Just like having sore ankles, heel pain is a common problem for soccer players of all ages and abilities. Injuries of any kind can prove to be major issues for those wanting to play soccer regularly, with some heel-related injuries keeping people out of action for months.
This doesn’t always need to be the case, though, as finding the right pair of cleats can help reduce your pain and keep you playing soccer to the best of your ability.
Here are the 7 best soccer cleats for heel pain.
1. Adidas Copa Mundial
We start our piece today with one of the most classic soccer cleat models of all time. Produced by prominent German brand Adidas, the Copa Mundial cleats have long been a firm favorite with soccer players worldwide thanks to their simple design and comfortable fit.
These cleats are also a great choice for anyone suffering from heel pain as they provide excellent support to this part of your feet. The outside of the cleats is made out of soft kangaroo leather; this may sound strange, however, it is actually a very common material to make soccer cleats out of.
Inside the cleats, there is a relatively thick level of padding to the heel area, this is one of the best ways that soccer cleats can support painful heels.
Another thing that makes the Copa Mundial’s so popular is their durability. These cleats have been made to last, meaning that you shouldn’t need to invest in another pair for at least a couple of seasons (providing your foot size doesn’t increase of course).
If you need to use orthotic insoles inside your cleats, the Copa Mundial’s features a fully removable insole that can be replaced with your orthotics.
Pros:
- Comfort,
- Simplicity,
- Cater for Orthotics
Cons:
- Color (personal choice)
2. Nike Tiempo Legend
The next pair of cleats on our list come from the famous American-based brand Nike who have long been one of the market leaders when it comes to supportive soccer cleats.
The Tiempo model is one of the newer cleats in Nike’s range but has quickly become a firm favorite among fans and players alike thanks to its versatility on the field.
The cleats themselves are constructed out of a premium leather that provides excellent flexibility and range of movement while still giving the player a good level of support. A rubber-based outsole helps to reduce the overall weight of the cleats and helps with waterproofing them.
Moving onto the internal aspects of the cleats, we can see that they feature a heavily cushioned insole that helps to prevent the build-up of pressure on multiple areas of your feet (including your heels).
The heel, in particular, has an extra level of support due to the additional padding that Nike provides; this should once again reduce pressure and improve the comfort of the cleats.
As far as Nike cleats go, they are far simpler than many that the company now produces which may or may not be a drawback for you. Personally, the traditional lace-up design is a positive as it helps you shape and tighten the cleats to your own fit.
Pros
- Versatility
- Durability
- Comfort
Cons
- Basic
3. Puma One
One of the flagship models that Puma currently produces, the Puma One’s are designed to be used by players that like to prioritize balance and comfort over some of the more niche aspects of playing soccer.
The upper part of the cleats are made from a synthetic leather that is not only lightweight and durable but is also far more sustainable than traditional leather. The insole of the cleats is also well-padded and provides a good level of comfort when compared to the other cleats on this list.
Puma cleats are also some of the best to use alongside orthotic insoles, so if they are something that you need to wear then these cleats may be for you.
Just like the Nike Tiempo’s, the Puma One’s feature a more traditional style design that includes laces to tighten the cleats. This design also incorporates a ‘natural feel’ that helps to reduce rubbing on your heels and make it feel like you are wearing nothing on them at all.
On the outer parts of the cleats there are molded ‘blades’ that help to improve the overall stability of the player as well as help increase the speed at which they can run.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Simplicity
Cons
- None
4. Under Armour Spotlight
So far, we have looked at cleats by some of the more prominent soccer cleat brands, however, we are now going to be discussing a pair by a brand you may not even know makes soccer cleats.
That’s right, Under Armour is one of the best manufacturers of soccer cleats for heel pain right now, and their Spotlight model is the fourth pair on our list.
High performance has always been at the core of what Under Armour does, and the Spotlight cleats are no exception to this. These cleats are marketed as being specifically made for forward players due to their optimized shooting and passing design, however, this is not to say that defenders can’t wear them too.
In terms of the specifics, these cleats are also made out of sustainable synthetic leather and feature a molded rubber sole that helps increase durability.
Just like most of the cleats we’re looking at today, the Spotlight’s feature a comfortable insole though this isn’t as suited to orthotics when compared to some other cleats.
This being said, it is unlikely that you will need to use different insoles because of the enhanced shock absorption technology found in the insoles.
Pros
- Durability
- Comfort
- Ideal for forward players
Cons
- Not as suited to orthotics
5. Mizuno Morelia Neo
Next up are another pair of cleats from a relatively small brand that you may not know that much about. The Mizuno Morelia Neo cleats are a pair that have been designed to provide a good balance between comfort and durability.
Unlike any of the cleats that we have looked at so far, the Morelia Neo’s are made out of a strong kangaroo leather material that helps give the cleats a measure of softness and flexibility. The cushioning in the interior of the cleats is also very good and helps give a natural feel to them.
Mizuno also has their own cleat technology when it comes to the exterior that also helps to give players more stability on and off the ball. This is helpful for those who suffer from heel pain as sometimes this pain can be caused by a balancing issue that may correct itself over time with the right equipment.
Overall, the Morelia Neo’s are no thrills kind of cleats but are a good option if you want cleats that truly cushion weaker parts of your feet.
Pros
- Simplicity
- Durability
- Comfort
Cons
- Basic
6. New Balance Tekela
As a brand, New Balance has shot to prominence in the past decade and has some great cleats for those with heel pain.
The upper part of the cleats is designed for players that want a cleat that will give them the upmost performance whilst not compromising on comfort.
Like many modern cleats, the New Balance Tekela’s are made out of a synthetic leather material that helps to keep the boots both flexible and guilt-free in terms of your impact on the environment.
What truly separates these cleats from most of the others on this list is that they come available in a laceless design. Most of the time, this would mean a slightly looser fitting style, however, this isn’t the case with these cleats.
For me, cleats that don’t feature laces are only really a good thing when they still fit tightly enough around your feet so that you still have the level of support you need on the field.
The studs at the bottom of the cleats can also take a while to adapt to when playing. They are designed to prevent slippages and can feel slightly strange the first few times you wear them. It may be a good idea to train in these cleats before using them in a competitive setting.
Pros
- No laces needed
- Comfort
- Performance
Cons
- Can take a while to get used to
7. Adidas Gamemode FG
The final pair of cleats on our list has been specifically designed for use by women, so if you are a female athlete that suffers from heel pain, then these may be the answer to your problems.
As far as soccer cleats go, there are few models out there that can match the Gamemode cleats in terms of design.
They come in a range of fun styles that are sure to make you dazzle on the field. Perhaps the coolest of all is the LEGO-branded cleats that feature a brickwork pattern around the exterior of the cleats.
In terms of real features, these cleats have been made for use by those with any kind of foot shape, meaning that nobody should feel uncomfortable whilst wearing them.
They also feature Adidas’ Hyper Touch technology that is designed to reduce the impact on your feet when you strike the ball.
A pair of cleats that you don’t want to miss out on trying.
Pros:
- Design
- Comfort
- Versatility
Cons:
- None
There we have it! The seven best soccer cleats for heel pain, will you be picking any of them up in the future?