10 Best Soccer Cleats For Men in 2022
Soccer requires a lot of aggression, speed, and brute force. Because of this, it is seen as a largely masculine sport. As a result, many soccer cleats are designed primarily for men.
Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour never cease to try to outdo each other with every soccer cleat that they release. Which one to get?
To make decision-making a lot easier, we assessed almost 250 pairs of soccer cleats for men. Our top picks are presented in this article.
Overview of this guide
How we test soccer cleats
Maintaining our objectivity when making our top picks is important. Hence, we do the following:
- Base our comments and eventual assessments only on actual usage in real soccer games
- Buy the soccer cleats using our own funds to avoid gratitude-induced bias
- Get the opinions of other testers
Aside from the qualitative reports, we also calculate and present a weighted rating called the CoreScore for each shoe. The score is based on the reviews coming from soccer players of varying backgrounds, levels of expertise, and playing styles.
Best soccer cleats overall for men
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all soccer cleats.
- Top 2% in firm ground soccer cleats
- Top 2% in Adidas soccer cleats
- Top 1% most popular soccer cleats
Pros
- Reliable traction
- Pain-free rides
- Secure containment
- Good materials
- Lightness
Cons
- Hard to put on
- Break-in needed
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all soccer cleats.
This shoe has a 6% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 22% in firm ground soccer cleats
- Top 13% in Nike soccer cleats
- Top 5% most popular soccer cleats
Pros
- Reliably grippy: The sole plate and stud configuration work together to give what one expert describes as a "very solid (traction) package."
- Nice forefoot texture: The engineered mesh on the forefoot provides a "matte feel," which of course enhances ball control.
- Nice fit: A good number of soccer players report that these cleats hug their feet just right. Wide-footers still have to make size adjustments, though.
- Light: Though this is a tiny bit heavier than the previous version, the Superfly 8 Elite feels so light that many soccer players enjoy wearing it on the pitch.
- Stylish: Several players can't help but point out the aesthetic appeal of these mid-top cleats from Nike.
- Stable and supportive: The upper material is said be "more aligned with the movement of the foot," resulting in a good lockdown.
Cons
- Needs break-in: This Nike soccer cleat needs some time to unleash its true fit and performance potential.
- Less comfortable: Compared to the Flyknit in the Superfly 7, the Vaporposite material is less pliable. Because of this, players are prone to blisters.
- Less protection: The upper is thinner, so it cannot provide as much protection as the Flyknit used in the previous versions.
- Duplicate: Wearers and experts alike are bummed that the Nike Mercurial Superfly 8 Elite FG is just a collared and ridiculously more expensive version of the Mercurial Vapor 14.
- Gimmicky: This soccer cleat has features, especially the Speed Wings in the rear portion, that do not really have functional significance; they are there for show.
Verdict
Best indoor soccer cleats for men
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all soccer cleats.
This shoe has a 6% penalty on its user ratings because it has fewer than 50 ratings. It also has a 6% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few ratings unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 4% most popular soccer cleats
Pros
- Most reviews of the Nike React Gato indicate that the pair is comfortable to wear.
- A handful of commenters say that this indoor model provides good cushioning.
- The React cushioning system used for this model has been praised by several wearers.
- The soccer cleat feels broken in when you first wear it.
- The Nike Touch 360 technology integrated into the shoe’s construction delivers good traction.
- A couple of users indicate that this Nike cleat is durable.
- The shoe’s Flyknit upper delivers a good touch on the ball.
Cons
- There are some users who felt that there should be more colorway options.
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all soccer cleats.
This shoe has a 6% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 11% most popular soccer cleats
Pros
- Great fit
- Comfortable to wear
- Stylish look
- High-quality materials
- Cool colorways
- Grips indoor floors
- Good for walking or running
- Great ball touch
- Excellent clean strikes
Cons
- Requires break-in period
Verdict
Best Adidas soccer cleats for men
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all soccer cleats.
This shoe has a 6% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 12% most popular soccer cleats
Pros
- Comfort: This soccer cleat is made of top-quality materials such as K-leather. As long as it's properly broken in, it feels great on foot.
- Extra support: The material itself is already very supportive; but there is extra padding around the heel that reinforces that already great containment.
- Pronounced touch: The feel of the upper is a lot better than most soccer cleats, so kicks and shots are more precise.
- Excellent fit: This shoe wraps around the foot quite nicely. In fact, soccer players report that the Adidas Copa Sense+ fits like a glove.
- Sleek look: Many players are happy with how streamlined and aesthetically appealing this Adidas soccer cleat is.
Cons
- Blisters: It's quite unfortunate that the materials that make up the upper of the Adidas Copa Sense+ cause discomfort and even blisters, at least initially.
