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With so many choices, knowing the best soccer cleats for women is difficult. This article has a choice for all, with the best in class and what the pro-USWNT wears.
Ultimately, there are many great cleat options for female soccer players. Women soccer players should consider their position, foot shape, and comfort when selecting their cleats.
Women’s soccer cleats are made differently from men’s, and we’ll look at what shape and style of cleats are best for your foot type.
Let’s dive into some of the best soccer cleats for women.
USWNT Soccer Cleats – Quick Choice!
Product: Updated 2024-11-27 | Images: Amazon Product Advertising API | #ad - soccerblade.com is an Amazon Associate
- Is there a difference between men's and women's soccer cleats?
- Should women buy soccer cleats a size bigger?
- What cleats do women's USNWT soccer players wear?
- Women's Leather Soccer Cleats
- Best Women's Soccer Cleats for Defenders
- Best Women's Soccer Cleats for Attackers
- Women's Soccer Turf Cleats
- Women's Soccer Cleats for Wide Feet
- Women's Soccer Cleats for Flat Feet
- Women's Soccer Cleats for Narrow Feet
- Women's Soccer Cleats for High Arches
- Women's Soccer Cleats with Ankle Support
- Women's Soccer Cleats without Laces
- What are the best women's soccer cleats?
- What are the best cheap women's soccer cleats?
- Are expensive soccer cleats worth it?
Is there a difference between men’s and women’s soccer cleats?
Many female soccer players historically wore men’s cleats. While many still do, the rise of women’s cleats has caused many female players to switch to women’s cleats.
Some women prefer men’s cleats and others prefer women’s cleats because there is a difference between the two.
The top differences between women’s and men’s cleats, according to Ida Sports are:
- Size. Women’s cleats correspond to women’s shoe sizes, whereas men’s cleats correspond to men’s. Women can typically wear cleats that are the same (or very close) to their shoe size when they select women’s cleats.
- Shape. Women tend to have a different foot shape than men as well. Women’s cleats are designed to support arches and toes while gripping heels.
- Pressure loads. The pressure load on women’s feet is different due to their different body shapes and sizes. Some women’s cleats are designed to align with the pressure loads for women.
- Traction. Women’s cleats are created to support the feet for multidirectional movement.
- Color waves. As you might imagine, one big difference between women’s and men’s cleats tends to be the colors. Women’s cleats are much more likely to come in colors like pink and purple.
Should women buy soccer cleats a size bigger?
According to Soccer Pro, soccer players should “choose cleats that feel ultra-snug around your foot and allow for a little wiggle room in your toes.”
Shoe size may not translate exactly to soccer cleat size for this reason. Often, professional players size down for their cleats.
However, cleat fit and sizing are unique for every player. While you want your cleats to be fairly snug, you also want them to be comfortable. What size you need depends on your foot shape, arch style, and inserts.
Sizing up by a half size is the right move for some players. Even wearing men’s cleats, I wear a half-size up from my shoe size.
In shoes, I wear a woman’s 7.5, but for cleats, I wear a woman’s 8 or a men’s 6.5. Anything smaller than this is unbearable.
What cleats do women’s USNWT soccer players wear?
The top women’s soccer players wear a wide variety of soccer cleats. Here are the current cleat selections of some of the top female players from the USWNT:
- Carli Lloyd: Nike Mercurial Superfly V.
- Megan Rapinoe: Nike Mercurial Vapor 13 Elite FG
- Rose Lavelle: New Balance Tekela V3 Pro FG
- Crystal Dunn: Nike Phantom GT Elite
- Julie Ertz: Nike Tiempo Legend
- Sam Mewis: Puma One
- Tobin Heath: Nike Mercurial
Product: Updated 2024-11-27 | Images: Amazon Product Advertising API | #ad - soccerblade.com is an Amazon Associate
Women’s Leather Soccer Cleats
Many women’s soccer cleats have a leather option. For cleats, the most common type of leather is kangaroo leather because this kind of leather is relatively thin and light.
There are many benefits to leather cleats, including:
- They stretch and mold to your unique foot shape.
- The thickness provides extra protection for your foot.
- Provide a great feel for the ball.
However, leather cleats still have drawbacks, including:
- They can overstretch to the point where they are too loose.
- Smaller color selection.
- Higher-priced than synthetic cleats.
- Absorbency makes them heavy when wet and harder to clean.
- Leather is made from animals, which can be a huge downfall for some people.
As mentioned, there are many leather cleats available. Some women’s leather soccer cleat options include:
Best Women’s Soccer Cleats for Defenders
Defenders are involved in a lot of tackles and close combat. They need cleats that are sturdy and protective. They also need cleats that provide a good touch for receiving and passing the ball.
Here are the qualities to look for in cleats as a defender:
- Good grip for quickly changing direction.
- Stability for lateral movements.
- Durable, protective material (commonly leather).
