The Best Men’s Soccer Cleats for 2023

High-performing soccer cleats for speed, touch, and precision.

If ever there was a sport where it mattered what you wore on your feet, it’s soccer. More commonly known the world over as football.

It’s right there in the name. Once you lace up your boots and step on the pitch, it’s all about what you can do with your feet.

How much separation you create, how precise you place the ball, how much control you have dribbling, and on and on.

Finding a high-quality pair of cleats that complement your game and keep up with your every burst, cut, tackle, and shot is no easy task.

So, we’ve put together a list of the best soccer cleats for 2023.

These picks will boost your game, eliminate distractions, and allow you to effortlessly showcase your skills.

Choosing a High-Quality Pair of Soccer Cleats

Soccer is an all-around demanding sport that requires speed, skill, endurance, and teamwork—among several other factors.

Whether you’re training, practicing, or competing in-game, you need gear that will not only keep up but actually boost your performance.

This is certainly the case when it comes to choosing cleats.

Opting for a high-quality pair of soccer cleats that compliments your game can be the difference between fast and explosive, or hitting the crossbar versus putting it in the top bin.

When you pick up a pair of high-quality soccer cleats, you’ll notice a few things right away.

They’ll have a sleek appearance, lightweight feel, and a form-fitting design.

These qualities help you conduct quick, agile moves, while also giving you a good feel for the ball.

While you may prefer a more relaxed fit from everyday shoes and sneakers, with soccer cleats you want a snug fit and thin feel that forms to your foot.

This allows you to have greater touch and precision with your feet when connecting with the ball.

Keep in mind, however, this is not to say that you need to sacrifice comfort in any way.

High-quality soccer cleats often have cushioned insoles, molded sockliners, flexible constructions, and other comfort-focused features.

It’s also important to note the type of cleat that you’re purchasing, as different cleat types are intended to provide optimal traction for different surfaces.

For example, Firm Ground (FG) cleats are designed to provide great traction on firm and dry surfaces.

Soft Ground (SG) cleats, on the other hand, are designed for traction on muddy fields.

There’s also Turf and Artificial Ground (AG) cleats, which are designed for traction on artificial surfaces and can also be used for training purposes.

So, when you go to purchase your soccer cleats this season, take a second to think of all the action you’re going to put your feet through and everything you’ll be counting on them to do.

You’re definitely going to want to opt for a high-quality pair with great traction that’s lightweight and comfortable.

Note: Featured products are independently selected and reviewed by Compression Athlete. If you purchase through our links, we may earn commission.

1. Nike Phantom Luna Elite Soccer Cleats

The Nike Phantom Luna Elite pairs sticky Gripknit material with a Cyclone 360 traction pattern for maximum ball control and improved agility on the field in all conditions. These soccer cleats have a cushioned insole and a soft heel and collar for an easy break-in.

Shop at Nike: Nike Phantom Luna Elite

Nike’s Phantom Luna Elite utilize asymmetric lacing for a large touch surface and an outsole plate with superior ground contact and minimal flex when planting. These soccer cleats have an asymmetrical Flyknit cuff for a snug fit with subtle ribs to allow higher ball contact.

2. Nike Phantom GX Pro Soccer Cleats

The Nike Phantom GX Pro feature an expanded NikeSkin touch zone for improved ball control with a soft knit-like upper and heightened contact zone on the inside. These soccer cleats utilize a cushioned insole and an asymmetrical design in the heel for comfort.

Shop at Nike: Nike Phantom GX Pro

Nike’s Phantom GX Pro pair tri-star studs with forefoot flex grooves for optimal traction and change of direction speed. These soccer cleats have soft elements in the heel for an easy break-in and to reduce irritation and pressure.

3. Nike Gripknit Phantom GX Elite Soccer Cleats

The Nike Gripknit Phantom GX Elite feature signature Gripknit that covers your foot’s strike zone with sticky material for superior touch and precision in wet and dry conditions.

Shop at Nike: Nike Gripknit Phantom GX Elite

Nike’s Gripknit Phantom GX Elite utilize tri-star studs with forefoot flex grooves for incredible traction. These soccer cleats have a cushioned insole and a contoured collar for comfort.

4. Nike Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9 Elite Soccer Cleats

The Nike Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9 Elite feature a Zoom Air unit specifically designed for soccer with grippy texture and great touch. These soccer cleats have a thin and durable speed cage for a secure fit and lightweight feel.

Shop at Nike: Nike Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9 Elite

Nike’s Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9 Elite utilize a grippy Vaporposite+ upper for natural on-ball feel and control. These soccer cleats have tri-star studs for multidirectional traction and a cushioned insole for comfort.

5. Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Pro Soccer Cleats

The Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Pro feature an extra lightweight design with a refined premium leather upper that reduces bulk. These soccer cleats have raised textures backed by soft foam pods for shot, passing, and dribbling precision.

Shop at Nike: Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Pro

Nike’s Tiempo Legend 9 Pro utilize a cushioned insole with an integrated mesh tongue for extra comfort and bottom studs with traction for quick cuts and stops.

