Our Top 7 Cleat Picks of 2021
As the end of the year draws near, we might find ourselves reflecting on the bad, reminiscing on the good, and planning for the new year. Our reflections might even include memories of games where we played great, or maybe not so well. While we consider our movements and decisions on the pitch, how often do we think about how our soccer cleats affect our play?
When we’re on the field, our cleats are an extension of us, so picking a good pair is essential. Since not all cleats are the same, considering your position is an excellent place to start. However, some cleats are just too good to restrict to one category. So we compiled our favorites this year and came up with a list that could sway even the most devoted brand lovers. Here are our top seven cleat picks of 2021:
Adidas Copa Sense .1
Here’s a pair for the leather cleat lovers! According to Adidas, this unique pair of cleats uses “Sensepods, Touchpods, and Softstuds to deliver an enhanced feel and optimum touch for the wearer” (read a more detailed description here).
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The advanced technology will make you feel like Iron Woman on the field. Juventus midfielder, Martina Rosucci, donned the laceless version when it dropped earlier this year and has been blasting goals. Coincidence? I think not.
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Ida Classica Women’s Soccer Cleat FG
An absolute no-brainer on this list comes from Ida Sports. This women-owned company makes cleats specifically for women’s feet in mind, which obviously makes their cleats some of our favorites.
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Their cleats boast a women-tailored fit with a wider toe box and a unique stud placement to get rid of foot pain, blisters, and discomfort while playing. Not to mention, they are so slick looking–especially in the red and black colorway.
Nike Mercurial Vapor 14 Elite
Not only are these cleats nice to look at, but they are super light and made for speed with traction in mind. In addition, the insoles have “NikeGrip technology” that prevents your feet from sliding around while playing, which we all hate.
These ? @nikefootball! ?? https://t.co/Wv4CkX0aOS
— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) October 26, 2021
The great Carli Lloyd was gifted a pair of these, specially customized by Nike for her final USWNT appearance. Another USWNT great, Megan Rapinoe, has also used a pair of Vapors, so it’s safe to say that this is a solid cleat choice.
New Balance Tekela V3 Pro
Dare I say, these are the sweetest looking pair of cleats on this list. The laceless slip-ons are available in firm or soft ground options and are made for insane control and attacking.
Rose’s Sweet Chaos ?
Swipe for the bespoke details on @roselavelle’s #Tekela v3 Sweet Chaos edition – available exclusively through @soccerdotcom and New Balance.
#NBFootball @newbalance— New Balance Football (@NBFootball) March 16, 2021
Before moving over to Nike earlier this year, USWNT SheBelieves Cup Champion and MVP winner, Rose Lavelle, had her own edition of these beauties. Definitely do not sleep on these.
Puma Women’s Ultra 1.3
Available for the first time in a women’s-specific fit, these cleats were designed with the female athlete in mind.
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This means a more narrow-fitting shoe with an instep that’s purposely lower for optimal comfort. Manchester City FC player Caroline Weir and 18-year-old French newcomer Laurina Fazer, who was a serious contender for the UEFA Women’s Champions League Goal of the Week earlier this month, have sported these bad boys.
Adidas X Speedflow
These cleats come in various options and styles, including laceless and even a turf option (made with recycled materials!). Several options are listed as best sellers on the Adidas website because of the “lightweight, foot-hugging, Speedskin upper” intended for speed and comfort.
Go with the flow in #XSpeedflow ?
Get my cleats: https://t.co/KP1y7pUaPG#createdwithadidas pic.twitter.com/HBEb5nwMPk
— Trinity Rodman (@trinity_rodman) July 13, 2021
You can spot the 2021 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, Lindsey Horan, and 2021 U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year, Trinity Rodman, wearing a pair of these.
Nike Phantom GT 2
If you want to play like the 2021 Ballon d’Or winner, Alexia Putellas, this is the pair of cleats to get. Nike celebrated Putellas’ win by creating a custom gold pair of these boots for her.
If there’s anyone who knows stellar footwork, it’s @Debinha7. Kickstart your skills on the pitch just like her with the new Phantom GT2. Find out more about the #MotivationPack at https://t.co/WACq1r2FhC ?? pic.twitter.com/WlxoxkNFIz
— Nike Football (@nikefootball) August 11, 2021
This pair comes in high and low-top styles, but both are designed to fit you like a sock. Their off-center laces are intended for better ball control and cleaner shooting and passing. North Carolina Courage and Brazilian National Team player Debinha is known to wear these too.
Overall, 2021 gave us some great cleats! 2022 has some serious work to do to top this list.
Featured image via Getty Images
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