5+ Best Football Cleats of 2023 – Top Picks and Reviews

5+ Best Football Cleats of 2023 - Top Picks and Reviews

Choosing the best football cleats is essential to the future success you will have on the field. From receivers to linemen, the best football cleats can help you meet your goals. In this guide, I ranked and reviewed the 5+ best football.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you.

What Are The Best Football Cleats?

Here are my top picks for the best football cleats this year. 

1. Nike Vapor Edge Pro 360

Best Football Cleats for Skilled Positions

The Nike Vapor Edge Pro 360 provides a new level of speed with its innovative design. Featuring a full-foot plate that offers both flexibility and support, and wide stud placements that enable sharper cuts, this cleat allows for faster and more dynamic movements on the field.

Key Features:

  • Price: $139.99
  • Height: Low-cut
  • Elastic cuff
  • Ghost lacing system
Nike Vapor Edge Pro 360

Overview.

The Nike Vapor Edge cleats is one of the top nike football cleats on the market and our pick for the best football cleats.

The internal chassis and wide stud placement are strategically placed to provide flexibility helping you get out of your cut. 

The Nike Vapor Pro Edge 360 cleats are also incredibly lightweight, allowing for faster movements and better agility. 

The design of the cleats promotes speed and quickness, making them ideal for offensive players who need to make sudden movements and quick cuts.

The lightweight upper is covered with a thin overlay for durability.

This feature enables me to make sudden and sharp cuts without slipping or losing my footing.

What I Like:

  • Extra support
  • Engineered synthetic upper
  • Snug fit

What I Dislike:

  • Elastic liner could be uncomfortable for some users 

2. Under Armour Blur Smoke

Best Football Cleats for Wide Receivers Running Backs

The UA Blur football cleats, inspired by track spikes, are designed to help you find that extra gear. Their unique build and flexible design make them one of the fastest cleats out there, giving you the speed and agility you need to cover every inch of the field with ease.

Key Features:

  • Price: $119.95
  • Height: Low-cut
  • Ultra-thin TPU skin
  • Perf X insole
Under Armour Blur Smoke

Overview.

The track spike inspired, UA Blur Smoke cleats are designed for ultimate speed. 

These low top football cleats feature a light textile upper and ultra thin TPU skin. 

Another standout feature is the knit collar, making the cleats a sock like fit allowing for natural movements. 

Besides the sleek design, the football cleats also offer a secure heel pocket for added comfort and lockdown. 

The High-rebound Perf X insole is designed to provide optimal shock absorption.

What I Like:

  • Great for narrow feet
  • Underfoot cushioning
  • Reliable performance

What I Dislike:

  • Not ideal cleats for wide feet

3. Adidas Adizero Scorch

Best Football Cleats for Defensive Backs

The breathable mesh upper will keep your feet feeling fresh and ready for action, while the TPU overlays provide the perfect combination of lightweight support and durability. And when it comes to traction, the studded TPU outsole has got you covered, giving you the dependable grip you need to plow through the toughest defenders. 

Key Features:

  • Price: $99.90
  • Height: Low-cut
  • Mesh upper with TPU overlays
  • Textile lining
Adidas Adizero Scorch

Overview.

The Adizero Scorch cleats are the lightest football cleats due to its breathable and lightweight design.

The mesh upper with TPU overlays and studded cleated outsole is made of a tough, durable material that can withstand the wear and tear of the game.

These cleats offer a traditional lace closure with customizable hook and loop straps. 

Another standout feature of the Adidas Adizero Scorch cleats is their durability. 

What I Like:

  • Lace up closure
  • Padded collars
  • Versatile pair for foot speed

What I Dislike:

  • Not the best for wide feet

4. Men’s UA Spotlight Lux MC 2.0 Football Cleats

Best Football Cleats for Quarterbacks

UA Spotlight cleats are designed for agile football players, helping them accelerate, stop, and cut quickly to leave their opponents behind.

