One of the important decisions a striker makes is one before they even step onto the field, and that is what soccer cleats they’re going to wear.
A pair of cleats won’t necessarily make you a better finisher or dribbler but it’s important to pick a pair that complements and accentuates your way of playing so you can enter the field full of confidence and ready to take on any challenge. Certain ranges are designed specifically to assist when it comes to the best soccer cleats for defenders, the best soccer cleats for midfielders, the best soccer cleats for wingers and even the best soccer cleats for firm ground.
FFT has been dedicating itself to categorising designs to make cleat shopping easier for you. If you're simply looking for the best soccer cleats out right now, be sure to check out our other reviews, as there are some of the best soccer cleats for kids available, too. In today’s game, strikers are spoilt for choice and even though a cleat can be worn by a player playing any position on the field, here are the best of the best choices that most strikers opt for.
The quick list
The Phantom 6 Elite is an excellent choice for strikers, including Erling Haaland, because it offers immediate out-of-the-box comfort and a snug fit, combined with a thin Gripknit upper for a grippy, responsive touch, and an offset lacing system that creates a large, uninterrupted strike area.
The latest Nike Mercurial, designed for strikers, offers a combination of comfort and speed through its thin Gripknit forefoot upper and breathable Atomknit heel, complemented by a phenomenal, responsive outsole featuring an upgraded Air Zoom unit and aggressive chevron studs for maximum traction and propulsion.
The Mizuno Alpha 2 is an amazing choice for strikers, featuring a thin, responsive synthetic upper with a grippy texture, a uniquely secure locked-in sensation provided by the immensely grippy Zero Glide lining, and a tech-packed outsole with KaVRO for forward propulsion and aggressive studs for speed and agility.
The Skechers SKX 2 is a lightweight, high-performance goalscorer's cleat that combines a snug, locked-in fit via LockFit technology and a stable Hyper Burst Pro cushioned insole with Precise Strike Control texturing for optimal striking, all underpinned by a dynamic stud pattern for sharp movements in the box.
The Under Armour Shadow Elite 3 is an outstanding choice for any striker, delivering elite speed, lockdown, and comfort through its soft, water-resistant IntelliKnit upper with 3D ribbing and an explosive carbon-fibre agility soleplate engineered for sharp directional changes.
The adidas F50 is a great choice for strikers, featuring a thin FiberTouch upper with 3D Sprintweb texturing for a responsive, grippy touch, a great secure fit with excellent lockdown (even in the laceless option), and a versatile 360 Sprintframe outsole built for a mix of speed and agility.
Best overall
The Phantom 6 Elite is an amazing choice for any striker and is the weapon of choice of Erling Haaland. The latest phantom boasts many features that are loved by many a striker. The thin gripknit upper offers a grippy, responsive touch on the ball to aid contact when dribbling and striking the ball.
The offset lacing provides a larger striker vamp for a more uninterrupted touch on the ball. Not to mention how incredibly comfortable the cleats are straight out of the box. No uncomfortable break-in period, just a snug fit which allows you to focus on your game without the worry of any painful blisters. The cleat uses a slightly redesigned soleplate with the cyclone 360 in the forefoot to reduce rotational force and two rows of conical studs to reduce stud pressure and for the most part the cleats provide a good level of traction and no stud pressure, but could be a bit more snappy.
Overall, the Phantom 6 is an excellent option and one that should be on any striker’s radar.
Best lightweight
The latest iteration of the Mercurial was made with strikers in mind. The cleat features an upper with a thin layer of gripknit in the forefoot to provide an already barefoot feel with some added grip that any striker who loves taking small intricate touches will enjoy.
The heel area is made from atomknit, an evolved, more breathable version of flyknit 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 for traction when making quick cuts. The outsole itself is phenomenal.
With every stride you can feel the responsiveness of the outsole, providing this feeling of being propelled forward. For those wondering what the difference between the Vapor and Superfly, it just 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 will be a bit more costly. The Mercurial is a great option for any striker and won’t be a regretful buy.
Best for comfort
When it comes to the utmost quality amongst soccer cleats, the Alpha 2 is an amazing choice for any striker out there. The cleat features a thin synthetic upper with a subtle sticky texture that provides a barefoot feel for the ball that is also grippy, making the upper feel very responsive. The lining of the cleats might be the most unique feature of the cleats.
It utilizes Zero Glide mesh throughout the lining the cleat and also on the foam insole. The Zero Glide has a sandpaper like texture which is immensely grippy to prevent any foot movement and provides a locked-in sensation that keeps players focussed on their game. The outsole is also packed with tech. The forefoot of the insole board features KaVRO, which may look like carbon fibre, but is made from plastic fibres instead, but works in the same way as a springboard to provide a feeling of forward propulsion.
The KaVRO 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, made up completely of triangular studs which provide a mixture of speed and agility.
The only downsides to the cleat are the cotton laces which soap up a lot of water and also the fact that the MIJ is very expensive, but the elite model is also a great option. If you’re a striker looking for something a little different but provides arguably the best performance out there, then the Mizuno Alpha 2 is an excellent option.
Best for shooting
The Skechers SKX 2 is a killer option for strikers who live off sharp movements and clean finishes. The lightweight upper wraps the foot without feeling flimsy, giving you a snug, locked-in fit that keeps your plant foot rock solid in front of goal.
Precise Strike Control texturing across the forefoot gives extra grip when you’re bending shots, striking through the laces, or clipping disguised passes into runners. Underneath, the dynamic stud pattern bites hard when you explode into the box or change direction to lose your marker.
