Our topmost choices for the best soccer cleats for strikers:
- Adidas: Adidas X Speedflow.1 — a super lightweight speed cleat with a better upper structure than its predecessor. It has one of the best barefoot-like sensations on the feet that offers the purest ball contact.
- Nike: Nike Mercurial Superfly 8 — the Mercurial model preferred by most elite strikers. It may be the best for straight-line acceleration and is perfect for comfort, flexibility, support, and shock absorption.
- PUMA: PUMA Ultra 1.4 — the lightest speed cleat (weighing 5.57 oz only). It has a slightly improved technology than its predecessor and offers superb comfort at top speeds.
If you are a striker who can create chances and is creative in scoring goals, you are the most feared player in the opponent’s territory. The soccer striker is the team’s favorite goal-scorer who can give even his coach high morale during any given match. Your teammates require much of you, so you must constantly improve your natural attributes.
An excellent striker has the following strong qualities:
- A natural talent and unique instinct.
- An excellent speed that can peel off any defender in a one-to-one situation.
- A strong body that can withstand the physical challenges of any defender (although the striker doesn’t need to be stronger than the defender).
- Excellent ball control and dribbling skills.
- An exceptional ability to score a goal with just one touch.
- Great power and accuracy on both feet.
- An instinct to position himself for great scoring opportunities.
- A high level of confidence that can beat the odds.
If you are a striker, it is your coach’s usual strategy to make you play the entire game without any substitute.
What are the best soccer cleats for strikers?
The best soccer cleats for strikers are speed cleats with an excellent touch on the ball. They have the most lightweight materials that can help you speed up, make quick cuts, and shoot the ball even with just one touch.
The Best Soccer Shoes for Strikers
Here’s a list of the best soccer cleats for a striker (in no particular order):
Adidas X Speedflow.1
If you love the X Ghosted.1, you will love the X Speedflow.1 even more. This latest model has a significant upgrade on the upper construction. It now offers a more pliable Primeknit upper material that feels more supportive than the less flexible Fluroskin upper of the X Ghosted.
The new upper has an Engineered Agility Frame, a technology that provides lightweight stability and support in every direction. Both the lace-up cleat and the laceless model have this structured support.
Adidas X Speedflow.1 uses the Carbitex SpeedFrame outsole, the most responsive and aggressive outsole of Adidas, designed to give you power during fast play and explosive movements in all directions.
Cheaper alternative: Adidas X Speedflow.2. It is $120 cheaper than Speedflow .1 but has an upper material similar to the X Ghosted.1, although the soleplate misses out on Carbitex SpeedFrame technology.
Adidas Copa Sense.1
Adidas Copa Sense.1 is not only an excellent choice if you prefer leather cleats for a striker role, but it is also the most famous leather cleat among elite strikers. The Copa Sense.1 uses thin kangaroo leather that looks more premium than its predecessor. It is one of the most elegant-looking leather cleats on the market today.
The Copa Sense.1 has SENSEPODS technology, designed to eliminate any negative space around the ankle and Achilles to create a feeling that the cleat is one with the foot. It has TOUCHPODS on the lateral and medial sides, designed to absorb impact.
The kangaroo leather features FUSIONSKIN technology, a material that molds to the shape of your foot for a barefoot-like sensation. And the outsole has two soft medial forefoot studs, designed to bend upon impact for better touch on the ball.
Cheaper alternative: Adidas Copa Sense.2. It is $105 cheaper than Sense.1. But it looks and feels like a high-grade model. It also has a leather upper with TOUCHPODS technology, designed to absorb impact energy where the ball meets the foot. You can even go down to the lowest tier, the Copa Sense.3 ($80 only), and still get a good-performing soccer cleat.
The striker is the team’s primary scoring threat. He is the most prolific goalscorer who can create opportunities. Any defender can hardly stop him and he can finish well.
Nike Mercurial Superfly 8 Elite
Nike Mercurial Superfly 8 is arguably the most feared speed cleat in terms of acceleration. The fact is, it makes perfect sense that some defenders will wear this shoe to match the speed of the fastest players who are also using the Superfly 8.
This soccer cleat does not only have the most lightweight materials, but it also has a new Speed Band technology around the forefoot that keeps the foot locked in and always ready for acceleration. It makes every take-off an explosive one through the help of its Aerotrak 2 soleplate.
Other notable features of the Nike Mercurial Superfly 8:
- “Avail Q” microfiber lining across the upper for better ball control.
- Dynamic Fit collar and interior heel cushioning, designed to secure the heel and provide compression and support around the ankle.
- NikeGrip technology on the insole to reduce foot slippage.
- Chevron studs that provide instant multidirectional traction.
Cheaper alternative: Nike Mercurial Superfly 8 Pro. It is $115 cheaper than the elite model but feels like its top-end version, with materials not far behind in quality and performance.
Nike Phantom GT2 Elite
If you have super wide feet, Nike Phantom GT2 is for you. This boot feels like a wide Mercurial but is a bit more capable of side-to-side movements because of its roots being Phantom Venom and Vision. Although it may not be as fast as the Mercurials in straight-line acceleration, it won’t hold you back when you run at top speed.
Nike Phantom GT2 has an updated stud layout that provides dynamic traction for quick changes in the lateral direction. The one-piece Flyknit upper has a unique Generative Texture (GT) in key areas, designed to provide precise touch and control of the ball.
Shop On NikeCheaper alternative: Nike Phantom GT2 Pro. It is $120 cheaper than the elite model but has an almost identical Flyknit upper (with GT technology). The fit is also similar to its high-grade model.
