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If you’re shopping for the best soccer cleats for the first time, the wealth of options can seem overwhelming. Fear not, as we’ve put in the time and research to build a comprehensive guide to soccer cleats so you can make a confident buying decision. Whether you’re planning on playing on a field, on turf or indoors, there are plenty of excellent options with slick features to help you play with comfort and style. We’ll also provide a few expert tips on how to find the right cleats for your needs.

adidas is a soccer company through and through and it’s clear that they know how to design effective soccer cleats. Out of all the cleats we sank our feet into, the adidas Predator Freak+ cleats were easily the most notable.

The Mutated Demonskin upper provides an excellent touch on the ball, making kicking, dribbling and overall handling a much easier task. We love how much the material locks the foot in. Wearing these provides another level of confidence to float freely about the pitch. You don’t have to second-guess your moves because of potential slippage and we all know how important it is to feel completely in the zone.

Beyond that, the material on the shoes is super lightweight, yet it doesn’t feel like they sacrificed functionality by doing so. You still feel plenty of comfort and support on the upper. However, even after a grueling game, there’s no pain to be felt.

As with everything in life, nothing is perfect. One of the main downsides to the Predator Freak+ is that it requires some time to break in. However, we can’t think of a shoe that doesn’t require some length of break-in time. Overall, we recommend spending some time wearing these cleats around the house before you play your first game to optimize your comfort.

Nike has been updating the Mercurial line for years now. Honestly, this is one of the best updates they’ve done thus far, as these shoes feature several key elements that set them apart from other soccer cleats on the market.

The new speed cage provides an optimal fit with a locked-down feeling that we haven’t experienced with other cages. The material is super pliable, allowing you to move your feet around naturally, all without added weight. For comfort, however, Nike added a padded layer to the heel portion of the cleats.

On top, you’ll find the Vaporsite material, which Nike introduced with the release of the Mercurial 8. They’ve taken it a step up from the last iteration of the material, which felt like rigid plastic. Its reduced thickness without a compromise in durability is very surprising.

What truly piqued our interest was the 3/4 Zoom Airbag, which provides a slight bit of added spring in the center sole. The sense of propulsive energy you get from these shoes is truly outstanding and it once again shows how much Nike emphasizes its focus on functionality.

Purchase Nike Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9 Elite FG

Related Post: The Best Nike Shoes for Men in 2022

The relationship between Under Armour and soccer has always waivered, as it seems like the company was never totally sure how to approach making products for the sport. However, the UA Clone Magnetico Pro soccer cleats were one of the most underrated products to come out of Under Armour’s soccer line over the past few years.

The Clone technology was built to adapt to the foot shape, changing not only based on the width of feet but the bumps and curves as well. They feel snug and comfortable, especially around the mid-portion of the foot.

We also found that the upper has a unique feel, as each of the small V-shaped pods collapses under pressure.

One thing to note is that these cleats come with an anatomical soleplate. If you have a low arch and prefer a natural flat sole, this added curvature might bother you.

Purchase Unisex UA Clone Magnetico Pro FG Soccer Cleats

The Puma Future, as with many other football boots, has gone through several iterations. However, the company took a big risk by modifying its flagship boot.

One thing to note is that the perfect fit is still there. Thanks to the adaptive FUZIONFIT+ compression band, these cleats accommodate just about any foot shape. It’s clear that Puma was pretty confident about this band, as they completely removed any lace loops around where the band is placed. You get solid lockdown and security with mobility compromise.

The Puma Future Z 1.4 is also the thinnest boot yet. It almost has a sock-like fit. You’ll find exposed Evoknit material around the mouth and tongue with a soft and stretchy feel and some light padding around the forefoot and heel for a slight bit of additional protection.

One thing that is worth noting is that we’re not huge fans of the plastic coating, as it makes the shoes feel a bit too plasticky. However, with excellent mobility and a high-quality compression band that’ll provide you with comfort like you’ve never felt before, it’s a truly solid soccer cleat.

Purchase PUMA Men’s Future Z 1.4 Creative FG Soccer Cleats

Related Post: The Best Training Shoes in 2022

While the Nike Streetgato might appear more like a lifestyle sneaker, it’s still one of our favorite soccer cleats for playing on indoor courts. The original Streetgato came out more than ten years ago and the upgrades have consistently been stylish and comfortable.

The mesh and suede upper are super comfortable and breathable, while the synthetic lining feels soft on the feet. You get plenty of support, a solid lacing system and a firm heel.

If you’re on a budget or want a soccer shoe that you can rock around town when you’re not playing, the Nike Streetgato indoor soccer shoes are an excellent option.

However, if you’re in the market for a truly battle-ready option, we might recommend looking elsewhere.

Related: The Best Running Shoes for Women in 2022

While the New Balance 442 FG V1 might be one of the company’s lesser-known soccer shoes, it’s a hidden gem, perfect for those who struggle to find cleats that fit their wide feet.

