Which men’s soccer cleats are best?
The game of soccer is all about footwork. You run, jump, kick and accomplish everything that’s necessary to win thanks to the power of your legs and feet. If you want to play like the very best, you’ll need to wear the very best cleats. The right cleats are a game changer, making all the difference when it comes to speed, acceleration and control. So, it’s important to research your options so you get the right footwear for your level of play..
What to know before you buy men’s soccer cleats
Field type
Men’s soccer cleats are all designed specifically for types of ground they’ll be played on: firm ground, soft ground, artificial ground and multiground.
- Firm: Firm ground (FG) men’s soccer cleats are designed for natural grounds and grasses. Their cleats are typically round, and occasionally removable, to enhance one’s traction.
- Soft: Soft ground (SG) men’s soccer cleats are designed for playing on any natural field that isn’t firm. This can include wet grasses and muds or dry grounds with a lot of give. SG cleats use longer cleats, which are sometimes aluminum tipped, to dig into the soft ground for more traction.
- Artificial: Artificial ground (AG) cleats have the shortest cleats of the bunch. This is to help provide grip on the generally shallow fielding that artificial turfs have.
- Multi: Multi-ground (MG) cleats are designed to achieve reasonable levels of traction, grip and control on as many types of ground as possible. MG cleats are an excellent option for casual soccer players and especially players who move around a lot for matches.
What to look for in quality men’s soccer cleats
Men’s soccer cleat construction
Each section of men’s soccer cleats have important elements to consider that affect performance.
- Cleat and outsole: Cleat is both the name for the shoe and the name of the nubs that grip into the terrain. Soccer cleats are placed around the outsole in a pattern that follows the foot’s natural flow of motion and can be made of various materials and in various shapes. They attach to the outsole, which is usually a type of plastic for durability, flexibility and comfort.
- Upper and collar: The upper is essentially the rest of the cleat. They can be made from many materials, though leather is generally considered to be the best. Meanwhile, the collar is the opening of the cleat. They come in low, medium and high cuts.
- Laces: Laces can be both straight along the top of the foot or offset to the side. Some players have a preference depending on their style of play but for most, it comes down more to style than function.
How much you can expect to spend on men’s soccer cleats
Men’s soccer cleats are available in all manner of price points which means there’s always an excellent cleat in your budget. You can find men’s soccer cleats for as little as $20 and some for several hundred but most men’s soccer cleats cost between $50-$150.
Men’s soccer cleats FAQ
How long do men’s soccer cleats usually last?
A. That depends both on the quality of the soccer cleats and how much wear you’re putting into them. Nonprofessional soccer players can usually get a few years of use out of an average cleat. But rigorous, professional-level practice and games can exhaust an average soccer cleat by the end of a single season or sooner. As long as you’re buying a decent cleat, a casual player is likely to get about three years out of it.
Does the method of lacing up a men’s soccer cleat affect your performance?
A. Yes and no. For casual and nonprofessional players, the method you choose to lace up your cleats isn’t likely to have much effect on your overall play performance. There are several lacing styles that professionals use to modify how their cleat fits to their feet though, like wrapping one’s laces around the instep to provide some extra arch support.
What are the best men’s soccer cleats to buy?
Top men’s soccer cleats
Adidas Men’s Copa Mundial Soccer Cleat
What you need to know: These Adidas men’s soccer cleats are an excellent choice for fledgling and experienced soccer players alike.
What you’ll love: The Copa Mundial Adidas men’s soccer cleats perfectly straddle the line between highly effective and highly comfortable. Their durability is high enough to last for years, depending on the level of intensive and extended play. The classical design gives these cleats a stylish throwback kind of look.
What you should consider: They have limited effectiveness on wet turf, and the classical design forgoes some cleat technology advancements.
Top men’s soccer cleats for money
Adidas Men’s Performance Mundial Team Athletic Shoe
What you need to know: These supportive cleats are covered in studs perfect for playing on artificial grass.
What you’ll love: They’re made with genuine leather and suede on the outside and synthetic materials on the inside. They look like indoor soccer shoes, but you can use them on both turf and smooth surfaces.
What you should consider: They’re heavier shoes than some other options.
Worth checking out
Adidas Predator 20.4 Flexible Ground Soccer Shoe
What you need to know: These comfortable and affordable shoes are best for beginner players.
What you’ll love: They’re flexible enough to ensure that beginner players don’t roll their ankles as often. They also have an ankle collar that helps with control.
What you should consider: They won’t last a long time, especially if you use them a lot in wet weather.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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