7 Best Football Cleats in 2023
Athletic brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour release numerous football cleats making it quite a challenge to choose the right one for you.
We have tested several pairs to help you narrow down the choice. Low-top or high-top, cheaper or premium, we have selected our top picks in various categories so that you can choose what works best for your game.
In the guide section, you will also find some helpful tips on choosing between laces, straps, and slip-ons, as well as molded vs. detachable cleats. You will also understand the difference between football and soccer cleats.
Best football cleats overall
![Cloud White / Cloud White / Cloud White](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/adidas/39369/adidas-men-s-adizero-football-shoe-white-white-white-11-white-white-white-8929-600.jpg)
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Dependable grip
- Nice shoe quality
- No break-in time required
- Built for speed and agility
- No-frills foot containment
- Fairly resistant to abrasion
- Pretty lightweight
- Modern streamlined look
Cons
- Athletic brands such as
- Has to be broken in
Today's best price
![Cloud White / Cloud White / Cloud White (GX5413)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/adidas/39369/adidas-men-s-adizero-football-shoe-white-white-white-11-white-white-white-8929-60.jpg)
Best football cleats for quarterbacks
![White/Metallic Silver/Wolf Grey](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/37656/nike-vapor-edge-pro-360-men-s-football-cleats-white-metallic-silver-wolf-grey-black-a43f-600.jpg)
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Great traction
- Superb comfort
- Fits true to size
- Sufficient lockdown
- Trendy and stylish look
- Light
- Perfect for quarterback positions
- Get dirty really fast
- Nice bounce
Cons
- Noticeable wear after a few months
- Requires break-in period
- Thin insoles
- Heavy
Today's best price
![Black-game Royal-white-dark Smoke Grey (DV0778003)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/37656/nike-vapor-edge-pro-360-dv0778-003-black-game-royal-white-dark-smoke-grey-men-s-football-cleats-10-us-black-game-royal-white-dark-smoke-grey-27c5-60.jpg)
![Black/White/Dark Smoke Grey (DQ3670041)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/37656/nike-vapor-edge-pro-360-men-s-football-cleats-black-white-dark-smoke-grey-game-royal-efcb-60.jpg)
![Black/Volt/White (DQ3670071)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/37656/nike-vapor-edge-pro-360-men-s-football-cleats-black-white-dark-smoke-grey-volt-3211-60.jpg)
![Black/College Navy/Smoke Grey (DV0778001)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/37656/nike-vapor-edge-pro-360-men-s-football-cleats-black-white-dark-smoke-grey-college-navy-adult-black-white-dark-smoke-grey-college-navy-0a34-60.jpg)
![White (AO8277104)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/37656/nike-vapor-edge-pro-360-white-team-orange-67d2-60.jpg)
![White/Black/Pure Platinum (DQ3670100)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/37656/nike-vapor-edge-pro-360-men-s-football-cleats-white-pure-platinum-black-adult-white-pure-platinum-black-4214-60.jpg)
![Black White Dark Smoke Grey (DQ3670001)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/37656/nike-vapor-edge-pro-360-men-s-football-cleats-black-dark-smoke-grey-light-smoke-grey-white-adult-black-dark-smoke-grey-light-smoke-grey-white-49ba-60.jpg)
![White/Metallic Silver/Wolf Grey (DQ3670102)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/37656/nike-vapor-edge-pro-360-men-s-football-cleats-white-metallic-silver-wolf-grey-black-a43f-60.jpg)
Best football cleats for linemen
![Black](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/33154/nike-force-savage-elite-2-td-ah3999-001-chaussures-pour-homme-noir-black-white-anthracite-white-42-5-eu-black-white-anthracite-white-1d61-600.jpg)
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Best for quarterbacks
- Great product
- highly responsive striking area
- Easily gets dirty
- Outstanding fit
- Comfortable to play in
- Dope look
Cons
- Too hot during sunny days
Today's best price
![Black (AH3999001)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/33154/nike-force-savage-elite-2-td-ah3999-001-chaussures-pour-homme-noir-black-white-anthracite-white-42-5-eu-black-white-anthracite-white-1d61-60.jpg)
![White/Wolf Grey/White (AH3999100)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/33154/nike-force-savage-elite-2-td-mens-ah3999-100-size-7-white-black-wolf-grey-white-f9a4-60.jpg)
![Black/University Red/White (AH3999003)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/33154/nike-force-savage-elite-2-black-2d2c-60.jpg)
![Black/Game Royal/White (AH3999004)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/33154/nike-force-savage-elite-2-black-game-royal-white-df5c-60.jpg)
![Black/College Navy/White (AH3999005)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/33154/nike-force-savage-elite-2-td-mens-football-cleats-ah3999-005-size-8-5-black-white-college-navy-cb5a-60.jpg)
Best football cleats for wide receivers
![White/Pure Platinum/White](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/33149/nike-vapor-untouchable-pro-3-chaussures-de-football-americain-weisz-12-5-us-weisz-d654-600.jpg)
What makes it the best?
