Black Friday best football boots for speed: The latest ranges from Nike, Adidas, Puma, New Balance and Mizuno

Black Friday is the best time of year to splash out on a new pair of boots. Seeking the best football boots for speed? Look no further, FourFourTwo has curated a handy list with the help of our expert boot reviewers to inform your decision.

When it comes to pure speed, today’s football boots are engineered to be lighter, faster, and more responsive than ever. The current market for football boots orientated towards speed has never been so strong, with several brands outside the big three of Nike, adidas and Puma able to make speed boots that match - and in some cases exceed - their high-profile competitors.

I’ve had the pleasure of testing pretty much every speed boot on the market. In this article, I break down each boot and tell you what’s good and what’s not so good about them, so you can find the style that suits you best. Please also bear in mind that although speed boots tend to be lighter, they will not turn you into Kylian Mbappe or Micky van de Ven, nor are they position specific. Speed boots are just those that are made to feel as responsive as possible, from the upper to the soleplate.

There's also a range of best football boots around, with plenty of options available in our guides for the best football boots for defenders, the best football boots for midfielders, the best football boots for wingers, and of course the best football boots for strikers.

The quicklist

Best for touch

This latest instalment of the Mercurial might just be Nike’s best yet. The boot features a redesigned upper using a thin layer of Gripknit in the forefoot to provide an already barefoot feel, with some added grip that any player who loves taking small intricate touches will enjoy.

The heel area is made from Atomknit, an evolved, more breathable version of Flyknit which is meant to aid comfort and shed a few grams. While the collar is made from Flyknit, the outsole has also changed. The Air Zoom cushioning unit remains, but now uses a wave pattern to get more out of the Air Zoom unit. The outsole also features aggressive evolved chevrons which aid traction when making quick cuts.

The outsole is phenomenal. With every stride you can feel its responsiveness, providing this feeling of being propelled forward. For those wondering about the difference between the Vapor and Superfly, it lies in the height of the collar. The Vapor has a low-cut collar, while the Superfly has a mid-cut design. There are no real differences in terms of performance but the Superfly costs a bit more. This latest Mercurial is a combination of comfort and speed that any narrow-footed player will enjoy.

Best structure

Last year, Adidas made the bold decision to drop the X line and replace it with the F50, after a nine-year absence. That choice has paid off as the F50 is an exceptional boot.

The elite version is available with and without laces. The only performance difference between the two versions is that the laceless version’s lockdown is not quite as good as the laced version, which is to be expected, but also helps provide a more relaxed fit. The thin fibre touch up along with the 3D Sprintweb texturing helps provide a responsive touch with a slightly grippy sensation when you have the ball at your feet.

Like most speed boots, one of the main features here is the outsole. The 360 SprintFrame mixes blades and chevrons, creating a versatile outsole made for a mix of speed and agility. The lockdown on the boots is also great. They provide a secure fit and wrap and mould to the foot nicely.

The boots also come with two sets of insoles: the thin SL insoles and the comfort insoles, which are slightly thicker and more padded for added comfort. All these things combine to provide a truly great football boot and one that any narrow-footed player would be more than happy with.

Most unique

If you're a player with a real need for speed then both the Puma Ultra 6 Ultimate and Carbon are incredible options. The boot has a synthetic weave upper with a grippy texture for an enhanced touch, which Puma call GripControl Pro. The lockdown is doubled with the use of NanoGrip technology on the insole, which helps keep your feet locked in place, so every movement feels more focused and efficient.

Like most speed boots, the star of the show is the soleplate. The Ultimate uses a lightweight PEBAX outsole which is snappy and responsive, while the Carbon uses a full carbon fibre outsole which provides a feeling like none other on the market - imagine a running spike but for football. It feels like every stride is propelling you forward.

The Carbon outsole is a lot stiffer, so if you don’t like your outsoles stiff, then the Ultimate is the better option. Both boots use FastTrax studs, which help provide immense traction on the playing surface. The most surprising thing about the boots is the level of comfort. It provides an almost quilt-like feeling. Overall, it's a great option for players with narrow feet.

Most comfortable

New Balance have done it again with the Furon V8. When it comes to comfort it tops the speed boot category, sporting an Hypoknit upper which is extremely soft and supple.