Some great boot options for defenders include:
- Nike Tiempo Legend (women’s or men’s fit)
- Adidas Copa Mundial (women’s or men’s fit)
- Adidas Predator (women’s or men’s fit)
- Adidas Ace 17+ PureControl
- Puma EvoSpeed
- New Balance Furon
Best Women’s Soccer Cleats for Attackers
Attackers must be nimble on their feet and maintain excellent ball control for weaving through opponents. Additionally, many attacking players need to have a great feel for the ball for shooting.
Some of the top qualities to look for in cleats as attackers:
- Lightweight materials
- Good grip
- Traction
- Upper designed for striking
Some great boot options for forwards include:
- Nike Superfly Elite (women’s or men’s)
- Adidas Predator Freak Women’s
- Adidas Predator 19.1
- Nike Phantom Venom Elite
- Puma One Women’s Cleats
Women’s Soccer Turf Cleats
According to Artificial Greens, “traditional soccer cleats are made to penetrate the surface of the ground. Traditional soccer cleats aren’t the best option for playing on artificial turf.”
Turf soccer cleats are ideal for turf (hence the name). Most “regular” soccer cleats are Firm Ground cleats for average grass field conditions.
It’s always important to choose the proper cleats for the surface, as this enhances comfort while reducing the chances of injury.
Turf shoes are specifically designed for an artificial surface. Instead of a cleated bottom, they have raised much shorter treads.
The turf shoes are made to grip onto the turf, not try to penetrate the surface. Because of their design, turf shoes are more effective and comfortable to wear on artificial grass.
If you’ve already got a pair of firm ground cleats that you like from Nike or Adidas, there’s a good chance you can find them in the turf version.
However, there are overall fewer “women’s” turf shoe options. Some women’s turf shoes to consider include:
- Nike Tiempo Legend 8 (women’s or men’s fit)
- Nike Mercurial Vapor
- Nike Phantom GT Club
- Adidas Predator Freak (or laceless version)
- Adidas Mundial Team Shoes
Women’s Soccer Cleats for Wide Feet
Foot shape is incredibly important for finding cleats that are the right fit. The right size cannot compensate for a cleat that isn’t shaped well for your foot.
Some female soccer players have wider feet. Many players find men’s cleats to be more comfortable and well-suited, but some women’s cleats may also be good options.
A few qualities to look for in cleats if you have wider feet include:
- Stretchy, giving material, like leather.
- Wider toe box.
- The overall shape of the shoe.
Here are some men’s and women’s cleat options to consider if you are a female player with wide feet:
- Women’s Adidas Copa 18-19
- Adidas Copa Mundial (men’s)
- Adidas Women’s Predator
- Nike Tiempo Legend (men’s or women’s)
- Nike Magista Obra
- Puma evoPOWER (men’s)
- Puma Future Netfit (men’s)
Women’s Soccer Cleats for Flat Feet
Soccer cleats can be pretty uncomfortable for those with flat feet. They generally do not have much support, and the soles are hard.
Players with flat feet must look for cleats that best fit their feet. Here are qualities players with flat feet should look for in cleats:
- Moldable material that offers maximum comfort, i.e., kangaroo leather.
- The correct cleats for the type of pitch you play on.
- Support.
- Sole comfort.
- Room for inserts if needed.
Some of the best women’s soccer cleats for flat feet are:
- Nike Tiempo Legend (men’s or women’s)
- Adidas Ace (men’s or women’s)
- Puma King Top DI
- Adidas Performance Copa Mundial
- Puma Future 5.1 (allows for custom fit and lacing)
- Mizuno Morelia Made in Japan
Women’s Soccer Cleats for Narrow Feet
Soccer players with very narrow feet may often feel like their cleats are not snug enough. Cleats that slip and slide off are hazardous and certainly impact your play.
Players with narrow feet should look for cleats with the following:
- Narrow/slim shape
- Less giving material (so they do not overstretch)
- Quality laces
Some great soccer cleats for women with narrow feet are:
- Adidas Nemeziz
- Nike Mercurial Vapor
- Mizuno Morelia Neo
- Puma evoSPEED
- Puma Future Z
- Nike Premier
- Adidas Predator Freak
Women’s Soccer Cleats for High Arches
Players with high arches can struggle to find supportive cleats that fit well. The high arch places more pressure on your heel and the ball of your feet, which can easily lead to pain in those areas.
However, many top cleat brands create specialized cleats for players with high arches Here are important qualities players with high arches should look for in cleats:
- Padding
- Arch support
- Good fit around the rest of the foot
- Room for orthotics if necessary
Great soccer cleats for players with high arches:
Women’s Soccer Cleats with Ankle Support
Ankle support is critical for soccer players, but few cleats provide adequate ankle support. This is especially important for players who have previously dealt with ankle injuries.
Choosing the right cleat can ensure ankle support which increases comfort and stability.
