Best football boots 2025

Looking for the best football boots? Look no further: we've reviewed the latest releases from Nike, Adidas, Puma, New Balance and the rest.

With so many football boots available on the market right now, it's important to know what you're looking for. Boots are now tailor-made for specific roles on the pitch, with each position covered in expert ways - fortunately, we've been doing the leg work to categorise each and every boot to give you as much information to make an informed decision.

But while this guide focuses on the best football boots of the year, we also have other guides on the best football boots under £50 and the best football boots for kids. Not only that, though, there's some great options when it comes to the best football boots insoles, best football shin pads, best grip socks for football boots and even the best goalkeeper gloves, too.

Whether you're after something comfy for your weekly five-a-side or you take football boots a little more seriously and need a pair amongst the greatest football boots of all time, we've got your back… well your feet, covered.

The best football boots

The quick list

Best overall

Featuring a number of alterations to the standard Adidas F50 Elite, the Adidas F50 Elite Messi has emerged as one of my two best football boots on the market this year. Instead of using a fibretouch material on the upper, the Messi version has a more leather-like hybridtouch, which just feels so much better in controlling and touching the ball.

They've also added a 'burrito' style tongue that I found provides a brilliant level of lockdown and more security for high-octane actions, such as sprinting and twisting. With a thin suede lining and well-cushioned heel, these boots also have more of a really premium feel to them, while the option of either a ‘comfort’ or ‘speed’ insole is a great added benefit for those seeking either more protection or a more lightweight feel.

And while the Adidas F50 Elite Messi are technically part of the speed boot family, the stud pattern and sole plate feels a lot more well-rounded to every player on the pitch. There are a mixture of chevron, conical and bladed studs, ensuring players feel truly confident at all times underfoot.

I also loved how these fared when dribbling, with the low toe box providing a responsive touch on the ball. This enhanced passing and shooting actions, too, and is a key reason why I rate them so highly at the moment.

Mizuno and its Made in Japan football boots are the epitome of quality - with the Morelia Neo Beta IV no exception. Combining the highest quality kangaroo leather in the forefoot with a synthetic midfoot, there's a brilliant combination of comfort, speed and lightweight immediately. Not only that, but this also provides a plush and cushioned touch on the ball that feels buttery soft, with modern technology in the rest of the boot for supreme lockdown.

They have such intricate detailing throughout, are ready to wear immediately out of the box, and there's special attention paid to key areas of the boot to increase longevity and durability.

When considering the leather upper and reinforced design, these boots are still incredibly lightweight and feel great underfoot. Seriously, I don't think there's anything better to wear at the moment than the Mizuno Morelia Neo Beta IV Made in Japan.

Best for goalkeepers

A great option for goalkeepers who don't want to mess around with laces, this version features New Balance's excellent Hypoknit material on the upper. And while many of the best laceless football boots struggle with lockdown that certainly isn't the case with the New Balance Tekela V4+ Pro.

This boot can legitimately claim to be one of the very best laceless options available on the market. Although the standard design will probably feel a little too snug for players with wide feet, there is also a tailored option designed specifically for wider-footed players.

The biggest difference from the previous design is the updated heel. The new shaping is curved in a way that feels more anatomical. This will allow players to push further back into the boot, not only aiding heel lockdown, but also improving comfort levels.

Best for defenders

A boot that offers plenty of protection, comfort and a great range of passing, the Adidas Copa Pure 2.1 is perfect for the modern ball-playing defender. Built in a more traditional, two-piece upper, it manages to combine an old school feel with a modern look.

The padded heel, leather upper and quilting that provides an extra layer for defenders embroiled in hard-hitting challenges on a regular basis. Crucially for defenders, they are durable too and won't quickly become run down by frequent tackles.

In addition, the FG option features rounded, headed and bladed base studs to allow comfortable pivoting alongside an extra bit of aggression when taking off. To some it may feel a tad bulky, but defenders will still be able to keep up with fast, nimble attackers.

