With the seemingly endless types of soccer cleats on the market today, it can be an intimidating and daunting experience to find the perfect pair for you. In this article, we will give you an in-depth look into all the different types of soccer cleats and which one is best for you depending on your playing style, position, and brand. If you still have trouble deciding what cleat you want, be sure to book a private coaching session so you can get tips on your best play style and cleats.
Speed Boots
The first category we have is the speed boot. This category is focused on making the most responsive cleat possible, using lightweight materials and a stiff soleplate to give you a springy feel when you run. We recommend this cleat for players who are more attacking-oriented, like wingers, strikers, attacking midfielders, and overlapping fullbacks.
Nike Zoom Mercurial Vapor 15
This is arguably the most popular speed boot and cleat in today’s game, being worn by players like Ronaldo and Mbappe, who are known for their speed and agility. This cleat provides an option in all price ranges, with it only getting better the more expensive the version you choose. With a flyknit upper and an innovative soleplate, this cleat is a great fit for almost all soccer players who put emphasis on speed and dribbling.
Adidas Crazyfast+
Another great option in the speed boot category is the Adidas Crazyfast+. This cleat, like the Nike Zoom Mercurial Vapor 15, offers a cleat at most price ranges, with the most expensive being one of the most highly desired cleats in the market. This cleat is known for being one of the lightest in the game and is now being worn by players like Mo Salah and Karim Benzema. With its very flexible lacing system, this cleat is great for players with both wide feet and narrow feet.
Puma Ultra Ultimate
The last cleat we are featuring in the speed boot category is the Puma Ultra Ultimate. This cleat, like the previous two mentioned, is known for how light it is and how it gives you a one-to-one feel with the ball. It is no surprise that this cleat is worn by both Christian Pulisic and Kyle Walker, who are two speed demons. Like the pros, this cleat is sure to give you a rapid first step.
Touch and Control Cleats
Our next category of cleats is those more focused on touch, protection, and composure. These cleats aim to give you a clean touch on the ball, which is perfect for being able to pick out your teammates. These cleats have thicker toe boxes, which is great for players who find themselves in all the action, putting in tackles. We recommend this type of cleat for players who are more defensive or playmaking-oriented, like center-backs, defensive fullbacks, and midfielders.
Nike Tiempo Legend 10
This is the most popular cleat in this category, and that is no surprise considering how innovative it is. This cleat offers a material that is synthetic yet feels like leather, giving you a clean touch and an extremely comfortable feel on the ball. Players like Virgil Van Dijk and Frenkie De Jong wear them, which is no surprise as they always put their passes in the perfect place and are composed at all times.
Adidas Predator+
Next, we have the Adidas Predator+, which is one of the more flashy-looking cleats with its fold-over tongue. This cleat isn’t only for looks, though, as it provides immense grip on the ball with its rubber grooves. This cleat is worn by players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham, so if you want to get the passing range of these two maestros, be sure to get these.
All-Rounder Cleats
Last on the list, we have the most well-rounded soccer cleat, which combines the responsiveness of the speed boots with the touch of the more control-oriented cleats.
Mizuno Morelia Neo 4
The Mizuno Morelia Neo 4s are some of the most innovative cleats on the market. These cleats give you an amazing touch on the ball with their leather upper and an extremely springy and responsive feel when running. These cleats are worn by players who are defenders, like Sergio Ramos, and more offensive players, like Tijjani Reijnders. Taking this into consideration, this cleat is perfect for almost anyone.
If you are still having trouble picking a cleat, you can get personalized help from a coach at Athletes Untapped. Testing out new cleats with a private coach will put your cleats to good use and yield amazing results, which might not be possible with only having team soccer training. All these tools and strategies can be extremely beneficial to speeding up your recovery and making it more effective.
To find the best private coach for your needs, visit Athletes Untapped.
