Looking for the best soccer cleats in 2026? Look no further: we've reviewed the latest releases from Nike, Adidas, Puma, New Balance and plenty more of the best brands.
With so many soccer cleats on the market right now, it's important to know what you're looking for. The best soccer cleats are now tailor-made for specific roles on the field – defenders, midfielders and strikers are all catered for – but also for specific players, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Bukayo Saka having trademark cleats of their own.
Whether you'd like something comfy for your weekly five-a-side pick up game, or you take soccer cleats a little more seriously and need a pair of the greatest soccer cleats of all time, we've got your back… and by that we mean your feet, of course.
The best soccer cleats in 2026
The quick list
The Nike Phantom 6 refines the best features of its predecessors, combining balanced GripKnit technology with a comfortable, wide-foot accommodating fit and an improved, stiffer outsole, establishing it as the best Phantom model in years.
The Sokito Scudetta is an eco-friendly cleat that achieves cutting-edge performance and traditional comfort using a non-stretch synthetic quarter and soft Biovamp synthetic leather, offering quality comparable to major brands at a significantly lower price.
The adidas Copa Pure 3 Elite is considered the best in its line, successfully merging a traditional feel with modern, lightweight features. It also offers appreciated padding for defensive players.
The Skechers SKX 2 is among the most improved cleats on the market, featuring a wonderfully soft, thin upper with subtle stickiness and texturing designed for control players. Additional features include flexible outsole and diamond studs.
The Nike Phantom 6 Elite is a strong contender for the best release of the year, combining softer, grippier GripKnit with a comfort-focused, wide-foot accommodating build and an improved, stiffer Cyclone 360 outsole for enhanced stability.
Puma remains ahead in the market by offering the women's specific Ultra 6, which features a lower instep and volume, plus a specialized soleplate for enhanced rotational support to address common female knee injuries.
The Nike Phantom 6 is the best wide-fitting football cleat on the market, offering a snug, adaptive fit with a wide heel, excellent sensory feel due to the GripKnit upper, and a stable Cyclone 360 soleplate, requiring virtually no break-in time.
The Mizuno Alpha 2 is considered the best speed cleat, featuring a thin synthetic upper for an explosive, barefoot touch and zero glide technology lining, which provides extreme lockdown for a weightless feel.
The New Balance Furon V8, which belongs to the speed cleat category, should not be overlooked as it is arguably the most comfortable on the market due to its superb, slipper-like Hypoknit upper and soft heel, offering a lightweight playing experience.
Best overall
The Nike Phantom 6 builds on the GX 1 and GX 2 models that it follows, combining some of the best bits of both to create one of the top releases of the year.
Visually, the cleat is very similar to the hugely popular GX 1 with its two-piece construction. The sticky GripKnit is found in the top layer and this remains one of the stars of the show. The GripKnit here is softer in texture than the slightly rougher offering from the GX 2 and feels slightly grippier on the ball. The off-centered lacing creates a large strike zone that will appeal to strikers and Nike have included a dedicated strike area, with more dramatic grip to impact swerve and dip. It will not necessarily have a significant impact on the ball but is a nice addition.
The outsole features an updated version of the Cyclone 360 plate first seen on the Phantom Luna and then the GX 2. The plate is slightly stiffer with some extra studs in the midfoot and generally feels better than its predecessor, which was a little over-flexible and therefore lacked stability.
Just as with the two previous Phantom models, the Phantom 6 is comfortable out of the box and accommodating for those with wider feet. Nike has been on a good run with the Phantom over the past few years and the Phantom 6 may be the best of the lot.
Best value
Sometimes it’s not about upstaging the biggest names in the game but creating your own unique pathway and letting people gravitate towards you naturally.
That’s exactly what Sokito have done with their eco-friendly approach, which has led to several professional players investing in the brand and giving them one of the best soccer cleats on the market, in the Scudetta.