Not only are they one of the best football boots for defenders, they're also one of the most comfortable football boots, too.

Although Nike have taken the bold step of moving away from leather and towards synthetic, the Tiempo remains one of the better options on the market for defenders seeking modern technologies with elements of tradition.

Replacing the kangaroo leather that has made up the upper of all of the previous elite Tiempo models is the new Flytouch Plus technology. This is a material made specifically to recreate the fit and feel of natural leather - and it does the job.

The Nike Tiempo Legend 10 Elite posseses comfort levels that can match the very best, while the stable design ensures they feel great underfoot when challenging for the ball or looking to build out from the back.

Best for midfielders

The Adidas Predator Elite is undoubtedly one of the best boots made in recent years. Bringing an iconic line up-to-date, they're light yet still maintain the classic elements that make the Predator a strong, uncompromising boot - and are still a joy to play in.

They may not feature the leather that once made them so loved, but the classic tongue has returned in expert fashion while the rubber striking elements will help midfielders pull the strings.

A clean striking zone ensures players have more control with every touch on the ball. The latest design also offers an improved soleplate and stud pattern to further benefit players covering every blade of grass - perfect for those seeking the best firm ground football boots. Wear these and you'll be channelling your inner Zidane or Beckham in no time.

After leading the market in 2023, the Nike Phantom GX 2 Elite returns with the trademark gripknit material remaining in place. This is now supported by the additional texturing, Nike call strikezone, which ensures a clean area to provide a little bit of extra power on your shots at goal.

This results in an improved boot suitable for virtually every position and playing style on the pitch: from defenders to strikers, all can benefit greatly through the grippy texturing, which equals a sharp touch on the ball while still maintaining a relatively barefoot feel. Essentially, that's what makes them one of the best football boots for midfielders - though they're overall a great option and would suit just about any player on the field.

It's hard to find any real weakness with the Phantom GX 2 Elite. The only minor issue is the soleplate, which for me was a little too flexible. But this is more of a personal preference - I'm normally looking for a boot that is a little stiffer for improved stability. Even so, this boot remains one of the very best and is currently my go-to when training or playing.

Best for wingers

The Adidas F50 Elite’s bigger and better brother in the Messi version may rank as one of the two best football boots available, but that’s not to do a disservice to the return of the F50. They're not as light as they once were, but that has been compromised in the search of greater performance - and to great effect.

With Adidas’ Sprintweb 3D texturing on top of the fibretouch upper, the F50 Elite offers a rough, gritty grip on the ball that becomes especially noticeable when dribbling with the ball. As a winger myself, I personally loved this feature because I could manipulate the ball wherever I wanted and however I liked - clearly making them one of the best Adidas football boots as a result.

The stiff soleplate helps ensure that Adidas' decision to implement some conical studs in the forefoot doesn't detract from any aggression, with the energy return helped through the responsive feedback. In fact, these conical studs also help tricky wingers looking to pick up pockets of space and dribble past their opponents, with these studs providing better rotational support.

If you're wanting the best football boots for wingers, then look no further than the Puma Ultra 5 Ultimate. Lightweight, snappy and responsive, the speedsystem outsole offers a noticeable boost when reaching top speed, with the FastTrax studs biting into the ground to help with energy return.

The GripControl pro skin upper certainly impressed me, too, with the stickiness it provides a welcome addition while on the ball. They're still thin enough to ensure a barefoot feel, though - exactly how I like it when playing.

I did find the sizing difficult to nail down when first trying these boots on, however. I needed to go a half-size down in order to ensure they fit right, but even then I felt there was a little too much material around the heel that felt awkward to play in. Wide-footed wingers should certainly consider these - as with most Puma boots, they're suitable for nearly all foot types, helping make them one of the best Puma football boots.

Best for strikers

The Nike Mercurial Superfly 10 Elite is lightweight, thin and is perfect for players who have lightning pace at their disposal. Nike's Gripknit upper gets full marks from me, offering a grippy, barefoot feel - they're truly one of the best lightweight football boots.

