Football, or soccer as many people refer to it, is the most popular sport worldwide, with approximately 250 million players internationally. Famous professional players, such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, wear the most expensive cleats on the market.
Although premium footwear does not necessarily make a player better, they are among the athlete’s most valuable assets when playing on the field.
High-quality cleats with unique features can enhance your technique. They allow you to play your best game. Thus, they reasonably come with a hefty price tag.
Another factor contributing to the price is an exclusive deal between a shoe manufacturer and a famous soccer player. Just consider Lionel Messi’s lifetime contract with Adidas as an example. Since 2006, the football star has released several premium shoes.
In this article, we listed down the most expensive soccer cleats on the market to date. With price tags ranging from $225 up to $400, the following footgear will cost you a fortune.
Are they worth buying? And how do you ensure that you are investing in the right pair? Fret not! We also answered these frequently asked questions below.
So if you want to learn more, read on!
9. Adidas Predator 18.1 Firm Ground
Source: Adidas
Starting with the least expensive soccer cleat on this list is the Adidas Predator 18.1 Firm Ground Cleats.
The boot features a firm ground outsole that gives you maximum ball control.
The Predator technology also includes a rubber pattern and hybrid stud tips to help you receive and pass. With such hold over the ball, you can dominate the game with ease.
In addition to that, the Predator comes with a supportive knit upper. Made from Primeknit and Controlskin textile, it can imitate your heel shape for secure and comfortable wear.
What’s more, a stretchy collar ensures a snug fit for ankle stability. It can help reduce injuries from high-impact games.
Besides the feel on your feet, the Predator also delivers excellent design. It is available in various colors, with each one offering a sleek and professional look.
Overall, the Adidas Predator 18.1 Firm Ground is built with total domination and optimal control in mind.
The likes of World Cup winner Paul Pogba and former athlete David Beckham have donned these premium soccer shoes. A pair will cost you at least $225.
8. Nike Hypervenom Phantom 3 DF FG
Source: Pro Direct Soccer
The next expensive football cleat on our list is the Nike Hypervenom Phantom 3.
With an upper entirely made of Flyknit, these Nike soccer cleats offer unmatched breathability, stretch, and support.
It also features Flywire cables that wrap the midfoot to give you maximum stability. Additionally, a Nike Grip sock liner helps reduce foot movement within the boot, which further enhances your balance.
Moreover, the redesigned Dynamic Fit collar emulates the shape of your ankle bones. It helps keep you steady during lateral movements in-game.
As for the touch, the Phantom 3 has a wider surface area to help control the ball, thanks to the asymmetrical lacing system. It even includes an All Conditions Control (ACC) technology to ensure power over the ball in both dry and wet situations.
Finally, traction is excellent with these football boots. The pair uses a hybrid plate of chevron and hexagonal studs for agile movement on firm ground.
The Nike Hypervenom Phantom 3 is among the highest quality soccer cleats on the market. For the benefits it offers, a pair can cost you around $240.
7. Nike Phantom GT Elite FG
Source: Nike
The Nike Phantom GT Elite FG is favored among professional soccer players like Lautaro Martínez and Andrew Robertson for good reasons.
First, these football boots are engineered for precise attacks. The grippy texture across the Flyknit upper is among the most data-driven designs by Nike. It offers a better touch to help with passing and shooting the ball.
Additionally, the Phantom Elite uses a Flyknit construction to offer comfort and support when worn.
It even comes with an All Conditions Control (ACC) finish. This technology ensures reliable touch in both dry and wet playing situations.
Furthermore, the Phantom Elite features a hyper-quick system with an open-arch plate for lightweight agility. The stud configuration promotes excellent traction, so you can quickly adapt to lateral cuts and sharp turns.
On top of all these benefits, these soccer shoes have an off-center lacing. It helps you produce a clean strike zone, making it easier to execute difficult touches.
If you want to add these Nike cleats to your collection, you have to shell out at least $250.
6. Nike Mercurial Superfly 8 Elite FG
Source: Nike
The Nike Mercurial Superfly 8 Elite FG has a unique design that looks and performs fast.
It features a forefoot plate integrated with a Nike Aerotrak zone. This innovative sole delivers acceleration and instant responsiveness with every step.
The Superfly 8 Elite also includes chevron studs for multidirectional traction. These allow you to perform quicker cuts at high speeds.
And if you are worried about the balance and comfort, there’s really no need to with these football cleats.
The Superfly 8 Elite offers seamless support, thanks to the dynamic fit collar. It can stretch to wrap your ankle, which ensures a snug fit.
Finally, it offers a cushioned insole with NikeGrip technology. It can prevent your foot from sliding inside the cleat. This enables you to focus on the soccer field instead of the uncomfortable feeling you can get from other less expensive boots.
The Nike Mercurial Superfly 8 Elite FG is available in three colors. There’s also an option to customize your own soccer shoe. It’s priced at around $275.
5. Adidas Nemeziz+ Firm Ground
Source: Pro Direct Soccer
The Adidas Nemeziz 19+ Firm Ground is among the best—and expensive—soccer cleats on the market.