Key Features:

  • Price: $130.00
  • Height: Mid-cut
  • Anatomical 3D bootie
  • SuperFoam insole
Men's UA Spotlight Lux MC 2.0 Football Cleats

Overview.

The UA Spotlight LUX MC 2.0 offer a soft and breathable upper material providing a comfortable and secure fit that keeps me agile on the field. 

The Anatomical 3D and SuperFoam deliver comfort, ankle support, and a great overall feel. 

A seamless construction ensures that there are no distractions from uncomfortable pressure points or chafing.

UA are designed for all positions and can handle any surface, providing excellent traction on both grass and turf. 

The outsole features strategically placed studs that offer unparalleled grip and stability.

What I Like:

  • Screen print overlay
  • Protective uppers
  • Innovative outsole

What I Dislike:

  • Synthetic material not for everyone

5. Adidas Nasty 2.0

Best Football Cleats For Linemen

These cleats are designed to make a statement with every play you make – from getting the first down to making a defensive stop. The sock-like construction of the cleats effortlessly molds to your feet, giving you a sense of unity between you and your footwear. With the Sprintstuds placed precisely on the forefoot and heel of the outsole, you can accelerate and change direction quickly, ensuring you don’t lose a yard on the field.

Key Features

  • Price: $130.00
  • Height: High-cut
  • Razorframe TPU
  • EVA midsole
Adidas Nasty 2.0 Cleats

Overview.

One look. at the Adidas Nasty 2.0 you instantly know they are lineman cleats.

They are designed for wide feet, yet are extremely lightweight and helpful in the trenches.

Experience a seamless connection between you and your cleats with the sock-like construction that conforms to the shape of your foot.

The Razorframe TPU and EVA midsole are geared towards shock absorption and support.

Since thse are geared towards linemen, the cleats offer exceptional traction and added support.

What I Like:

  • Maximum ankle support
  • Synthetic upper
  • Full length EVA midsole

What I Dislike:

  • Mainly designed for lineman 

6. Nike Alpha Menace Varsity 3

Best Football Cleats for Linebackers

If you’re looking for football cleats that provide both stability and lightweight support, you might want to check out the Nike Alpha Menace Varsity 3. They’re designed to help you make quick moves in any direction on the field. Plus, the updated version now includes midfoot overlays that give you extra support when you’re juking, spinning, or cutting. 

Key Features:

  • Price: $64.95
  • Height: Mid-cut
  • Field ready traction
  • Low-profile cushioning
Nike Alpha Menace Varsity 3

Overview.

Nike Alpha Menace Varsity 3 are the best budget football cleats. 

Nike updated their previous version and improved their overlays at the midfoot for more support to change directions.

These cleats come with wings on the sides that connect with the laces, providing you with an extra layer of containment and support for a snug and secure fit. 

The stiff plate with a 12-stud configuration is specifically designed to give you both stability and traction.

And don’t worry about comfort – the 3/4-length wedge foam midsole cushions your stride, ensuring lasting comfort throughout the season.

What I Like:

  • Wide stud placement for stability
  • Plastic shank for extra traction
  • Multiple layers of support

What I Dislike:

  • Heavier than most other cleats 

Football Cleats Buying Criteria

  • Type of surface (grass, turf, or indoor)
  • Cleat material
  • Fit and comfort
  • Ankle support
  • Traction
  • Durability
  • Price

Type of surface

First and foremost, you need to consider the surface you’ll be playing on. Different cleats are designed for different surfaces, such as grass, turf, or indoor courts. When I first started playing football, I made the mistake of wearing the same cleats on turf and grass. It wasn’t until I invested in a pair of turf cleats that I noticed a significant difference in my performance. Make sure to choose the right type of cleats for your playing surface to ensure maximum traction and performance.

Fit and comfort

When it comes to football cleats, fit and comfort are critical. Wearing a pair that’s too tight or too loose can cause blisters or other foot injuries that can keep you sidelined for weeks. I’ve had my fair share of blisters and learned the hard way that finding the right fit is crucial. Make sure to try on several pairs and walk around in them before making a decision. Don’t be afraid to go up a size if needed or choose a pair with extra padding if you’re prone to blisters.

