2025 Best Soccer Cleats by Field Position

Finding the best soccer cleats depends on multiple factors, including playing surface, format and your position on the field. Choosing the right cleats for your position can elevate performance levels and provide additional features to optimize specific gameplay elements. From defenders to strikers, this guide has the information you need to find the best soccer cleats by field position in 2025. 

Best Soccer Cleats for Defenders

Nike Tiempo Legend 10 Elite FG

‘Is the latest Nike Tiempo the greatest? Packed with new features & more sustainable materials, this shoe is the stuff of legend.'

Fit: True to size

Playing surface options: Firm ground, artificial grass

Pros:

• Flytouch engineered leather for unbeatable comfort
• Super light
• Recycled materials
• Central lacing enhances stability
• Better in wet conditions than previous versions
  

Cons:

• Price

• Not ideal for wide feet

The launch of the Nike Tiempo Legend 10 Elite FG was hotly anticipated. This shoe is a step into the unknown for Nike thanks to the introduction of sustainable materials, notably Flytouch engineered leather. 

The best bits are the fit, tight control on different surfaces, unrivaled fresh-from-the-box softness and sustainability. I personally love the new look, fit and style of these soccer cleats, which build on the success and reputation of the Tiempo range but also represent an exciting evolution.

The downsides for me are the cost, which is relatively high, and the lack of protection.

Adidas Copa Pure 3 Elite FG

‘One of the most comfortable boots on the market, but is it worth the money when compared to similar models? Perhaps not…’

Fit: Runs long

Playing surface options: Firm ground, artificial grass

Pros:

• Fusionskin upper for comfort
• Additional Comfort Frame plate support
• Very responsive
• Enhanced padding
• Stretch 

Cons:

• Runs long
• Lockdown is not as good as others
• More expensive than others with similar features

Adidas is known for eye-catching soccer cleats, but it’s also a force for innovation. The goal for the Copa 3 Pure Elite FG is to stand out in the leather soccer shoe crowd. Does it do this? I’m not sure. Here’s why…..

The good points are the much-loved aesthetics of Adidas Copa soccer cleats and the comfort. This is one of the most comfortable leather soccer shoes. There’s also plenty of stretch for wider feet.

The bad news is that others offer the same benefits for a better price. 

Best Soccer Cleats for Midfielders

Nike Phantom GX 2 Elite

‘A step up in class from the already-brilliant previous Phantoms.’

Fit: Runs long

Playing surface options: Firm ground, artificial grass

Pros:

• Gripknit enhances ball control, touch and passing
• Bladed outsole offers superior pivoting
• Generous fit
• Out-of-the-box comfort
• Eye-catching design

Cons:

• Runs long
• More responsive cleats available

The first bonus point for the Nike Phantom GX 2 Elite is comfort. Straight from the box, these feel great. The second selling point, as a midfield maestro, is the Gripknit technology. It actually works!

If I had to criticize Nike, I’d say that the fit is a bit off. Unless you’ve got wide feet, you may struggle. This is undoubtedly one of the best Nike Phantom soccer cleats on the market though. Nike have managed to enhance what was already a hugely impressive shoe. 

Adidas Predator Elite 2 Laceless Soccer Cleats

‘It has a host of famous fans, but is the Adidas Predator Elite worthy of the hype? The jury’s still out.’

Fit: True to size

Playing surface options: Firm ground, artificial turf, soft ground

Pros:

• Laced, laceless and foldover tongue options
• Strikeskin technology enhances grip, pass accuracy and touch precision
• Impressive Hybridtouch 2.0 synthetic upper
• Primeknit material moulds to the foot for optimum comfort
• Classic Predator styling

Cons:

• Break-in time required
• Not suited to wide feet
• Price difference between versions is steep

Adidas Predator soccer cleats are the shoes all the stars wear and every kid wants to see under the tree at Christmas. There’s always hype around a new launch. In my view, the Elite is worthy of the plaudits, but there are some negatives.

Most of the good points revolve around control, precision touch, and enhanced accuracy and grip. The aesthetics are, as always, on point.

The bad bit is the fit and the level of comfort, especially if you’re in the wide foot camp. If you’re looking for instant comfort, you’ll be disappointed. If you endure the break-in period, however, you won’t regret jumping on the Predator bandwagon. 

Best Soccer Cleats for Strikers

Nike Mercurial Superfly 10 Elite

‘If speed is of the essence, the Superfly 10 Elite is the soccer shoe for you.’

Fit: Runs small

Playing surface options: Firm ground, artificial grass, soft/wet ground

Pros:

• Super lightweight for optimum speed
• Responsive outsole
• Out-of-the-box comfort
• Precision control thanks to Gripknit technology
• Super-thin upper for speed and comfort

Cons:

• Limited protection
• Not ideal for wide feet
• Lockdown is not as secure as others

How do you improve a soccer shoe that seems to already have it all? The answer? Innovative tech that increases speed and agility and maximizes control and comfort. I love the look and feel of these boots. Fresh from the box, they’re as comfortable as running shoes. A mention also has to go to the Nike Mercurial Superfly 10 Elite’s responsiveness. It’s a cut above.

