Soccer cleats give players the necessary traction, support, and mobility to excel on the pitch across all leagues, competitions, and skill levels.
The most eye-catching part of a soccer player's kit is always the jersey. Clubs produce new designs, color schemes, and patterns each season to keep the look fresh and exciting. Plus, away kits offer a different concept that aims to capture the attention of everyone from avid fans to casual spectators.
Soccer players themselves, though, know that their cleats are the most important part of their kit, even if viewers tend to focus on their shirt. Without proper soccer cleats, players would struggle with the ball at their feet, not to mention be at a higher risk for injury.
Understanding the true benefits of soccer cleats, and their difference to football cleats, is a must for anybody looking to step onto the pitch.
What is a soccer cleat?
A soccer cleat is the shoe players wear for all soccer activities, from warm-ups to full 90 minute matches. Often, professional players refer to their cleats as "boots."
The best soccer cleats provide players with a healthy balance of flexibility and support, giving their feet enough padding without weighing down their shot or passes. Unlike some football cleats, the lightweight shoe does not go past the ankle; soccer players need full mobility to execute at the highest level.
The most important part of soccer cleats are the studs beneath the boot. They are designed to give players traction on both real grass and turf without restricting their movement. Football players need even more stability and traction for certain blocks or plays, so their cleats have an additional stud at the very top of the shoe.
Despite the common attributes among all soccer boots, each player has their own unique preferences for certain models, exterior designs, and more. Former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos wore the same blue and white adidas 11Pro cleats his entire career.
How and Where to Buy Soccer Cleats
When shopping for soccer cleats, consider these tips to find your perfect pair:
1. Visit Local Sports Stores: Trying on cleats in person ensures the right fit and comfort.
2. Shop Online: Websites like Amazon, Adidas and Nike’s official store offer a wide selection, often with customer reviews to guide your choice. Particularly useful are the recommendations on whether each models comes up big or small.
3. Look for Discounts: End-of-season sales and clearance sections are great for finding high-quality cleats at a lower price. Online search for voucher codes to get the latest deals.
Best Soccer Cleats Based on Review
Here are some top-rated soccer cleats based on reviews:
• Nike Mercurial Superfly 10 Elite: Known for its lightweight design and excellent traction, this is the boot for all speed demons. As worn by Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Lauren James and Martin Odegaard.
• Adidas Predator Elite: A little more lightweight and narrow than previous seasons but there is much excitement about the return of the fold-over tongue that made this model so iconic As worn by Jude Bellingham, Trent-Alexander Arnold, Alessia Russo.
• PUMA King Utimate: No review article would be complete without this classic silhouette. Once worn by Pele and Maradona but transformed for the 21st century, this cleat is all about comfort. As worn by Xavi Simons, Mateo Kovacic.
• New Balance Furon V7+ Pro: The Hypoknit upper makes it extremely light and flexible and therefore ideal for anyone looking for precise control. As worn by Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Jeremie Frimpong.
• Mizuno Alpha Made in Japan: A pricey purchase from the leftfield Japanese brand but with good reason – this cleat is light, comfortable and built for speed. As worn by Sergio Ramos.
Types of Soccer Cleats
Choosing the right type of cleat depends on the surface you’ll play on. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Firm Ground (FG): Designed for natural grass fields. These cleats have molded studs for traction on firm surfaces.
2. Soft Ground (SG): Best for wet or muddy grass fields. They feature fewer, longer studs, often removable.
3. Artificial Ground (AG): Ideal for artificial turf fields. These have shorter, rubberized studs.
4. Indoor (IN): Flat-soled cleats for indoor courts or futsal games.
5. Turf (TF): Multi-studded soles designed for harder artificial surfaces.
Are Soccer Cleats and Football Cleats the Same?
While soccer and football cleats may look similar, they’re designed for different purposes:
• Soccer Cleats: Low-cut for agility, no toe spike, and lightweight for precise ball control.
• Football Cleats: May include mid or high cuts for ankle support and a front spike for traction during push-offs.
What About Baseball Cleats?
Baseball cleats often have a front toe spike for digging into dirt surfaces, making them unsuitable for soccer. Using the wrong type of cleats can increase the risk of injury and negatively impact performance.
What Soccer Cleats Does Messi Wear?
Lionel Messi, the GOAT , has worn a few different cleats lately. There’s the Adidas F50 Elite Fast Reborn. Messi debuted these special-edition cleats in Inter Miami's match against DC United. The colours are inspired by the F50 Adizeros that he wore at the World Cup in 2010. Then there’s our favourites, the Adidas F50 Triunfo Dorado – a golden boot that radiates all the beauty of a Messi goal.
FAQ About Soccer Cleats
Can you use soccer cleats for football?
While soccer cleats can technically be used for football, they lack the toe spike and ankle support often needed in football. It’s better to use sport-specific cleats for optimal performance.
Can you use soccer cleats for softball?
Soccer cleats can work for softball in a pinch, but they don’t have the same grip or durability as softball-specific cleats.
Are metal cleats allowed in kids’ soccer?
Metal cleats are generally prohibited in youth soccer due to safety concerns. Check your league’s regulations before purchasing.
Are laceless soccer cleats good?
Laceless cleats offer a clean striking surface and snug fit but may not provide the same level of customization as traditional laced cleats. They’re great for players seeking convenience and style.
How to clean soccer cleats?
1. Remove excess dirt with a soft brush.
2. Wipe with a damp cloth or sponge using mild soap.
3. Air-dry at room temperature—avoid direct heat.
For an in-depth guide, check out this video on cleaning soccer cleats.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as What Is a Soccer Cleat?.
