Not everyone is keen on reading long text. That is alright. There are those among us that would rather get a quick recommendation and be out on the soccer pitch.
We cannot all be heroes like you. It is with you in mind that we spent some time considering which one of our top picks we would settle on if we had to choose just one pair.
If we had to pick it would be adidas Men’s Predator 19.3 Firm Ground Soccer Shoe – check price here.
It is available in a range of lovely colours. They are lightweight and soft. You will find a more detailed review below.
Introduction
Are you looking for the best soccer shoes of all time?
What constitutes the best soccer shoe? There are features that you want to find on a good soccer shoe, and these are the features that make it a cut above the rest.
- Have you just taken up soccer and want to get the best shoes in the game?
- Do you need to replace your current pair?
- Do you have to get a new pair for a child who has a tournament next week?
There are many soccer shoes on the market today. From different brand names, soccer shoes today are designed with different aims in mind. Yes, the ultimate goal is to get a good game out of the shoes, but at the same time, the shoes are to be worn by different people under different circumstances.
It is these different needs that have propelled the modern-day design of the soccer shoes.
Below we review our top pick soccer shoes of all time, and then we go in to a little more depth on what to look for when deciding which paid to buy.
Table of Contents
Our Top Pick Soccer Shoes Of All Time
1. adidas Men’s Predator 19.3 Firm Ground Soccer Shoe
2. NIKE Mercurial Superfly 6 Academy FG
3. adidas Men’s Freak X Carbon Mid Football Shoe
4. Vizari Unisex-Kid’s Stealth FG
5. Under Armour Men’s Nitro Low Mc Football Shoe
*Click To Check Price
Our Reviews Of The Best Soccer Shoes Of All Time
adidas Men’s Predator 19.3 Firm Ground Soccer Shoe
The Predator 19.3 is a flagship Adidas soccer shoe. The upper part of the shoe is made out of a combination of synthetic and textile material. Bringing these two materials ensures that you get both elasticity and some waterproofing.
Elasticity means that your feet are allowed enough space to remain as they are. There is a much less likelihood that they would get squashed and become blistered. I need not explain why waterproofing is important.
The sole of the shoes are also synthetic. There are stud scattered across the edges of the shoes. They are responsible for giving your foot the best tread possible.
Without this tread, it is more difficult to get your balance right. They also come in handy when running. It is these studs that enable you to start and stop sharply. Passing and shooting drills were aided by the makeup of the shoe.
The shaft of the boots is low-top in relation to the arch. There is a socklining that enhances your arch support and makes for a more snuggly fit. You will also be pleased to know that these shoes are lightweight. They will pose no hindrance to your movement.
To get the best out of the Predator 19.3 you would do well to use them on firm ground. They did not fare too badly on soft ground either when testing. This product is marketed as being unisex. The women’s sizing is tricky if you are to go by the recommended method. They say you should go one size down when buying for a woman.
That means if you are a size 6, you ought to consider the 5 or 4.5. There are 7 colours to choose from. None of them are what you would traditionally view as being feminine. Perhaps it comes with the territory.
Pros
- There are various colours to choose from.
- They are worth the price that they are sold for.
- There is a great feel when you strike the ball.
- Ball control is much easier.
- The shoes are lightweight.
- The sock lining is a great touch.
- They are sturdy and durable.
Cons
- There ought to be a better way to figure out female sizes.
- They are somewhat difficult to put on.
- The cleats scuff quite easily.
Be sure to check out our list of the Best Indoor Soccer Shoes for more great items like this.
NIKE Mercurial Superfly 6 Academy FG
The Mercurial line is one of Nike’s most popular soccer shoes. Not only have they stood the test of time, but they have also been able to continually deliver time after time.
They were perhaps made famous by their alignment with Christiano Ronaldo. He wore them in 2008. Let us consider their features. The upper part of the shoe is synthetic. You immediately notice that it will be highly breathable when in use.
The only concern that you would have is the porousness if you were to use them in the rain. Perhaps that will be down to the player to know when and how to use the shoes. The synthetic material rises to the ankle where it is completed by a dynamic fit collar.
