For strikers to excel in the game of soccer, they need to have the right footwear. Not only do they need the traction that cleats provide, but having that amount of touch off of the shoe helps as well.
When shopping for the best soccer cleats for strikers, it is important to explore different options and see what is available. Not everyone will gravitate towards the same options, which is why seven are listed below to give a few choices. Below are the best soccer cleats for strikers right now.
1. Nike Phantom GT Elite FG
The Nike Phantom GT Elite FG has been advertised by a lot of top professional players. For example, Harry Kane wears this model, and he is one of the best strikers in the world. They have made some improvements with this latest release, including a better texture on the upper for players looking for the right feel with every single shot.
A lot of powerful strikers love this cleat because they can get some extra grip on the ball. It is also padded well enough so that the foot is well protected. From a comfort perspective, it is best when running around the pitch and trying to have success.
Despite all the new technology packed into the cleat, it is still one of the lightest options on the market. Players never feel like they are getting that heavy-foot feeling that can often plague certain types of players. All in all, it is one of the elite choices from any brand on the market by now.
Pros
- Added grip for more control
- Molds to the foot
- Very lightweight
Cons
- Expensive
- Takes a little bit of breaking in to get the full effect
2. Adidas X Ghosted + FG
Whether a person opts for the laceless option, or the laced solution, this is an excellent striker cleat for players to excel on the pitch.
The laceless option is slightly better as far as control is concerned, and it has a little more technology in it. It is the clear choice for players like Mohamed Salah and James Rodriguez, but that does not mean that the laced-up option is not great.
People will notice with the cleat as far as feel is concerned that it has a SprintFrame soleplate. This means that players can remain fast and cut with ease on the pitch, but they do not have to fear that they will lose their footing.
Adidas has always been very good with the cushioning system inside any of its performance shoes, which is no different. It makes for a very lightweight and responsive feel on the pitch, and it comes in a bunch of different styles so that a person can wear the same cleat on any surface.
Pros
- Lace or laceless option
- Great cushioning
- Easy to get the right fit
Cons
- Laceless feel is not for everyone
- Shows wear and tear pretty easily
3. Adidas Copa Sense +
Players who prefer a more old-school type of feel on the pitch have always gravitated towards the Adidas Copa Sense. The newest release has the Fusion Skin technology on the upper to get that old-school type of feel.
Make no mistake, there are still a lot of cutting-edge changes to the cleat in general, but people can feel like they are getting something that really goes to another level.
On the forefoot leather, there are touch pods for even better ball control. This comes in handy for strikers who need the most accurate kicks at goal.
They continue to perfect this model and do as much as possible to keep this up-to-date with more modern-looking shoes. They are not for everyone, but plenty of pros wear this option as it now comes in a laceless model.
Pros
- Old-school feel with modern technology
- Laceless option makes it easier to control the ball
- Very durable
Cons
- The break-in period takes a while
- Old-school style is not for everyone
4. Adidas Predator Freak .1
The Adidas Predator Freak has DemonSkin on the upper that is perhaps its most defining feature currently. Players can get a good amount of spin on the ball for some shots, and they can have control on their passes or shots as well. Strikers in need of just the right amount of accuracy will love these small spikes in the strike zones.
It takes a little bit of getting used to for players to maximize the benefit of the predator freak. There is that extra bit of spin on the ball that some players might not get naturally, and there are even some who believe that it gives an unfair advantage. It is hard to go that far, but it is definitely an option for strikers who are looking to step their game up to another level.
Do not be afraid to try this cleat, or any of the take-down models for that matter. Strikers are going to benefit most from these, but other positions will end up using them as well. It really is up to each individual to figure out what works best for them.
Pros
- DemonSkin spikes work very well
- Durable
- Great cushioning
Cons
- Learning curve is too steep for some
- Spikes can start to wear down after time
5. Puma Ultra 1.1 Eclipse
Puma continues to put out many different types of cleats for all types of soccer players. The Ultra 1.1 Eclipse might be the best right now out of the speed cleats they offer. It is great for strikers, as they can sprint around the pitch and get in the right position to find ways to score.
What makes these such a great pair of cleats is that there are premium materials used throughout. A Kevlar and carbon fiber in the upper provides some of the best touch and comfort one can find. Players do not have to be a striker to benefit from the speed of these boots, but it certainly helps with overall touch as well.
Players will quickly realize that these are some of the best cleats to wear when kicking balls on goal and hoping to find the back of the net. It can be a challenge for many different players out there, especially if their game relies so much on precision. Whether a player is a precision kicker or someone needing to generate speed, the flexibility of these plates makes it possible for both.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Premium upper is comfortable and performs well
- Comes in many different styles
Cons
- Will take time to mold to a person’s foot
- Some might want a little more substance and padding to their cleat
6. Nike Mercurial Vapor 13 Elite
The Mercurial Vapor line of cleats has certainly been a dominant force on soccer pitches all around the world. The advertising from Nike certainly helps quite a bit, but it is also great that they perform at a high level. The Vapor 14 Elite is the best of the best, as they have made some subtle improvements based on the previous model to get to this level.
The first thing that will be noticeable for strikers is the Vaporposite upper. Players will get great touch with the ball, and there is added control to make shots as accurate as possible.
The soleplate that Nike uses is very responsive and allows players to move around the field exactly as they would like. There are some cleats out there that do not seem to adjust to how a player likes to play, but this is a totally different option for sure.
Nike makes sure that every single soccer player is covered with a Vapor Elite cleat. With an option for firm ground, soft ground, artificial ground, and everything else, players get the perfect fit that they need.
They also use a type of technology that cuts down on the amount of grass and mud sticks to the cleats in general. When that happens, it gives strikers more of an opportunity to move around and play the way they want to freely.
Pros
- Vaporposite upper works extremely well
- Very comfortable insoles
- Multiple options for different surfaces
Cons
- Expensive
- Could be a little more durable
7. Mizuno Morelia Neo 3
Mizuno sometimes gets overlooked, but they put out solid soccer cleats every single year. This is an all-around cleat when looking at advertising from Mizuno, but they work well for strikers who like that kangaroo leather on the upper.
Just like with any cleat that uses kangaroo leather, players need to play around with these a little bit and have them mold to their feet. Once that happens, players get an extraordinary feel with the ball to have pinpoint accuracy with shots on goal.
These are not really the best for very powerful players, but those with touch will love how they perform. They could be a little lighter as well, but the old-school feel of something that some soccer players really enjoy more than others.
Maybe the Mizuno Morelia Neo 3 are not made for everyone, but they are worthy of inclusion because they bring something different to the table. This is a modern shoe without question, but some of the old-school feel to it appeals to certain players.
Pros
- Kangaroo leather is very premium
- Molds to the foot well
- Excellent with touch shots
Cons
- Could be a little lighter
- Does not provide any power boost
Final Thoughts on Soccer Cleats For Strikers
Even though these cleats are not always explicitly labeled for strikers, it makes sense for those who need that extra bit of touch to go with speed.
Shop around and see what is available, as companies tend to always gravitate towards making cleats more goal-scoring friendly.
For the best soccer cleats on other positions, check out one of these posts:
