Looking for the best soccer cleats in 2025? 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 even Liverpool's Harvey Elliott with trademark cleats of their own.
That's not to say that centre-backs can't wear cleats Nike or Adidas have intended wingers to benefit from, however - ultimately it all comes down to personal preference, and what you feel most comfortable wearing on the field. And while this guide focuses on the best soccer cleats of the year, we also have a plethora of others available should you be in the market for something more specific.
Whether you'd like something comfy for your weekly five-a-side 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… well your feet, of course.
The best soccer cleats in 2025
The quick list
Comfortable yet light, agressive but with sharp turning capabilities, the Adidas F50 Elite Messi edition can do it all. I love the subtle updates this cleat has compared to the regular version - and if they're good enough for Messi, then they're good enough for me.
Though they no longer feature natural leather, the Nike Tiempo Legend 10 is still a high quality cleat that incorporates the best of synthetic materials while still providing plenty of protection in tackles and control in passes.
The Hybridtouch material gives the cleat a more padded feel compared to most modern offerings and so offers ever-so-slightly more protection than most cleats currently on the market without any excess bulk. The return of the tongue is welcomed, too.
The extremely lightweight vaporposite and lovely grippy texture on the upper makes the Mercurials tough to beat – as usual - and ideal for quick and nimble players looking to speed away from opponents.
Boasting the best piece of innovation on the cleat market this year, the sticky Gripknit upper is geared towards greater control of the ball, while the soleplate is excellent.
Puma has created these cleats specifically designed to the shape and contouring of women's feet. They have a slimmer and lower profile, while the stud configuration ensures there's greater safety underfoot, too.
Combining comfort, traction and flexibility the Furon V8 Elite is the new market leader. The latest hypoknit material make this a standout option for those chasing top speed.
Constructed with a full natural leather upper, the Nike Premier 3 cleats are durable, offer great protection and are available for less than $100. They might not be the most technologically advanced, but they're steal for the price they're at.
The hypoknit upper material is so soft, while the extra cushioning in the soleplate makes these cleats exceptionally comfortable the second you put them on. The one-piece upper construction hugs the foot nicely, too.
Best overall
The Adidas F50 Elite Messi features a number of alterations that help to make this one of two of the best soccer cleats on the market. While the standard F50 features fibretouch material on the upper, Adidas has decided on the more-leather like hybridtouch - Messi’s preference and certainly an upgrade when it comes to touch and feel of the ball.
With a thin suede lining and well-cushioned heel, these cleats have 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.
I truly love the ‘burrito’ style tongue on these cleats as well, which helps provide better lockdown and a snugger fit for that secure feeling when sprinting and turning. They’re smooth to play in, and work brilliantly with most foot types.
Despite being technically classified as a ‘speed’ cleat, the sprint frame 360 outsole is not as aggressive as most would expect on a burner cleat. Instead, it feels a lot more well-rounded to every player on the pitch, thanks to a stud pattern that features a mix of chevron, conical and bladed studs.
For comfort and touch, the Adidas F50 Elite Messi is close to unbeatable. The well-designed upper, in combination with the low toe box, provides players with a very responsive touch of the ball. This ensures passing, dribbling and striking the ball feels extremely natural.
When it comes to top notch quality in the soccer cleat world, not many come close to the Mizuno Morelia Neo Beta IV Made in Japan. Handcrafted in Japan and left on a specially made last for 24 hours, this cleat combines the highest quality kangaroo leather in forefoot and a synthetic midfoot. This 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, while the cleats are immediately extremely comfortable straight out of the box. The conical studs on the firm ground outsole also make it safer to be used on artificial grass pitches.
When considering the leather upper and reinforced design, these cleats 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
The New Balance Tekela V4+ Pro has a legitimate claim to be one of the best laceless soccer cleats around, with the upper wrapping around the foot tightly while also keeping you locked firmly in place as you launch across the goal in an attempt to save a top corner effort.
But, though the laceless construction means they’re not suitable for players with wide feet, New Balance has been kind enough to create a specific option for players with wide feet - a great added bonus to suit everybody.
What I particularly like about the New Balance Tekela is the hypoknit material that wraps the upper. Undoubtedly one of my favorite uppers around, it provides a barefoot sensation that offers a noticeable grip on the ball at the same time. There’s been welcome changes from the previous generation, too - the heel on the V4+ is curved in a way that feels more anatomical and allows for your heel to push further back into the cleat, aiding heel lockdown and creating more comfort.
Best for defenders
In implementing its Flytouch Plus material on the upper, Nike has decided to move away from natural leather on the Tiempo Legend for the first time in history. In the kangaroo leather’s place is a synthetic material that mimics its predecessor’s fit and feel while keeping a lighter construction throughout.