This is a key feature where comfort is concerned. It makes it seamlessly run into the shoe.
The soles are made of fabric. Most of the studs are stationed on the forefoot. This makes the shoes perfect for running with and towards the ball. The heel is not neglected either.
There are a few studs there as well. You will find that the balance is almost perfect. Traction could not be any easier to generate than this. This is courtesy of the multi-ground plate. It performs well on both natural and artificial grass.
There is a vast array of designs and colours to choose from.
Pros
- They are beautifully designed.
- The shoes are lightweight.
- There is a good grip provided by the sole and studs.
- They are very comfortable.
- There are a lot of options to choose from.
- They are reasonably priced.
Cons
- Durability is not their strongest characteristic.
- Sizing issues have also been reported.
Make sure you also check out our guide to the Best Soccer Cleats.
adidas Men’s Freak X Carbon Mid Football Shoe
Perhaps you would prefer something that has more human involvement in the manufacturing process? The Freak X Carbon are man made. There is more effort and time put into the stitching by hand instead of the machine. The result is usually a good product that has been through a more rigorous quality control process.
The upper part of the shoes is made out of synthetic material. The toe end seems to be somewhat sealed with a rubber-like material. At the very least, you will find that they are water-resistant. At best, that part of the shoe would be waterproof.
Beyond the midfoot region, it becomes more textile-like. This is a breathable type of material that is obviously not waterproof.
The sole is also made out of synthetic material. The studs are spread across the bottom of the sole. This is mainly on the outside of the foot. It makes for a steady foot tread pattern. Balancing in these shoes is easier than one would expect.
The bottom of the studs seems somewhat metallic, at least in the way that it looks. The rest of the sole is hard and sturdy. It does not give up much bending.
There are two types of shoes that you can choose from. The high one and the low ones. The high ones have a longer sockliner. The low one does not have a sockliner at all.
It is up to you to decide which of the two would be better for you. The ones with the sockliner provide a little more arch support than those without. There are various designs and colours that you can choose from.
Pros
- There is extra comfort and room for thicker socks.
- They fit snugly around your foot.
- There is a lot of tread and grip.
- The upper part is highly breathable.
- They are affordably priced.
Cons
- They tend to run smaller than you’d expect.
- Some pairs have been reported to be not as durable.
Our handy guide to the Best Soccer Shoes Of All Time features more great products like this.
Vizari Unisex-Kid’s Stealth FG
We have come to appreciate Vizari. They are the kings of the children’s market. The first thing that you will notice about the Stealth FG is the impressive aesthetic design.
The colour striate from the back like spider webs before becoming thinner. It is a design that is based on two contrasting colours. The one that striates from the back is the brighter one.
The contrasting back is mainly on the toe end of the shoes. On the upper part of the shoe are hexagon shapes that run from ankle towards the toe.
The upper part of the shoe is entirely synthetic. It does not pose the same concerns of porousness. The finish seems to be based on a somewhat rubbery material. Ankle and the toes would be fully covered from the rain as they would be from the cold.
The top part would also be somewhat water resistant. This part is also textured to give good ball control and touch. The lining of the shoe is stretch-resistant. This makes it more durable. Heel and collar are also padded to enhance comfort.
The outsole is finally stitched onto the upper for a more snug fit. This is also a great feature where durability is concerned.
The sole of the shoe is covered with studs. They provide balance and quick stop ability. Each stud is lined on the bottom for enhanced grip. There are 12 colours and designs to choose from.
Pros
- There are a wide range of vibrant colours to choose from.
- They are suitable for those with wide feet.
- They run true to size for the most part.
- The quality of the product is exceptional.
- Durability is not in doubt.
Cons
- They may need some breaking in as they start narrow.
- The material is not to everyone’s liking.
Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the Best Soccer Balls For Training.
Under Armour Men’s Nitro Low Mc Football Shoe
Our final pick are the Under Armour Nitro. They are a menacing looking shoe. The design looks like a perfect piece of engineering. When you have them in your hands you will also note that they are well stitched all around.
This is clearly the work of a human, not a machine. When considering the looks you will note that the colour scheme is based on two contrasting colours. The main one is the black with a white contrast. The contrasting colour runs in a web motion from the heel area to about the midfoot.