This cleat boasts a synthetic non-stretch quarter for secure lockdown, while the forefoot is made from soft and lush synthetic leather called biovamp, which helps provide a traditional, cushioned touch on the ball. The cleat’s sleek design mixed with traditional feel gives you the best of two worlds. This is Sokito’s halo cleat and competes in quality and performance with rivals from some of the big brands, while costing a fraction of the price. While most cleats in this tier cost £220 upwards, the Scudetta comes in at a humble £175.
The cleat is also comfortable after a bit of break-in and an aggressive stud pattern of bladed studs to provide traction and a responsive feel off the ground. Another stand-out feature from the cleat is that it's made mostly from recycled and bio-based materials, so not only does it provide cutting-edge performance on the field, it does its part to cut down the carbon footprint from regular soccer cleat production.
If you’re after a cleat that offers amazing performance and comfort, but is cheaper than other elite models, then the Scudetta is a great option.
Best for goalkeepers
Although any cleat can be worn by players in any position, it’s important to also understand certain qualities each one should provide - and the Adidas Copa Pure 3 is a great choice for goalkeepers out there.
The cleat combines calf leather forefoot pods with a synthetic quarter and uses a textile which Adidas calls Fusionskin, a mesh that combines soft leather with synthetic. The soft leather forefoot helps provide a traditional no-nonsense cushioned touch on the ball, while the synthetic quarter provides structure and lockdown, which is very important when you need to make explosive lateral movements when diving to make saves.
Not only that, but the cleat fits snug to your feet and is incredibly comfortable once fully broken in. The cleat is also accompanied by Adidas’s Comfortframe outsole, which is filled with round conical studs to help with comfort, stability and mobility.
Best for defenders
As its name suggests, the Adidas Copa Pure 3 is the third in the Pure line after the first and second iterations were released in quick succession in 2023. The 3 is arguably the best, building on some of the strengths of its predecessors and creating a modern Copa worthy of its hallowed name.
The upper is made of Fusionskin, with much of the natural leather here concentrated towards the forefoot. It is in this area that the cleat really excels with the padded upper providing a nice, cushioned touch. Though the upper softens once broken in, it is comfortable out of the box and has a simplicity that may be appreciated by defenders. Though very few cleats will do much in the way of ‘protection’, the extra padding on these in comparison to most options on the market is likely to be attractive to defensive-minded players.
The Copa Pure 3 does fit a little differently in terms of length compared to the past few models, coming up slightly longer, so this is something to be wary of. The outsole is comfortable and flexible, featuring mostly rounded studs with a few blades around the midfoot for that extra bit of traction.
The Copa Pure 3 does a great job of offering a traditional experience but with a lighter, more modern twist. Any no-nonsense Copa Mundial loyalist looking to take baby steps into the world of modern soccer cleats could do a lot worse than to start here.
Best for midfielders
The Skechers SKX represented the brand’s first foray into the world of elite soccer cleats in 2023 before having a very subtle facelift midway through its life cycle. Though it was a good cleat that was well received, the leap forward with the SKX 2 makes this perhaps the most improved model on the market.
The upper is wonderfully soft and flexible out of the box, requiring no break-in at all. It is thin enough to give the kind of one-on-one feeling with the ball that creators will relish but does not lack for structure. The upper also has a subtle stickiness to offer some extra grip on the ball, with the PSC texturing seeking to aid touch. The SKX 2 is Skecher’s ‘control’ cleat, aimed at those who enjoy getting on the ball, and the overall package lends itself well to that. It is built in a way that provides very few distractions, allowing you to concentrate on what matters.
The soleplate is brought forward from the first generation of the SKX and features mainly diamond-shaped studs that offer a balance between rotational support and an extra little bit of bite. The outsole overall is more on the flexible side. Skechers continue to go from strength to strength in the very early stages of their soccer cleat journey.
Best for strikers
The Nike Phantom 6 Elite builds on the GX 1 and GX 2 models that it follows, combining some of the best bits of both to create one of the top releases of the year.