Here are some of the top cleats with ankle support:
- Nike Superfly Pro FG Flyknit Mercurial (men’s or women’s)
- Adidas Predator (with ankle sock)
- Adidas Copa X (men’s or women’s)
- Nike Hypervenom Phantom (men’s or women’s)
- Adidas Performance Women’s Ace
- Adidas Goletto VI
Women’s Soccer Cleats without Laces
Laces can sometimes get in the way when playing soccer. Fortunately, there are now many laceless soccer cleats on the market.
The top benefits of laceless soccer cleats are:
- Cleaner surface for striking
- Better contact for passing and shooting
- Less bulkiness provides a better feel for the ball
- Convenience. Never dealing with untied or broken laces
Some of the best laceless women’s soccer cleats are:
What are the best women’s soccer cleats?
Many women’s soccer cleat options meet all kinds of individual needs. But a few names continue to come up over and over again. Some of the best women’s soccer cleats are:
Adidas Performance Women’s Ace
These cleats are made from a synthetic leather build with excellent interior cushioning.
Their excellent grip comes from a flexible outsole that allows players to move will on different surfaces. They are light but sturdy with a classic feel.
Adidas Women’s Nemeziz
These cleats provide the perfect balance between mobility and support with their tape-inspired upper.
They are specially designed to aid explosive acceleration, and these cleats give your feet a snug hug. They offer excellent ankle stability as well as comfort and support.
Diadora Women’s Marcana
Diadora is not as well known in the U.S. but make no mistake about these quality cleats.
They are very popular with World Cup players in Italy. They’re 100% leather with a synthetic sole, constructed specifically for women’s feet.
They are excellent for all skill levels and extremely comfortable. Best yet, they are very affordable.
Adidas Copa Mundial FG
This lightweight classic fits like a glove. With an EVA foam midsole, the Copas distribute pressure and provide excellent comfort.
New Balance Tekela V3 Pro
The New Balance Tekela v3 Pro offers a laceless design for incredible stability and comfort. They boast an integrated Hypoknit upper and a lightweight nylon outsole.
On Amazon – Click the image to view the details there
Nike Tiempo Legend
Nike Tiempo Legend are great all-around cleats that work well for players with wide feet or flat arches.
They are recommended for players in several positions because of their kangaroo leather upper and comfortable design. They provide a good, clean touch while offering protection and durability.
What are the best cheap women’s soccer cleats?
Soccer cleats can get quite expensive, especially if you often play and wear them quickly. For many players, it is normal to go through at least 2 pairs of regular FG cleats per year. The cost of buying new cleats quickly adds up.
While many top cleats from brands like Nike and Adidas can be expensive, several good quality, affordable cleat options exist.
The major soccer cleat brands offer less expensive versions of their top cleats, and several lesser-known brands make excellent quality cleats.
Here are some of the best cheap women’s soccer cleats:
- Adidas Women’s Goletto Vi
- LEOCI Unisex Firm Ground Soccer Cleats
- Diadora Marcana MD
- Nike Tiempo Legacy
- Puma evoPower
- Adidas Predator FG
Are expensive soccer cleats worth it?
Soccer cleats vary in price based on their brand, model, materials, and year of production. When evaluating the price of cleats, you must consider what they offer. Expensive cleats can be worth it, but they are not always the best choice.
Reasons cleats are more expensive:
- They are created with better materials.
- They are a new version.
- They’re from a major brand, like Adidas or Nike.
- They are special edition/ limited edition.
For high-level soccer players, relatively expensive soccer cleats are a smart investment. D1 college soccer programs that provide cleats tend to offer the top version of each model available for that reason.
The top benefits of expensive cleats are:
- Better fit
- Greater ball control
- Comfort
- Lightweight
- Durability
Buying expensive cleats does not always make sense. For kids whose feet are still growing, investing much money into cleats is not logical.
You still want to look for good-quality cleats, but most kids do not need the highest-end cleats.
Likewise, many casual soccer players will not find the need for very expensive cleats. Those who do not play often or very competitively will often find mid-range cleats suitable.
One of the best ways to save money on soccer cleats is to order a former version of the cleats.
For example, the Nike Tiempo Legend (Soccer .com) line releases a new cleat style every year. If you purchase the newest version, it will be the most expensive.
You can save a lot of money by purchasing a new pair of previous models. Soccer cleats, style, fittings, and gameplay vary from woman to woman – hopefully, this guide has helped you narrow down the best cleats for you.
USWNT Soccer Cleats
Product: Updated 2024-11-27 | Images: Amazon Product Advertising API | #ad - soccerblade.com is an Amazon Associate
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Joel is a seasoned soccer journalist and analyst with many years of experience in the field. Joel specializes in game analysis, player profiles, transfer news, and has a keen eye for the tactical nuances of the game. He played at various levels in the game and coached teams - he is happy to share his insight with you.
