Top 4 Soccer Cleat Brands: What Sets Them Apart? Who Wears Them?

Soccer cleats are more than just shoes (aka boots). Find out what makes these soccer cleat brands the most popular and favorite amongst soccer players and fanatics.

They’re the critical interface between a player’s foot and the soccer ball, and the pitch. Over the years, several brands have established themselves as the go-to choices for soccer players, both amateur and professional.

While many excellent soccer cleat brands exist, Adidas, Nike, Puma, and New Balance have consistently been recognized as the top contenders. We’ll delve into these four brands while also giving a nod to others like Umbro, Mizuno, Lotto, and Sketchers too!

Best Soccer Cleat Brands

1. Adidas

Adidas has been a prominent name in sports attire for over 90 years. And has put that experience into producing top-grade soccer cleats. They are known for their innovative designs, such as the iconic three stripes, as well as their use of high-quality materials.

What Makes Them Great

• Heritage: Adidas has been synonymous with soccer for decades. Their cleats are often tied to iconic soccer moments.
• Technology: They constantly innovate, from the lightweight CRAZYFAST series to the Predator line known for its ball control features.
• Variety: They offers cleats for various playing surfaces, from firm ground to soft ground and even turf. They offer a variety of soccer cleat series with different styles and features.

Best Cleats: The Adidas Predator series is widely recognized for its ball control and striking surface. The Copa Mundial, a classic, is known for its durability and comfort. And the Crazyfoot series is all about being super lightweight, so you can zoom around the pitch with lightning speed!

Athletes Who Wear Adidas

Lionel Messi, Heung-Min Son, Mohammed Salah, Paul Pogba, Karim Benzema, Bernardo Silva, Declan Rice

2. Nike

When it comes to soccer cleat brands, Nike is a name that is undoubtedly one of the first that comes to mind. Nike has been a leader in soccer cleats for decades and for a good reason. Their cleats have superior quality and durability, not to mention their sleek and stylish design.

What Makes Them Great

• Innovation: Nike’s Flyknit technology offers a sock-like fit, improving touch and feel.
• Design: Nike cleats are aesthetically unique, often being the most colorful and bold on the pitch.
• Endorsements: Nike’s got some of the biggest soccer stars endorsing their boots. And the cleats often carry a personal touch from the legends themselves.

Best Cleats: The Nike Mercurial series, designed for speed, is a favorite among many. The Tiempo line, on the other hand, has a classic leather touch and comfort.

Athletes Who Wear Nike

Christiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Kevin De Bruyne, Luca Modric, Robert Lewandowski, Virgil Van Dijk

3. Puma

Puma is a brand that has been making waves in the soccer world in recent years. As with their normal line, they feature unique and fashion-forward designs. Puma has also made significant investments in sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing.

What Makes Them Great

• Fit: Puma cleats are known for their snug fit. While also offering players a great feel of the ball.
• Innovative Features: The NETFIT system, for example, allows players to customize their lacing for an optimal fit.
• Heritage: Puma has a rich soccer history, making them a trusted choice for many.

Best Cleats: The Puma Future series, with its adaptability, and the Puma King, a timeless leather boot, stand out.

Athletes Who Wear Puma

Neymar Jr, Kyle Walker, James Maddison, Antoine Griezmann, Jan Oblak, Christian Pulisic, Jack Grealish

4. New Balance

New Balance, known for a comfortable sneaker, are a relatively new player in the soccer cleat market. But has quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality cleats that provide excellent fit and comfort.

What Makes Them Great

• Comfort: New Balance has translated its expertise in running shoes to soccer cleats, focusing on cushioning and fit.
• Innovation: Their boots often come with unique stud configurations tailored for different playing surfaces.
• Market Approach: Unlike other brands, New Balance often focuses on specific player needs rather than broad market segments.

Best Cleats: The New Balance Tekela offers an excellent touch and control. And their Furon line is built for players looking for speed.

Honorable Mentions

Umbro

A British classic, Umbro cleats like the Speciali have been worn by legends like Michael Owen and Alan Shearer.

Mizuno

This Japanese brand, while not as prominent internationally, is known for its premium quality. The Mizuno Morelia, made with premium kangaroo leather, offers a superb feel.

Lotto

A brand with deep roots in Italian soccer, Lotto cleats are both stylish and functional.

Skechers

Perhaps best known for its lifestyle shoes, this American brand also produces quality soccer cleats. The Skechers SKX_01 is designed for a cushioned performance, delicate grip for ball control, and dynamic performance on the pitch.

And English striker Superstar Harry Kane has teamed up with Skechers for a long-term partnership.