This doesn’t mean that there’s been a move away from protection and comfort, though, with the Nike Tiempo Legend 10 Elite providing these in abundance. While they’re slightly lighter than normal, I found the general construction still kept them extremely sturdy during 50-50 tackles and challenges against my opponent. Underfoot, the soleplate provides good levels of cushioning, too, while the stud pattern makes twisting and turning easier though without that real aggression seen on lighter and speedier models.
They’re also built to last, with that durability making them an excellent choice for players wanting the best soccer cleats for defenders. What’s more, long-range passing feels brilliant through the upper, while the two-piece upper construction makes them well-suited for players with wide feet, too.
One of the only soccer cleats in the modern day that still uses a natural leather upper, the Adidas Copa Pure 2.1 incorporates everything great from traditional cleats and combines them with modern technologies to produce something that has the best of both worlds.
Offering plenty of protection, thanks to the padded heel and quilting on the leather upper, these cleats have an extra layer for defenders to come out unscathed during heavy-hitting tackles on a regular basis.
This padding make them super comfortable at all times, while also helping players wanting slightly more padding behind them when passing the ball to midfielders or lofting it through for their strikers.
I don't think these features will impact your ability to keep up with quick and crafty attackers, either. The FG option features rounded, headed and bladed base studs to allow comfortable pivoting alongside an extra bit of aggression when taking off. This balance is perfect for a defender with an upper that is made for comfort, while also adding requisite agility levels through the soleplate.
Best for midfielders
Well, I can’t exactly discuss the best soccer cleats for midfielders and not include the iconic Adidas Predator Elite. A modernised version of the cleat that took the world by storm in the mid-90s, the latest version of the Predator may be a lot lighter than it used to be, but it still manages to maintain the classic elements that are a joy to play in - especially with the long-awaited return of the tongue.
The result is a clean striking zone that is only benefitted through the rubber striking elements dotted across the upper to help with your touch, passing and shooting. Players looking to get on the ball as often as possible will only benefit from these cleats, with those aforementioned features all extremely noticeable and certainly enjoyable to play in.
Underfoot, there's an improved soleplate and stud pattern to further benefit players covering every blade of grass. I found it easy to channel my inner David Beckham while wearing these beauties - I'm sure you will, too.
While I believe the Nike Phantom GX 2 Elite is perfectly suited for players in every position on the pitch, the area they’re best-suited for is in midfield. Nike’s truly exceptional gripknit material has been carried over from the first generation of the cleat, a grippy texturing which offers a sharp touch on the ball with plenty of control and ability to manoeuvre.
The strikezone, a clean area to rake long-field passes and smash shots at goal, is what truly makes these brilliant for midfielders, though, with the large, uninterrupted surface ensuring nothing gets in the way of where you want to pinpoint the ball towards. When ranked among the best Nike soccer cleats it’s hard to look past these - and even more so when discussing the best soccer cleats for midfielders.
Perhaps the only area that the Nike Phantom GX 2 Elite falls down is the soleplate. It feels a little too flexible for my liking, though this is by no means a bad thing - it's just my personal preference to have something that is a little stiffer for improved stability. Regardless, it's still an excellent cleat that is often 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 the best soccer cleat available, but that’s not to do a disservice to the return of the F50. Once the lightest cleat on the market, the latest iteration of the F50 has a bit of extra weight, but in return provides greater levels of performance.
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. I personally loved this feature, because it felt like I was in absolute control and able to move wherever I liked - placing them high when compared with the best Adidas soccer cleats.
And while they’re still aggressive and responsive, Adidas’ decision to implement some conical studs in the forefoot means that an element of traction has been lost. This is mitigated through the stiff soleplate providing great energy return, but tricky wingers might prefer the rotational support this offers rather than pacy players wanting to constantly attack their opponent.
Lightweight, snappy and responsive, the Puma Ultra 5 Ultimate are everything you want from a cleat if you’re looking for the best soccer cleats for wingers. Sprinting away from full-backs will feel easy while wearing these, with the speedsystem outsole very noticeable when reaching full speed. There’s a great level of energy return thanks to this technology, while the FastTrax studs bite into the ground to aid traction.
I was left really impressed with the GripControl pro skin upper on these cleats, too, with the material offering a slight stickiness that can be felt when touching the ball. Subtle shifts are made easier because of this material, while they still maintain plenty of thinness to get as barefoot a feel on the ball as possible.
It must be noted that the sizing is a little tricky with these cleats. I personally found going half a size down worked well, though there was a bit of extra material around the heel that I didn’t particularly like. As with the majority of Puma cleats, though, they’re certainly suitable for players with wide feet - ideal for wingers who struggle to fit a range of different cleats.