Previous iterations this boot have often required significant break-in time before players felt truly comfortable. Thankfully, that is not the case with the new edition.

This latest model is so comfortable, it could be used straight out of the box and into a proper game. A natural stretch ensures this boot can conform and accommodate a wide range of foot types.

While most lightweight football boots tend to hug the foot a lot tighter than some players find comfortable, the update to the Skechers Razor Elite makes them even more suited for all foot types, while still remaining one of the best football boots for strikers.

They have a lightweight construction that forwards need when looking to sprint away from their opponents without compromising on any comfort or protection. In fact, I was kicked a few times while playing in these by brutish defenders and barely felt a thing. Plus, underfoot there's some great traction through the chevron studs, carbon fibre insert and responsive soleplate.

Disappointingly, though, there is no dedicated AG or SG option for the Skechers Razor at the moment.

Best for wide feet

One of the best-looking and best-feeling boots of the year also provide well for those with wider feet.

The Nike Phantom GX Elite boasts arguably the best piece of innovation recent years on book market. With its sticky gripknit upper geared towards greater control of the ball. The soleplate is superb, combining both agility and stability in a way that allows the artists among us to flourish.

And it is that soleplate that makes them perfect for players with wide feet. Both flexible and stretchy, it helps players slip straight into these with both ease, comfort and a certain elegance. Most other options on the market are unable to offer this, highlighting why they're strong players when it comes to the best football boots for wide feet.

If any boots need no introduction, it's the Copa Mundial. Still quite possibly Adidas' finest creation, they remain one of the best boots on the market. It is a simple, yet beautiful design that manages to cross generations with a universal appeal. The Copa Mundial just does the job.

Also in the current market, a full kangaroo leather upper is something that is generally not all that common, ensuring the Mundial remains an attractive option for younger players. Crucially, they are reliable and you won't have to break the bank to get yourself a fresh pair.

Best for women

There aren't too many options when it comes to the best football boots for women - but of the few options there are, Puma have absolutely smashed it with Womens Ultra 5 Carbon.

With the same technologically advanced engineering as the men's version of the boot, the Puma Womens Ultra 5 Carbon differs somewhat in the detail. They have carefully crafed the instep height and volume of the boots to make them more suited to women's feet, while there are subtle changes on the soleplate that improves safety when twisting and turning.

Any level of foot fatigue is mitigated against with the speedsystem carbon outsole as well, which limits the amount of injuries women might suffer from playing football. This carbon fibre outsole is both responsive and extra-springy, too.

Puma has done by far the most of the big brands to develop boots for women, and remain the only brand with dedicated women’s fit versions of their models. The Puma Women’s Future 7 Ultimate is the brand’s 2024 iteration of its innovative ‘control’ model, and is the boot of choice for players such as England’s Alex Greenwood and Mary Earps.

Comfortable straight out of the box, the Future 7 Ultimate needs little to no break-in time, with the soft upper quickly fitting around the foot. As with the previous generation, the Future 7 Ultimate utilises Puma’s Pwrtape technology to aid lockdown with added pressure in key areas. The placement of the tape is modified from the boot that it replaces, and I found the new configuration much better and more comfortable.

As with all of Puma’s women’s fit boots, the Women’s Future 7 Ultimate features less volume and a lower instep than its unisex counterpart to account for the different shape of women’s feet. This is probably not the very best Future offering that we have seen from Puma over the past few years, but it remains a good, solid football boot with the added extra of this dedicated option for women.

Best for speed

Somethings are worth waiting for. The Puma Ultra 5 Carbon has been four years in the making. But the release could see the German brand overtake the competition in the speed boot department.

The boots are so incredibly technologically advanced that they feel super-futuristic. A smart design has ensured a ultra-thin and super lightweight feel that provides a barefoot feel on the ball - making them one of the best football boots for speed and best lightweight football boots.