Now, some negatives. The fit isn’t ideal for wide feet, although sizing up offers a solution. If protection is key, Nike Mercurial soccer cleats aren’t the best choice. 

Adidas F50 Elite

‘Test your speed, change direction rapidly and keep control with the Adidas F50 Elite.’

Fit: Runs long

Playing surface options: Firm ground, natural grass

Pros:

• Very lightweight
• Designed for maximum stability and control at speed
• Enhanced lockdown
• Flexible, lightweight tunnel tongue
• Conical soleplate studs for safe, efficient rotation

Cons:

• Runs slightly long and narrow

The Adidas F50 Elite is back with a bang. Not only is it a great-looking soccer shoe, but it checks a lot of my boxes. It’s as light as a feather, it feels more comfortable than its predecessors and it keeps the ball stuck like glue when dribbling at pace.

There are so many things to love about Adidas F50 soccer cleats, but this version isn’t a bona fide standout. Is it worth your money? It’s a tough call. For full-on speed and aggressive gameplay, you may be better looking elsewhere.

Best Soccer Cleats for Goalkeepers

Puma Future 8 Ultimate

‘Designed for agility and control, the perfect purchase for shot-stoppers.’

Fit: Runs long

Playing surface options: Firm ground

Pros:

• FLEXGILITY outsole for maximum agility
• High-density mesh for enhanced ball control
• Laced and laceless
• Upper contains 20% recycled materials
• Fuzionfit cushioned, customized fit 

Cons:

• Not for artificial surfaces
• Difficult sizing

There are many reasons why I love Puma Future 8 Ultimate soccer cleats. First, the lightweight feel of the shoe. It’s comfortable from the outset.  Second, the ease of controlling the ball. If you’re a goalkeeper, this is your bread and butter. With this soccer shoe, there’s a much lower risk of embarrassing slips and fatal blunders. Also, shout out to Puma for using recycled materials. 

On the flip side, sizing can be difficult. There are also better options out there for artificial surfaces, but this is another impressive offering from Puma Future soccer cleats. 

Nike Mercurial Vapor 16 Pro

‘Speed, comfort, control and grip: Elevate your game in an instant with these soccer cleats.’

Fit: Runs narrow

Playing surface options: Firm ground, turf

Pros:

• Super lightweight Flyknit upper
• Engineered for speed, grip and control
• Cascading studs enhance traction
• Competitive price

Cons:

• Runs narrow

What I love about the Nike Mercurial Vapor 16 Pro is the blend of benefits. Who thought you could have it all in one shoe? It’s consistently brilliant across speed, control, traction, comfort, and feel. It’s also an attractive price point compared to some rivals. 

The downsides are the fit, which runs narrow, and the speed. There are Nike Mercurial soccer cleats out there that are better for flat-out speed. 

Best Soccer Cleats for Wingers

Puma Ultra 5 Ultimate

‘Fast, explosive, exciting: Buckle up!’

Fit: Runs long

Playing surface options: Firm ground, natural grass

Pros:

• FastTrax studs for enhanced traction
• Speedsystem carbon outsole for rapid acceleration
• Superior support and agility
• Super lightweight

Cons:

• Runs long

The Puma Ultra 5 Ultimate has much to offer. Lightning fast, it’s engineered for speed, agility and showing off skills at pace, but it also feels secure, comfortable and stable. Easy to wear from the box, I loved the soft grip of the upper. 

If there’s a negative, it’s in the sizing and fit. If you’re lucky enough to fit in with the Puma Future soccer cleats range, brilliant, but if you’ve got wide feet or you’re between sizes, you might struggle.

New Balance Furon V8 Elite

‘All the best bits of the Furon family with impressive upgrades.’

Fit: True to size

Playing surface options: Firm ground, artificial grass

Pros:

• Engineered for speed
• Cheaper than other boots in the same category
• Hypoknit upper for accuracy, finesse and control
• T-shaped studs for quick, stable changes of direction
• Off-center lacing gives a truer strike

Cons:

• Lockdown could be better

What’s brilliant about the New Balance Furon V8 Elite? The highlights for me are speed, control and striking the ball cleanly. These are narrower than some of the New Balance boots, but they offer stability and a comfortable fit if you find the right size.

What I didn’t rate was the style, but that’s only because there are more striking soccer shoes out there. Otherwise, there’s a lot to like about New Balance Furon soccer cleats. 

Best Soccer Cleats for Kids

Adidas Predator Elite Kids

‘All the style and flair of the Adidas Predator range in smaller sizes.’

