It is estimated that the soccer cleat industry was valued at $3716.3 million in 2021. That's a lot of options, which is why we are here to list the top cleats for you to buy and try to help with the analysis paralysis you can experience when making important purchases. Here are our top 4 soccer cleat brands to buy to perform at your best at the next level.
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Not surprisingly, Nike is at the top of our list. For years Nike has been dominating the cleat game. They have introduced us to some classic cleats like the Nike Tiempo and the Nike Mercurial. The Tiempo offers control and comfort, with the use of leather and Flyknit technology. This cleat is worn by many central midfielders, mainly defensive central midfielders due to the high level of control and comfort sought after in this cleat. The Mercurial offers pace and power. The lightweight fibers and sleek design of this cleat allows you to outrun any defender and to have silky first touch.
Another brand that we all would expect to be on the list is Adidas–this soccer giant has also been running the soccer cleat game as well. Adidas had a stronghold on the soccer community with the Copa Mundial and it hasn't let up. New styles like the Adidas Predator or the Adidas Copa, are both available in a laceless model, so it molds to your foot. The Predator model is a roomy cleat but has all the style and flair one would need. This cleat is perfect for deft, skillful players looking to dominate the midfield. The Copa model is similar to the Tiempo as it is all about control and comfort. It is also worn by a lot of central defensive midfielders as well due to the maximum comfort and control feel to the shoe.
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Here's a brand that isn't as popular as the previous two but certainly has created a space for themselves in the soccer realm. Some of the world's biggest are sponsored by Puma and wear their cleats, most notably Neymar Jr., Christian Pulisic, Antoine Griezmann, Luis Suarez, and more. The new Future Z 1.2 cleat was created for playmakers, like Neymar himself. The FusionFit+ technology allows you to change directions quickly while also keeping your foot locked in place, allowing you to dribble past players with ease. On top of that, this shoe is cheaper than most Nike and Adidas models.
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New Balance is last but not least on our list. This brand has become more popular in recent years and has seen a rise in professional players to don the brand as well. Some notable players being Sadio Mané, Raheem Sterling, and Bukayo Saka. The newest and highest quality models are the New Balance Furon V6+ and the New Balance Tekela 3+. The new Furon model was made for speedsters. The drop in weight to 6.2 oz in this cleat is due to the redesigned Fit Weave upper material. The ankle-collar has been upgraded as well to form to your foot and decrease slipping.
We hope this list can provide you with some assistance as you look to up your game at the next level. It's most important to make sure you feel comfortable in your cleat and that you don't let fashion or style influence you! Remember to choose a pair of cleats that fits your feet and that you feel confident playing in. The rest will take care of itself!
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* Originally published on August 5, 2022, by Max Brown
