As the leading sports company in the world, Nike is a massive player in soccer. They have quite a few top players signed to contracts, and they certainly put out a lot of different options for younger players as well.
When looking for the best cleats right now, which ones stand out the most from Nike? Out of the eight below, a person will find at least one or two that fit the exact needs they are looking for.
1. Nike Mercurial Superfly 7 Elite
Nike has been putting out different Mercurial Superfly options for a while now, and the Nike Mercurial Superfly 7 Elite is a definite step forward. They added a new Nike Aerotrak zone to the forefoot, which helps with overall comfort on the pitch. It is a very fast cleat overall, and one that players at many different positions can benefit from.
The fit on this shoe is also excellent, as the flyknit construction gets very close to the foot. This means players can get a secure feel around the foot, and have that touch on shots. Overall, it’s one of the more expensive shoes, but worth the investment if your player is looking to stay fast and tough to keep up with. Players at a high level will feel it is worth the investment.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Holds up in all weather
- Flyknit construction allows for a very comfortable fit
Cons
- Pretty expensive
- Limited color choices at this point
2. Nike Mercurial Vapor 13 Elite
A lot of people believe that this slightly lighter material option is the best of the best right now. It has a similar profile to the Superfly above, which is good news for some people who want to have a little more flexibility.
The difference is, it loses the collar for a slightly speedier way of play. Players can cut easily on any surface, getting to balls faster and feeling more secure on the pitch. The touch on the top and side of the boot also allows for precision during wet or dry matches.
Numbers show that this is slightly lighter, but it is pretty much a wash when compared to the Superfly. Ultimately, a person will probably make their decision based on how it feels when trying the two models on. For a big purchase like this, try them on first before committing.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Studs on the bottom of the cleat are built for premium speed
- Much improved touch compared to previous models
Cons
- Lacks the stability of options with an ankle collar
- Expensive
3. Nike Phantom Venom Elite
A blend of power and precision make the Nike Phantom Venom Elite shoes worth trying out for people who are looking to step up their game. They have strategically placed blades on the bottom of the shoes to use not only for grip, but control with the ball when it arrives.
Besides offering stability and traction like this, there are also other reasons to invest in the cleat. For example, the flywire cables are very good at providing the type of lockdown that a lot of people need. There’re way too many people who rely on lackluster lockdown, and it just doesn’t make a lot of sense. Soccer players should be looking for the best type of lockdown possible so that they have a good sense of where the ball is going and how to control it.
With this low cut and versatility to help different positions, it is one of most common Nike cleats out there on the pitch. They have turned it into a pretty good option overall, and the new technology in it makes it the best yet.
Pros
- Built for power and precision
- Low cut
- Excellent lockdown
Cons
- Doesn’t provide amazing ankle support
- Traction is subpar in adverse weather
4. Nike Tiempo Legend VIII Elite
For so many years, the Tiempo line of Nike soccer boots has been extremely positive. They have always focused on making sure they give players a mixture of comfort, feel, and quality. Technology has changed over the years, but they still have that classic look that so many appreciate as well.
The shoe doesn’t have quite the depth of some as other designs out there from Nike, so it might seem like it’s not best for control. People still feel a good amount of accuracy on shots and passes. It still feels very clean off of the foot, and they are durable cleats that get better as they age.
Tiempo cleats are also a little cheaper than the average performance shoe out there. They still hold up as well as any of the best out there, but it provides a familiar feel and play older soccer players enjoy.
Pros
- Kangaroo leather
- Comfortable fit
- Affordable
Cons
- Feels a little clunky compared to premium models
- Lacks top-end technology
5. Nike Superfly 6 Elite
There is no doubt that the Superfly line is one of the top options for soccer players out there. There is a new version out now, but finding the Nike Superfly 6 Elite isn’t all that difficult just yet. Those who want a premium shoe with discount prices can search for the right option for them before they sell out.
