To have success in soccer, it’s extremely important to have the right cleats. Everyone is looking for something different out of soccer cleats, but ankle support is usually high up there on the list.
Whether someone is battling back from injury, or trying to avoid their first major injury, these are some of the top choices for soccer cleats that provide excellent ankle support. They are also well-rounded soccer cleats, in general, to consider for the next season.
1. Nike Superfly 6
A lot of soccer players (including me) love the look and feel of Nike soccer cleats. Out of their current line, the Superfly 6 is a great option for those who are hoping to protect their ankles as much as possible. They continue to add new technological features to every one of their top-end shoes, and the ankle support on this cleat is top-notch.
As soon as players put this on for the first time, they’ll notice that it is a very comfortable shoe with excellent ankle support. They can also be customized for players who have different-sized ankles.
The sleeve that surrounds the foot is snug, yet moves around enough to allow flexibility. The ankle still moves around freely, while still having support every step of the way.
The cleats also perform extremely well on the pitch. They have numerous benefits to help players with superb touch and feel when controlling the ball.
It’s versatile enough that they can be used for just about any position, and the outer part of the cleat assures the people are getting a good feel at all times. All in all, anyone who can afford this cleat should have it on their shortlist.
Pros
- Dynamic fit for all types of players
- Popular plate system works as it should
- Comfort from the beginning
Cons
- Expensive
- Hard to put on
2. Adidas Predator 18+ FG
This updated version of the Predator cleat is designed with a supportive knit upper and comfortable sockliner, offering excellent ankle support without feeling bulky.
The Adidas Predator has been around since the mid-nineties. Strikers love it because the cleat material uses great responsiveness with shots. It also provides stability during an entire match. That doesn’t mean that other positions can’t benefit as well, but it’s one of the best for strikers in particular.
Some feel the latest design is still a bit polarizing, even though Adidas has been doing it for a while. Quality material on the outside helps, but others feel like they could get a little bit more of a lockdown if they had laces in a normal position.
Pros
- Very comfortable upper
- Better ball touch for strikers
- Lightweight
Cons
- Quality control is a little hit or miss
- Laceless doesn’t always lock down a foot
3. Nike Tiempo Legend VII Elite SG-PRO
These soccer cleats are made from premium leather to provide great touch on the ball, while also including special padding around the ankle for extra protection.
Nike does a pretty good job overall with angle support, but these are one of the best that they offer. Instead of having to feel like ankle braces or tape is necessary, these work in great ways to offer pretty gate protection overall.
Not everyone loves the classic look that the Tiempo Legend brings to the table, but those who have played soccer for a long time will notice that it’s just a slight upgrade from previous versions.
Pros
- Excellent ankle support
- Padding around the ankle enhances comfort
- Classic work
Cons
- Some think the design needs to be updated
- Hard to find in stock in certain colors and sizes
4. PUMA Future 2.1 Netfit FG
The unique lacing system on these soccer cleats allows you to adjust how tight they stay on foot while playing, which in turn helps keep ankles supported during play. Out of all the ones on the list, this might be the best of the best strictly going off of ankle support.
The great news is that it helps out tremendously in other aspects of the game as well. It’s a high-performance shoe that allows players to move freely and not feel any restrictions while hitting different angles. When players are on offense or defense, they can cut on the field and have precision when they are controlling the ball.
Puma has always been a sleeper in a lot of ways as one of the best of the best when it comes to ankle support. A lot of soccer players have made the switch to these shoes for various reasons. They have enough color choices to make them stand out as a premium choice for all types of players.
Pros
- Feels very easy to move around in
- Precision cuts
- Various color choices to choose from
Cons
- Lacing system isn’t for everyone
- Not everyone’s a fan of Puma
5. Adidas Nemeziz 17+ 360 Agility FG
These soccer cleats feature an innovative lacing system that allows for custom tightening to match the shape of your foot, which in turn helps with ankle support during play.
Even though it doesn’t seem that much different from standard cleats from Adidas, that extra bit of lockdown with a snug fit helps with agility.
Beyond the ankle support, players also have the Agility Knit 2.0 upper that allows for outstanding touch and feel with the ball.
They can control it whether they are passing or shooting, which helps out significantly. Give it a try for a great overall soccer cleat that can perform well for even the best of the best.
Pros
- Agility Knit 2.0 upper works well
- Excellent control on passes and shots
- Very snug fit
Cons
- Takes a while to get used to the feel
How Else Can a Player Protect Their Ankles?
Even the best cleats for ankle support might still not be enough for players who have had issues in the past. Fortunately, there are other ways to protect the ankle so that a player can stay healthy.
These methods either work together with quality cleats, or as a way to provide support when using subpar options.
Tape
Tape is a great way to add some protection to the ankle without adding a ton of bulk. People don’t mind putting on tape themselves, but trainers and medical professionals can do the job for players at higher levels. A high-quality tape job provides excellent support without making the ankle too stiff.
Tape can be as tight or as loose as a person wishes. They don’t have to necessarily kill themselves with tightness to get proper protection. The key is to start small and start adding layers one at a time.
Ankle Braces
Plenty of athletes uses ankle braces for numerous types of sports. They are reusable and add some of the best protection possible so that there are no injury issues. They can be preventative before any injuries occur, or as a way for athletes to get back onto the court.
Ankle braces do provide a decent amount of bulk, and they might not be that comfortable to wear without going up half a size with cleats. However, they can be tightened or loosened as much as possible to get the perfect fit.
The Importance of Ankle Support in Soccer
Without healthy ankles, a soccer player can’t have success. It’s one of the top priorities whenever people are shopping for cleats, and some have more support than others.
Along with the cleats themselves, people can also start to use other ways to protect their ankles. For example, putting on a brace or taping up is one way to add protection. There are also guards available so that there is a reduced chance of injury when a slide tackle occurs.
Ankles are extremely important for soccer players, so keeping them healthy ensures availability.