These football boots use a split outsole and insole board integrated with the Torsion system. The result is optimal flexibility that allows you to adapt to every twist and turn in-game.
In addition to that, it has a specifically designed cleat configuration. This offers great acceleration and high-speed turns on firm ground surfaces.
For soccer players looking for comfort, the Nemeziz 19+ also does not disappoint.
It comes with a stretchy textile upper that can match your foot shape and enhance stability. It even includes a Tension Tape for a truly personalized fit.
On top of these features, the laceless construction of the soccer shoe provides both compression and free-range motion. These are essential factors to help make game-decisive movements inside the soccer field.
Professional soccer players, such as Roberto Firmino, Serge Gnabry, and Moise Kean, have worn Adidas Nemeziz 19+ Firm Ground. You can buy a brand-new pair for around $275.
4. Mizuno Morelia Neo 2
Source: Pro Direct Soccer
The Mizuno Morelia Neo 2 is a nice break from the usual Nike or Adidas soccer kicks on this list.
Built with a “barefoot feel” in mind, this Mizuno soccer shoe uses the finest kangaroo leather handmade in Japan.
It also includes a graded soleplate and an innovative external heel counter.
All of this resulted in a lightweight and flexible football boot that offers unmatched barefoot feeling and an enhanced sense of touch. The soleplate gives you flexibility, while the heel provides superior balance and foothold.
Moreover, the outsole features conical-shaped studs for excellent traction and pivoting ability on firm ground surfaces. It even allows for extra take-off speed, thanks to the middle stud configuration.
Overall, the Mizuno Morelia Neo 2 offers luxury in every movement.
It’s the ideal soccer cleat for the player who wants to maximize their performance on the soccer field. A new pair costs around $290.
3. Nike Mercurial Superfly 7 Elite MDS FG
Source: Dick Sporting Goods
If you want to play fast, consider getting the Nike Mercurial Superfly 7 Elite MDS FG.
These premium soccer cleats integrate a Nike Aerotrak zone and a streamlined leather upper for high-speed play and traction.
The angular studs on the forefoot plate also allow for acceleration with every step.
What’s more, the Superfly 7 is extremely lightweight to further contribute to the speed of these football boots. This is because of the one-piece upper lining constructed with Flyknit.
This 360-degree Flyknit construction also offers a comfortable and secure fit that feels like second-skin.
Furthermore, there is a Dynamic Fit collar wrapping your ankle for seamless wear. Meanwhile, the NikeGrip technology prevents your foot from sliding inside the soccer shoe.
Lastly, the Superfly 7 features an ultra-thin overlay combined with All Conditions Control (ACC) technology. It ensures reliable touch in both dry and wet playing situations.
At around $295, the Nike Mercurial Superfly 7 Elite MDS FG is one of the priciest soccer cleats on the market today.
2. Nike Mercurial Superfly Leather FG
Source: Pro Direct Soccer
Another soccer cleat that would allow you to play faster is the Nike Mercurial Superfly Leather FG.
It combines premium kangaroo leather and Nike’s Flyknit construction to allow high-speed plays.
The K-leather provides an extra comfortable feel and excellent traction, which enhances your touch ability. On the other hand, the Flyknit technology offers a snug fit that makes it easier to execute quick turns and stops.
The Superfly Leather also features a carbon-fiber soleplate for acceleration with every step. Plus, the direct-inject blades further allow you to hit top speeds without a problem.
Moreover, these premium soccer cleats come with a Dynamic Fit collar. It ensures seamless comfort, even at full speeds.
And finally, the Superfly Leather includes Flywire cables for a locked-down fit.
With all these benefits in mind, it’s no wonder that some of the fastest soccer players worldwide like Cristiano Ronaldo and Alexis Sanchez have worn these cleats.
The Nike Mercurial Superfly Leather FG Soccer Cleats is among the best football shoes you can buy. However, it comes at a steep cost of around $300.
1. Adidas Porsche Design Sport X Football FG
Source: Pro Direct Soccer
The most expensive soccer cleat on our list is the Adidas Porsche Design Sport X Football FG.
This limited edition football boot is a result of the collaboration between two recognized German brands, Adidas and Porsche. These companies merged two iconic designs—Porsche 911 and Adidas Copa Mundial—to create its structure.
The Adidas PDS uses core black kangaroo leather that looks elegant and distinct. This upper leather offers maximum comfort to the player, while still maintaining the highest level of performance.
With a unique surface treatment, the soccer shoe also mirrors the satin-metal construction of the Porsche supercar. It gives off a luxurious vibe that allows for speed.
Plus, this kangaroo leather is even abrasion-resistant and tear-resistant. There is no need to worry about damage from extended wear. You can use this pair of soccer cleats for as long as you like.
Furthermore, the Adidas PDS repurposes the same innovative soleplate found on the Messi 15.1 boot. It gives the flexibility and speed that you need during quick plays.
At the time of its release in 2016, only 1,500 pairs of the Adidas Porsche Design Sport X were available for sale. It’s common to see these premium cleats sold at prices above $399.
