What Is a Soccer Cleat?

Football cleats and soccer cleats are not the same thing. But what's the difference?

Soccer cleats are essential footwear. / Kelvin Kuo-Imagn Images

The most eye-catching part of a soccer player's kit is always the jersey.

Clubs produce new designs, color schemes, and patterns each season to keep the look fresh and exciting. Plus, away kits offer a different concept that aims to capture the attention of everyone from avid fans to casual spectators.

Soccer players themselves, though, know that their cleats are the most important part of their kit, even if viewers tend to focus on their shirt.

Soccer cleats give players the necessary traction, support, and mobility to excel on the pitch across all leagues, competitions, and skill levels. Without proper cleats, players would struggle with the ball at their feet, not to mention be at a higher risk for injury.

Understanding the true benefits of soccer cleats, and their difference to football cleats, is a must for anybody looking to step onto the pitch.

What is a soccer cleat?

Picking the right footwear is key to success in soccer. / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

A soccer cleat is the shoe players wear for all soccer activities, from warm-ups to full 90 minute matches. Often, professional players refer to their cleats as "boots."

The best soccer cleats provide players with a healthy balance of flexibility and support, giving their feet enough padding without weighing down their shot or passes.

The most important part of soccer cleats are the studs beneath the boot. They are designed to give players traction on both real grass and turf without restricting their movement.

Despite the common attributes among all soccer boots, each player has their own unique preferences for certain models, exterior designs, and more. For example, former Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Toni Kroos wore the same blue and white adidas 11Pro cleats his entire career.

Types of soccer cleats

Erling Haaland wears Nike soccer cleats. / PRiME Media Images/IMAGO

There are three main types of soccer cleats.

First, there are firm ground soccer cleats. Designed for natural grass surfaces, they perform well on dry or slightly wet grass fields. The studs on firm ground cleats are typically longer than those found on other types, and they often feature non-removable, molded conicle studs.

These provide excellent stability, support, and control on firm ground surfaces, making them a popular choice for players.

Then, there are multi-ground soccer cleats. These are ideal for players who frequently play on different types of surfaces, including both natural and artificial grass.

The studs on multi-ground cleats, which can either by conical or bladed, are slightly shorter and more evenly distributed across the sole, making them Ideal for navigating tougher pitches and providing traction in multiple directions.

Lastly, there are artificial ground cleats. These have much shorter, rubberized studs, and, as the name suggests, are perfect for artificial turf fields.

Are football cleats and soccer cleats the same?

A football cleat is slightly different than a soccer cleat. / Icon Sportswire/IMAGO

Soccer cleats differ from football cleats in a number of ways.

Unlike some football cleats, soccer cleats typically do not go past the ankle; soccer players need full mobility to execute at the highest level.

Football cleats also have an additional stud at the very top of the shoe, which is there to provide extra stability and traction for performing certain actions like blocks and push-offs.

What soccer cleats does Lionel Messi wear?

Lionel Messi. / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Given that Lionel Messi began his professional career over two decades ago, it’s no surprise that he has worn a wide variety of soccer cleats over the years—far too many to list in full.

That said, the magical Argentine has consistently worn cleats produced by Adidas, which has been his sponsor since 2006.

Over the years, Messi has sported numerous variations of the Adidas F50, F30, and Speedportal series. He has also had cleat lines designed specifically for him, including the Adidas Messi 15 Series and the Adidas Nemeziz Messi Series.

How and where to buy soccer cleats

Dick's Sporting Goods is a good place to buy soccer cleats. / Dreamstime/IMAGO

Like most products these days, if you’re looking for soccer cleats, you have two main options: buying them online or shopping in-store.

Online, cleats are available from a variety of websites, including Amazon, the official Adidas and Nike stores, as well as specialty retailers like SoccerPro and Pro:Direct Soccer.

However, since cleats come in various shapes and sizes, visiting a store is often the smarter choice. Trying them on in person ensures you get the right fit and saves you the hassle of returning packages if they don’t work out.

Stores that sell soccer cleats include popular sporting goods retailers like Dick's Sporting Goods, Academy Sports + Outdoors, and Sports Direct.

Best soccer cleats based on review

Kylian Mbappe wears Nike's Mercurial Superfly cleats. / ZUMA Press Wire/IMAGO

Finding the best-rated soccer cleats depends on where you look, but we’ve compiled a few of the most popular options from various retailers to help you get started.

Nike Mercurial Superfly 10 Elite

Known for its lightweight design and excellent traction, this is the boot for all speed demons. As worn by Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe. (SoccerPro)

Adidas F50 Elite

Designed for firm grass pitches and engineered for speed, the Adidas F50 Elite are worn by Lionel Messi. (Adidas)

PUMA King Utimate

The PUMA King Ultimate is a modern take on one of soccer’s most iconic cleats, famously worn by legends like Pelé and Diego Maradona. (Amazon)

How to clean soccer cleats

Clean those cleats! / Dreamstime/IMAGO

Keeping your soccer cleats clean is essential—not just because they’re an investment, but because their condition can directly impact your performance.

Dirty cleats, especially those caked with mud and grass, can affect traction, reduce ball control, and make them heavier, ultimately hindering your game.

Keeping your cleats clean will also enhance their durability, making them less prone to wear and tear over time.

To clean dirty soccer cleats effectively, follow these steps:

Step 1

Tap your cleats against a hard surface or knock them together to dislodge any clumps of dirt or grass stuck to the soles.

Step 2

Remove excess dirt from the exterior of your cleats with a soft brush or cloth.

Step 3

Remove the laces.

Step 4

Mix a small amount of mild laundry detergent with warm water in a bowl to create a gentle cleaning solution. Dip a brush or cloth into the solution, then use it to scrub the cleats, focusing on any stained or soiled areas.

Step 5

Rinse the boots thoroughly with warm waters to remove any excess soap or suds, ensuring they’re clean and free of residue.

Step 6

Wash the shoelaces by placing them in a pillowcase or mesh bag and run a cold, delicate cycle with mild detergent. Alternatively, hand-wash them by soaking in dish soap and water, then scrubbing with a soft brush.

Step 7

Wipe the cleats with a dry cloth and let them air dry in a well-ventilated area, avoiding direct heat or sunlight to prevent damage.

Frequently asked questions about soccer cleats (FAQ)

That's what you call a good teammate. / MIS/IMAGO

Can you use soccer cleats for football?

While soccer cleats can technically be used for football, they lack the toe spike and ankle support often needed in football. It’s better to use sport-specific cleats for optimal performance.

Can you use soccer cleats for softball?

Soccer cleats can work for softball in a pinch, but they don’t have the same grip or durability as softball-specific cleats.

Are metal cleats allowed in kids soccer?

Metal cleats are generally prohibited in youth soccer due to safety concerns.

Are laceless soccer cleats good?

Laceless cleats offer a clean striking surface and snug fit but may not provide the same level of customization as traditional laced cleats. They’re great for players seeking convenience and style.

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