The GripControl Pro skin texturing feels very gritty to touch and helps provide extra that bit of extra grip when dribbling at speed – great for speedsters looking to jink past their opponents. Although carbon fibre soleplates often struggle to provide comfort - this isn't the case here, with Puma doing an excellent job to ensure it is nice to wear underfoot.

In a slight upgrade on the New Balance Furon V7+ Pro, the Furon V8 Elite is an improvement on one of the quickest speed boots on the market.

New Balance has a very strong claim to having the best options on the market outside of Nike and Adidas, with the impressive hypoknit material my favourite knit upper of all the brands.

The Hypoknit material that forms the upper of the Furon V7+ (and the Tekela V4+), is New Balance's true gamechanger. Wonderfully comfortable, straight from the box and requiring no break-in time whatsoever, this boot is flexible enough to remain faithful to every movement with the ball.

Best value for money

A classic, popular option - and with good reason. The Nike Premier is a wide-fitting boot with a two-piece construction. The folding tongue is secured using Velcro but can also be cut off using scissors.

Naturally the classic comfort and design, means they heavily appeal to traditionalists and many old-fashioned centre-backs. The combination of the leather concentrated towards the forefoot and the soft synthetic in other areas creates an overall package that is perfectly-fitting straight out of the box.

It will fit even better, once broken in after a few wears. It is stripped back, with a sharp focus on comfort levels. They are also a cheaper option that many of its counterparts, making them a low-cost option that refuses to compromise on quality or style. Indeed, they're one of the best football boots under £100, while I also found these a great option for those seeking the best football boots for flat feet.

Sustainable and vegan, it’s somewhat surprising that the Sokito Scudetta are more affordable than the vast majority of elite football boots on the market. There's no lack in quality due to their slightly cheaper price point either, with the upper soft, flexible and one I am a big fan of playing in.

This came as a surprise to me when I first started wearing them, because I expected some level of drop off in terms of performance considering the more difficult design process. That wasn't the case whatsoever.

The look and feel is reminiscent of the Adidas Adizero from 2014, widely recognised as one of the best football boots ever, with the soleplate configuration and lightweight design both contributing to an altogether brilliant boot.

Out of all the football boots I mention here, the Kipsta Viralto IV Premium Leather surprised me most - Decathlon aren't a company known for making quality football boots, but they've managed to do exactly that. That's certainly helped by the fact they're affordable, while the leather is of great quality, too.

In the forefoot there's a premium leather that feels excellent to play in, which transitions to a synthetic material at the midfoot. This helps make them comfortable straight out of the box, while still shaving off some weight through the lighter materials.

While the soleplate is simple, it certainly does a good job, while there’s some good stiffness thanks to the Dual Hardness technology implemented. In my opinion, if you’re looking for a new pair of leather boots but don’t want to break the bank, then opting for these Kipsta Viralto IV Premiums will stand you in good stead. They’re super durable as well, for an added benefit.

Best for comfort

One of the best boots around when it comes to comfort, the New Balance Tekela V4+ Pro Low feel exceptional on feet. In my opinion, the hypoknit material used on the upper is the best out of all football boots right now, and is just as comfortable as natural leather.

Touch on the ball is crisp, barefoot-like and also with an added texturing, helping players stay confident whenever they're on the ball

The bladed studs placed along the side of the soleplate are a real gamechanger for comfort, too. They provide more bite when moving around the pitch, and place a whole lot less pressure on any lateral movements.

Certainly one of the most comfortable football boots, Mizuno's Made in Japan range never fails to disappoint. The Morelia II feature a super premium kangaroo leather upper, high-quality materials throughout and offers a playing experience unlike any other I'm used to. I can honestly say that I didn’t realise it was possible for a pair of football boots to be as comfortable as the first time I put on a pair of Morelias.

They have an accommodating fit, plenty of cushioning throughout and some extra padding in high impact areas, helping create a super comfortable boot. Of course, the leather upper helps ensure that everything is tied together even further.

