Best Football Cleats 2022: Top Picks For Training And Matches
After playing Madden 22, you may feel like picking up a football and going to the field yourself, but to do that, you’ll need to pick up a pair of the best football cleats to prevent slipping across the surface.
To kick off your search in the right direction, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks, based on features, price, and reviews, to help you find the right footwear for your next American football game.
Whether you’re looking for something lightweight, like these adidas Adizero 11.0‘s, or some of the , like these Nike Vapor Edge Speed 360‘s, we’ve got you covered right here.
We have also included some of the latest news about football cleats, as well as answers to some of the most commonly asked questions to help come to an informed decision before making your next purchase.
So, without further delay, let’s get into it…
Best Football Cleats 2021
- Nike Vapor Untouchable Pro 3
- Under Armour Highlight MC
- Nike Vapor Edge Speed 360
- Under Armour Spotlight Lux MC
- Nike Alpha Menace Elite 2
- adidas Adizero 11.0
- adidas Freak X Carbon
Best All-Round Football Cleats – Nike Vapor Untouchable Pro 3
Brand: Nike | Material: Flywire Mesh | Closure: Lace-Up
American football is synonymous with Nike as the brand supplies much of the equipment you see on TV to the NFL.
They also manufacture what looks to be one of the most versatile and comfortable pairs of football cleats on the market in the Nike Vapor Untouchable Pro 3‘s.
Designed for acceleration, these cleats feature strategically placed moulds to help you change directions and pace with ease.
Moreover, they’re made to be lightweight thanks to their knitted uppers and carbon fibre plates, so should be incredibly comfortable to wear during your games.
You also get the high sock-like collar for additional support around your ankles, thus making these cleats a great option to consider for all positions on the field.
If you’re after more footwear from Nike, check out our list of the right here.
Best Football Cleats For Wide Feet – Under Armour Highlight MC
Brand: Under Armour | Material: Textile and Synthetic | Closure: Lace-Up
If you find regular football cleats are too narrow, then these Under Armour Highlight MC‘s could be for you.
The shoes use molded 4D foam footbeds that conform to your feet, helping to eliminate slippage and reduce built-up pressure during games and training.
Additionally, the engineered synthetics are strategically placed in the uppers to provide breathability and stability, which are both crucial given the high collar.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a high-quality football cleat to deliver a comfortable fit, then the Highlight MC‘s are well worth considering in our opinion.
Best Budget Football Cleats – Nike Vapor Edge Speed 360
Brand: Nike | Material: Fabric | Closure: Lace-Up
As their name suggests, these Vapor Edge Speed 360 cleats are built for explosive speed.
To achieve this, Nike has manufactured these boots out of a lightweight fabric, then covers the uppers in NikeSkin overlays for added durability and comfort.
The shoes then feature separate internal plates that sit closer to your foot for added flexibility, plus wide stud placement which has been engineered for quick changes in pace and darting runs.
On the whole, if you’re looking for a relatively inexpensive pair of cleats, then we feel these Vapor Edge Speed 360‘s are well worth taking into consideration.
Best Football Cleats For Wide Receivers – Under Armour Spotlight Lux MC
Brand: Under Armour | Material: ThreadLock Knit and TPU Yarns | Closure: Lace-Up
Under Armour is not only one of the leading brands behind some of the around, but is also one of the top manufacturers of American football equipment as evidenced by these Spotlight Lux‘s.
Under Armour combine ThreadLock technology with traditional knit and melted TPU yarns to produce what is said to be an incredibly lightweight, breathable, and supportive pair of cleats, perfect for speed.
Also, being low-cut, these cleats will likely be unrestrictive and the ideal footwear for quick turns of pace.
It’s also worth mentioning the SuperFoam insoles are designed to provide exceptional shock absorption, thus making these cleats a great option to consider for game days if you’re a wide receiver.
Best Football Cleats For Linemen – Nike Alpha Menace Elite 2
Brand: Nike | Material: Flyknit | Closure: Lace-Up and Strap
Linemen are known for their bursts of speed and quick, twisting moves, therefore, they require cleats that offer fantastic traction with extra ankle stability.