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
- Best Nike football Cleats
Cons
- Noticeable wear after a couple of months
- Great choice for bigger players
Today's best price
![Turquoise-orange-white (AO3021103)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/33149/nike-vapor-untouchable-pro-3-ao3021-103-turquoise-orange-white-men-s-football-cleats-16-us-turquoise-orange-white-4341-60.jpg)
![Red (917165800)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/33149/nike-vapor-untouchable-3-pro-917165-800-team-orange-men-s-football-cleats-9-us-orange-4f55-60.jpg)
![Game Royal/White (917165400)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/33149/nike-vapor-untouchable-pro-3-game-royal-white-e65f-60.jpg)
![White/Pure Platinum/White (917165120)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/33149/nike-vapor-untouchable-pro-3-chaussures-de-football-americain-weisz-12-5-us-weisz-d654-60.jpg)
![Green (917165300)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/33149/nike-vapor-untouchable-3-pro-football-cleat-pine-green-adult-pine-green-e997-60.jpg)
![Black/Anthracite (917165010)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/33149/nike-men-s-vapor-untouchable-pro-3-football-cleat-black-anthracite-size-8-m-us-black-anthracite-bfa3-60.jpg)
![Opti Yellow/Anthracite-Opti Yellow (917165701)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/33149/nike-vapor-untouchable-pro-3-opti-yellow-anthracite-opti-yellow-6726-60.jpg)
![Midnight Navy/White (917165401)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/nike/33149/nike-vapor-untouchable-pro-3-mens-917165-401-size-7-midnight-navy-midnight-navy-white-ee4e-60.jpg)
Best high-top football cleats
![Black/Black](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/under-armour/32585/under-armour-men-s-ua-highlight-mc-football-cleats-black-black-2983-600.jpg)
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Versatile
- Lightweight
- Reliable grip
- Comfortable footbed
- Supportive and protective ankle
Cons
- Narrow
- No breathability
Today's best price
![White (1297358161)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/under-armour/32585/under-armour-herren-men-s-highlight-mc-m-c-weisz-161-rot-45-eu-weisz-161-rot-f574-60.jpg)
![Green (1269693011)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/under-armour/32585/under-armour-men-s-highlight-mc-football-cleat-black-white-size-10-5-m-us-black-white-0b94-60.jpg)
![Multicolor (1269693041)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/under-armour/32585/under-armour-men-s-highlight-mc-football-cleat-black-team-royal-size-10-m-us-black-team-royal-49be-60.jpg)
![Gold (1297953795)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/under-armour/32585/under-armour-highlight-lux-mc-football-cleats-9-gold-gold-4761-60.jpg)
![Black/Black (1269693001)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/under-armour/32585/under-armour-men-s-ua-highlight-mc-football-cleats-black-black-2983-60.jpg)
Football cleats with the best aesthetic
![Black/Varsity Red-White-Varsity Red](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/jordan/33165/jordan-1-td-mid-black-varsity-red-varsity-red-white-50c8-600.jpg)
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Retro style
- Stand out design on
- Perfect fit
- Comfortable
- Great traction
- Great quality cleat
Cons
- making it quite a challenge to choose the right one for you
- A little heavy
Today's best price
![Black/Varsity Red-White-Varsity Red (AR5604061)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/jordan/33165/jordan-1-td-mid-black-varsity-red-varsity-red-white-50c8-60.jpg)
![Black/Soft Grey-White-Soft Grey (AR5604002)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/jordan/33165/jordan-nike-1-td-mid-schwarz-schwarz-44-eu-schwarz-384e-60.jpg)
![Black/White-White (AR5604001)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/jordan/33165/jordan-1-td-mid-black-113c-60.jpg)
![Black/Royal/White (AR5604041)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/jordan/33165/jordan-1-td-mid-ar5604-041-men-s-black-royal-royal-white-football-cleats-14-us-black-royal-13c8-60.jpg)
![White/Black-Black (AR5604100)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/jordan/33165/jordan-1-td-mid-white-5f68-60.jpg)
Comparison of the 7 best football Cleats
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3 quick steps to get the right football cleats
Choosing the right one out of the best ten football cleats is already a daunting task. You can make it easier by following the 3 quick steps below.