Visually, the cleat has a lot of similarity to the hugely popular GX 1 with its two-piece construction. The top layer is where the sticky GripKnit is found and this remains one of the stars of the show. The GripKnit here is softer in texture than the slightly rougher offering from the GX 2 and feels slightly grippier on the ball. The off-centered lacing creates a large strike zone that will appeal to strikers and Nike have included a dedicated strike area with more dramatic grip to impact swerve and dip. It will not necessarily have a significant impact on the ball but is a nice addition.
The outsole features an updated version of the Cyclone 360 plate first seen on the Phantom Luna and then the GX 2. The plate is slightly stiffer with some extra studs in the midfoot and generally feels better than its predecessor, which felt a little over-flexible and therefore lacked stability.
Just as with the two previous Phantom models, the Phantom 6 is comfortable out of the box and accommodating for those with wider feet. Nike has been on a good run with the Phantom over the past few years and the Phantom 6 may be the best of the lot.
Best for women
Puma continue to lead the major players in the market in terms of offering a dedicated cleat for female players. As with the unisex version, the Puma Ultra 6 features minimal updates from the Ultra 5 - but this is no bad thing, as this was a cleat that needed little improvement.
The cleats feature a lower instep and lower volume than the unisex version as well as a soleplate geared towards better rotational support, with female players significantly more susceptible to serious knee injuries than men. All of the great tech on the unisex version is also present here with the soft and subtly grippy GripControl pro upper and lightweight build.
Though this is an area of the market that still needs drastic progress, Puma’s selection for women remains the best and the Ultra remains the leading cleat on offer from the brand.
Best for wide feet
Finding a good pair of soccer cleats for wide-footed players can be a nightmare. However, the Nike Phantom 6 is currently the best on the market.
Its wide heel and the new last give the cleat a more snug and adaptive fit for players with wider feet. The cleat boasts many great features, including the GripKnit upper which provides more grip on the ball when dribbling and striking. This offers a very sensory and responsive feel. The other key feature of the cleat is the Cyclone 360 soleplate which is meant to reduce the force on your knees when pivoting, but if it’s not your cup of tea the Artificial Ground option also performs well on grass.
The Phantom 6 is truly a unique cleat that offers comfort, a good feel for the ball, snug fit and is very accommodating for players with wide feet. They are ready to be used straight out of the box as the soft and pliable heel and upper ensures little to no break-in time.
Best for speed
When it comes to speed cleats currently on the market, the Mizuno Alpha 2 tops the table.
The Alpha 2 is packed with tech that anyone who prefers speed cleats would look for. It has a thin synthetic upper for a barefoot touch on the ball, a soleplate featuring Mizuno’s Enerzy tech and a karvo insert in the forefoot to provide a responsive and explosive off-the-mark feel, but the star of the show is the lining of the cleat and insole which uses Mizuno's zero-glide technology. This will be the grippiest material you will ever feel in a soccer cleat and will keep your feet locked in.
These things combine to provide a cleat that feel weightless on your feet while still providing a top-tier playing experience. Not only does it tick all the boxes of what you’d want in a speed cleat, it excels in every category.
There are two versions of the cleat, the MIJ and the Elite. The MIJ is much pricier but the elite is also a great option as it’s much cheaper and doesn’t provide as much zero glide as the MIJ, which seem like overkill to some. Although they don't look like big players when stood next to Nike and Adidas, Mizuno have created a name for themselves as perfectionists with great attention to detail and quality, with the Alpha 2 a great example.
Best for comfort
When it comes to soccer cleats, New Balance might not be the first name that springs to mind - but the Furon V8 shouldn’t be overlooked as it’s the most comfortable cleat on the market.
The superb comfort of the cleat stems from its Hypoknit upper, which just melts on your foot and feels like you’re wearing slippers. This comfort is complimented by a super soft heel allowing for an easy and blister-free break-in. The cleat also boasts asymmetric lacing for a bigger and cleaner strike vamp and an aggressive and responsive soleplate.
When it comes to offering a distraction-free, lightweight and comfortable playing experience, then the Furon V8 is the ultimate choice. The model falls under the speed category of soccer cleats so faces a lot of formidable competition but when it comes to general comfort, it stands above the rest. Your feet will thank you if you choose the New Balance Furon V8.