Hyper Burst Pro-style cushioning in the insole keeps things surprisingly comfortable over ninety minutes while still feeling responsive and springy when you push off. Not to mention the LockFit technology, the heel and insole are lined with silicone dots to grip to your socks and keep your feet from moving excessively. It feels like a proper goalscorer’s cleat: simple, powerful, and built to help you hit the corners consistently without distracting nonsense or pressure points.
If your game is ruthless penalty-box finishing, this cleat suits perfectly well.
Best for speed
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 UA’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 Never-Wet water-resistant coating keeps the upper dry and consistent in wet conditions, maintaining a clean touch throughout the game.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 prioritize speed, lockdown, and comfort. A great choice for any striker.
Best responsiveness
The Adidas F50 is another amazing choice for strikers. 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 slightly not as good as that of the laced version, which is to be expected, but also helps provide a more relaxed fit.
Thin fibretouch along with the 3D sprintweb texturing helps provide a responsive touch on the ball with a slightly grippy sensation when you have the ball at your feet. Like most speed cleats, one of the cleat's main features is the outsole.
The 360 Sprintframe mixes blades, chevrons and chevrons, making a versatile outsole made for a mix of speed and agility. The lockdown on the cleats is also great, even the laceless version provides a decent level of lockdown. The cleats provide a secure fit and wrap and mould to the foot nicely. The cleats also come with two sets of insoles. The thin Speed 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 that any striker would be delighted with.
How we test soccer cleats
Testing cleats is all about getting them on our feet and putting them to the limit in training sessions and matches, with our experienced testers wearing each pair a number of times to truly ascertain their performance levels.
This helps us learn what type of player certain cleats are better suited to, which ground they need to be worn on, and how they generally fit and feel while on feet. Of course, there isn't an exact science, but we go through as much detail as possible to figure out if that brand new technology is really worth the hype, or which cleat is ideal for strikers.
The reviews are honest, and we'd never recommend a pair that doesn't live up to what we expect from the options available right now.
How to choose the best soccer cleats
With the soccer cleat market often a minefield of marketing terminology trying to sell the best new technology, it can be a little overwhelming deciding on which soccer cleats are best. Fortunately, we've cut through all of this straight to the detail.
Ultimately, your choice should come down to what best suits you and your game. Despite that, there are certainly some factors you should focus on before parting with your hard earned cash...
Getting the right fit
Often finding a pair that fits like a glove can be a really arduous task, but it's something we'd highly recommend. Nobody likes getting blisters or having their toes squeezed too tightly by ill-fitting cleats, so taking time to try on a range of different pairs will be best in the long run.
That means we advise players go to the shop and actually try cleats on, rather than ordering online. This is because you can really get a feel for how they fit on feet - everyone's foot shape is unique, so not everyone will work well in certain cleats. Wider feet will struggle in narrow options on the market, while brands often vary in length regardless of the size.
Leather or synthetic
Players wanting an old-school feeling should choose leather, which has plenty of support and padding - as well as the ability to conform to your foot shape. That could come at the cost of sprinting away from defenders for strikers, though, with synthetic cleats generally a lot lighter and thin.
While this offers little in the way of protection, the cleats might be so light you'll evade any big challenges coming your way regardless.
Players looking for an in-between option are in luck, too, with mock leather materials providing the best of both worlds. They're not as bulky as leather cleats, not as lightweight as synthetic, but generally incorporate the best elements from the materials.
Styling
Right, so you've found out which cleats fit the best, whether you prefer leather or synthetic, and now is for the best part - getting the color and design you've set your eyes on.
With brands now making cleats in a range of different colorways, there are usually an array of options to choose from for the same style of cleat. From traditional black to bright pink, there's always something for everyone here.
Let your imagination and personality run wild!
Best Soccer Cleats for Strikers: FAQs
What are the best striker cleats?
The best soccer cleats for strikers will come down to personal preference. Our guide above highlights the best across several categories, so you'll find something suitable, regardless of your style of play. However, we think the Nike Phantom 6 Elite are the best soccer cleats for strikers, overall.
What are the top 5 soccer cleats?
For a comprehensive rundown of the best soccer cleats on the market, you'll have to check out our guide. But, in short, we think the Nike Phantom Elite 6, Under Armour Shadow Elite 3, Adidas F50 Elite, Skechers SKX 2, Nike Mercurial Vapor 16/Superfly 10 and the Mizuno Alpha 2.
What cleats does CR7 wear?
Cristiano Ronaldo, or CR7, typically wears Nike cleats and, more specifically, he typically wears Nike Mercurials. With a longstanding partnership between Ronaldo and Nike, we've grown accustomed to seeing the Portuguese star wearing Nike cleats for a long time now, and he currently sports the Nike Mercurial Superfly 10 Elite cleats, which offer a responsive touch to the ball, a responsive soleplate and are lightweight, which is great for those relying on speed.
Are Mercurials good for strikers?
Whether or not a cleat is good for a striker will depend on the striker's preference. However, the Mercurial line of Nike cleats has long been a favorite for soccer players and, particularly, attackers and strikers.
This is probably due to their lightweight design, their responsive feel and, for the most part, their aesthetic. It's no surprise that they're a good choice for strikers if players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe are repping them when they step out onto the field. We think the Nike Mercurial Superfly 10 Elite cleats are some of the best soccer cleats on the market today.