Right out of the box, the leather upper looks great, the fit is comfortable and the look is nothing short of classic. The over-the-tongue logo, all-black-and-white coloring and simple design features are perfect for those who want something that’s not too flashy.

The real selling point with these shoes is the width. You get more comfort out of these shoes than most others if you have wide feet. Relatively, however, these shoes are nowhere near as comfortable as higher-end models. The soles feel flimsier, the kangaroo leather feels a bit heavy and the Velcro tongue that sits atop the laces reduces the amount of touch you get with the ball.

While they hit all the main features you could expect from a budget-friendly cleat, it’s hard to say that they generally hold up in the ranks of 2022 cleats.

Purchase New Balance 442 FG V1

So, Nike finally came out with some laceless cleats for kids and they’re absolutely killer! You get many of the same design features you get with the adult Mercurial Superfly 9s as well, including the Zoom airbag for added snap and propulsion and the redesigned Vaporsite+ material for grip.

While your youngsters might love the feel and flexibility of these shoes, as they provide freedom to run around the feel for hours without comfort issues, we’re sure they’ll love the bright color options even more.

Purchase Nike Jr. Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9 Pro

You can’t go wrong with classic soccer cleats like the adidas Mundial Team shoes. In terms of tech and appearance, not much has changed about these classic turf cleats, which says a lot about their tried and true functionality.

You get all of the traction you could possibly need for playing on artificial surfaces and a feel that sits perfectly between flimsy and rigid. One thing to note about these shoes is that they never feel impacted by the weather. You can play in the rain without sacrificing your grip.

We dig the stud configuration on these shoes as well, as the unique design doesn’t put pressure on the foot. Even after hours of kicking, running, twisting and turning, you can leave the battlefield unscathed. The upper has a pleasant feel against the skin, so you don’t have to worry about pinching or blisters.

For less than a hundred bucks, you truly can’t beat this turf shoe. We’ve yet to find anything better and it will be a surprise if we ever do.

At such a low price, you gotta love what the adidas Copa 20.3 offers. You get a snug, sock-like fit, durable leather with strategically placed grooves for touch and control and a unique stud configuration that ensures grip and traction when playing on firm ground.

The fit is enforced with a central lacing system atop the mono tongue, very similar to what you’d find on the adidas Copa Mundial. You can customize the fit to your feet.

On the underside, the TPU outsole is super lightweight and provides 11 studs, with seven on the forefoot and four on the heel.

As for aesthetics, there are a few unique colorways to choose from, depending on your style.

We wouldn’t recommend these cleats to those playing long games, as they’re a bit bulky and not the most flexible. Serious players may find their feet hurting after wearing these firm ground soccer cleats during intense games.

Purchase adidas Copa 20.3 Firm Ground

Soccer cleats are soccer game-specific footwear that comes with studs (small protrusions) on the bottoms to provide traction and grip as you move about the field. Cleats have been around for over a century, though they’ve changed quite drastically over the years.

When it comes to buying soccer cleats, one of the most important factors to consider is the fit.

Before you dive into finding soccer cleats, it’s a good idea to get in touch with your own feet. Ask a few questions, such as:

Do I have wide or narrow feet?

Is my arch flat or high?

What is my preferred shoe size?

When trying on cleats, keep in mind that they should fit snugly. If you read our reviews above, you’d know that we praise shoes with snug, glove-like fits.

So, for example, if you wear a size 9 running shoe, your best bet would be to look for a soccer cleat a size down at 8.5. Beyond security, a tight fit can provide you with optimal ball touch and feel.

You want to make sure your soccer cleat fits close to the ends of your toes. If your cleats are too big, you risk injury and reduce comfort and feel.

With that said, the end shouldn’t touch your toes either. As a rule of thumb, look for a one-quarter inch gap for comfort. On the other hand, if you’re buying cleats for your child, consider the fact that they still probably have some growing to do. You can look for a half an inch gap instead, which typically equates to a half size up than what you’d normally buy.

Note that most soccer cleats utilize narrow designs, as manufacturers often prioritize snug fits. There are a few exceptions to this, however. New Balance, for example, offers a wide fit line and most adidas cleats tend to run wide.

With all of that said, the best thing you can do is head down to your local sporting goods store and try different cleats to see which ones feel best. It may surprise you which ones you like the most.

Because it’s such a popular question, we figured we’d answer it twice to drill it in. Soccer cleats should fit tight! The last thing you want is to feel like you’re slipping out of your shoes as you move around the field.

We typically recommend buying soccer cleats a size down, if possible. For example, if you wear a size 10 running shoe, you might consider buying a size 9.5 cleat.

As we said before, you want a snug fit. If you buy a size up, you’ll have cleats that are too loose, which can put you at a higher risk of injury.

If you’ve ever seen soccer players wear two pairs of socks when playing, there are a few reasons for doing so.

For starters, two pairs of socks provide an extra layer of protection.

In the past decade, the use of synthetic fiber in soccer cleats has grown. While the material is super lightweight and comfortable, it doesn’t provide much protection for stomps and kicks.