Fit: True to size

Playing surface options: Firm ground

Pros:

• Distinctive Predator styling
• Enhanced traction on natural grass
• Easy step-in
• Adaptable, molded fit
• Targeted strike zones for grip and clean, accurate shots

Cons:

• Not suited to different terrains

The junior versions of Adidas Predator soccer cleats offer many of the same advantages as adult shoes: The grip is great, ball control is superior and the boot molds to your feet. For ambitious youngsters, these are brilliant boots. 

If there’s a negative, it’s that Adidas Predator Elite kids soccer shoes don’t excel in offering multi-surface versatility. 

Adidas F50 Elite Kids

‘Engineered for speed, agility and close control at pace.’

Fit: True to size

Playing surface options: Firm ground

Pros:

• Designed for maximum speed and ball control on the move
• Sprintplate 360 tech drives acceleration
• Superior lockdown and comfort

Cons:

• Limited protection

Engineered for speed, I love the feel and weight of these Adidas F50 Elite kids soccer cleats. Based on the success and innovation of the adult range of Adidas F50 soccer cleats, these shoes deliver fast acceleration while providing security and seamless ball control.

If protection is your priority for kids’ soccer boots, there are better options around. 

Best Soccer Cleats for Wide Feet

New Balance Tekela V4 Pro Low Laced

‘Stretch and support combined with touch, precision and control.’

Fit: Suitable for wide feet

Playing surface options: Firm ground

Pros:

• Stretch and support for wider feet
• Laced and laceless styles
• Soft, flexible Hypoknit upper
• 3D molded Fuel Cell insole for superior comfort
• Low profile

Cons:

• Suited to firm ground- no AG model
• Sizing may not suit everyone

New Balance is making strides in the soccer shoe world, taking on the stalwarts. The New Balance Tekela V4 Pro Low Laced shoe impressed me more than I expected. There’s a raft of positives, mainly for the fit and instant comfort, but the price point is also competitive. 

New Balance Tekela soccer cleats boast a starry client base and the hype is justified. If you’re willing to stray from your usual brands, this could be the shoe for you, especially if you’ve got wider feet. My only grumble is that there’s no AG version.

Mizuno Morelia 2 Made in Japan

‘Enduring quality, durability and style.’

Fit: True to size

Playing surface options: Firm ground

Pros:

• Timeless style
• Durability
• Remarkable softness and comfort for leather boots
• High-quality materials

Cons:

• Price
• Retro style may not appeal to everyone

Mizuno Morelia 2 Made in Japan throws a spanner in the works when comparing and contrasting ultra-modern soccer shoes. This is not a new boot, it features retro styling and it’s leather. Despite all these old-school quirks, it’s remarkably light, comfortable and luxurious. The quality of the materials is the key.

I’m a fan of the look of Mizuno Morelia soccer cleats, but in this day and age, vintage, classic aesthetics are not for everyone. The price is another drawback at over $279. 

Best Soccer Cleats for Flat Feet

Adidas Copa Icon 2

‘An all-rounder that offers additional benefits for players with flat feet.’

Fit: Regular

Playing surface options: Firm ground

Pros:

• Classic design
• Regular fit
• Specialist outsole for grip, control and comfort on firm ground
• Premium leather

Cons:

• More basic than other models

A classic style fresh from the Adidas Copa soccer cleats range that offers enhanced comfort and control, the Adidas Copa Icon 2 is an all-rounder. I think of this boot as a Jack of all trades. It’s functional, comfortable and secure, it looks good, and it’s made using premium materials for durability.

My concern for this boot in the ever-evolving market is that it doesn’t have the glitz and glamor of others. 

Best Soccer Cleats for Speed

Nike Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9 Elite

‘Next-level ball control when you’re flying.’

Fit: True to size

Playing surface options: Firm ground

Pros:

• Designed for speed
• Super lightweight
• Flyknit tech for enhanced security
• Zoom Air unit for touch and grip

Cons:

• Not suited to wide feet

The Nike Zoom Superfly 9 Elite is a super lightweight shoe engineered for quick, controlled, creative play at speed. Debuting the Zoom Air unit, these soccer shoes offer superior touch, grip and security while allowing you to fly. 

I don’t have much to say when it comes to downsides. If speed is your priority, it’s hard to beat Nike Mercurial soccer cleats, especially at this price. 

Mizuno Morelia Neo IV Beta Elite

‘Built for speed with the finest lightweight K-leather.’

Fit: Runs narrow

Playing surface options: Firm ground

Pros:

• Premium K-leather
• Finest, lightweight leather in the Mizuno collection
• Luxurious feel
• Molded fit
• Enhanced flexibility, agility and grip

Cons:

• Not suited to wide feet

Mizuno is synonymous with quality, innovation and classic style that never dates. The Mizuno Morelia Neo IV Beta Elite doesn’t disappoint. Like other Mizuno Morelia soccer cleats, the quality is unrivaled. It felt luxurious but with an edge. Style, speed, comfort and grip: this soccer shoe has it all. 

The one thing I’m not a fan of is the fit. Break-in time is recommended. You might want to look elsewhere if you have wide feet.