- Not wide-footer friendly: This soccer cleat is only for those who have slightly narrow to normal feet; wide-footers should look for something else.
- Durability issues: Materials started splitting or peeling off after just a few wears; totally unacceptable for an expensive cleat.
- Break-in: Several players report that many features of this soccer cleat only get better over time.
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all soccer cleats.
This shoe has a 6% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 29% in soccer cleats
- Top 29% in low top soccer cleats
- Top 16% most popular soccer cleats
Pros
- Comfortable padding
- Natural touch
- Glove-like fit
- Light
- Easy to break in
Cons
- Durability issues
- Expensive
Verdict
Best Nike soccer cleats for men
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all soccer cleats.
This shoe has a 6% penalty on its user ratings because it has fewer than 50 ratings. It also has a 6% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few ratings unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 5% most popular soccer cleats
Pros
- Good ball touch
- Nice traction
- Conforming leather upper
- Comfort that's immediately felt
- Sturdy and protective materials
- Supportive fit
- Characteristic Tiempo feel
- Light
- Modern aesthetics
Cons
- Hard to put on
- Stud pressure
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all soccer cleats.
This shoe has a 6% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 23% in firm ground soccer cleats
- Top 15% in Nike soccer cleats
- Top 10% most popular soccer cleats
Pros
- Good traction: A "very solid (traction) package," this is how an expert characterizes the grip provided by the Nike Mercurial Vapor 14 Elite FG.
- Reliable ball feel: Because it has engineered mesh on the upper, this soccer cleat has the right texture for effective ball handling.
- Great fit: Those with slightly narrow to normal feet find that this soccer shoe fits them just right.
- Light feel: The Vapor 14 is a little heavier than last year's version, but it still feels so light and this is all that matters for many soccer players.
- Support and stability: The upper material has a closer fit that it conforms to the foot well and moves with it, ensuring dependable foot containment.
- Stylish: Several players point out that these mid-top cleats from Nike look streamlined and are aesthetically appealing.
Cons
- Break-in time: Soccer players are annoyed that they still have to experience blisters before the Vapor 14 softens up and starts to perform better.
- Less protective upper: The Vaporposite is thinner than the last version's material, so it cannot provide that much protection against trauma.
- Useless add-ons: This low-top soccer cleat has features like the Speed Wings that appear to be only overhyped embellishments.
- Copied design: Soccer athletes accuse Nike of being lazy because the Mercurial Superfly 8 and the Mercurial Vapor 14 are practically just the same shoe; the vapor 14 is just missing the Superfly 8's Flyknit collar.
Verdict
Best value soccer cleats for men
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all soccer cleats.
This shoe has a 6% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 8% most popular soccer cleats
Pros
- Comfortable for playing football
- Good ball control
- Excellent support
- Stability
- Secure fit
- Durable
- Stylish look
Cons
- Requires break-in period
- Hard to put on
Verdict
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all soccer cleats.
This shoe has a 6% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 14% most popular soccer cleats
Pros
- Aggressive traction
- Comfortable fit
- Light
- Stylish streamlined appearance
Cons
- Rigid upper materials
- Excess material in the forefoot
- Not for wide feet
What are the most popular men's soccer cleats in 2022?
- Nike Mercurial Vapor 14 Pro FG
- Nike Mercurial Superfly 8 Elite FG
- Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Elite FG
- Nike Phantom GT2 Elite FG
- Nike Mercurial Superfly 8 Academy MG
- Nike Phantom GT Elite FG
- Nike Mercurial Vapor 14 Elite FG
- Adidas Super Sala
- Adidas X Speedflow.1 FG
- Nike Phantom GT Elite Dynamic Fit FG
- Adidas Copa 20.3 Firm Ground
- Puma Future Z 1.1 FG/AG
- Adidas X Ghosted.1 Firm Ground
- Adidas X Ghosted.2 Firm Ground
What are the cheapest men's soccer cleats in 2022?
- Adidas Super Sala - from £14
- Adidas Copa 20.3 Firm Ground - from £35
- Adidas X Ghosted.2 Firm Ground - from £55
- Puma Future Z 1.1 FG/AG - from £65
- Nike Mercurial Superfly 8 Academy MG - from £80
- Nike Mercurial Vapor 14 Pro FG - from £102
- Nike Phantom GT Elite FG - from £119
- Nike Phantom GT Elite Dynamic Fit FG - from £127
- Adidas X Ghosted.1 Firm Ground - from £129
- Nike Phantom GT2 Elite FG - from £135
- Nike Mercurial Vapor 14 Elite FG - from £166
- Adidas X Speedflow.1 FG - from £180
- Nike Mercurial Superfly 8 Elite FG - from £195
- Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Elite FG - from £204