Best for strikers
No list is complete without the Nike Mercurial Superfly 10 Elite, undoubtedly one of the best Nike soccer cleats available on the market. Everything you’d expect from the speed cleat pioneer, the latest Superfly is lightweight, thin and oh-so-speedy. Nike's gripknit upper gets a huge thumbs up from me, which provides a grippy, barefoot feel.
One area that is perhaps surprising, though, is the comfort. In the past, the Mercurial model has needed a considerable amount of break-in time, but this latest model feels like it could be used straight out of a box and into a game - it's that comfortable.
The heel is well cushioned, too, with the atomknit material, which is an evolved version of flyknit used on Nike’s running shoes, providing a very comfortable on-foot experience. In conjunction with the gripknit used on the Superfly's upper, this helps to provide a brilliant one-to-one experience when it comes to touch on the ball, as well as a stretchier fit that can conform and accommodate a larger range of foot types.
While most speed cleats tend to fit more snugly, the update to the Skechers Razor Elite is much more accommodating for those with wide feet, as the brand appears to be attempting to carve out a niche among the speed cleat category, combining the lightweight construction expected from low-profile cleats with great comfort and protection.
The stud pattern on the soleplate is very aggressive, consisting entirely of chevron studs for the traction needed when taking off at high speed. It also features a carbon fibre insert for that extra bit of stability and responsiveness, and is a reason why I firmly believe they're one of the best soccer cleats for strikers.
In terms of the latter, it does lack a little in this regard compared to other speed cleats, with Skechers opting for more flexibility as part of a greater emphasis on comfort. Disappointingly, there is no dedicated AG or SG option for the Skechers Razor at the moment, though.
Best for wide feet
My absolute favorite soccer cleat of 2024, the Nike Phantom GX Elite boasts arguably the best piece of innovation I’ve seen in a long while, with its sticky Gripknit upper geared towards greater control of the ball. The material feels excellent when picking out passes or dribbling at opponents, with the noticeable grip it provides a welcome improvement from technology.
What places them at the top of the best soccer cleats for wide feet, though, is the soleplate. It's flexible and stretchy, helping players slip straight into these with ease, comfort and a certain elegance that most other options on the market unfortunately don't offer. The soleplate is excellent, combining agility and stability in a way that allows the craftsmen among us to flourish.
That soleplate flexibility also earns the Phantom GX a spot in my picks for the best soccer cleats for flat feet. I truly love these soccer cleats, and still wear them on a regular basis even though they’ve been replaced by a newer model.
A cleat that needs absolutely no introduction, the Adidas Copa Mundial has been around for nearly 50 years - and for good reason. Your dad swears there has never been a better cleat before or since, while every side has that certain player who buys pair after pair of the same classic design.
A full kangaroo leather upper is something that is not all that common in today’s soccer cleat world, while the durability is second-to-none. Both of these combine to make a great cleat well-suited for players with wide feet - not only does the leather stretch and conform to the shape of your foot, but it will do so and last for absolutely ages.
Underfoot, the comfortable yet minimalist construction is certainly welcome in an age when soccer cleats are constantly released with the latest newfangled technologies, too, while the stud pattern is the most tried and tested in history. They work for a reason, and I always enjoy it when I dig these out for a training session.
Best for women
When it comes to bespoke soccer cleats for women, there aren’t many too options unfortunately. But there is still one option that is undoubtedly clear in the best soccer cleats for women category, and that is the Puma Womens Ultra 5 Carbon.
Jam-packed with advanced engineering and technology, the upper of the cleat features a lightweight mesh upper with gripcontrol pro skin technology that provides more grip on the ball, while still offering a close feel to the ball with every touch. The star of the show on this cleat, though, is the outsole, which features the speedsystem carbon outsole - a fullcarbon fibre outsole that provides a more responsive and springy push off when running, while also reducing foot fatigue.
The brand have carefully crafted the instep height and volume of their women's boots to maximise comfort and performance, too, helping make them specially suited for the female player.
The brand that has done by the far most when it comes to developing women-specific soccer cleats, Puma has dedicated women's fit version of their models, with the Future 7 Ultimate another cleat to add to that list.
Comfortable straight out of the box and requiring no break-in time, the Future 7 Ultimate is helped by Puma's Pwrtape technology, which aids lockdown and provides extra pressure in key areas. The placement of the tape is modified from the Puma Future Ultimate that it replaces, and I found the new configuration preferable.
As with all of Puma’s women’s fit cleats, the 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 soccer cleat with the added extra of this dedicated option for women.
Best for speed
A cleat that has been four years in the making, the Puma Ultra 5 Carbon is so incredibly technologically advanced that they feel super-futuristic, with the carbon soleplate firmly earning their place among the best lightweight soccer cleats.
The Pwrtape SQD support frame helps provide a more custom moulded fit when broken-in, which helps make the upper pliable, soft and comfortable. They're also ultra-thin and super lightweight, providing a barefoot feel on the ball and the GripControl Pro skin texturing feels very gritty to touch and helps provide extra grip when dribbling or players seeking more aid when passing.
