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Black Nike football cleat on a blurred football field Kevin McCartney - Pexels

Best football cleats of 2024

By Maya Adivi | Last updated 7/31/24

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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.

If you have ever played football, you know that it requires agility, strength and speed. The gear you wear, including your football cleats, can help improve your performance and keep you safe from injuries. Supporting your arches and ankles is a priority in a contact sport like football and proper cleats play a major role in both of these things.

The position you play will impact the best cleat for the job. Lightweight, low-top cleats can help you zip through a defensive line, making a cut with ease, while a heavy-duty cleat will improve your chances of holding the line and maintaining a strong line of defense.

Finding the best football cleats with so many available options can be overwhelming, but don’t settle for the first pair you find — we’ve come up with 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

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

About Nike Alpha Menace 3 Shark

Also from Nike, the Alpha Menace 3 Shark are built for agility on a budget. With a mid-top design, they’re a supportive option that’ll suit players across various 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

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

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 type of cleats are best for football?

The best type of football cleats will depend on your position. Mid-cut cleats are great for running backs, quarterbacks that like to move and cornerbacks. The lower, looser fit makes maneuvering easy while still providing ankle support. Linemen on the other hand will want to find something more stable and with a higher fit. These features provide more sticking power and support for this type of position.

What makes football cleats different?

When it comes to football cleats, the soles and studs are what set them apart from other types of cleats. They are designed to provide great traction without limiting mobility. The studs in football cleats are typically thicker and longer to improve stability and grip on the field and help your body brace for impact.

Should I buy football cleats a size bigger?

No, the size of your football cleat should match your shoe size. However, if you are in between sizes, it's recommended that you size up to avoid discomfort and blisters. Keep in mind you don't want your cleats sliding around on your feet because that can lead to injury. So, if your cleats are a little big, throwing on an extra pair of socks can give you the fit you are looking for and keep you stable and safe while on the field.