Ankle Support

Ankle injuries are common in football, so it’s essential to choose a pair of cleats that provide adequate ankle support. For me, ankle injuries have always been a concern, so I opt for high-top cleats or those with built-in support. These provide the added protection I need while still allowing me to move freely on the field. If you’re prone to ankle injuries, make sure to choose a pair with sufficient ankle support.

Traction

Traction is another critical factor to consider when choosing football cleats. The type and pattern of cleat studs affect traction and grip on the field. For instance, a pair of cleats with longer, metal studs may provide better traction on wet or muddy surfaces, but they’re not suitable for indoor courts. On the other hand, shorter, plastic studs may be better for turf or indoor courts. Choose the right type of cleats for your playing surface to ensure maximum traction and performance.

Durability

Finally, durability is essential when it comes to football cleats. You want a pair that can withstand the wear and tear of a season and still perform at their best. I’ve had cleats that barely made it through half a season, and it was frustrating and costly to have to replace them. Look for cleats with sturdy construction, durable materials, and good customer reviews to ensure they can withstand the rigors of football season.

Price

Price is important when buying football cleats because it can affect their quality and performance. Cheaper cleats may lack durability and support, but the most expensive aren’t always the best. It’s crucial to find the right fit, comfort, and support, and consider how often they will be used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Are high top cleats better for football?

High-top cleats can provide better ankle support, which can be beneficial for football players, especially those who are prone to ankle injuries or play positions that require frequent changes of direction. The added height of the cleats can also help prevent ankle rolls and provide more stability during lateral movements.

However, high-top cleats can also restrict ankle mobility, which can affect an athlete’s speed and agility. In addition, high-top cleats can be heavier and bulkier than low-cut cleats, which can also impact performance.

Ultimately, the decision between high-top or low-cut cleats comes down to personal preference and the player’s specific needs. It’s important to try on both types of cleats and determine which provides the best balance of support, mobility, and comfort for the individual player.

What type of football cleats does the NFL use?

Many NFL players prefer to wear cleats from well-known athletic brands such as Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and Reebok. These brands offer a variety of cleat styles, including low-cut and high-top cleats, as well as specialized cleats designed for different positions and playing surfaces.

What cleats are best for quarterbacks?

The best cleats for quarterbacks will vary depending on personal preference and playing style, but some common characteristics to look for include:

  1. Lightweight: Quarterbacks need to be able to move quickly and change directions easily, so a lightweight cleat is ideal.
  2. Low-cut: Low-cut cleats provide greater ankle mobility and flexibility, which is important for quarterbacks who need to be able to move around the pocket and scramble.
  3. Comfortable fit: A snug, comfortable fit is important for any football player, but it’s especially crucial for quarterbacks who need to be able to feel the ball and have good footwork.
  4. Good traction: Quarterbacks need good traction on the field to avoid slipping and maintain control during throws.
  5. Breathable materials: Since quarterbacks are often in the pocket for extended periods of time, a cleat with breathable materials can help keep their feet cool and dry.

Some popular football cleats for quarterbacks include the Nike Vapor Untouchable Pro, Under Armour Highlight MC, and Adidas Adizero 5-Star. Ultimately, the best cleat for a quarterback will depend on their individual needs and preferences, so it’s important to try on a variety of options and choose the one that feels the most comfortable and supportive.

Wrap Up.

There you have it – my list of the best football cleats As there are 30+ options, I’ve condensed the list down to the best so you can choose the best option for your business or online brand.

  • If you are looking for the best football cleat, I recommend you get started with Nike Vapor Edge Pro 360.
  • If your a wide receiver, I recommend Under Armour Blur Smoke.
  • For defensive backs, we suggest the Adidas Adizero scorch cleats designed to get in and out of your break.

What football cleats do you use?

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