How we test soccer cleats
We put each pair through its paces for several sessions across all surfaces to determine their true level of performance across key factors including comfort, stability, fit and feel. This also allows us to balance them against the claims from brands about new features and technology.
If a brand says that a new aspect of its soleplate means you will be able to push off faster or a new synthetic upper is just as comfortable as leather – we will test to see how accurate this really is.
Each pair is tested by an expert member of the team who lives and breathes soccer cleats, and is therefore able to cut through the marketing minefield and provide simple yet detailed advice for all players regardless of level.
In depth knowledge of the market means factors that are important to consumers like value for money will always be flagged.
How to choose the best soccer cleats
The soccer cleat market can be a bit of a minefield at the best of times, with an array of options available and brands championing the 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 you and your game. Below are some factors to consider when looking for your next pair...
Leather or synthetic
When trying to work out what pair of cleats suits you best the material of the upper is a vitally important factor to consider. There was a time when virtually all cleats would have been competing in the best leather soccer cleats category, but these materials are slowly being phased out by many brands in favour of man-made options.
However, ample leather options remain. Leather offers a traditional fit, moulding to the shape of your feet. It is also soft, pliable and durable.
Most synthetic uppers will be slightly thinner and offer less padding than their natural leather counterparts. They will, though, offer a much closer connection to the ball with the thinnest synthetics providing a close to barefoot feel.
There is also the option of leather-imitating synthetics that represent a nice in between. These are often more lightweight than natural leather but come with much of the same comfort and pliability.
Styling
This is the area where there is perhaps the greatest range with something for everyone. Most brands will offer pairs that are simpler and more traditional in look and also ones that are flashy and colourful.
Whatever your personality or preference, there are likely many pairs that complement it perfectly.
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’ cleats, 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 - so checking out our guide on the best soccer cleats for artificial turf is your best bet - whereas if you are playing on turf every week then some of the best soccer cleats for firm ground will work a lot better 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 before buying because making sure your cleats are the perfect length and width is key.
Pairs of the same size often vary slightly in length between brands and across models, so it 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.
Foot shape is highly personal so consider the shape of your feet when looking for a pair. Some cleats are very narrow so will not suit anyone with wide feet and likewise very wide fitting pairs can sometimes feel slightly awkward for those with especially narrow feet.
This is especially important if considering a pair of laceless cleats as the lack of laces means there is very little adaptability – they will either work for your feet or they won’t.
Best Soccer Cleats: FAQs
What cleats is Messi using?
Typically, Messi wears Adidas cleats and has previously worn his own signature line of cleats. Currently, though, Messi is mostly wearing the F50 line of Adidas cleats, and he has had an affiliation with the F50s dating back to the early stages of his career.
What's the best brand of soccer cleats?
The best brand of soccer cleats largely comes down to personal preference, but in our guide, Nike manufactures almost half of the best options out there, including the best overall, the Nike Phantom 6. Adidas make two of the best cleats out there, as well as New Balance, Puma and Sokito. Generally, major cleat manufacturers like Adidas, Nike and Puma are reliable for good quality soccer cleats.
Is Elite or Pro better in soccer cleats?
Elite models are generally the top-end models. This means that they are made to be the best with the best materials, features and technologies. Pro models typically represent a markdown in quality, but they often come at a lower price point and can, in some cases, offer better value for money.
Are Nike or Adidas cleats better?
The answer to this is purely subjective, and it comes down to personal preference. There's no doubt that Nike and Adidas are two of the very best soccer cleat manufacturers out there, and represent several in our guide. Whoever makes better soccer cleats will depend on your foot shape, what you're looking for in a cleat and individual needs and preferences.
A soccer jersey and cleat aficionado, Lolade Jinadu has over 40,000 followers on Instagram and a vast collection of soccer cleats. With all kinds of equipment ranging from retro to brand-new releases and one-off special edition cleats, Lolade has tested hundreds of soccer cleats over the years from a range of brands, and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the market.
Why you can trust FourFourTwo We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