The upper has subtle texturing and immediately moulds to the shape of your foot, meaning you need absolutely no break-in time. There is a debossed print in the forefoot to create a larger surface area for controlling the ball, as well as silicone texturing on the instep to assist with grip. The boot also has an off-set lacing system to provide a larger strike-zone.

The upper provides a dampened touch but your feet still feel close to the ball. The boot features a lightweight nylon outsole that has slightly changed from the previous model. Instead of chevrons, the studs are now T-shaped to provide extra traction and the heel features an extra speed control stud which is meant to aid stability when decelerating. The best way to describe the boot would be like a running shoe with studs on the bottom. If you’re a narrow-footed player that combines comfort with speed, this is for you.

Best knit

The Under Armour Shadow Elite 3 is a high-performance speed boot that combines lightweight construction with advanced materials to deliver exceptional touch, traction and comfort.

The upper features Under Armour's updated IntelliKnit technology, designed to wrap the foot like a second skin. It's soft, pliable and includes 3D ribbing across the forefoot for improved grip and ball control, especially in high-speed scenarios. A NeverWet water-resistant coating keeps the upper dry and consistent in wet conditions, maintaining a clean touch throughout.

Underfoot, the carbon-fibre agility soleplate stands out for its responsiveness and snap-back energy return, allowing explosive acceleration and sharp directional changes. The bladed stud pattern provides aggressive traction on firm ground, while remaining stable and comfortable.

Comfort and fit are strong points. The boot has an anatomical shape, with a well-padded sock-liner and internal midfoot cage that offers support without bulk. The knit collar and moulded heel create a secure fit with minimal heel slippage. Overall, the Shadow Elite 3 is a top-tier option for players who prioritise speed, lockdown, and comfort.

Best value

The Sokito Scudetta is the new kid on the block and has made a name for itself in a short amount of time.

The boot is made mostly from recycled materials and biomaterials, and is certified vegan. In the forefoot of the boot you have the biovamp material which is soft and leather-like, providing a cushioned touch, as well as a subtle haptic print to enhance grip on the ball in all weather conditions. The midfoot to the heel of the boot uses non-stretch material to help provide better lockdown and prevent foot slippage.

The outsole also screams speed. It uses a mix of chevrons and blades to provide a blend of aggressive traction and stability. The lining of the boot feels well-cushioned in the heel and the forefoot to provide a comfortable and lightweight experience. The traditional style tongue allows players to adjust the volume of the boot, making it a great choice for narrow-footed players, as well as being cheaper than many competitors' elite-tier alternatives.

Most simple

The Sudu SFS FG 01+ Pro is a surprisingly refined debut boot that blends the best of speed and control features. The comfort stands out, with a padded heel and PE moulded sock liner offering a secure, blister-free fit.

The Speed Weave+ upper is soft from the first wear and moulds quickly to the foot, requiring minimal break-in time. The fit and sizing are equally strong. The boot offers a snug fit that accommodates most foot types, isn't overly narrow or wide and provides excellent lockdown.

Players can expect no heel slippage or instability, with a true-to-size fit that leaves minimal dead space depending on sock thickness. The PEBAX Spring Plate outsole delivers impressive responsiveness for sharp movements and agility, while chevron and blade-shaped studs provide traction and stability on firm grass pitches. Touch on the ball is clean and connected. The knit upper, enhanced by Sensatech 5D Print, offers a thin, tactile feel for close control and confident striking without feeling overwhelming.

Overall, Sudu’s first performance boot is a standout. Lightweight, secure, and responsive, it competes with top-tier models and should not be overlooked by players seeking a high-quality alternative to the mainstream.

Best leather

Mizuno Morelia Neo Beta IV Elite might just be the best leather boot that money can buy. Handcrafted in Japan and left on a specially made last for 24 hours with an incredible eye for detail, this boot combines the highest quality kangaroo leather in forefoot and a synthetic midfoot for better lockdown.

This provides a plush and cushioned touch on the ball that is soft as butter, with modern technology in the rest of the boot for supreme lockdown. The boots are also extremely comfortable, which only improves as you break them in further. The conical studs on the firm ground outsole also make it safer to be used on artificial grass pitches.