Is Buying an Expensive Soccer Cleats Worth It?
Yes, expensive soccer cleats are worth it!
They only use the highest quality of materials possible such as rare leather and exclusive technology from the brand. Therefore, they ensure the most comfortable and flexible fit.
Plus, these premium football boots often undergo longer manufacturing processes compared to your average soccer cleats. They not only meet quality control standards, but they also go beyond it.
Take Mizuno shoes as an example. They are often handmade and go through lasting (the process of giving the cleat its shape) for 24 hours. Thus, they guarantee the perfect shape and structure for better gameplay.
And speaking of Mizuno, the brand name matters when buying soccer cleats. The quality of the shoes that you get from reputable manufacturers like Adidas and Nike might be worth every penny. But of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean they offer the best possible value for your money.
How to Buy the Right Soccer Cleats
Although premium soccer cleats are mostly worth it, you might still be hesitant to buy one due to a limited budget or other personal reasons. If you want to get bang for your buck, you must consider your needs, playing style, and position in the game.
Here are the things to look for when buying a soccer cleat.
Ground Type
First, you must consider the type of ground where you will be mostly playing soccer. It determines the soccer cleats you must buy.
There are three main kinds of football shoes: firm ground, soft ground, and hard ground.
Firm-ground (FG) shoes, also known as molded cleats, feature non-removable studs that are either bladed or conical. They offer traction and stability across most natural grass soccer pitches.
On the other hand, soft ground (SG) cleats have detachable or metal-tipped studs. They can be used on natural soccer pitches and wet or muddy fields.
Finally, hard ground (HG) or multi-ground (MG) cleats include a flat outsole without studs. They are ideal for playing indoor soccer, also known as futsal.
Most items on this list are firm ground types because they are geared towards FIFA soccer players. These athletes usually play on natural grass soccer fields.
Material
The material affects the touch of the ball and the comfort of the player. Thus, you need to carefully choose the construction of your soccer shoes.
Kangaroo leather is among the highest-quality materials for a football boot. It offers a snug and breathable fit for a comfortable play. Although it is soft, it still offers adequate protection. The only con is that it’s very expensive, exclusively found on premium soccer cleats.
The Adidas Porsche Design Sport X Football FG is a prime example of soccer shoes made from kangaroo leather. It offers value for your money if you decide to get one.
Another type of leather material is calfskin. It is harder and more durable to provide maximum protection. However, it takes more time to break-in, which can be uncomfortable to wear at first.
There are also soccer shoes using a knit upper. This material is extremely comfortable and form-fitting, often feeling like a second skin. The only drawback is that it easily gets dirty from water and soil.
Most Nike models on this list combine knit with leather. Consider buying those if you want to get the best of both worlds.
Lace
Soccer cleats with laces allow excellent lockdown and increase the barefoot touch feel. However, they do not offer a powerful striking surface due to the laces.
In contrast, laceless football boots provide a clean striking surface. But due to the lack of laces, these shoes do not have the most snug fit.
Your playing style will determine if you need lace or laceless soccer shoes.
If you are a quick cutter, you might prefer the stability laces can offer. Invest in the Nike Mercurial Superfly Leather if that is the case.
However, for those who mostly score a goal, you’ll probably like laceless boots better. Consider getting the Adidas Nemeziz+ Firm Ground instead.
Sole
Finally, don’t forget to check the sole of the shoe before buying one. It is essential to your stability and performance inside the soccer pitch.
Consider the structure and configuration of the studs. Conical shapes allow for more speed, while bladed studs provide better traction. There are also hexagonal studs for rotational traction and push-off when cutting.
With that said, most brands now offer soccer cleats with a hybrid plate to give you the best of both worlds. Notable examples include the Adidas Predator 18.1 and the Nike Hypervenom Phantom 3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between soccer and football?
Soccer and football are terms that can be used interchangeably. However, for Americans, football refers to a different sport.
In American football, players use an oblong-shaped ball. On the other hand, soccer (or football for the rest of the world) is played with a round ball.
Are Adidas or Nike soccer cleats better?
Soccer players and aficionados alike have long debated whether Adidas or Nike football cleats are better than the other.
But the answer entirely depends on your needs and preferences. Some Adidas soccer shoes provide better agility than their counterparts, while a couple of Nike football boots have the advantage of power.
At the end of the day, though, both brands offer a range of cleats to meet every player’s demands.
How long should soccer cleats last?
The lifespan of your soccer cleats will depend on their construction material and how often you use them.
But in general, football shoes can last for one or two seasons. Each season is typically equivalent to ten months. Thus, you can use these boots for more than one year.
Are soccer cleats supposed to hurt?
When wearing soccer cleats, you may notice that your toes rub more often. This is because they tend to be more narrow at the top compared to running shoes.
However, soccer cleats should not hurt after breaking into the shoes. It’s important to choose the correct size to avoid foot pain from football boots.
Conclusion
The most expensive soccer cleats use high-quality materials to offer an optimal balance between power, speed, and stability. They can help you dominate the field with ease. Consider investing in a premium football boot on our list if you want to up your game.