Don’t think that you can avoid kicking and stomping when playing soccer. So, unless you want to break the rules and head out to the field with steel-toe cleats, one of the best ways to give yourself an extra protective shield is with two pairs of socks.

Secondly, an extra pair of socks can help you fit better in your shoes. So many soccer players struggle with finding cleats that fit really well. A size down might be too tight, while a size up might feel too loose.

If that sounds like you, consider buying cleats that are a size up and doubling up your socks to fill in any gaps. With better-fitting shoes, you run less of a risk of suffering any wardrobe malfunctions mid-game.

Lastly and maybe this is more of an opinion, we’ve always felt that an extra pair of socks helps pack an extra punch when delivering strong kicks. With that added layer of protection, you can confidently deliver harder kicks without worrying as much about the impact.

Related Post: 7 Best Hiking Socks to Try in 2022

While breaking open a new set of cleats is a special feeling for any soccer player, the main downside is that you’ll need to spend time getting familiar with them.

This is called the “break-in” process.

Luckily, there are some tried and true ways to get comfortable with your shoes before getting out on the field. Follow the steps below and you’ll feel right at home with your cleats in no time!

Before you start taking your shoes through the break-in process, make sure your new cleats align with your expectations right out of the box.

Does the upper part of the cleat feel pliable and flexible?

Does the width and shape around the forefoot feel form-fitting?

Does the ankle cut sit comfortably?

If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” you might want to reconsider these cleats altogether.

If you’re working with a laced cleat, loosen the laces all the way down to the bottom eyelet. Then, slip the shoes on and allow the upper to adjust itself to the natural shape of your foot. They should feel snug but not too tight.

With the laces open, take a little stroll around the house to get a better idea of how they feel in natural form. Once you’ve spent a couple of minutes familiarizing yourself with the feel, lace up and note whether or not they still feel comfortable.

The important thing here is you don’t want to rush the process. For example, if they feel a bit tight, loosen up some of the laces to give your feet more room to breathe.

On the other hand, if you’re working with a laceless cleat, the trying-on process might be a bit trickier. This is because you’re more dependent on how they feel initially. If you notice they feel a bit tight, you might just have to spend time breaking them in by wearing them around the house or during training sessions.

Note any hotspots in your new cleats, such as pressure points, which may cause blisters and cramps while playing. The last thing you want is for these to come to light during the game, taking away from your focus.

Most of the time, players simply need a break-in period to get comfortable with laceless cleats. However, they also require a bit more honesty. If you feel truly concerned about their comfort right off the bat, you might be better off going with another pair of shoes.

Start using your cleats during practice or training to get a better feel for them on the field. Kick the ball around, do some drills or take a few laps. Get to know how they feel while being active. Don’t forget to use a fitness tracker to record all the steps you’re taking, too!

If you felt any discomfort or tightness while wearing them during practice, we recommend loosening the upper material.

The most precise method for doing this is by placing a shoehorn on the inside of your shoe to enlarge it. Your shoehorn will then push against the upper to stretch it out.

If you don’t have a shoehorn, you can get similar results by bunching up newspapers. Just make sure you don’t wad it up with any weird bumps, as you could end up hurting the material.

This last method is ONLY for those who have leather shoes. You don’t want to use this method on synthetic materials.

With your leather cleats on, stand in the shower and allow warm water to run over them. This will loosen up the leather and help your cleat adjust naturally to your foot’s shape.

Yes, soccer cleats can greatly affect your performance. One study shows having the right combination of cleats and surface material can increase your performance by up to 20%.

Replacing your shoes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles is the golden rule. Of course, if your cleats are beginning to show serious wear and tear, you should replace them.

If you have old soccer cleats that you don’t want to use anymore, you can either donate them to a thrift shop, sell them on your local Classifieds, sell them online or check out Nike’s Reuse-a-Shoe program.

The amount you spend on cleats depends on how often you pay and how much you care about advanced technology. On average, people will spend around $150 on cleats, though they can be anywhere from $50 to $300.

Many professional soccer players wear new cleats every game, as they are required by their sponsors. However, many don’t like to, as they need a bit more time to break them in. These players will only change them when they begin to see wear and tear, which is anywhere from five to seven months.

Soccer pros wear a wide range of different cleats. Here is a breakdown of some of the biggest players in soccer and their current preferred cleats:

Normal soccer cleats are not meant for turf, as cleats are designed to provide traction by penetrating the surface. Plus, many turf fields prohibit regular cleats, as they break down surfaces.

Whether you’re playing on grass, artificial turf or a hard court, getting the right pair of soccer cleats can enhance your game. We hope that you now feel more comfortable finding the best cleats for your needs!

Getting a shoe with a dynamic fit, durable toe box, comfortable sole and more is crucial! With this list of the best soccer cleats on the market, you’re sure to find something to suit your needs.

Keep kickin’ and enjoy your time out on the field with your new cleats!

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.

Tyler Connaghan has been writing professionally for more than ten years in numerous facets, including sports, finance, tech, news, business, music and more.