Best Football Cleats: The Definitive Guide

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If you’re looking for the best football cleats for 2017 you came to the right place.

Having the right product on your feet can be the difference between a tackle for a loss or a TD. I’ll show you what to consider before making your purchase and my top picks for the year.

Ready?

How To Pick The Best Cleats

There are a few things to consider when making your decision and they are:

  • What position you play
  • What kind of field you will be competing on
  • Style of cleat

First and foremost, you have to know what position you’re playing. If you’re a skill or speed position, like running back, wide receiver, or secondary, you’ll want a pair of cleats that are lightweight and flexible — this way you can make quick cuts and accelerate.

A lineman has completely different needs. Their focus should be on stability and a pair of cleats that let them plant and drive.

Next, you need to think about the field you’ll be participating on. If you’re playing on grass you’ll want longer studs; especially if it’s wet out. Dry climates and turf don’t require long studs.

Lastly, consider the style of cleat you want to purchase. Molded cleats have fixed studs and offer maximum traction. Detachable cleats allow you to change your studs before they wear out or if you’re playing on several different field surfaces.

You can read my full buying guide here.

Now that you know what to look for, let’s take a look at my top picks!

Nike Vapor Untouchable Pro

Company: Nike

Price: $$$

Rating: 4.8/5

Nike is a sports behemoth and you will find their products all over the football field (and all over this list). One of their top cleats, the Vapor Untouchable Pro’s, are perfect for skill players looking for some added boost. Some top features include:

  • Durable design that will last the entire season and more
  • Flywire cables that supports your ankle
  • TPU spikes for added traction

You will find the Vapor Untouchable’s on the feet of the best players. They provide that level of performance and feel. They’re fairly priced too, at around $99.

Take A Closer Look At The Nike Vapor Untouchable Pro’s

Under Armour Highlight 

Company: Under Armour

Price: $$$

Rating: 4.9/5

Under Armour is an established brand that keeps growing every year. Their top cleats, the Highlight’s, are very comfortable – the innovative Clutchfit Upper provides maximum protection for your ankles too. You’ll be happy to know these come with:

  • Molded 4D footbed which reduces cleat pressure
  • PlasmaX Plate gives stability and traction
  • Very lightweight
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This is definitely one of my top picks for skill players and any other position requiring a lot of speed; these were meant to burn.

Take A Closer Look At The Under Armour Highlight’s

Nike Alpha Pro 2

Company: Nike

Price: $

Rating: 4.7/5

If you are on a tight budget and can’t afford a $100 pair of cleats, the Alpha Pro 2’s might be what you’re looking for. Do I think they’re as good as the previous two products you just saw? Definitely not. But they will perform on the field because of their:

  • Nike Skin upper that both protects and is ultra breathable
  • Detachable cleats so you can customize
  • Phylon midsole for added protection

These are very lightweight too, which is good for acceleration. Not bad for something you can pick for around $49.

Take A Closer Look At The Nike Alpha Pro 2’s

Adidas Adizero 5-Star 5.0

Company: Adidas

Price: $$

Rating: 4.8/5

Adidas is another sports giant and they make really high quality and durable products – their Adizero 5-Star 5.0 is no different. This cleat is very comfortable and snug. Some other features include:

  • EVA insole for extra padding
  • Optimal traction and support
  • Very flexible

Some people are skeptical about wearing low cut cleats like these. I’ve worn highs, mids and lows and have enjoyed them all. If the design doesn’t turn you off, you should think about purchasing the Adizero’s.

Take A Closer Look at The Adidas Adizero 5-Star 5.0’s

Nike Vapor Speed 2

Company: Nike

Price: $$

Rating: 4.7/5

The Nike Vapor Speed 2’s are a pretty affordable product (under $90) and are low cut like the Adidas cleats you just saw. You’ll like that these come with:

  • Flywire cables that provide support on quick cuts
  • 7 detachable studs so you can be ready for any field condition
  • Made from durable, synthetic leather

These may not be the very best but they are still very good – the Vapor Speed 2’s can be worn with confidence.

Take A Closer Look At The Nike Vapor Speed 2’s

Nike CJ3 Flyweave Elite TD

Company: Nike

Price: $$$

Rating: 4.9/5

The CJ3’s were inspired by the phenomenal play of Calvin Johnson, so you know these are perfect for wide receivers and other skill positions. Some of my favorite parts of the CJ3’s are:

  • Their lightweight design that lets you explode down field
  • Intelligently placed and designed studs to boost performance
  • Flyweave technology that adds comfort and support all over

I wish I had these when I was playing wide receiver; I know for a fact my stats would have been a little better with them on my feet.

Take A Closer Look at The Nike CJ3 Flyweave Elite’s

Nike Alpha Field General Elite Camo

Company: Nike

Price: $$$

Rating: 4.8/5

I really like the Nike Alpha Field General Elite’s. They have a nice look to them and, more importantly, perform on the field. That’s because they come with:

  • Synthetic leather heel straps that lock your foot in place
  • TPU plate that allows for a fast first step and break away speed
  • Padding in all the right places
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I consider these a very traditional cleat – they provide good support, have the right look and are comfortable. You can’t got wrong with the Alpha Field General’s.

