Choosing a soccer cleat is an important decision, but oftentimes it can be difficult to find which one is right for you. Soccer cleats have become so advanced from even just ten years ago, and finding the right one for you can make all the difference.

Types of Boots

Before starting with the boots, it’s important to understand that not all boots are made equal and that some are better than others at specific pieces of the game. Generally, you can break boots down into three different categories: speed boots, control boots, and accuracy boots. Speed boots will be lighter and thinner than others allowing you to be faster than anyone on the pitch. Control boots use high quality uppers to offer superior touch and feel on the ball, while still giving you a comfortable boot that you can wear all game long. Accuracy boots are at the forefront of boot innovation, often using the latest and greatest technology to give the players even the smallest advantage. These boots use this technology to give players a comfortable yet lightweight boot that gives them the ability to make pinpoint passes and shots.

Speed Boots

Generally, speed boots tend to be much narrower than any other type of boot. Each brand differs from the others, but normally speed boots are more narrow regardless of brand. Nike’s Mercurial line is incredibly popular and is the narrowest shoe that they have to offer. These boots come in two different types, the Vapor and the Superfly. The major difference between the two is the knit collar on the Superfly. Both boots recently just got upgraded and are 30% lighter than their predecessors. They both utilize Nike’s GripKnit technology, which adds a grippy texture to the upper of the boot to keep the ball close to the players feet. They both feature the trio of Gripknit, Flyknit, and Atomknit construction on the upper to create the thinnest Mercurial to date to give the player even more speed than before.

Adidas offers the F50 as their premier speed boot. These speedy boots are perfect for narrow footed players and are lighter than ever before. These boots use an innovative Sprintframe 360 soleplate which allows speedy players to become even speedier with superior traction. They also feature a revolutionary Sprintweb 3D print on the upper which helps players keep the ball under control at top speed. 

PUMA’s speed boot offering is the iconic Ultra. The super sleek and narrow boot uses PWRTAPE and ULTRAWEAVE technology to create a lightweight and thin boot that gives players a super stable feeling. Speed boots tend to be much narrower than any other boots on the market, which may be uncomfortable for players with wider feet.

Control Boots

Control boots use some of the highest quality materials available to give players a more complete touch and feel on the ball. So if that’s your game and you want that sensation on the ball then control boots are your go to. Nike’s offering is the Tiempo. The Tiempo has been around for 30 years, which has given Nike decades to refine it and make it perfect. These boots use the synthetic FlyTouch Plus leather to give players a supreme feeling on the ball, while Nike’s mainstay All Conditions Control allows players consistency in any weather. Adidas has been a pioneer in the control boot game since they first started making boots. The most recent iteration, the Copa Pure, is derived from the legendary Copa Mundial boots. Like the Tiempos, these boots use a synthetic leather upper called Fusionskin, that gives players a barefoot like feeling when on the ball. Much like the Copa, PUMA’s player in the control boot game is derived from a legend. The King’s were worn by greats such as Pele and Maradona and now they’re packed with all of the best modern technology. The upper differs a bit from others because it uses a hybrid material which PUMA calls K-Better. The K-Better uses 60% synthetic leather and gives the player a pure touch on the ball. All of the control boots offers players a solid frame that is built to withstand those tough and intense moments in the game. Control boots are perfect for players with any type of feet. They tend to be the widest of all boots offered, so anyone can use them depending on your style of play.

Accuracy Boots

Accuracy boots are a bit of a mix between control boots and speed boots. Accuracy boots have the most innovative and creative technologies from each of the brands making them a popular choice for many players. Nike’s offering is the Phantom, which like the Mercurial, comes in two different variants, GX and Luna. Like the Superfly and Vapor the main difference is the knit collar on the Luna. Both the GX and Luna use that same Gripknit that is found on the Mercurials and a Flyknit upper molds to the feet of the player giving them a perfect fit. The Cyclone 360 stud pattern revolutionized the game by reducing stress on the knees when cutting and turning. These boots are perfect for the players who want control in their boots, but also want them to be as lightweight as possible, so they can be as accurate when it comes to passing and shooting. 

Adidas’ legendary Predator offers players some of the game’s best technology that has been carefully perfected over decades to give them a lightweight, yet stable boot. The Predator uses the synthetic suede Hybridskin 2.0 as its upper, a thin and durable material that still gives the player plenty of feeling on the ball. Rubber strikeskin fins are placed on the upper in strategic places to add even more curl to the ball so players can pick their spot with ease. A Controlframe 2.0 offers the player superior support compared to other boots when it comes to cutting and turning. 

PUMA’s stake in the game is the ever evolving Future. The Future is packed full of PUMA’s most innovative technology and is a perfect option for players who prioritize comfort and feel. The Ultimate features an upper with knitted material that is finished with engineered 3D textures in three key areas of the boots, which assist in a quality first touch and helps control the ball in all situations. A unique dual-density Dynamic Motion System outsole that allows for pristine traction and grip across the pitch. Accuracy boots are a bit narrower than control boots, but still will fit most feet types perfectly, and are the perfect blend of everything that a football player is looking for.