Best soccer cleats 2023

Looking for the best soccer cleats in 2023? Look no further: we've reviewed the latest releases from Nike, Adidas, Puma, New Balance, Umbro and more.

With so many soccer cleats on the market right now, it's important to know what you're looking for. Cleats these days are tailor-made for specific roles on the field – whether you're looking for cleats for strikers or cleats or defenders – but also for specific players, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and even Harvey Elliott with trademark cleats of their own. 

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.

Best soccer cleats, 2023

Nike

The latest in the peerless Nike Mercurial range, the Air Zoom Superfly IX, dropped in July 2022 and was given its first run out at the Women's Euros. They're worn this season by some of the biggest stars in the men and women's game, and were seen extensively throughout Qatar 22.

Aside from looking drop dead gorgeous, in FFT's opinion at least, the Air Zoom Superfly IX are among the lightest cleats on the market and offer unbeatable traction – making them ideal for speedy attacking players. The almost sticky skin on the upper is designed to assist with your touch, passing and shooting, while also offering decent protection. 

There's a new three-quarter-length articulated "Zoom Air bag" on these ones, along with a newly designed Vaporposite+ upper, which features a "Speed Cage" design. Basically, they're tighter, sleeker and more durable than ever before. 

The Nike Mercurial Vapor cleats are steeped in soccer folklore. This is the brand that Ronaldo draped around his neck after losing the France '98 final; the cleats that Thierry Henry burned the Highbury grass with in his early noughties pomp.

The sock-less design is what separates the Vapor from the Superfly – and the original remains one of the most iconic yet technologically evolving soccer cleats on the market. These ones are just as bold and brilliant as the old ones though, with the feel and comfort levels – dare we say it – better than the classics. If only R9 had worn these…

In one TV commercial for the Nike Phantom, the greats of the game build up these cleats to be mysterious and lethal in equal part. Rino Gattuso trashes his office in rage and confusion while his former comrade Andrea Pirlo conjures an inky storm from the comfort of his vineyard, as French house duo Justice soundtrack the scene.

The latest iteration of the Phantom cleats look 80s-inspired and worn by the likes of Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne. While they're the least-known of all the American brand's efforts, they're among the best: suitable for strikers or full-backs, offering control, lightness and a design somewhere between the Mercurial and the Tiempo. 

Nike have since updated the Superfly on from this triumph – does that make these classics, yet?

With its semi-circle design on the outside and now-iconic colourways – Cristiano Ronaldo wore a blue/yellow pair to match Manchester United's third kit last season – the Superfly VIII is one of the most distinctive pairs of cleats that the Swoosh has delivered for years. Last season's or otherwise, they still look gorgeous, remain among the lightest on the market and offer top-quality traction. 

The latest Tiempos are extremely comfortable and durable, and are among the lightest on the market, weighing in at only 207g. 

They feature a number of nifty little gadgets, including memory foam and touch pods, designed to specifically help you shoot, dribble and control the ball. The chevron studs have been carefully designed to add top-level traction, helping attacking players can change direction more easily – perfect for bursting past opponents. 

This is a stunning all-round cleat, and one any player should consider adding to their toolkit. 

Adidas

Released in conjunction with a specially made Rick and Morty short, the Adidas X SPEEDPORTAL cleats are a natural evolution from the last X model while upgrading on the look, feel and comfort of the model.

We were blown away when they landed. These are the best-looking Xs in years, with a freshly-designed heel and the brand-new, textless Adidas logo. Bravo.

Adidas do "no-frills" awesomely well when they want to and the Copa Sense is testament to that. Worn by the likes of Jude Bellingham and Joao Felix, the Copa Sense is a defined understatement, stripping back the soccer cleat to its bare essentials. These cleats are immensely comfortable, perfect for any player who prides themselves on their first touch and despite the simplistic design, they look hella cool – whatever colour you get them in.

The Predator is basically the Routemaster bus of soccer: a design classic that pops up in everyday life without you so much as noticing these days… and actually, the updated versions are cooler than many of the vintage models.

Controversial? Yeah, but we're going there. While old Preds were given the task of simply improving David Beckham's sweeping crosses, the Predator Edge are tailor-made for the modern baller, with panels all over to aid control, walloping from 30 yards and, of course, the occasional Goldenballs-style ping. The Predators are well and truly in their renaissance – and we're loving it. 

One for the old guard and hipsters alike, there's simply nothing like the Copa Mundial soccer cleats, no matter how many times Adidas reinvent the wheel. 

For the sheer comfort, nostalgia and reliability, it's virtually impossible to top these brilliant cleats, with buttery soft K-leather ensuring your feet have room to breathe while staying warm and dry. The Adidas Copa Mundial is an icon – and if you're a soccer nerd, you deserve a pair of these at least once in your lifetime.

Umbro

Umbro are as British as a one-armed Alan Shearer celebration, disappointment after the 120th minute or a grey-skied cup final at the old Wembley. But before you interject, yes, we know the Double Diamond are now owned by Nike. 

The Velocitas are still going strong, though, despite the takeover of one of Blighty's greatest icons. The Umbro logo is bigger than ever – perhaps in defiance as much as anything – with the newest 'Bro cleats coming in a wider range of shades than you would have seen when the brand made Three Lions shirts. The Velocita VI are perhaps the best Umbro cleats yet – and a fitting tribute to the good old days of the English game.

Puma

Puma is often seen as lagging behind the juggernauts that are Nike and Adidas – yet the German manufacturer can boast the likes of Pele, Maradona and Cruyff as icons of their brand. The Total Footballer even ripped one of Adidas's three stripes off his Netherlands shirts in the 1970s in loyalty to his sponsor. That's dedication.

And now, they have Neymar in their corner. The Puma Future cleats are the chosen brand for the most expensive player on Earth for their sleek, polished design, bright palettes and ambition to do something a little different – including teaming up with Liberty for a floral version of these Z cleats. If the Puma King is the cleat of a certified legend, the Future Z is for someone who enjoys smashing trends and stepping out to be different from the pack. They're deliciously light, comfortable and come in a range of colours. 

In our recent Puma Future Z Lazertouch soccer cleats review, we praised the authentic leather used in cleats worn by some of the nippiest wingers in world soccer. Neymar's version of the Future Z are lighter still, made by synthetic material as opposed to the leather on the Lazertouch, so you have a choice.

The cleats are a fantastic fit, offer superb traction, look stunning and are light enough to make you feel as if you're wearing carpet slippers. The Future Z is geared towards attacking players specifically.