Comfort isn't a problem, either, as can be the case with many carbon fibre soleplates. Naturally, there's a rigid feedback, but Puma has done an excellent job in ensuring the cleat is still nice to wear underfoot. It’s personally a little too stiff for my liking, but they’re objectively a great option if you want something super speedy.
As the name suggests, the V8 Elite is an update on the New Balance Furon V7+ Pro – and a slight update is all that was needed on what was already one of the best soccer cleats for speed available. New Balance has a very strong claim to having the best current roster of cleats outside of Nike and Adidas, with its hypoknit material my favourite knit upper of all brands.
The one-piece construction with a knitted upper has been a popular formula among brands for several years, but New Balance’s hypoknit material is my standout option. Wonderfully comfortable straight from the box and requiring no break-in time, the Furon V7+ Pro is soft, flexible and completely faithful to all of the movements of your feet. It is also thin and allows you to feel completely at one with the ball.
Traction is aided by the aggressive soleplate, which features heavily angled chevron studs throughout for a level of traction that is essential for a good speed cleat, while the outsole is responsive while also possessing flexibility where needed. The off-centred lacing is always fun to play in as well.
Best value for money
Sustainable and vegan, it’s somewhat surprising that the Sokito Scudetta are more affordable than the vast majority of elite cleats. They don’t relinquish any quality or technology either, with the upper simply excellent and the upper soft, flexible and one I am a big fan of playing in.
The look and feel is reminiscent of the Adidas Adizero from 2014, widely recognised as one of the best soccer cleats ever, with the soleplate configuration and lightweight design both contributing to an altogether brilliant cleat.
They do still cost around the $200 mark, but a great option nonetheless when it comes to cheaper alternatives to cleats like the Nike Mercurial Superfly 10 and Adidas F50 Elite.
I was perhaps most surprised out of all soccer cleats when trying the Kipsta Viralto IV Premium - not only are they extremely affordable, they’re also great quality, too. Indeed, two things we are seeing less and less of in the market are affordability and natural leather cleats. Thankfully, these Kipstas have both.
Comprised of a soft kangaroo leather in the forefoot, which transitions towards a synthetic material in the midfoot, these are extremely soft and comfortable straight out of the box. The biggest compliment I can pay the Kipsta Viralto 4 Premium is that they feel quite similar to the Adidas Copa Mundial, one of the greatest cleats ever produced.
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 cleats but don’t want to break the bank, then opting for these Kipsta cleats will stand you in good stead. They’re super durable as well, for an added benefit.
Always available on discount for around the $100 mark, the Nike Premier 3 is a premium soccer cleat that is available for a great price. The tongue design is a very classic look and fit that is likely to appeal heavily to traditionalists, though the abundance of colorway options means there’s always likely to be something for everyone.
I loved that it's a comfortable cleat, with the mixture of the leather concentrated towards the forefoot and the soft synthetic in other areas creating a package that is perfectly-fitting straight out of the box - and even more so once broken in after a few wears. The soleplate prioritises comfort over raw speed in its flexibility and simplicity and the stripped back nature of the whole cleat will mean that it is appealing to many players across the field.
It's also a cheaper option than many of its counterparts, too, making them one of the best soccer cleats for under $100.
Best for comfort
The New Balance Tekela V4+ Pro Low is a cleat I truly adore. Utilising New Balance’s hypoknit material on the upper, there’s an added texturing that feels great when on the ball, while still providing a true one-to-one sensation. For those seeking comfort through a barefoot feel, then look no further.
In truth, they’re the most comfortable soccer cleats around that aren’t made from natural leather.
What makes these cleats even more comfortable is the soleplate. With a mixture of conical and chevron studs placed throughout the cleat, pressure is dispersed evenly and brilliantly at all times, even when twisting, turning and sprinting. But that doesn’t mean there’s no bite, with the forefoot providing some good feedback through a rigid soleplate.
Comprised of a super premium kangaroo leather upper and premium materials elsewhere on the cleat, playing in the Miuzuno Morelia 2 Made in Japan provided an experience unlike any other I’ve had on a soccer field. I can honestly say that I didn’t realise it was possible for a pair of cleats to be as comfortable as the first time I put on a pair of Morelias.
This is thanks to the accommodating fit, cushioning throughout the cleat and extra padding provided by the unbeatable leather upper, making them ideal for someone looking for the best soccer cleats for comfort.
There's no trade-off in terms of weight, either. Surprisingly, the Mizuno Morelia II feels similar to the majority of speed cleats, all while offering a leather upper. That's a great bonus for players wanting modern technologies coupled with traditional feeling.
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 are 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 that 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.
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.
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