Take A Closer Look At The Nike Alpha Field General Elite’s

Under Armour Spotlight

Company: Under Armour

Price: $$$

Rating: 4.8/5

If the Under Armour Highlight’s are ying, the Spotlight’s are yang — they’re low-tops instead of high-tops. If you’re into low cut cleats, these are one of the best available. Other features include:

  • V56 technology that limits your risk of toe hypertension
  • Pebax technology in the heel for extra stability
  • Have an ultra responsive feel

As you can probably tell these are very lightweight. This will allow you to fly down the field and get to the edge quickly. If you rely heavily on speed, you must consider this cleat.

Take A Closer Look At The Under Armour Spotlight’s

Nike Lunarbeast Elite

Company: Nike

Price: $$$

Rating: 4.8/5

The Nike Lunarbeast Elite’s are one of the few cleats designed specifically for lineman, linebackers and defensive ends; they provide the stability and support needed for those positions. Some top features include:

  • Lunarlon foam that protect against big impact hits
  • Flywire technology that keeps your ankle and foot locked in place
  • Fully adjustable to fit the needs of your feet

This product is tough, just like the people who need it. This cleat will last through every hit and put you in the best position to make every tackle and block.

Take A Closer Look At The Nike Lunarbeast Elite

Nike Alpha Strike 2

Company: Nike

Price: $

Rating: 4.7/5

The Nike Alpha Strike 2’s are one of the cheapest cleats on the market and this list. If you are an elite level talent you may want to avoid this product. If you like to play with friends or as a hobby, you’ll enjoy:

  • How lightweight they are
  • The TPU plate that really lets you dig into the ground
  • Dual pull fit system that protects the vulnerable parts of your foot

This is a nice cleat for the price, that’s for sure.

Take A Closer Look At The nike Alpha Strike 2’s

Under Armour C1N MC

Company: Under Armour

Price: $$$

Rating: 4.9/5

The Under Armour C1N’s were designed for Cam Newton, so you know these offer elite level performance. I wouldn’t say only QB’s should wear the C1N’s just because Cam is a QB – he’s built like a tight end/linebacker and runs like a receiver. If you are a physical yet speedy player I would consider these. Some top features include:

  • High top strap to protect your ankles
  • Molded 4m midsole to relieve stud pressure and add some comfort
  • Lightweight outsole so you can fly around the field

These truly are for the best players on the football field. If you are one of them or want to be one of them, you’ll love this Under Armour product.

Take A Closer Look At The Under Armour C1N’s

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Adidas Freak High 

Company: Adidas

Price: $$

Rating: 4.8/5

The Adidas Freak high’s are one my favorite looking cleats; they’re very sleek. At the end of the day, however, you need performance, not looks. Luckily for you these cleats perform. You’ll like this product comes with:

  • Lockweb lacing system which creates a snug fit
  • Techfit strap for extra stability
  • TPU plate that allows you to plant and go very quickly

These are suited best for people with wide feet. So if that’s you, the Freak High’s may be your best friend this season.

Take A Closer Look At The Adidas Freak High’s

Under Armour Fierce D

Company: Under Armour

Price: $$

Rating: 4.7/5

The Under Armour Fierce D’s are another nice looking and high performing cleat. These are fairly inexpensive too, and will cost around $70. Not bad when you consider they come with:

  • 4D foam for maximum comfort
  • Very breathable and will reduce moisture (less blisters)
  • UA Clutch fit that wraps and supports your entire foot and ankle

If you don’t want to break the bank and still want a high quality product, you should consider these.

Take A Closer Look At The Under Armour Fierce D’s

Nike Vapor Strike 5

Company: Nike

Price: $$

Rating: 4.8/5

The Nike Vapor Strike 5’s are another affordable cleat (around $60) that still perform well. Just like many of the products on this list it helps protect and adds stability in all the right places. Additionally, it features:

  • A low profile and light weight design
  • 3 different cleats that help with traction and lateral movement
  • Synthetic leather materials that adds to the lifespan

Nike usually delivers and that’s the case with the Vapor Strike 5’s.

Take A Closer Look At Nike Vapor Strike 5’s

Nike Vapor Shark 2

Company: Nike

Price: $

Rating: 4.7/5

Last but not least we have the Nike Vapor Shark 2’s; these are a very cheap option and will only cost around $50. If you are the star running back or quarterback you may want something different. The Vapor Shark 2’s aren’t horrible, though, they just won’t give elite players what they’re looking for. These come with:

  • Leather upper that provides a snug fit and added durability
  • Lightweight design
  • Nike fast flex technology that helps you burst through the hole and down field

There are a lot of people that will enjoy this product.

Take A Closer Look At The Nike Vapor Shark 2’s

Don’t Play With Low Quality Cleats

Football is a game of inches – you don’t want to be a yard short of a touchdown because your cleats didn’t allow you to break a tackle. In order to play at your highest level you need something nice on your feet. The products on this list are the best out there for you.

If you have any questions about what you’ve read, comment below and I’ll make sure to respond as fast as possible. You can let friends and family see by sharing online too.

Are you ready to be a play-maker this year?

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