Best soccer cleats for speed: The latest ranges from Nike, Adidas, Puma, New Balance and Mizuno

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

I’ve had the pleasure of testing pretty much every speed cleat on the market. In this article, I break down each cleat 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 cleats tend to be lighter, they will not turn you into Kylian Mbappe or Micky van de Ven, nor are they position specific. Speed cleats 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 soccer cleats around, with plenty of options available in our guides for the best soccer cleats for defenders, the best soccer cleats for midfielders, the best soccer cleats for wingers, and of course the best soccer cleats for strikers.

The quicklist

Best overall

This latest instalment of the Mercurial might just be Nike’s best yet. The cleat 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 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 cleat is made mostly from recycled materials and biomaterials, and is certified vegan. In the forefoot of the cleat 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 cleat 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 cleat 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 cleat, making it a great choice for narrow-footed players, as well as being cheaper than many competitors' elite-tier alternatives.

Most comfortable

New Balance have done it again with the Furon V8. When it comes to comfort it tops the speed cleat 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 cleat 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 cleat 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 cleat 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 cleat 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 cleat 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 leather

Mizuno Morelia Neo Beta IV Elite might just be the best leather cleat that money can buy. Handcrafted in Japan and left on a specially made last for 24 hours with an incredible eye for detail, this cleat 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 cleat for supreme lockdown. The cleats 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 fields.

The major stumbling block for this cleat 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 one of the best cleats out there.

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 cleat.

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 cleats, 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 cleats is also great. They provide a secure fit and wrap and mould to the foot nicely.

The cleats 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 soccer cleat and one that any narrow-footed player would be more than happy with.

Best for speed

If you're a player with a real need for speed then both the Puma Ultra 6 Ultimate and Carbon are incredible options. The cleat 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 cleats, 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 soccer. 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 cleats use FastTrax studs, which help provide immense traction on the playing surface. The most surprising thing about the cleats is the level of comfort. It provides an almost quilt-like feeling. Overall, it's a great option for players with narrow feet.

Most simple

The Sudu SFS FG 01+ Pro is a surprisingly refined debut cleat 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 cleat 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 fields. 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 cleat 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 lockdown

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

The cleat 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 cleats, 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 cleat 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 soccer cleat 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 cleat 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 cleat. 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‑cleat performance.

How we test soccer cleats

With an abundance of experience in testing soccer cleats, our expert reviewers put each and every pair on the market through their paces across training sessions, games and kickabouts. They focus on key factos, such as comfort, fit, feel and stability, as well as how quick they were underfoot.

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 soccer cleats

There are so many soccer cleats available nowadays, that it's a minefield attempting to navigate all of the options. Each brand will always champion the latest tech, but that doesn't necessarily mean any of it will work as well as intended.

Therefore, it's best to consider what suits your game the best, though ultimately it's down to personal preference. There are a few key things to consider when looking to purchase your next cleats, though...

Getting the right fit

Before worrying about anything else, whether that be aesthetics, models or stud configuration, the main thing to focus on and concern yourself with is finding a pair of cleats that fit your feet perfectly.

For that, we'd recommend heading into a local soccer cleat store and physically trying on as many models from as many different brands as possible, helping you to ascertain what is the most comfortable cleat for your feet. Because it's no use having the lightest cleats available when they give you blisters and cause you agony for every 90 minutes you put them on.

Leather or synthetic

While leather has become a more lightweight option in recent years, synthetic is still the way to go for players looking for speed cleats. Leather is generally bulkier and more padded, while synthetic cleats offer a thin, close feel to the ball - shaving off as much weight in the process as a result.

Soleplate

Aggressive stud patterns are great at helping with speed, because they provide better traction when pushing off or twisting and turning direction. Make sure you're using the cleats on the intended surface, though, otherwise you risk injury.

Firm ground cleats, for example, aren't suitable for artificial ground because the studs can often get caught in the turf, leaving you at greater risk of twisting your ankle or knee in the process.

FAQs

What soccer cleats does ishowspeed wear?

iShowSpeed typically wears Adidas soccer cleats, including the F50+ Firm Ground cleats in white, black and solar yellow colors, and the Predator Laceless ‘Radiant Blaze’. The YouTuber often wears lightweight speed cleats, which are engineered for players who rely on pace and therefore align with his energetic style of play. iShowSpeed has also worn custom foamrunner cleats in video content, although this was not in a real match.

Do soccer cleats make you faster?

Today’s soccer cleats are engineered to be lighter, faster and more responsive than ever, aiding acceleration and top speed. While the cleat itself cannot give a slow player the pace of Kylian Mbappe or Micky van de Ven, several factors can help maximize natural speed, including a lightweight design, snug fit and a responsive soleplate. Luckily, the speed cleat market has never been so strong, so anyone looking for speed cleats can take their pick of all the major brands, as well as some less well-known competitors.

What is a speed cleat in soccer?

A speed cleat is specifically designed to maximise a player’s acceleration, agility and top speed. This is by making the cleat as responsive as possible, through features including a lightweight design, thin upper, locked-down fit and responsive soleplate. Speed cleats are not specific to a single position, so players who want to prioritize pace should focus on these aspects no matter where they play on the field.

What soccer cleat is best for striking?

The soccer cleats you wear won’t necessarily make you better at striking the ball, but it’s important to pick a pair that complement your way of playing so you have full confidence in your footwear when you’re on the field. The good news is that there are a range of brands that make cleats which lend themselves to striking, such as the Skechers SKX 2, the Nike Mercurial Superfly 10 Elite, the Mizuno Alpha 2 and the Adidas F50 Elite. Features that typically make a soccer cleat good for striking include a thin upper, a snug, locked-in fit, and a responsive outsole.

What are the best cleats for fast direction change in soccer?

The best cleats for fast direction change in soccer tend to be lightweight and responsive, with a snug and secure fit, boosting agility and traction. All the major brands make cleats that promote fast changes in direction, with recent examples including the Nike Mercurial Superfly 10, the Adidas F50 Elite, the Puma Ultra 6 Carbon and the Mizuno Alpha 2. As with any cleat, the most important thing is that the player feels comfortable on the field, so which cleat is best is down to personal preference.

What are the top five soccer cleats?

Picking the best soccer cleats is often a matter of personal preference, but our team of expert cleat reviewers have tested the latest releases from all the major brands and picked their Best Soccer Cleats 2026. Our experts picked the Nike Phantom 6 as the top soccer cleat 2026, while the Mizuno Alpha 2 was rated the best for speed, the New Balance Furon V8 as the best for comfort, the Sokito Scudetta as the best value, and the Nike Phantom 6 Elite as the best for wide feet. They also picked their top soccer cleats for each position. Ultimately, though, it all comes down to what you’re most comfortable wearing on the field.