These Nike Alpha Menace Elite 2 cleats appear to tick these boxes as they come with lightweight Flyknit construction, plus data-generated outsole plates for added stability and flexibility for a responsive feel and reliable support.
Moreover, they come with a heel strap with hook-and-loop closure which should help to keep your feet locked in and comfortable whilst in a game.
All in all, these cleats are engineered with linemen in mind and are made by one of the leading manufacturers of sports equipment, Nike.
Best Football Cleats For Running Backs – adidas Adizero 11.0
Brand: adidas | Material: Textile | Closure: Lace-Up
If you’re looking for a lightweight pair of boots that still offer a ton of support as a running back, then these adidas Adizero 11.0‘s could be the cleat for you.
The Adizero 11.0‘s feature a feather-light frame that should allow you to make breakaways, stop quickly, and change direction with ease, whilst the uppers provide maximum breathability, comfort, and stability.
On top of that, you get adidas’ Sprintframe outsoles with Sprintstuds, designed for you to cut quickly and blow by defenders.
Overall, we feel the adidas Adizero 11.0‘s are an excellent choice if you’re after a lightweight cleat for on-the-field performance.
Best Football Cleats For Support – adidas Freak X Carbon Mid
Brand: adidas | Material: Mesh and Synthetic | Closure: Lace-Up
The Freak X Carbon football cleat looks to be a great example of one of the leading brands in sports expertise.
What we like about this boot, in particular, is that it comes with a breathable mesh upper which has the added benefit of being flexible to help minimise any restriction to your movement.
On top of that, you get adidas’ IronSkin plus RazorFrame across the shoe’s body to stiffen the Freak X Carbon for added protection and pressure resistance, plus a mid-top collar for additional ankle support.
It’s also worth pointing out you get internal cushion pods on the tongue to help ensure a secure lockdown, which is another reason why we think these cleats are worth considering.
Latest Football Cleats News
With football cleats constantly improving, we’ve decided to discuss some of the latest news surrounding them so you’re completely in the loop with the most recent announcements.
adidas Gamemode “LEGO” Cleats Released
adidas has launched the new LEGO-themed Gamemode cleats that feature a unique all-over print displaying the multi-coloured blocks.
LEGO and adidas co-branding can also be found on the heels to add to the collaborative design.
If these cleats interest you, then they’re available now from adidas for $100.
adidas X Speedportal+ Prototype Cleats Leaked
A handful of images of a new adidas X Speedportal cleat known as the “Prototype” have been leaked.
The pictures showcase a completely blacked-out, laceless boot with very subtle adidas branding appearing towards the heels.
The only non-black element is the white printed “1/2”. It’s unclear if this signifies that these cleats are just a sample, or if this will be included in the final design just yet, so stay tuned to find out more along with the release date right here.
PUMA Due To Release Mercedes F1 Cleats
PUMA is reportedly releasing a new pair of Ultra 1.4 cleats in collaboration with the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 team.
Although the brand sponsors several of the current F1 teams, the new Ultra cleats are said to feature the iconic silver and spectra green colours of the reign constructors’ champions.
There have been no images of the cleats thus far; however, they will likely be revealed soon if the current rumoured release date of May/June 2022 is to be believed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Football Cleats
With so many football cleats available, you may have a few questions about what makes each of them stand out, but don’t worry because we’re here to clear up a few of the most common queries.
How Much Should You Spend On Football Cleats?
American football cleats can vary drastically in price which can make it hard to know how much you need to speed to get a good quality pair.
On the premium end of the scale, you’re likely to find cleats made out of lightweight yet strong materials which may also include some of the latest technology and innovations to help take your game to the next level.
However, that’s not to say you can’t pick up a great pair of budget cleats like the Vapor Edge Shark‘s which are made from Nike’s FastFlex technology for added responsiveness and flexibility.
Ultimately, how much you speed will come down to your personal preference and budget.
If you’re a keen American football player, then you may be more inclined to check out some of the more premium picks as you’ll have a better idea of what you’re looking for than if you’re a beginner just starting your football journey.
What Do Football Cleats Do?