Any team can only leave one player on the opponent’s territory to challenge all the defenders – the striker. But when defenders give the striker enough distance, he can single-handedly score a crucial goal for his team.
PUMA Ultra 1.2
The Ultra 1.2 is PUMA’s speed cleat. It directly competes with the models of Adidas X Ghosted and Nike Mercurials. This shoe has more volume and feels more padded than any speed cleats. And it appears to have the best value for money also considering the technology and innovations invested in it.
PUMA Ultra 1.2 has a MATRYXEVO woven upper designed to provide dependable support even at high speeds. It has a GripControl Pro coating for better control of the ball. A Nano Grip sock liner that holds the foot down and prevents it from sliding. And a Pebax SpeedUnit outsole that can propel you forward during sudden acceleration.
PUMA Ultra 1.2 Lazertouch
If there is one leather cleat worthy to be on this list, it has to be PUMA Ultra 1.2 Lazertouch. This speed cleat has the same design as the standard Ultra 1.2 and weighs almost identical to its synthetic twin (with the same price as well).
PUMA Ultra 1.2 Lazertouch has a premium, soft k-leather upper with Lazertouch technology, an upper coating designed to enhance your touch and control of the ball. It has the same super-light Pebax SpeedUnit outsole loved by many strikers.
PUMA Ultra 1.4
PUMA Ultra 1.4 is the lightest soccer cleat for training and competition. It weighs 5.47 oz only and has plenty of lightweight materials that offer comfort at top speeds. This soccer cleat has a slightly improved technology than its predecessor yet maintains the same price. It is $50 cheaper than the X Speedflows and Mercurials.
The Ultra 1.4 has an upper that continues to offer a barefoot-like sensation and pure ball contact. It still uses MATRYXEVO technology woven upper but with lightweight material called transparent mono yarns. It has an internal SPEEDCAGE for lightweight support in all directions. And the same ultra-fast SpeedUnit outsole for rapid acceleration.
Cheaper alternative: PUMA Ultra 2.4. It is $70 cheaper than the Ultra 1.4. But it has premium materials that look and feel similar to the previous top-end models of the Ultra. You can even go further down to the cheapest model, the Ultra 3.4 ($80 only), and still get a good soccer cleat.
PUMA FUTURE 1.3
If you are a creative and super-energetic striker who needs a soccer cleat that can follow the foot even during awkward situations, PUMA FUTURE 1.3 is for you. This shoe has a second-generation adaptive FUZIONFIT+ compression band that runs from the medial side to the lateral side of the midfoot, providing optimal locked-in fit for agility and support for any explosive movements. This shoe has structured support in the heel and forefoot with GripControl Pro technology to control the ball better.
Cheaper alternative: PUMA FUTURE 2.3. It is $70 cheaper than FUTURE 1.3. But it has premium materials and looks almost identical to its high-grade model. It also has a FUZIONFIT technology and a similar soleplate as its top-end model.
New Balance Furon V6+ Pro
If you are looking for the best locked-in fit and the finest support around your heel, this is the speed cleat for you. New Balance Furon V6+ is one of the most comfortable soccer cleats you can wear this year, with technologies that blend well with the most lightweight, high-quality materials. It has a soft lining with plenty of comfortable padding in the right places.
Notable features of New Balance Furon V6+:
- Hypoknit upper with Fit Weave technology for stability and a sock-like fit.
- Hyposkin clear film on the upper that resists water.
- infiniGRIP insert for stability and reduce foot slippage.
Cheaper alternative: New Balance Furon V6+ Destroy. It is $95 cheaper than the Furon V6+ Pro. But it feels fast, agile, soft, and comfortable like its high-grade model. This first takedown model also has a Fit Weave stretch upper and Nanofront sock liner.
Final Thoughts
If you are a center forward, you must have an exceptional ability to score a goal with just one touch. And this requires nothing less than your best soccer cleats. But with today’s technology and innovations, it is now possible for a soccer cleat to do everything on the soccer field. In case you are caught up with overwhelming options and cannot decide, choose your most comfortable speed cleats, the ones that can be one with your feet.
Soccer Shoes for Strikers: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best soccer shoes for shooting?
The best soccer shoes for shooting have upper materials that are stripped down from unnecessary elements. This brings the foot closer to the ball for greater control and power when shooting. These soccer shoes also have a top coating, designed to grip the ball even at high speeds. The best examples of these soccer shoes are Nike Mercurial Vapor 14 and Superfly 8, Adidas X Speedflow.1, and PUMA Ultra 1.4.
Are Copas good for strikers?
Yes. Some elite strikers prefer the Copa Sense+ and Copa Sense.1. Adidas Copa Sense is arguably the most elegant-looking boot. It features a thin yet battle-tested kangaroo leather with FUSIONSKIN technology, a flexible material that molds to the shape of your foot.
What are the best soccer cleats for speed?
The best soccer cleats for speed are speed cleats. They are not only the most lightweight boots, but they are also the fastest on straight-line acceleration with excellent support on multidirectional movements. But speed cleats usually have skin-tight upper, which offers less protection from an impact.
Are Adidas Predators good for strikers?
Yes. Even though the Predator is the most famous control cleat among midfielders, some elite strikers prefer to use it. But if you are to choose a Predator model for the striker position, go for the Predator Freak .1 Low Cut because it will give you more freedom of movement around the ankle.
What cleats does Suarez use?
Luis Suarez uses PUMA Future 1.3 for the season 2021-22. He plays as a forward for Atletico de Madrid in La Liga.
You may also like: