Soccer is one of the most popular sports throughout the world, as people in many countries enjoy playing it. Essentially, it only takes a ball and some shoes to get a game started. Of course, you will need the right shoes to play the game well. They will not improve your skills, but they will make moving around easier, which can help you perform better.
Here is a quick preview of our top 10:
#1. Vizari Infinity FG Soccer Cleat – Best for Children
#2. Dream Pairs Men’s 160860-M Cleats
#3. Adidas Women’s Goletto VI – Best for Women
#4. Adidas Performance Mundial Team Turf – Best for Turf
#5. Nike Superfly 6 Academy
#6. Diadora Capitano Tf Sandal – Best for Wide Feet
#7. Adidas Men’s Nemeziz Messi – Best for Serious Players
#8. Puma Men’s Evopower 3.3
#9. Nike Premier II SG Cleat
#10. Asics Men’s Ds Light 6
The trick is to be able to determine how to find the best soccer cleats as well as getting them at a price that makes you comfortable. There are many things to keep in mind, and luckily, there are quite a few affordable products out there that also perform well. Keep reading this guide about cleats, to learn everything you need to know before you purchase a pair.
There are some things you need to figure out before you start shopping for this type of shoe. While people that have purchased multiple pairs before may have specifications that they prefer, some don’t have any experience with this kind of thing.
If you are a beginner, it is a good idea to keep these simple principles in mind.
Price
This is a big part of the process since you do not want to purchase a pair that will cost too much. Make sure you know what your budget is, and get something that fits into it. There are many reasonably priced pairs out there, but generally, a pair of good cleats will cost anywhere from $50-200.
Material
There are a few types of material that these shoes are made of, including leather, synthetic leather, and mesh. It doesn’t make a huge difference which one you pick, as this is mostly a personal preference. Some people opt for synthetic materials because they hold up quite well and are reasonably priced.
Field
It helps if you know what type of field you will be playing on. Different types of cleats are suited for different types of ground. Most people play on soft or firm ground, but there are other grades in between. Shoes that are rated for firm ground should be able to work on all types of ground, but that’s not the case with other types of cleats.
The way you will know which ground the shoes you are looking at are suited for is the patterns on the bottom and how many spikes they have.
Personal Playing Style
This aspect only applies if you have owned cleats in the past. If you have, you likely know how you want your foot to feel on the field and how you want it to be able to interact with the ball.
Some cleats are designed for different soccer positions, which may be important for your purposes. This is when it becomes even more important to do your due diligence.
If you do not know or care about these things, then the only way to figure it out is by trial and error. You’ll have to try a pair of cleats out and see if you like the way you can move in them and the way they feel on the ground.
One way to try them is by checking them out in a store or reading up online. This can help you narrow down your selections.
Preferences
There may be other little preferences you have as well. For instance, you might be partial to a certain brand name of shoes or a certain color. This is fine and it’s up to you to find something you like.
If you enjoy wearing shoes made by a certain company, there’s no reason to keep from trying their cleats as well.
Fitting
Just like most other pairs of shoes, you will need to be properly fitted for a pair if you want them to fit the way they are supposed to. This process involves going to a shoe store and getting your feet professionally measured. Then you will know exactly how big your feet are, so you can make sure you are getting the proper size. Remember that you are likely purchasing these cleats so you’ll be able to perform well when you play soccer, so it’s worthwhile to take the time to do this.
10 Best Soccer Cleats 2021
Here is a look at some of the best cleats available right now, with a description of their features.
#1. Vizari Infinity FG Soccer Cleat – Best for Children
These shoes are great for even the youngest soccer players. There are sizes available that can be used by toddlers up to 12 years old, so there is a lot of variety there. They are constructed out of synthetic materials.
They also come in a handful of different colors, so you can get a color that matches their uniform or perhaps is their favorite color. They have a simple design and the lining inside of them won’t stretch too much.
The major thing you want to look out for is that you get the right size. You will need to order a half size up at least since they run small. Some people have issues with the width too. If your kid has wide feet, these may not work well for them. They are a normal width but can accommodate most feet.
Pros
- Sizes can accommodate most kids
- Available in bright colors
- The lining won’t stretch
Cons
- May run small
#2. Dream Pairs Men’s 160860-M Cleats
This pair is lightweight, so they won’t weigh your foot down when you are playing. They also have a design that allows for you to move easily on the field, in terms of traction. This is important because you don’t want to be worried about your shoes when you are trying to get through a game.