In their most basic form, football cleats simply help you stay upright and balanced when jogging, sprinting, and changing direction on a football field.
This is achieved through studs or moulds attached to the underfoot plates which dig into the ground as you move.
That said, modern-day football cleats come with so much more additional technology to help improve your game.
For example, most cleats come with a mixture of conical and chevron moulds across the plates, all of which are placed strategically for optimal braking, rotation, and toe-off movements.
Ultimately, football cleats are designed to give you the best performance possible on the field.
Can I Wear Soccer Boots For American Football?
While soccer boots and American football cleats may appear similar at first glance, there are a few minor differences that make each of them the optimal footwear for their particular sport.
For example, soccer boots tend to be low cut and don’t include a midsole to help maximise ball control and speed by reducing weight.
American football cleats, on the other hand, can be low, medium, or high cut and typically feature thicker outsoles and a stud near the big toe for added traction when you accelerate from a static position.
With that being said, you should find wearing soccer cleats to play American football perfectly fine and safe as the differences between them are small.
In fact, kickers often wear soccer boots due to the shape being designed primarily for kicking.
However, it’s worth noting that most referees do not allow football cleats to be worn during a soccer game, mainly due to the additional stud near the toe.
Are There Different Cleats For Different Positions?
When deciding upon your next or even first pair of football cleats, it’s important to understand what you’re looking for to pick up a good set. This extends to knowing what type of cleat will best suit your position on the field.
For example, if you’re a wide receiver or running back, your game will likely be focused on speed. Therefore, a pair of mid to low-cut cleats may be best for you since they’re lighter and less restrictive for quick movements.
However, high-cut cleats have their place too, particularly for linemen who may need the additional ankle support.
The main purpose of football cleats though is to help you maintain your grip on the field. Anyone who’s played in trainers will tell you, without studs or moulds, you’re likely to slip on the surface more than you don’t.
In terms of what actually makes a pair of cleats good, it all comes down to the design and materials used.
Cleats made from lightweight knitted materials or footwear constructed out of durable synthetics are what you should be focusing on as they will likely be the best options for their specific purposes.
How Should Football Cleats Fit?
In order to reduce slipping, football cleats need to fit snugly around your feet, but shouldn’t be so tight that they prevent you from moving your toes.
As mentioned in our guide to , Clarks recommend you leave about one finger’s width of space between your longest toe and the end of your shoe.
We believe this should be applied to football cleats as well because you’ll no doubt want to ensure your toes have enough room to move freely to avoid lateral compression.
That said, football cleats should fit true-to-size, but it may be worth measuring your foot’s dimensions and comparing the manufacturer’s size guide to help ensure you’re selecting the right size for you.
It may be beneficial, however, to go up a half size if your feet are a little wider to ensure your feet are comfortable and secure during a match.
For more information on two of the biggest sportswear manufacturers in the world, check out our guide on right here.
Do You Need To Break In Football Cleats?
Cleats are an essential piece of equipment for a football game, and you’ll no doubt want to be as comfortable as possible throughout a fixture.
As a result, you might want to break in your cleats before game day arrives to prevent discomfort from affecting your performance.
One of the easiest methods to do this is to simply put them on and start walking around in them on soft ground to loosen up the materials in order to make them more comfortable.
How Do You Clean Football Cleats?
In between game days, you should keep your football cleats in good condition so they’ll be ready for your next match.
We’d recommend regularly cleaning your cleats, particularly the sole plates, to remove any built-up mud and dirt which may impact your levels of grip.
With warm water and a soft-bristled brush, you should be able to remove most of the dirt that has accumulated across the uppers.
To remove the dirt underneath, you can first try removing as much mud as possible by banging the soles together, then, use a brush to wipe away any leftover build-up.
If you’re cleats come with metal studs, then these may need replacing when they’ve become significantly worn for your safety, and for the safety of others on the field.
For more extensive information, check out our step-by-step guide on , , and here.
Both include our top tips for cleaning when you encounter an uncommon or alternative material, plus our recommendations for things to avoid doing to make sure you keep your cleats in the best condition possible.
Read More:
