soleplate with hi-traction texture in toe-off area

    Low-profile elastic track collar for explosive take off

    Lightweight mesh upper with FantomFit frame

    Hidraskin membrane and enlarged clean lace contact zone provides effortless touch

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Designed for the sprinters in the team, the New Balance Furon 4.0 Pro delivers effortless grip with a multi-zonal soleplate and hi-traction toe-off area for explosive speeds and optimal control. This is further complemented by the low-profile elastic track collar and ensures you’re the first to every ball every time.

The FantomFit mesh upper is lightweight and feels like you’re running around in socks, and for one of the cleanest strikes around, its hidraskin membrane and clean lace contact zone ensures you’ll never skew your shot into row Z, drawing ire from the opposing crowd. It’s also available in different colors so you can match it to shirt, shorts, socks, or whatever unique hair choice you’ve gone with this week.

Pros

Wide size ensures a comfortable fit suitable for everyone

Flexible material ensures easy sprinting and turning

Highly comfortable to prevent fatigue during games

Cons

Sole is not as durable as other, cheaper options available

Best Price

15.
Adidas Performance Ace 16.3 Soccer Cleat

adidas performance ace primemesh
Key Features

    Firm ground soccer cleat for stable movement of harder ground

    Sock-like fit and built-in tongue provide a secure fit

    Primemesh upper for optimal ball control under pressure

    No wear in time for immediate use

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Our final pick is also our best value choice, and the Adidas Performance Ace 16.3 are available in a variety of dynamic colors to make you look like the pro you always wished you could be. Designed for firm ground, they provide stability and smooth movement, while the sock-like fit ensures a secure fit to maintain comfort and reduce the chance of injury.

The Primemesh upper delivers quality control and first touch of the ball, even if you’ve struggled with such things in the past, and unlike some boots we’ve selected, they boast a wider fit than normal to prevent crowding and cramping your foot, especially when the game goes a little longer than expected. As a best value pick, you’re also guaranteed a great price, so get your pair fast before they sell out. If you like training, check out our guide to the best cross training shoes.

Pros

Amazing feel for the ball to ensure world class control

Wide design for the most consistent fit

Superb price for a high performing pair of cleats

Cons

Cleats may be too narrow for sufficient traction on some surfaces

Soccer Cleat Buying Guide & FAQ

How We Chose Our Selection Of Soccer Cleats

When making our selection of the best soccer cleats, we considered 3 important factors.

Brand - There are many brands of soccer cleats, and all of them offer something a little different from the other. The top dogs such as Puma, Nike, and Adidas are all present, but we’ve also included emerging brands that still provide quality performance.

Reviews - We don’t have time to play a full 90 minutes with our entire selection, so reviews helped us understand the comfort, durability, and fit, allowing us to narrow down our picks to what you see above.

Price - We wanted to make sure we found a price range for everyone from beginners to experienced, could-have-gone-pro readers. To ensure we’ve made a selection everyone can afford, we picked out a wide range of different cleat levels so everyone can get onto the pitch and have a good time.

soccer cleats

Features To Look For In Soccer Cleats

Before making your final decision, check out these key features to consider when looking for soccer cleats.

Fit - Whether you need women's or men’s soccer cleats, the fit is essential. This ensures comfort around the foot and prevents aches and pains. Too tight, and your foot will be in ruins by the end of the game, but too loose, and you’ll find yourself not performing as you know you can.

Collar - The collar is a key feature of high top soccer cleats and offers a level of protection and stability for the ankle. This saves you from over-pronation while sprinting and also gives you another line of defense from overzealous tacklers looking to get a little more than just the ball.

Studs - Most studs are now molded into the soleplate, but there are options that allow you to switch them out when they wear down. This is often better value for money, but they may not handler as many surfaces adequately.

a soccer cleat

Padding - Padding is essential for those who play 90 minutes week-in and week-out. It provides the necessary comfort for constant running and saves your feet hurting at the end of the game. Without this padding, you’re likely to wear yourself out much faster than usual, and your feet will probably hate you.