The top is made of a breathable material that is synthetic and the bottom is molded rubber. This helps the shoe behave well on multiple types of fields, even turf.
One thing that is not great about this shoe is that there isn’t a lot of support in it. It is designed to get the job done and not necessarily cushion your foot. They do have cushioned insoles, however, so it isn’t bare-bones in this category.
Pros
- Lightweight
- The bottom is constructed of molded rubber
- Work great on different types of fields
- Allow for easy movement
Cons
- Offer no support
#3. Adidas Women’s Goletto VI – Best for Women
These bright white shoes have a soft inner, which makes sure that you don’t mess up your feet whenever you wear them. They have great traction because of the placement of the cleats on the bottom too.
This pair is made to work best on firm ground, which is generally a field that is regular grass. They consist of synthetic leather, so it is like having leather, which is easier to take care of.
One thing you will have to worry about is that they are white and teal, so they are going to show dirt faster than darker shoes. This means you’ll have to clean them more often, or just get used to the fact that they will have dirt and grass stains on them.
Pros
- Has a soft lining
- Offers a great amount of traction
- Made of synthetic leather
Cons
- Will look dirty quickly
#4. Adidas Performance Mundial Team Turf – Best for Turf
The studs on the bottom of this shoe are placed all over, so you have a great amount of support and mobility when you’re on the field. No matter what your skill level, you should be able to use these to your advantage.
They are designed to look more like regular shoes and some may not suspect at first that they are cleats. This shoe is made of leather and rubber, and there is an EVA insole, to provide support throughout.
On the other hand, since this shoe is made from natural materials, it weighs more than other pairs. If you are unable to wear heavy shoes, you may want to try something else. Each shoe weighs around 12 ounces or so, which is almost a pound.
Pros
- Unique stud pattern all over bottom sole
- Look more like regular shoes
- Constructed of leather and rubber
Cons
- Shoes may be too heavy for some
#5. Nike Superfly 6 Academy
Just as the name suggests, this shoe is attractive. They can be purchased in black and orange or white and baby blue, depending on your preferences. What makes them unique is that they have a collared ankle, where you put the shoe on as you would a sock. Instead of a tongue, there is an elastic ankle, which offers a great amount of support. Of course, this will take some getting used to, since most shoes do not operate like that.
These Nikes are also great on different types of ground, so you will not have to give up speed, no matter where you are playing. They are made of synthetic materials, so they will be easy to care for.
Pros
- Provides great ankle support
- Great for different types of ground
- Come in black or white
Cons
- Takes a bit to get used to them
#6. Diadora Capitano Tf Sandal – Best for Wide Feet
The flexible sole of this shoe makes it great for use in turf or dry grasses. Turf is not an easy type of field to get just right when it comes to cleats.
These shoes also fit just right for people with wide feet, which is rare. On the other hand, this is the reason why many people feel that they are too large. There is a lot of room in the toe area, which is not common.
They’re made of synthetic materials and there is a great amount of support throughout the shoe too. Even older adults can use them if they want, and they will not be uncomfortable.
Pros
- Sole is flexible
- Works well for wide feet
- Offer a good amount of support
Cons
- Shoes run large
#7. Adidas Men’s Nemeziz Messi – Best for Serious Players
These shoes are very fancy and are a lot like the ones that Messi wears when he plays, so this would be a great shoe for professional soccer enthusiasts.
The sole allows for you to make the same imprint in the field that he does, which is an unusual pattern.
The entire design of this shoe is distinctive, from the bright colors they are available to the way you have to put them on. It has a dual collar ankle, so the ankle is protected from the front and the back. This keeps your foot from sliding around and allows it to remain stable.
However, since this is not the normal way to put on shoes, you will have to figure out how to place them on your feet properly. They are made of mesh and are very lightweight.
Pros
- Has dual collared ankle
Features distinctive design
Made of mesh
Very lightweight
Cons
- Hard to put on
#8. Puma Men’s Evopower 3.3
If you are someone that likes to practice kicking and using your shoe in different ways, this is something that is for you. The upper is treated with a substance that helps you have great grip pretty much anywhere on the outer part of the shoe.
In other words, you won’t have to be concerned about the control over the ball and if it will slip around a lot when you have these. They also feature offset laces for a better fit. These will hold up well, even with regular use.
One thing that many users had a problem with is that you need to purchase one size larger than your normal shoe to get the proper fit. Keep that in mind if you want to buy these.
Pros
- Have offset laces
- Upper is treated to help grip ball properly
- Hold up well
Cons
- Must buy a size larger
#9. Nike Premier II SG Cleat
These shoes are made of kangaroo and goat leather. Kangaroo leather used to be the norm when it came to high-quality cleats, but this is no longer the case. However, these materials make for a shoe with long life and great ball grip.
You will have to take care of them properly though, just like with other leather products. Some conditioners and cleaners will have to be used, to maintain their integrity and usefulness.
The soles of the shoes are latex and allow for them to be great on all types of ground. There is even an inside liner that molds to your foot shape. The purpose of this is so it will fit as naturally as possible on your foot.
Pros
- Have latex soles
- Made of kangaroo and goat leather
- Designed to adapt to the foot shape
- Can use on all types of ground
Cons
- Have to work harder to take care of them
#10. Asics Men’s Ds Light 6
These shoes feature many technological advances. They give you two different types of arch support, meaning they can work well for different types of feet, including flat feet.
There is a mesh tongue, which allows them to be breathable and you can remove the sock liner. If you have special insoles, you can put them inside instead. Not many cleats allow you to do that.
It is hard to find fault with these boots. The only thing that is lacking is the color choices since there are only two. You can get them in white and red or yellow and blue.
Pros
- Gives a great deal of arch support
- Has mesh tongue
- Sockliner can be removed
Cons
- Only available in two color choices
Soccer Cleats FAQs
Here are the answers to a few more things you may need to know in terms of cleat shopping.
Are heavier shoes better than lightweight shoes?
As a general rule, many people believe that heavier shoes will hold up better over time. This is a reason why some adopt to only wear leather or synthetic materials and not mesh cleats.
Mesh may be able to get holes or tears faster than other types of material, so be sure to watch out for that.
Do I need to break in new cleats?
Yes, you do. You should never go out on the field in cleats that you just purchased, as they can hurt your feet or make you not be able to play as well as you want.
It is best if you wear them at least 2 times before using them. You can do this by wearing them for a couple of short walks or jogs around your neighborhood.
Are the best shoes made of kangaroo leather?
In the past, kangaroo leather was considered the best material you could get when it came to cleats. Nevertheless, the many advancements in the way shoes are made allows for you to be able to have some of the benefits of kangaroo or other types of leather, without having any animal products in your shoe.
One of the reasons leather is popular is because it offers a good grip on the ball all over the shoe. It also makes the shoe weigh more and can be maintained, so you can use the shoes even longer.
Some people still purchase shoes made of kangaroo leather, but it is not a necessary feature. There are numerous options made of synthetic materials that will offer you a great amount of support, durability, and traction.
How long should a pair of cleats last
This depends on how much you use them and wear them. It also depends on if you take care of them. Even if your shoes are synthetic, you need to keep them clean and make sure they are not getting holes or damage.
A good shoe will be able to last you for a season of soccer if they are made well. They might even be able to last for longer than that, in some cases.
What is the most important aspect of finding the right cleats?
Besides all the aspects discussed above, the most important one is that you feel comfortable in the shoes. You should be able to move, kick, and do everything else you need to do on the field, quickly and easily. If you don’t like the way something feels or if it is making you slower, you should keep looking for the perfect cleats.
There’s no shortcut when it comes to figuring this out though, so you will have to start somewhere and try a shoe to see what feels good and what doesn’t.
Conclusion
When it comes to shopping for soccer cleats, it isn’t hard to do. There are just a few things you need to keep in mind before you shop online or in stores. One of the most important things is getting the best fit and feel on your feet.
To do this, you must know the size and shape of your feet, and it helps to know where you will be playing too. Many types of shoes are not great on wet grass, which is why it is important to know these things beforehand.
Another thing that is encouraging is that there are so many different types of shoes to choose from, made of different materials and in various styles. You can find something you think looks good and works well at the same time. It makes no difference whether you are experienced or are just starting to play soccer; some shoes will work like a charm for you. Many are also affordable and last a long time.