The major stumbling block for this boot is the price, retailing at £300 in the firm ground option. There is also the Elite version which can be bought for £185 and offers a similar level of performance. Overall, the Mizuno Morelia Neo Beta IV is the best boot out there.

Best lockdown

When it comes to the utmost quality among football boots, look no further than Mizuno - and the Alpha 2 is the perfect example.

The boot features a thin synthetic upper with a subtle ticky texture that provides a barefoot feel for the ball that is also grippy, making the upper feel very responsive. The lining might be the most unique feature of the boots, utilising Zero Glide mesh throughout the lining and also on the foam insole. The Zero Glide has a sandpaper-like texture which is immensely grippy to prevent the foot moving, providing a locked-in sensation that keeps players focused on their game.

The outsole is also packed with tech. The forefoot of the insole board features KaVRO - this may look like carbon fibre but it is made from plastic fibres instead. It works in the same way as a springboard to provide a feeling of forward propulsion and is exclusive to the MIJ model.

The heel of the boot features Enerzy cushioning, to help provide a responsive feeling and absorb shock. The stud pattern is also quite aggressive, comprising totally of triangular studs which provide a mixture of speed and agility. The only downside is the cotton laces which soak up a lot of water.

The MIJ is very expensive, but the elite model is also a great option. If you’re a narrow-footed player looking to stand out from your team-mates, then the Alpha 2 is a great option.

Best upper

The Skechers Razor 1.5 Elite is a speed-focused football boot that truly shines in feel, traction, comfort, and fit. Its lightweight Performance FitKnit upper combines soft microfibre with a pliable knit heel section, delivering a snug, adaptive lockdown, and breaks in within just a few sessions.

On the ball, the micro-textured synthetic forefoot offers a natural leather-like touch, with just enough grip to feel very responsive. Underneath, the carbon‑infused soleplate boasts an aggressive chevron stud pattern engineered for rapid acceleration and sharp cuts. While delivering explosive traction, it still provides a comfortable 'snap‑back' feel without sacrificing underfoot flexibility.

The boot incorporates Hyper Burst Pro cushioning, a responsive and ultra-light TPU midsole that absorbs stud pressure, helping players stay fresh throughout the 90 minutes. Comfort is a strong suit, as you would expect from a Skechers boot. Padding in the heel wraps firmly without being stiff, and the anatomically shaped heel counter ensures stability during sharp movements.

While it leans more towards firm ground, lower-tier options are available for soft ground, too. Overall, the Razor 1.5 strikes a superb balance of comfort with speed‑boot performance.

How we test football boots

We have expert testers dedicated to finding out every last detail they can about all of the boots on the market, wearing each model as many times as possible during games and training to ascertain a boot's true performance level. The testers are able to cut through the marketing jargon straight to the crux of the detail, with their simple yet detailed advice suitable for players of all levels.

Factors that are important to consumers will be flagged through our in-depth knowledge of the market.

How to choose the best football boots

It's a minefield attempting to navigate the modern football boot market, with so many options and so many brands saying they've created something with the latest technology that will really improve your game. That isn't always the case, though, so there are a few important things to consider when it comes to buying your next pair of football boots...

Getting the right fit

The single most important thing when it comes to deciding on your next pair of football boots is making sure they fit properly because it's no use to your game if your foot is sliding around and causing blisters, or they're simply suffocating your feet because they're too tight.

As a result, we'd always recommend heading to a physical shop and trying on as many boots as possible, to ascertain what make and model are best suited to your feet. Everyone's foot shape is unique, so doing this will help you get closer to the best playing experience possible.

Leather or synthetic

Synthetic is king when it comes to lightweight boots because the material is often a lot thinner than leather alternatives. Indeed, leather boots are bulkier, with padded areas to create a greater level of comfort - which isn't ideal if you want to feel barefoot sprinting as fast as possible.

Soleplate

When looking to get up to top speed, aggressive stud patterns can really aid in that quest because they provide better traction when twisting, turning and pushing off into a sprint. Stiff soleplates are generally better, too, because they provide a certain level of feedback that propels you forward at a faster rate.