Grip - Great traction is crucial when sprinting up and down the pitch, and without it, you’ll spend most of your time on the floor, which is no good to anyone. Different stud configurations help with different demands for different positions, and the design could take your game to the next level.

Control - Those who love the ball at their feet, taking on the opponent and hitting pinpoint passes to their teammates should seriously think about the control. Material ridges help you control the ball better, and a clean striking area allows for better strikes when through on goal or playing cross-field passes, much to the awe of the crowd.

Upper Wear - You’ll find either leather, textile, or synthetic uppers (or a mixture of both). Leather is more durable, but may not be as flexible. Textile and synthetic uppers are more lightweight and prevent fatigue striking at the worse times.

two soccer players

Soccer Cleats For Strikers

Knowing where the goal is even at tight angles is what makes a great attacker, so you need a clean striking surface to ensure you hit the target every time. A striker’s role is about more than merely shooting and scoring goals, though. You need to contribute to build-up play and maybe assist the wingers or attacking midfielders, too.

Good stability, acceleration, and a great first touch are crucial for beating your man and maintaining balance while retaining the ball, and they also help you pull off fancy tricks and turns. Because you’re likely to get crunched once or twice by the defender, it’s a good idea to invest in cleats with ankle sock guards for better protection.

adidas soccer shoes

Soccer Cleats For Defenders

Depending on which position of defense you play, you must consider different styles of soccer cleats.

Center Backs - A hard-hitting center back needs durable and robust cleats that are comfortable enough to last the 90 minutes (and maybe more). This position is one of the least likely to be subbed off, so think about how the boots will feel for the whole game.

Again, traction is a must to prevent slipping when defending and letting the attacker through on goal, but some defenders also need boots that provide a precise strike for accurate spreading of the play into midfield and out wide.

Full Backs - The modern full-back is required to contribute both offense and defense. You’ll need boots with good grip and decent acceleration features. Those expected to whip in crosses also need cleats with a clean strike panel.

Because of the amount of running you’re expected to you, they should also be comfortable and lightweight to prevent fatigue.

If you’re a more traditional full back who doesn’t focus as much on speed, explosiveness is not a priority, but traction is always a must when tracking your man and closing down.

soccer player

Soccer Cleats For Goalkeepers

Goalkeepers require cleats with a strong and reliable grip to prevent slipping during a dive and also giving them the ability to leap left and right quickly. The upper should also be of decent quality to help with goal kicks. Goalkeepers need not worry about the weight of the cleats as much as in other positions, as they won’t do as much running unless they try to emulate Manuel Neuer.

Soccer Cleat FAQ

Q: How long should soccer cleats last?

A: A good pair of soccer cleats should last you throughout the season. However, this depends on how frequently you use them and how well you take care of them. Too much abuse and a lack of maintenance can cause them to fall apart within 6 months, but typically, wearing them once a week for a competitive game should have them last until the off-season.

If you’re buying a pair for your kid, especially one who’s still growing, they may not even last 6 months, as your kid may grow out of them. In instances like these, we’d advise not to purchase the most expensive pair, and waiting until they have stopped growing before buying high-quality soccer cleats.

soccer player with the ball

Q: Do you need cleats for indoor soccer?

A: Only if they are designed for indoor soccer, as the hard ground like a gym floor, concrete, or asphalt can wear down the cleats faster than when wearing them on the grass. Indoor soccer shoes (also known as futsal shoes) are most suitable, and most cleats will not provide the proper traction for these surfaces.

Of course, if you play your indoor soccer on artificial grass, then there are cleats available to suit this surface.

Sources:

  1. Modern Players Wearing Copa Mundials Will Make You Cry With Nostalgia - Dream Team FC
  2. The 8 All-Time Best Players to Wear the Adidas Predator - 90 Min
  3. Can I Wear Shoes or Soccer Cleats on Artificial Grass? - Artificial Greens
  4. Which Football Boots Fit the Specific Positions? - Uni Sport Store
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