Soccer players rely quite a bit on speed. With that said, some positions need speed more than others.
If a player is looking to maximize their speed all around the field, these soccer cleats are ones to consider. They provide a lightweight feel for sure, but they add other qualities to the mix.
Here are the 5 best soccer cleats for speed.
5. Nike Tiempo Legend 8
A cleat that weighs just 7.4 ounces might seem fairly lightweight, but it is actually the heaviest one to make this list. Even though it comes in at a little bit more weight than some of the others, people like the classic look and feel of The cleat.
It’s important to be lightweight for a speed cleat, but it also needs to be sturdy, durable, and comfortable. Not everyone’s going to fall in love with this option, but people used to it will have no problem with the latest iteration.
Another bonus for speedsters is that it has some of the best traction in the game right now. Players can explode in any direction with confidence. As time goes on, the cleats fit better and better, as the kangaroo leather molds in just the right way.
Pros
- Very comfortable, snug fit
- Leather molds to the foot
- Outstanding traction
Cons
- Leather isn’t the most durable
- Heavy
4. Mizuno Morelia Neo II
Mizuno has a few stand-out cleats, but the Morelia Neo II is the speed option. It’s a lightweight, soft cleat that has plenty of durability. Players who have tried the Tiempo Legend from Nike will feel a lot of similarities.
For a lockdown feel with the cleat, the wave-fit lacing system works very well. Some players don’t feel like they are fast until the cleat is lined up with their foot.
It might not seem like a huge deal, but the flexiblity of lacing cleats just the right way is very beneficial for the average soccer player wanting more customization.
Overall, this cleat gets overlooked because Mizuno isn’t as big of a brand as some of the others out there. It stacks up very well and has technology that players take note of.
Pros
- Secure fit
- Very stable
- Lacing system works well
Cons
- Break-in time takes a little bit
- Hard to find in stock
3. Umbro Accuro 3 Pro
Umbro shoes for soccer have always been supported by loyal fans. They might not be the biggest name, but people who fit the shoes perfectly tend to not go with anything else. The Accuro 3 Pro is a top-level option for speed.
Despite weighing 6.2 ounces, there is still a certain level of plush feel to the cleat. The soft synthetic suede lining feels very comfortable, which is sometimes hard to come by with light shoes.
Pricing is something that brings a lot of people in when looking at Umbro options. They tend to be a little bit lower than some of the biggest brands out there, making them perfect for those who are tight on money.
Sturdy and durable, fast players will feel like this is a pro-level option. The only drawback is that they do run narrow, so anyone with wide feet might feel like they can’t get the perfect fit. It’s recommended to always try them on first before giving them a full shot.
Pros
- Very soft feel inside
- Inexpensive
- Sturdy
Cons
- Fits narrow
- Lackluster color choices
2. Nike Mercurial Superfly 7
While some people might be partial to the other Nikes on this list, the Mercurial Superfly 7 is the more modern option that offers just a little bit more speed. If it has a different look and feel that some might not love, but others find it to be a perfect blend of speed and durability.
A cleat that is only 7 ounces shouldn’t be this tough and durable. It can hold up in all types of conditions, which is great for those who don’t want to see their shoes start to break down because of how they play.
Not only do players feel how light these cleats are, but there’s also a difference with the anti-clog plate on the bottom. This ensures that with every step, players are not carrying extra grass, mud, or other parts of the field that could weigh them down.
Nike fans should give both cleats on this list to try and see which one fits the best. There’s no right or wrong answer, but this one is probably going to be the better-received option.
Pros
- Very durable
- Anti-clog plate works well
- Flexible
Cons
- Break-in time is necessary
- High ankle collar might not be for everyone
1. Adidas X 19+
The top overall pick for the average person looking for quality, speedy shoes is the Adidas X 19+. Available for many different types of surfaces, this cleat has just about everything a person could ask for. Give it a little bit of time to break in, and it will feel close to perfect.
At 6.6 ounces, the weight is definitely noticeable. Despite it being lightweight, it still feels sturdy enough for even heavier players. It’s very flexible as well, cutting down any restrictions that other people might be frustrated with when working with other companies.
The cleats on the shoe are great as long as a person purchases the right model. For example, the firm ground cleats offer the ability to have fast starts and stops at all times.
It doesn’t look like a crazy issue from the outside, but there’s a lot of technology stuffed into the Adidas X 19+. It’s pretty expensive, but worth it for those wanting maximum speed.
Pros
- Very flexible
- Outstanding, dependable traction
- Ventilation is top notch
Cons
- Takes time to break in
- Expensive
Are Soccer Cleats for Speed Worth It?
In many cases, players need to sacrifice something to maximize the value of a shoe. With soccer cleats built for speed, that usually means any additional support or bulkiness whatsoever.
A lightweight shoe is a good thing, but people who have had ankle problems in the past or once want extra support might need something a little more well-rounded. A player can be the fastest soccer player in the world when healthy, but any type of injury can put them on the sidelines.
Speed cleats are always going to be on the lighter side, which means not as much support as some might like.
Players at the highest level want even a small edge if they can get it. Thanks to technology, shoe weight is dropping all the time. It might not seem like much, but over the course of 90 minutes, it makes a difference.