Most places have pretty heavy discounts for the Superfly 6 Elite, and it stacks up well against the newest version. It might not have all the latest technology. However, it still provides excellent forefoot wrapping, a two-part popular plate system for flexibility and speed, outstanding touch, and so much more.
The All Conditions Control technology used in the shoe is perfect for players who might struggle with ball control. There are no excuses with this cleat, as it does an excellent job providing some grip on the ball and controlling the game extremely well. Players will notice a difference in handling the second they put the shoes on compared to other options.
Even though it has a higher cut, it feels like a low profile shoe with a very lightweight collar. It provides a little bit of extra support without adding any bulkiness. It’s not the exact same as the new option, but it does a lot of the same in performance.
Pros
- Available at a discounted price with a new version out
- All Conditions Control Technology works well
- Very adaptive fit
Cons
- Hard to find in certain colors and sizes
- Might feel slightly out of date to some
6. Nike Phantom Vision 2
The dynamic fit of the Nike Phantom Vision 2 makes it one of the more popular premium releases in quite some time. Nike understands that players these days want something that fits exceptionally well, while also providing comfort and outstanding touch in all facets of the game.
Slipping on the shoe is very easy, and the inner sleeve used provides excellent comfort from the very beginning. Players can get the fit they need around all parts of the foot, keeping everything secure during an entire match.
The shoes are excellent with touch as well, as there is texture in the upper to provide some grip, and hidden laces for a pretty clean striking surface. Players don’t have to worry about anything getting in the way of precision on shots or passes.
Goal scorers would like this shoe the best, but any type of soccer player can benefit from these cleats. They are part of the premium line from Nike, but they are a little more affordable than the top end.
Pros
- Excellent precision on passes and shots
- Snug fit
- Lightweight
Cons
- Doesn’t provide the best ankle support
- Breathability is decent, but not the absolute best
7. Nike Mercurial Veloce 3
The Nike Mercurial Superfly is an amazing shoe, but it comes with a very hefty price tag. For a more affordable option that has a lot of the same qualities, the material of the Nike Mercurial Veloce 3 makes a lot more sense. It’s not going to have the same technology obviously, but they play similarly and look alike.
What people notice right away is that this is a very comfortable, functional shoe on the pitch. Breaking time is virtually non-existent, and the collar allows for a very flexible feel the entire time.
Some people would like to see the shoe form a little more to the foot as time goes on, but this is considered a budget option for a reason. They make great options for people who might play at a lower level, or children who idolize Cristiano Ronaldo and want a boot that looks similar to what he plays with.
Pros
- Affordable
- Looks a lot like a premium model
- No break-in required
Cons
- Doesn’t form to the foot as well as others
- Collar seems a little frustrating to deal with for some
8. Nike Hypervenom Phantom III Dynamic Fit
The Nike Hypervenom Phantom III is a great overall shoe for all types of players. Featuring flyknit in the upper and a tongue with design, people will feel like it is very comfortable from the very beginning. Once a person plays just a little bit with it, the shoe feels like it truly fits like a glove.
Some shoes take a good amount of time to break in fully, but that’s not the case with the Hypervenom Phantom III. Right away, it feels very comfortable and supportive, thanks to the very stretchable fit. It might seem like the foot is crammed into the shoe, but there is plenty of availability as well for people to count on.
One beneficial feature are the foam pods in the upper part of the strike zone that helps with impact during play. Instead of the foot feeling a little bit of pain when striking the ball, people get an excellent return of energy when playing. It is something that stands out in a big way.
Pros
- No break-in required
- Protects the foot during impact
- Excellent breathability
Cons
- A little expensive
- Not everyone is a fan of the slightly higher cut
Making The Final Decision
It is hard to find a cleat that is good for every type of player, but the Nike Phantom Venom Elite is an excellent option to take a look at. It does so many things as well as any other Nike boot out there, and it is a little cheaper than the top-level options. Getting the precise size is obviously very important, but most will end up very pleased. You can check the current price on Amazon here.
Here is the full list of the best nike soccer cleats
