Soccer Cleats 101 Soccer Cleats News and Reviews
Finding the right pair of soccer cleats is paramount to ensuring you are performing at the highest level come kick-off. Each position is going to have specific boots that are more suited than others. So, in our Best Cleats by Position series, we take a look at what boots suit the needs of each playing position on the soccer pitch.
Wingers
The role a winger plays on a soccer field is often underestimated. Having a winger who can get down the line and put accurate crosses into the box can be the difference between a good and great team. There are two types of wingers; those that like to run at defenders and those that simply look to get the ball in the box. Either way, creating chances is essential to the position. And if you look at the best players in the world, scoring goals is also an important part. To get the most out of your game, a wingers needs the following from soccer cleats:
- Touch – Particularly for those that like to dribble, having a cleat that offers good feel on the ball is essential.
- Traction – Fast acceleration to beat a defender is a must. So, a cleat must move and respond to a wingers movement.
- Lighweight – Not always the determining factor, but being light on your toes can be the difference between getting to the ball before a defender and whipping in a cross.
Adidas F50 adiZero (review)
While reviewing the F50 adiZero, I was quiet surprised to find that they break-in quiet easily and offer a high level of comfort. When it comes to playing out wide and running with the ball, you need to have confidence in what you are wearing and there are not many better options than the adiZero. The big decision lies in whether you choose the synthetic or leather version. Personally, I found the leather version offers much better touch and feel when they adapt to your feet. With either version, you are going to have a cleat that allows for optimal speed and acceleration when running at defenders.
Nike Mercurial Vapor VI (review)
The decision to include the Nike Vapor VI over the Superfly might be a controversial choice, but I believe the Vapor series offers many more benefits and value for everyday wingers. Both boots are designed for fast paced wingers and you will notice more players wearing the Superfly. But the Vapor VI is just a much more comfortable boot, and they have the added bonus of a lace cover to help improve touch and control. They are designed for absolute speed, and although they are not classified as the lightest boot on the market they are pretty stinking light!
Puma V1.10 SL (review)
Puma’s version of a speed cleat holds the reputation of being one of the lightest soccer cleats currently on the market! Weighing in at 5.3oz, the Puma V1.10 SL is going to suit any winger looking to get down the line and beat quick defenders. I actually found the Puma V1.10 SL to be my personal favorite boot as a winger. The feel and touch offered by the boot is high class, although again you have to question the protection offered. They are a great boot to dribble in and they have a slight grip like feel to the microfiber upper that allows the ball to stay close to your feet.
Adidas Predator X or adiPower (review)
The alternative boot on the list – designed for players whose role is to simply get the ball into the box! In fact, when I played professionally I was continually reminded that my role was to create chances. Using David Beckham as an example, his advantage lies in his crossing ability – he never had to dribble past defenders at speed, he simply needed to create a yard of space and cross the ball! So, if this is the type of player you are then the Adidas Predator X is going to be the soccer cleat for you. This also includes wide players that like to take a lot of set plays, the Predator X is designed for those who want to master the art of striking the ball with accuracy. Since writing this post, the adiPower Predator has been released and offers an equally competitive option!
Full selection of adiPower Predators currently still available at soccer.com.
Other options worth checking out:
Nike Mercurial Superfly
Umbro GT Pro
Lotto Zhero Gravity
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) – Nike Superfly
Nani (Man Utd) – Adidas F50 adiZero
David Bentley (Birmingham) – Adidas adiPure IV
Ricardo Quaresma (Besiktas) – Adidas F50 adiZero
Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool) – Adidas Predator X
Adam Johnson (Man City) – Nike Superfly
Aaron Lennon (Tothenham) – Nike Superfly
Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich) – Adidas F50 adiZero
I think preds would be a good boot for all positions
bryan, doesn’t bentley wear puma’s? or did he change a long time ago? either way i noticed not many wingers wear heritage boots, why?
@Ryan
Since moving to Birmingham he has been wearing several different brands of boots. In the past 2-3 weeks he has been wearing adiPure IV. I wouldn't be surprised to see him switch it up again at some stage soon!
Hey bryan i was just wondering if the new joma total fit would be a good option for a winger because i am looking for sumthing that is leather rather then synthetic which is a decent weight that provides comfort
I gotta say I'm surprised that you didn't put maestris up there, not to mention T90 Lasers too.
I just received T90 Laser Elites. Very interesting feel (like wearing pair of marshmallow-lined slippers) especially after wearing a pair of Adizero leather. I’m curious to find out if the feel for the ball is as intimate as Adizeros or Adipures.
The Elite version of Laser is more than light enough for wingers – perhaps ideal for wingbacks because of all the protection it offers while not sacrificing agility.
Because of the padding, the lasers must be good for receiving long crosses with outstretched leg (like the way Bergcamp brought that long cross down to score a winner against Argentina in ’98).
I will find out once the snow melts and field is dried.
PUMA POWERCAT!! Woo Hoo!!
Great touch and Good power 😀
Bryan,
Where can I buy those black adizeroes with the orange studs that pictured in the article? I looked on soccer.com but could not find them.
@Tim
Probably the best looking adiZero release in my opinion – they sold out pretty soon after being released.
@Bryan
I can imagine because they are beautiful cleats. I guess I'll just have to wait. How much did they coast? (in American dollars)
Hi Brian!
Nice review! How is the Puma holding up after a couple of weeks? And are they good for crossing the ball?