All around the shoe is a shiny look that seems to be waterproof at face value. When testing we found that it was water resistant at the very least.
The sole of the shoes is synthetic. It is a sturdy sole with studs scattered across the bottom. They run on the outer part of where your foot would sit. As with most soccer shoes, you will find that there are more studs on the toe end of the shoes.
This is essential for providing your traction when you are running. The rubbery feel of the upper part of the shoe make it better and controlling the ball. It brings together coated textile and synthetic material. You will find that there is a lot of stability, comfort and breathability in each shoe.
The mesh tongue of the shoe is open holed. This is great for breathability, but not so good when you want to keep water and the cold out. That being said, I think this is a good trade-off when the rest of the shoe is considered.
The final piece of this shoe is the toe cap. It adds to the waterproofing, cold resistance and protection. You will find that the TPU heel gives you more support and stability than you would find in most shoes. What you may not initially see is the EVA sockliner. It wraps around your foot to give you durability and comfort.
Pros
- They provide great toe protection.
- They are durable.
- The design is lovely.
- There are various colours to choose from.
- There is great grip and traction.
- They are highly breathable.
Cons
- The shoe tongue could have been longer.
- They run somewhat narrow.
We have also reviewed the Best Soccer Balls For The Money, so check them out as well.
What Makes A Soccer Shoe – And Why You Need The Best
The first shoe was designed as far back as the 1800s. The first pair was discovered in King Henry VIII’s closet. They cost an equivalent of one hundred dollars in today’s currency. The boots were ankle-high and made of leather. The shoes were super heavy and this did not make sense. But it was all they knew at the time and so to them, it made perfect sense. To gain traction, the players (who mostly consisted of villagers and factory workers) would attach metal studs under the boots, or nails. This meant each game ended with quite a few injuries and bleeding players. At this point, the games were pretty disorganized and had no rules or regulations. By the late 1800s, laws and regulations started coming into place. The game had gained popularity and needed to have some sort of universal way of leveling the playing field.
Between 1900 and 1940, the shoes did not change much. They were monopolized by some of the early manufacturers who included Gola, Valsport, and Hummel. In 1924, The Dassler brothers from Germany were about to revolutionize the soccer shoe making business, which was about to become an industry. The brothers opened the Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik (Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory) in Herzogenaurach. Adolf and Rudolf Dassler began producing soccer shoes with 6 or 7 replaceable, nailed studs. The great thing about these studs is that they could be changed and swapped to suit the weather conditions as well as the condition of the field. The brothers got into a spat, which they failed to settle, and so broke away to form two of the most reputable brands in the sport today, Adidas and PUMA.
By the 1970s, the world witnessed Pele lift the World Cup wearing a pair of PUMA cleats. Corporations began to scramble for endorsement deals. It was a light bulb moment for most companies. The soccer shoe continued to evolve with each year. New designs new colors and new features.
As time went by, modern technology applied new research and created better soccer shoes. The top manufacturers today include Puma, Adidas, Nike, Mizuno, Diadora, Lotto, Hummel, and Nomis. More research keeps being done, which means the soccer shoe is not done evolving.
Today, players are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing soccer shoes. There are so many variations on the market, it can be pretty confusing if it is your first time shopping for them. That is why it is important to read widely and see what characteristics have remained the same. You don’t fix something unless it is broken right? The soccer shoes have gone through different modifications but some things have stayed relatively the same. Like the studs. You still see them on soccer shoes today.
The best soccer shoes on the market will give you great performance, thanks to the great features they sport.
Best Soccer Shoes Of All Time – Buyers Guide
You want to experience the best time possible as you go out onto the field right? There is nothing more frustrating than trying to learn how to play, and it just does not seem to be working out. Well, perhaps the reason for this is because you are wearing the wrong shoes. The shoes you wear to play soccer can make a world of difference.
You will be coming into contact with a ball moving at high speeds, inflated to its optimal point. This means if you are going to be wearing shoes that do not protect your feet, then you are in trouble. The soccer shoes you choose should be designed in such a way that they protect your feet.