There's no trade-off in terms of weight, either. Surprisingly, the Mizuno Morelia II feels similar to the majority of speed boots, all while offering a leather upper. That's a great bonus for players wanting modern technologies coupled with traditional feeling.

How we test football boots

Here at FourFourTwo, our boot testing procedure is all about getting boots on our feet and personally trying them where it matters - out on the pitch in kickabouts, training sessions and matches. Our writers don't just test each pair once, but review over a number of weeks, in various playing conditions. This is done in order to get a proper idea of what they're like, and where a boots strengths and weaknesses lie.

This helps us decide which boots are better suited for firmer or softer ground, what level of traction they offer and how else they're geared towards improving a player's game.

We're passionate about football boots and regularly attend launch events and Q&As looking to get as much information as possible from manufacturers and designers before we begin.

All of our reviews are honest (despite working with brands, nobody can "buy" a good review from us) As ever, we always have real footballers in mind when giving our recommendations.

How to choose the best football boots

The modern day football boot market can be a bit of a minefield, with an array of options available while brands champion their latest tech that will have you jumping higher, running faster and never miscontrolling a ball ever again.

Ultimately, your choice should come down to what best suits your own game and style of play. Here are some factors to consider when looking for your next pair...

Leather or synthetic

The material of the upper is a vitally important factor to consider when looking at what pair of boots suits you best. There was a time back in the day when the vast majority of boots were made from natural leather. But these materials are slowly being phased out by many brands in favour of man-made options.

However, some ample leather options are still on the market. Leather offers a traditional fit, naturally moulding to the shape of your feet. It is also offers greater durability as well as being soft and pliable.

Most synthetic uppers are slightly thinner and offer less padding than their natural leather counterparts. On the plus side they offer a much closer connection to the ball. In fact, the thinnest synthetics will provide players with a close to barefoot feel.

You can also look at an option somewhere in middle, with a leather-imitating synthetic that represents a nice in-between. Although these boots are often more lightweight than natural leather, they do provide much of the same comfort and pliability.

Soleplate

The soleplate is where the bulk of the technology of a cleat lives, so it is very important to consider this when choosing a pair.

‘Speed’ boots, such as the Nike Mercurial range, feature responsive, aggressive outsoles with high levels of traction, but more traditional pairs, such as the Copa Mundial or the Nike Tiempo, are slightly lower tech and the soleplates concentrate more on comfort under foot than raw speed.

There is also surface to consider. If you play exclusively on artificial turf then an Artificial Ground (AG) specific soleplate is the best option, whereas if you are playing on turf every week then a Firm Ground (FG) pair is the best bet when it is relatively dry and a Soft Ground (SG) when it is wet or slippery.

Getting the right fit

We would always recommend trying a pair in person before making a final purchase when boot shopping. This is because making sure your boots are the perfect length and width is key.

Pairs of the same size can often vary slightly in length across models and between brands. So it's important to try a pair on in order to know whether it is better to go a half size up or down for a particular pair or brand.

Always consider the shape of your feet when looking for a pair. There is a vast difference between boots that are narrow and those that naturally mould to the shape of your foot over time. Know which end of the spectrum you're at.

Boots that are very narrow will not suit anyone with wide feet and likewise very wide fitting pairs can sometimes feel slightly awkward on the pitch for those with a narrower foot.

This is especially important when considering a pair of laceless boots. Yes you won't have to mess around tying them up on a cold, muddy winter morning, however, the lack of laces means there is very little adaptability. Naturally, they will either work for your feet or they won’t.

FFT's designated boots expert

FFT's designated boots expert

Lolade Jinadu

A football shirt and boot aficionado, Lolade Jinadu has over 40,000 followers on Instagram and a vast collection of football boots. With all kinds of equipment ranging from retro to brand-new releases and one-off special edition boots, Lolade has tested hundreds of football boots over the years from a range of brands, and has an encyclopedic knowledge of the market.