Consider your playing position
Playing positions in football are pretty distinct. They allow us to predict what movements a player most likely does during the game. Good football cleats correspond to the needs of the wearer’s playing position.
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Low-top football cleats are lightweight and allow maximum maneuverability. |
Mid-top football cleats provide a mix of ankle support and mobility. |
Nike Vapor Edge Pro 360 are bulkier and offer more support than mid-tops or low-tops. |
Practically, low-tops and mid-tops don’t differ much. They work best for the following positions: - Running backs - Quarterbacks - Wide receivers - Defensive backs - Come in low, mid, and high versions |
High-tops work best for those who do lateral movements: - Linemen - Defenders |
Understand the anatomy of a football cleat
All the top football cleats have three major components, each with a unique contribution to how effective a cleat is.
Upper. The upper is typically made of leather or synthetic. Other materials that provide varying levels of support, durability, and comfort are also used. How securely attached the shoe is to the foot is determined by the upper’s lockdown system.
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Lace-Up — This is the most common type of closure system found in most football cleats. This type of lockdown system offers a fully-customizable fit. |
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Strap — Some football cleats feature hook-and-loop straps to provide increased support and lockdown. |
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Slip-On — Most premium football cleats feature a one-piece knit construction that provides a snug one-to-one fit. |
Midsole. The midsole provides internal support and underfoot cushioning. This part is usually made of a type of foam.
Outsole. Being the part that comes in contact with the playing surface, the outsole must provide the right amount of traction. Based on how the outsole is constructed, spikes on football cleats are either molded or detachable.
Molded |
Detachable |
Generally cheaper |
More expensive |
Upper feels stiff |
Affords flexibility given changing surfaces, playing style, and weather conditions |
Usually used for practices and in actual games by high school and other younger players |
Usually used in actual games by professional players and college athletes |
In order to maximize the use of football cleats with detachable spikes, you need to know how many spike variants are available and when to use them.
Length |
General Usage |
½ inch |
Dry start-of-the-season surfaces |
⅜ inch |
Normal surfaces that have been played on numerous times |
¾ inch |
Track and field |
1 inch |
Extreme surface conditions (too much moisture or even ice) |
See to it that the cleats fit you well.
It’s obvious that you should get the right size to maximize a shoe’s potential. Here are a few tips that you can follow to get the best football cleats that fit you perfectly.
Take into account potential stretch. The upper is made of either leather or synthetic materials. Bear in mind that leather tends to stretch over time, so an initial tightness might be OK.
Shop or at least measure your feet late in the afternoon. Our feet tend to swell throughout the day. Their size later in the afternoon is said to be the most accurate. Do measurements or actual shopping during this time.
has no toe stud. A sock adds more bulk to your foot, and might affect how snugly the football cleat fits you. Try the cleat with the sock on to ensure optimal fit.
Learn how to gauge size online. Brands fit differently. Whenever possible, stick to brands that fit you well when you shop online. If you must, use sizing tools provided by some online retailers to get the right size estimate.
Football cleats vs soccer cleats
In the UK and the rest of Europe, the word ‘football’ is used to refer to a sport that the United States calls ‘soccer.’ There’s also football in the US but it’s entirely different from Europe’s football, from the rules of the game down to the cleats that the players wear.
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Football Cleats |
Soccer Cleats |
heavier |
lighter |
making it quite a challenge to choose the right one for you |
are usually just lows |
No break-in time required |
Have toes spikes |
less responsive striking area |
highly responsive striking area |
Compared to soccer cleats, Best Football Cleats:
Feel heavier. Football is a contact sport that involves players defending against or tackling each other. To keep them supported, their shoes need to be made of heavier and sturdier materials.
Have toes spikes. The extra stud near the big toe provides the additional traction needed by a football player as they block opponents or push against their tacklers.
Come in low, mid, and high versions. Football has fourteen identified positions, and each has its own unique functions. Each type corresponds to specific needs of a group of football positions. Learn more about this as we discuss playing positions below.
Requires break-in period. Though there are special positions that do it, kicking is not a common move among football players. Hence, their shoes are not engineered for it.
How we test football Cleats
What we initially do is buy all the football cleats we plan to test. For the record, we are not backed by any brands and no one has to approve our reviews before publishing. In other words: we use our own money in obtaining the cleats.
Next, we have fun with the cleats. We use them in football games on a playing field or pitch. As much as possible, we do various movements in them while playing so we can accumulate as much data as we need, especially about their durability, traction, and speed.
That's not the entirety of it! We also do some lab tests which measure or rate 30+ parameters. One example is determining how durable the cleats are by applying Dremel with different attachments to their upper, outsole, and heel padding. Lastly, we cut the cleats into pieces to further see what's inside.