To get the best soccer shoes in the world you will need to think of a few things that make a soccer shoe great. Consider why you need to get a pair in the first place. Ask yourself, who is it for and what is their skill level. The age of the player will determine quite a lot, including ball size.
Then ask yourself what type of material the shoe is made of. This will give you a clue as to how long you can expect it to last and on what type of ground you can play on wearing the shoes. Take into consideration, the typical weather conditions as well. Some shoes do not augur well with wet conditions and will not play too well on the muddy ground. We have done our research and found some of the best shoes on the market today. Here are our top picks.
What type of ground are you playing on?
Have you ever kicked the ground by mistake, say when you were wearing flip flops or a soft shoe? If you have, then you know that the pain can be numbing. Nothing in that moment seems to hurt more than your toe or foot. Now imagine knocking your foot on the hard ground that is a soccer pitch or indoor court? There are different types of pitches that the beautiful game of soccer is played on, but with the wrong shoe, it becomes a painful game. Don’t forget you will be running most of the time, and you will not have the time to be checking up on where you are stepping, or being careful to lift your feet.
What do you need soccer shoes for?
There are different skill levels in soccer, just like in any other sporting discipline. We can not all just go from not playing, to playing pro ball. And even professional soccer players need to train continually. Training is an important part of soccer life. And so the shoes you wear to a training session, can not be the same shoes you wear to an official match. If you want your shoes to last, you will get two different pairs. This way you know that your training pair can be put through the most rigorous training, and then your match shoes can be used for big matches.
Adaptability
You want to look for a pair of soccer shoes, that will mold to your foot, and will be securely fastened onto your foot. A shoe that will conform to the shape of your foot, and still remain firm.
Why should I get indoor soccer shoes?
Not all soccer is played on the hard ground outside. Some social games are played inside. The floors are normally hardwood, which means it would not make any sense to wear cleats with studs. Soccer shoes for indoor soccer, have no studs whatsoever on them. They do, however, have a durable rubber outsole. It looks a bit like the one you might find on basketball shoes. These shoes have a tread pattern and this helps the player gain traction during the game. You must find out the anatomy of the shoe so you know what features you are getting.
What type of shoes do I wear on turf?
Soccer shoes meant for turf are more durable and they have more traction than court shoes. The studs on turf shoes are usually low profile rubber nubs. Turf shoes can also be used on hard natural ground, where the purpose of the shoe is not meant to dig into the pitch. They are also generally thicker and are great for training.
Know the material your shoes come in
Soccer shoes come in different materials and they each have their own advantages and disadvantages.
- Leather is flexible, soft, and molds to your feet. It feels great on the skin but it stretches as you break it in.
- Suede leather is a form of leather with the top layer removed for a softer touch.
- Kangaroo leather which is also known as k-leather is really comfortable and soft to touch. It is the pricier leather on the market but it is not as durable as the other leathers.
- Calfskin leather is not as expensive as k-leather but it has a similar feel. It is also pretty flexible and durable. It keeps the shape better and weighs more than leather.
- Full-grain leather is thicker and more durable than calfskin or kangaroo leather with a similar touch. It is the heavier option of the three.
- Synthetic is lighter, thinner, and more durable than real leathers. The downside with this mate.
- Synthetic leather plays and feels like real leather, although it usually lacks a little in touch.
- Mesh is thin and breathable, very lightweight although offers less support.
Final Thoughts
Soccer is an amazing game that has become extremely popular, the world over. Many memories have been made and many important issues discussed over a good game of soccer. It is affectionately known by so many all over the world. It is a game that sparks tremendous amounts of passion for soccer enthusiasts. A lot of money, time and effort have gone into making this game as great as it is today. We hope that our top picks for soccer shoes will help you contribute to the development of this game. Hand in hand with researchers, soccer enthusiasts, experience and quite simply, a really good time, the game of soccer will continue to develop.
Reading each of our reviews will provide you with enough information to settle on the right shoe. It will allow you to also make comparisons between the shoes to find the ideal one. We have included things that we like and the things that we thought could have been better about each one. Beyond that, you also have the buyer’s guide to refer to. Take your time to read this as well. Happy shopping!