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Best football cleats of 2024
This content should not be considered medical advice. The information provided is not meant to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine or taking any new supplements.
Football is an intense, high-contact sport that demands agility, speed and strength. Your football cleats can bring the best out of you as a player: A light, low-top pair can help you race through the line of defense and cut at a moment’s notice, while a heavy-duty one can help you hold the line and stay strong on your feet.
Finding the best football cleats for you can be overwhelming at first, but don’t settle for the first pair you find — we’ve curated a selection of the best cleats for football, with options for every type of player.
Football cleats overview
Football cleats are designed to help players move efficiently on the field, with tread patterns that ensure stability while still making it possible to stop, turn, or break into a sprint at a moment’s notice. Many cleats are geared toward specific player positions since each one comes with unique demands.
Cleats can also count as protective equipment, reducing the injury risk in what can be a dangerous sport sometimes. The best cleats for football are designed with protective and stabilizing elements to keep players safe but without hindering performance.
How we chose the best football cleats
Here are the key factors that guided our selection of the best football cleats:
- Safety: From the sole to the heel cup to the collar, we looked for football cleats built to enhance player safety without compromising their ability to play well.
- Comfort: With so much happening on the field, the last thing you need is the distraction of uncomfortable footwear. We looked for cleats that were highly rated for comfort.
- Position specialty: The best football cleats will help different types of players excel in their specific positions. We looked for specialized cleats and made sure to curate a diverse selection of shoes for every kind of player.
Top football cleats
- Best overall: Nike Vapor Edge Pro 360 2
- Best budget: Nike Alpha Menace 3 Shark
- Best for speed: UnderArmour Men's UA Blur 2 MC Suede Football Cleats
- Best for linemen: Nike Force Savage Pro 2
- Best mid-top: Adidas Adizero Impact Football Cleats
- Best style: Jordan 1 Low TD
Best overall: Nike Vapor Edge Pro 360 2
- Ideal for: All skill positions
- Features: NikeSkin overlay, Edge traction pattern, ankle cuff, internal frame
- Sizes: M4-M16
About Nike Vapor Edge Pro 360 2
The Nike Vapor Edge Pro 360 2 are the most talked about football cleats of 2024. These high-performing shoes deliver a balance of stability and speed that have made them go-to's for skill position players. They’re light and comfortable, so you’ll have no trouble covering miles or maneuvering with agility, but still offer some protection.
The Edge traction pattern is a stand-out, with wide-spaced chevron studs that make quick cuts a breeze. There’s an internal frame instead of a plate, which provides foot stability for added safety.
The upper has molded elements and elastic cuffs around the ankles to provide support without inhibiting player movements. They’re breathable, so you’ll feel cool during your game. They’re also reasonably priced, although some reviewers mentioned that their durability wasn’t as high as expected.
Why we like it
- Very comfortable and light
- Traction sole boosts agility and flexibility
- Flexible cuff keeps the ankle stable without inhibiting movement
What to consider
Some reviewers mentioned issues with durability
Best budget: Nike Alpha Menace 3 Shark
- Ideal for: Quarterbacks and running backs
- Features: Fastflex technology with rubber studs
- Sizes: M6.5-M16, wide fit available
About Nike Alpha Menace 3 Shark
Also from Nike, the Alpha Menace 3 Shark are built for agility on a budget. Retailing for under $50, they’re practically a steal. With a mid-top design, they’re a supportive option that’ll suit players across different positions, but especially quarterbacks who need a balance of support and speed.
They feature Nike Fastflex studs made of rubber, which add flexible traction for quick cuts and a cushioned midsole to support explosive movements. The chevron shape of the studs enhances propulsion and supports multi-directional movements. The only drawback according to reviewers is that they can have durability issues.
Why we like it
- Budget-friendly
- Flexible studs and midsole for fast, agile movements
- Balanced level of support with mid-top cut
What to consider
Durability issues
Best for speed: UnderArmour Blur 2 MC
- Ideal for: Wide receivers, tight ends
- Features: Perf X shock absorption insole, TPU skin, knit upper
- Sizes: M6-M16, run narrow
About UnderArmour Men's UA Blur 2 MC Suede Football Cleats
UnderArmour’s Blur range is famous for light, flexible cleats that allow speedy players to move forward with ease. The latest release, Blur 2 MC Suede, enhances comfort with a suede-soft textile upper.
As with previous iterations like the Blur Smoke, the UA Blur 2 are a fantastic option for most offense positions. They feature a Perf X insole that absorbs impact during explosive moments. The traction pattern was inspired by track spikes, with a central propulsion spine and longer perimeter spikes giving a speed boost.
While they have a low-top profile, there’s still a knit collar to enhance the fit at the ankle and a secure heel pocket to ensure better lockdown. They’re comfortable and protective on first wear while still boosting speed. That said, they’re not as supportive as more heavy-duty cleats. The fit is snug and tight, which is great for those with narrow feet. Those with wide feet may need to purchase half a size up.
Why we like it
- Extremely lightweight
- Traction sole and insole designed to boost speed
- Knit collar and secure heel pocket offer support
What to consider
Fit may be too narrow for some
Best for linemen: Nike Force Savage Pro 2
About Nike Force Savage Pro 2
Arguably the most popular lineman cleats in the NFL, the Force Savage Pro 2 delivers the stability and ankle protection that big players need. They’re a little bulky, but their performance more than justifies it.
They feature a thick, cushioned high-top collar with a strap that allows you to adjust the fit and security. While it’s not necessarily the most comfortable option, it’ll help protect your ankles without compromising on performance. Around the heel, internal pads keep you cushioned and protected.
The stud pattern is designed for high traction so you can dig into the ground and remain steady. The upper includes molding details that can come in handy should you get stepped on.
Why we like it
- Thick, protective high-top collar
- Steadying high-traction sole
- Cushioned heel pad and molding on the upper offer additional protection
What to consider
Bulky and heavy-duty
Best mid-top: Adidas Adizero Impact Football Cleats
About Adidas Adizero Impact Football Cleats
The Adidas Adizero Impact cleats are a brand-new release with some exciting potential, especially for players who need balanced shoes. The Adizero Impact cleats will keep you protected but agile.
They have a balanced mid-top design that provides the right level of support for explosive, agile players. Built with a REPETITOR midsole, they offer ample shock absorption. One reviewer mentioned that they can feel a little stiff, however.
The level of traction provided by the outsole is designed to promote acceleration while still allowing for juking or cutting.
Why we like it
- Balance of agility and protection
- Shock-absorbing midsole supports explosive players
- Outsole tread promotes acceleration and cuts.
What to consider
May feel stiff
Best style: Jordan 1 Low TD
- Ideal for: Wide receivers, tight ends
- Features: Wide stud placement, durable synthetic upper
- Sizes: M7-M18, run small
About Jordan 1 Low TD
Despite the brand’s strong basketball associations, Air Jordan football cleats are on the rise, with a steadily growing presence on both college and NFL fields. Their retro style is inspired by the Air Jordan 1s for immediate recognizability and appeal.
As a Nike subsidiary, they offer the same performance-enhancing features, like wide-spaced studs in the soles that support speedy and agile players. The split in the sole improves flexibility, which is perfect for juking and cutting. The upper looks like classic leather but is made of a durable synthetic material.
Some reviewers mentioned that they run a little small and because they’re true low-tops, may not offer enough ankle support.
Why we like it
- Stylish retro design
- Wide studs support agile players
- Durable upper
What to consider
- Sizes run small
- May not offer enough ankle support
How to choose football cleats
When choosing the right football cleats for you, take every aspect of the shoe into account, from the fit to the traction pattern to the cut.
- Fit: Football cleats should fit snugly without feeling restrictive. Check if the cleats you’re considering fit true-to-size or whether you should size up or down.
- Traction: Most players need traction patterns that facilitate pivoting or explosiveness, like the Nike Vapor Edge Pro 360 2, except for linemen, who require a more aggressive traction pattern to help them hold their position.
- Cut: The higher the cut, the more protective the shoe, but also the more restricted you might feel. Offense players usually prefer low-cut shoes, although quarterbacks may need the added protection of a mid-top. Linemen usually choose high-top cleats like Nike Force Savage Pro 2.
- Weight: When you play a skilled position, being light on your feet is key, so lighter cleats are a priority, while linemen should gravitate towards slightly heavier shoes that’ll offer better stability.
Methodology
To compile this list, our writers and editors reviewed top products on the market, compared specs and features and created a short list of the top football cleats. Then, we used product descriptions, reviews and user ratings to find the best cleats for each category. Note that we do not test every product but base our lists on our research, user reviews and expert opinions.
FAQ
What cleats do most football players wear?
At every level of the sport, most football players wear dedicated football cleats from brands like Nike, Air Jordan, Adidas and UnderArmour, with Nike cleats dominating the NFL.
What are the best football cleats for skilled players?
The very best football cleats for skills players right now are the Nike Vapor Edge Pro 360 2. They help enhance player speed and agility while offering more support and protection than the average skills player cleat.
What cleats do most NFL kickers wear?
NFL kickers often wear soccer cleats, which feature textured or thin uppers to enhance player control of the ball.
References
- Jastifer, J., Kent, R., Crandall, J., Sherwood, C., Lessley, D., McCullough, K. A., Coughlin, M. J., & Anderson, R. B. (2017). The Athletic Shoe in Football. Sports health, 9(2), 126–131. https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738117690717 Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5349396/
- Do Cleats Matter? The Answer Is Yes. (2023). Hospital for Special Surgery. https://www.hss.edu/article_how-to-choose-cleats.asp
- Newcombe, T. (2016). The Surprisingly Sophisticated Science of Cleats. Popular Mechanics. Retrieved from: https://www.popularmechanics.com/adventure/sports/news/a23106/nike-science-of-cleats/
- Daack, C., Senchina, D. (2014). A Field Study of Low-Top vs. Mid-Top vs. High-Top American Football Cleats. Sports. 2. 85-98. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports2040085. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268802039_A_Field_Study_of_Low-Top_vs_Mid-Top_vs_High-Top_American_Football_Cleats