6. Adidas X CRAZYLIGHT+ Soccer Cleats

The Adidas X CRAZYLIGHT+ feature a lightweight and streamlined design with a semi-translucent mono mesh upper and a propulsive Aeroplate inlay for superior acceleration.

Shop at Adidas: Adidas X CRAZYLIGHT+

Adidas’ X CRAZYLIGHT+ pair a lightweight molded sockliner with a supportive and stable Aerocage+ for control through all movements. These soccer cleats have a Speedframe outsole, classic lace closure, and a PRIMEKNIT collar.

7. Adidas X SPEEDPORTAL Plus Soccer Cleats

The Adidas X SPEEDPORTAL Plus feature a lightweight, foot-hugging, speed-focused design with a Speedskin upper that has a stretchy PRIMEKNIT collar. These soccer cleats have a regular fit with a laceless construction.

Shop at Adidas: Adidas X SPEEDPORTAL Plus

Adidas’ X SPEEDPORTAL Plus utilize a carbon heel lock with stability fins for a secure fit at any speed. These soccer cleats have two extra forefoot studs on a Speedframe outsole to boost acceleration.

8. Adidas Predator Accuracy Plus Soccer Cleats

The Adidas Predator Accuracy Plus feature 3D precision grip rubber elements in strike zones for accurate ball spin and placement. These soccer cleats have a perfect strike outsole designed to optimize power transfer to the forefoot.

Shop at Adidas: Adidas Predator Accuracy Plus

Adidas’ Predator Accuracy Plus sport cushioning in key contact areas for extra comfort and a soft touch. These soccer cleats have a laceless construction, a HybridTouch upper, and a two-piece PRIMEKNIT collar.

9. Adidas Predator Accuracy 2 Soccer Cleats

The Adidas Predator Accuracy 2 feature signature High Definition Grip rubber elements and a soft HybridTouch upper for target precision. These soccer cleats have a comfortable regular fit with a classic lace closure.

Shop at Adidas: Adidas Predator Accuracy 2

Adidas’ Predator Accuracy 2 utilize a mid-cut knit textile collar and a molded sockliner for a comfortable lockdown fit that eliminates distraction.

10. Under Armour Clone Magnetico Premier 2 Soccer Cleats

The Under Armour Clone Magnetico Premier 2 feature an extra responsive Charged Cushioning footbed that absorbs impact and a UA CLONE upper for a customized fit. These soccer cleats require zero break-in for a ready-to-go perfect fit.

Shop at Under Armour: UA Clone Magnetico Premier 2

Under Armour’s Clone Magnetico Premier 2 have flexible inner material that molds to your foot for a comfortable glove-like fit. These soccer cleats have a form-fitting toe box for superior touch and feel, as well as conical studs for multidirectional quickness.

11. New Balance 442 V2 PRO Soccer Cleats

The New Balance 442 V2 PRO feature a high-performance design with a premium leather upper and internal cushioned pillows for extra comfort.

Shop at New Balance: New Balance 442 V2 PRO

New Balance’s 442 V2 PRO utilize a performance-driven nylon plate, stud tips specifically designed for firm ground use, and definitive lockdown support.

12. New Balance 442 V2 Team Soccer Cleats

The New Balance 442 V2 Team feature a premium full-grain leather upper for superior feel and comfort, as well as a lightweight TPU plate and stud tips for durability.

Shop at New Balance: New Balance 442 V2 Team

New Balance’s 442 V2 Team have a classic lace-up closure and an extra comfortable internal lining with a ready-to-go flexible fit. These soccer cleats are available in 4 classic team color options.

13. Puma Future Ultimate Soccer Cleats

The Puma Future Ultimate feature a signature FUZIONFIT360 dual mesh upper with stretchy knit and PWRTAPE for an extra adaptive and supportive fit. These soccer cleats have a mid-cut construction for non-constricting agility.

Shop at Dick’s Sporting Goods: Puma Future Ultimate

Puma Future Ultimate sport a stable heel, flexible forefoot, and a Dynamic Motion System outsole for stability and traction. These soccer cleats use engineered 3D textures at contact zones for improved ball grip and control.

14. Mizuno Morelia Neo III Pro Soccer Cleats

The Mizuno Morelia Neo III Pro provide a barefoot-like feel with lightweight and durable K-Leather that wraps around your foot for exceptional touch and a secure fit.

Shop at Mizuno: Mizuno Morelia Neo III Pro

Shop at Dick’s Sporting Goods: Mizuno Morelia Neo III Pro

Mizuno’s Morelia Neo III Pro utilize a graded nylon sole plate for enhanced flexibility and durability, as well as an external heel counter for excellent foothold.

15. Mizuno Morelia II Soccer Cleats

The Mizuno Morelia II feature a classic heritage look in a signature fit that’s lightweight and super flexible.

Shop at Mizuno: Mizuno Morelia II

Shop at Dick’s Sporting Goods: Mizuno Morelia II

Mizuno’s Morelia II is handcrafted in Japan with super comfortable premium leather for an unrivaled fit and feel.

With all the miles that soccer players run over the course of a season, recovery is a huge part of performing your best. Check out our top picks for the best muscle recovery tools.