Thanks again for a great review
@Eric
Puma V1.10 SL still holding up well. The upper is showing some signs of wear. Ideal boot for wingers and crossing with them works out well.
Hi Bryan, I just started playing competitively and usually play on the right side. My form is a little sloppy so I was wondering what is going to get me the most power and accuracy until i get it back. Thanks.. Steve
Something that offers a high level of all round performance sounds like your best option. The adidas adiPure IV and the Nike CTR360 Maestri II would be the two pairs I recommend.
Anyone have suggestions for toe protection. My 12 yo girl plays competative soccer and every toe nial is cracked from players stepping on them. I have heard that there is a shoe with extra protection???? Help.
Toe protection is a tough one! The Concave PT+ is designed to protect the metatarsal area – that is about as close as you will get to the toe. I think the best thing you could do for her is to really wrap it up tight so that it protects the nail! Hope she heals quickly!!
Bryan,
I play wing for my high school team and we are losing all of our star players next and I want to step up my game. As a high school student I have a tight budget but I am willing to pay some money for a solid pair of cleats. Now I love to beat defenders with my speed but love the power I get from my t90s, and they just weight too much. I don’t know if its jet me but I can tell the weight difference from my nike mercurials. So I was looking at adizeros? What do you think? Feedback would be Awesome.
Thanks
Bryan,
I'm a senior (graduating this May) and will be playing collegiate soccer, so I've been looking around for solid pair of cleats. I'm a winger, and I was thinking the T90 Lasers would be a good option or the CTR360 Maestri's, which I already own a pair of. Both recieved a 90+ rating from you, so I figured they were good options. Should I get one of those, or maybe something else like Predators or AdiPures?
Thanks!
I have Predators and they are a little too heavy for me personally. I play Wing too. I utilize my speed and acceleration to get by defenders a lot. I had Puma evoSpeeds which worked very well, but I wanted to change things up and I switched to predators. The Predators were very heavy and it felt like I was being restricted from my full potential, especially with my footwork which I tried using a lot on the pitch as well. I think I'm going to buy Nike Mercurial Superflys just because of the boots lightweight and flexible design. They are super light as well. I've heard a lot of hype about them. That's my personal preference though.
Bryan,
I play defensive midfield, and Im thinking about getting tiempos. What do you think? And how can i tell if they are authentic, and real.
They are a common boot for defenders to wear, so I would recommend them as a good option. Since they offer a nice soft touch and control, they compliment the style of defensive midfielders who like to get on the ball.
Thanks for the advice, but its just been bothering me how at academy or dicks they are $50 and on the internet they are at least $120. Whats the difference? Is it the quality?
Yes Lucas, that is exactly what it is. The tiempo line has 5 levels. Natural, which is the lowest level and the cheapest, is made out of synthetic leather and is very much a beginners boot. The next is the Mystic, the next level up, has a full grain leather upper and is a "club" level boot. The tiempo classic (or now as it is called) the "Flight" is next, both of these boots have a calfskin upper which is softer and will offer more stretch to form to your foot than the full grain leather will offer.
The 4th level is the Legend, the Legend over the years has earned a reputation of being the epitome of comfort. With a kangaroo leather upper it will be extremely soft, plyable and will form to you foot very well. The new Legend's, the Legend IV, have a mixture of kangaroo and what nike calls "kanga-lite" on the upper. "kanga-lite" is a synthetic leather that is suppose to mirror the feel of kangaroo leather without absorbing as much water when you play in harsher conditions. This helps keep the boot lighter in rain, snow, etc. Finally, the last tier of the Tiempo line is the Elite, The new Tiempo Legend Elites have a carbon fiber outsole which is lighter and stronger than the normal Tiempo sole-plate. A premium kangaroo leather is used on the boot which is lighter, thinner and softer than the average Tiempo leather. Lastly, the new addition of Flywire technology in the boot allows the boot to have more support in the leather without the excess material. The Elite's are just what their name states, Elite performance for the Elite players.
so all in all here are the prices of the boots in order of tier
Natural: $ 50
Mystic: $ 76
Classic/Flight: $ 109/120
Legend: $164
Legend Elite: $ Old-$302, New-$385
What are the best cleats for crossing? What would be better for crossing CTR or T90?
hey brianni currently have adipures and i play winger my job is to take on players and shoot pass or cross i want to either get adipowers or ctr's and i cant decide what would u do ! also i was considering the new laser iv and the tiempo iv both non elites!
whats the best shoe right now 4 right winger?
hey brian can you help me out? i am a left midfield and played forward too. i am fast and left footed. i like attacking and to score. i like a boot thats good for free kick too and light. what do you suggest? right now i am wearing adidas predators blue/yellow. they are really nice but i was wondering what can be better? i wanna try t90s cause my fav player snjeider wears them and there is a rivalry going on between t90 and predators. i am a winger but i like to score too and free kicks is a huge part. i am a very good crosser too
bryan, do you think adipure would be a suitable for a winger?
probably not
Hi Bryan,am a left winger(same wing as Cristiano Ronaldo)I just got the T90 laser but not sure if that would be helpful for the position I play..,I play that position exactly like my role model Cristiano Ronaldo..,so I want to know if the T90 lasers befeaths that style of play…
Would the Adidas 11 pros be a good choice for a winger? What boot would be best for crossing?
what about the new neymar cleats