Soccer Cleats 101 Soccer Cleats News and Reviews
Recently Bryan took a look at some of his preferred high-end releases. One of our readers, Andy, asked if we had any recommendations for more budget friendly options where the performance didn’t suffer in the boots. Andy is a soccer coach who coaches teens, and teens don’t always have the fiscal means to get the latest and greatest fad in the boot world. But does a lack of fiscal necessarily mean they should be deprived of a good quality football boot? I don’t think so.
So if you’re in the market for a quality boot which isn’t going to break the bank (I’ve tried to limit the price to no greater than $125), please continue on reading.
If you have any suggestions that you’d add to the list, drop a line in the comments.
Puma evoPOWER 2
Retail: $71.99
Easily one of my favourite boots. The baby evoPOWER is arguably the best mid-tier boot on the market. As far as I’m concerned it shouldn’t even qualify as a mid-tier release. It’s stacked full of the same technology that the top tier evoPOWER has, the only differences is the upper isn’t the Adapt-lite synthetic, and the GSF soleplate lacks the same level of downward flex as the evoPOWER 1. Puma breathed new life into the power silo which no one was expecting with the evoPOWER series, and the evoPOWER 2 is a great choice for any player looking to get their hands on a quality power boot at a wallet friendly price.
Read our Puma evoPOWER 2 review.
Nike Tiempo Legacy
Retail: $99.99
There’s something about a no nonsense leather boot I love. The Legacy is that boot in spades. Featuring a calfskin leather upper and traditional conical studs you know exactly what you’re getting into with the Legacy. The only “technology” of note is the stitching across the forefoot of the boot. Being such a traditional boot it’s something that you can take from the box straight into a match if need be, and at half the price of the top-tier Tiempo Legend you can buy two pairs of Legacy’s for the same price as one pair of Legend’s.
Read our Nike Tiempo Legacy review.
Diadora DD Evoluzione 2 K Pro
Price: 89.99
Diadora have a limited profile in North America, so you aren’t bound to see them everywhere. However, don’t let that put you off looking at a pair of boots from the Italian brand. Historically Diadora have made boots for likes of Roberto Baggio, Marco van Basten, and Francesco Totti. So it isn’t as though the brand is without pedigree. The Evoluzione 2 K Pro features a K-Leather upper, and Diadora’s patented NET Breathing System built into the soleplate, which contains conical studs. It’s not the lightest of boots, but it’s a solid performer, and lets face it you don’t find a K-Leather boot these days for $90, and that alone is a massive selling feature!
While we didn’t get to review the 2 K Pro, Bryan did get a chance to look at the slightly different DD Evoluzione 2 K and you can read his review here.
Warrior Superheat S-Lite
Price: $98.99
What’s going on with Warrior? Are they sticking around? Are they switching to New Balance? It’s all up in the air, what isn’t up in the air however is the cracking deal you can get on Warrior’s speed boot, the Superheat S-Lite. Warrior have put a tonne of technology into the Superheat designing it for the attacking minded player. It’s certainly struck a chord with some very exciting players picking up the boot Valencia’s Alvaro Negredo, Manchester United’s Adnan Januzaj, and Manchester City’s Samir Nasri have all been sporting the boot. If you’re a fan of bold aggressive styling then the Superheat should be a boot which is right up your street.
Read our review of the Warrior Superheat S-Lite.
Adidas 11pro
Price: $129.99
I wanted to keep the price limit to $125 and under. But the 11pro is just too good of a boot at too good of a price to ignore. Despite getting off to an inauspicious start as a silo after replacing the adiPure, the 11pro really hit its stride with the redesign for the pre-World Cup Samba colourways. The cross-stitching on the forefoot offers a cushioned feeling when playing a longer pass. The Taurus leather upper is a high performing material and a suitable substitute for K-Leather. The 11pro is a boot designed around comfort, with a soleplate designed to be one of the most comfortable on the market.
Read our review of the Adidas 11pro.
While I limited the list to five boots, I should add an honourable mention to the Adidas Nitrocharge 2.0. I reviewed the original incarnation last fall and was thoroughly impressed. The current incarnation offers improved coverage for the protective mesh in the rear of the boot. While not on the list properly it is a boot which is a great option for a player on a budget.
The Nike Premier is an excellent choice that can be had under $100. One of my favorites regardless of price
Excellent option there Pepe!
Thank you Richard for doing this, much appreciated.
This is really great piece and I will refer many parents and players to it.
I would add the Nike Premier to this list as well.
Cheers
Thanks for the kind words Andy! It was a pleasure to piece it together for you, as a player who has a budget, I know what it’s like trying to get the best possible boot for a price which is fiscally responsible!
And yes you’re right about the Nike Premier excellent boot for the money!
One more thing to add, I wish Mizuno sold their lower tier boots in the states. I bought few from Japan over the years and they are very good quality and very good fit even if they are not made in Japan.
Also, since I’m a big fan of Puma, I would recommend the spirit as well.
I know this is a list for new boots, but the f50 model before the current one is an absolute steal!