7 Best Nike Football Cleats, 20+ Shoes Tested in 2023
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American football is among the most aggressive sports in modern times. Burly players bumping on each other, pulling each other down, or piling on top of one another are just common sights.
Given such aggression and physicality, it’s only wise to expect football cleats to be really durable and well-made. The Swoosh thoroughly understands this, so their Nike football cleats are always well-rated.
We were able to test around 15 football cleats from Nike and made a holistic assessment of each one. Given that all of them are made to take a beating, their rankings are now based on other equally important aspects such as traction, support, and comfort.
Table of contents How we test football CleatsBest overallBest midBest lowBest moldedBest textile/meshBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
How we test football Cleats
Our top picks from a handful of Nike football cleats on record only make sense if our assessment process is credible. Hence, we commit to the following:
- Conduct performance tests on actual football grounds in real football games.
- Decline sponsorships or X-deals. The shoes that we test are only bought using our own funds to get rid of potential bias.
We understand that not everyone wants to go through chunks of text just to be acquainted with a Nike football cleat. Hence, we also come up with a numerical CoreScore. We base this figure on the online ratings given by experts, active footballers, and hobbyists.
Best Nike football Cleats overall
Pros
- Good traction on turf
- Extremely comfortable
- Well-made and supportive upper
- True-to-size fit
- Versatile usage
- Affordable
- Stylish look
Cons
- Not durable base
- Mostly used by kids
What makes it the best overall?
The Nike Alpha Menace 3 Shark is an affordable gift that just keeps on giving. Aside from being a great football cleat, this shoe also lends itself to other sports. It's not a surprise that it is a top choice among younger players. More experienced players should stop sleeping on this.
Best mid Nike football Cleats
Pros
- Comfortable wraparound
- Great fit
- Dependable grip
- Durable
- For entry-level footballers
- Suits various positions
- Affordable
Cons
- Downgraded techs
- So-so upper protection
What makes it the best mid?
The Alpha Menace Varsity 3 from Nike reaches out to a wider audience, and it is particularly great for beginners. This shoe generally delivers on everything that matters to a football player. It offers a grip that the wearer can depend on. It also has a fairly commendable fit. Perhaps the one that many appreciate is the comfort that it brings even if it's worn for a long period of time.
Best low Nike football Cleats
Corescore
Pros
- Excellent traction on grass and turf
- Comfortable tongue
- Noticeable spring back
- Strong heel support
- Lightweight
- True to size
- Spacious toe box
- Stylish appearance
Cons
- Less padding all over
- Not for wide feet
What makes it the best low?
Many football players loved the Vapor Carbon Elite from 2014, hence many waited in anticipation as Nike brings that football cleat back as the Vapor Edge 360 VC. And they are not disappointed. The Nike Vapor Edge 360 VC still manages to exude the essence of the original while significantly improving its performance. Is this a worthy buy? Of course!
Best Nike molded football Cleats
Corescore
Pros
- High levels of comfort
- Sprint-ready midsole tooling
- Great traction
- Lightweight structure
- Supportive construction
- Affordable price
- Sleek design
Cons
- Rips apart early
- Break-in is needed
What makes it the best molded?
The Nike Vapor Edge Team is a warmly received football cleat because it straightforwardly offers more for less. From top to bottom, the elements in it contribute to an experience that many performance-conscious wearers appreciate. This is indeed a worthy cheap alternative to the Nike Vapor Edge Elite 360 Flyknit.
Best Nike textile/mesh football Cleats
Nike Vapor Edge Speed 360
Nike
$95
Champs Sports
Free shipping & returns
$100
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$120
Zappos
Pros
- Dependable grip
- Superb comfort
- Nice bounce
- Insanely light
- Affordable
- Flexible support
- Perfect for quick cuts
- Great fit
Cons
- Requires breaking-in
- Stiff
What makes it the best textile/mesh?
Nike Vapor Edge Speed 360 is well-received by many, especially because it delivers players to a new level of speed and agility. Football players of any position are pleased with this pair because it allows them to move on the field, run faster to beat defenders, and execute plays without any discomfort and helps them focus on winning the game.
Best value Nike football Cleats
Corescore
Pros
- Reliable traction
- Durable
- Accommodates wide feet
- Fits perfectly
- Dependable support
- Comfortable on feet
Cons
- Slightly narrow
What makes it the best value?
The Nike Force Savage Pro 2 is another affordable cleat that packs a lot of punch on the field. Owners are claiming that these football cleats are sturdy, supportive, comfortable, has excellent traction, and are also wide-feet friendly. All in all, the Force Savage Pro 2 is a budget-friendly cleat that can last the entire football season.
Most popular Nike football Cleats
Pros
- Superb comfort
- Flexible
- Fits true to size
- Easy to put on
- Springy midsole
- Great for hard cuts and accelerating
- Light
- Breathable upper
- Excellent lockdown
- No break-in time required
Cons
- Noticeable wear after a couple of months
- Easily gets dirty
What makes it the most popular?
The Nike Vapor Untouchable Pro 3 offers reliable performance at an affordable price. Recommended for skill players, these football cleats feel light and fast on their feet. The outsole plate offers a springy response, and the cleat pattern provides one of the best tractions on the gridiron. It also helps that these Nike cleats feature a thick external counter for added heel lockdown.
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