Our top choices for the best soccer cleats for goalkeepers:
- Synthetic: Puma Future 7 Ultimate — one of the most famous soccer cleats among top goalkeepers. It has over 36 professional goalkeepers using it in major competitions.
- Leather: Adidas Copa Pure 2 — the most famous leather cleat among the best goalkeepers. It has over 16 professional goalkeepers using it in major competitions.
The soccer goalkeeper is one of the key players who can influence the outcome of any match, especially when the game has reached full-time scoreless. From the penalty arc 12 yards away from the goal line, any player can have over 90 percent possibility of scoring a goal.
A great goalie can predict and get into position quickly to cover a vulnerable spot before the ball gets there and into the back of the net. He is the team’s last defense and is directly in charge of guarding the restricted area. He also helps in defensive communication with all defenders to prevent the opposing team from creating chances.
What are the best soccer cleats for goalkeepers?
The best soccer cleats for goalkeepers are lightweight and fast cleats, allowing the goalie to take off and change direction instantly. Most goalkeepers go for boots that offer comfort, protection, and excellent lock-in.
In this field position, a soccer cleat with laces may help keep the shoe fastened to the foot when diving to catch the ball. Since the goalie will be assigned to perform goal kicks, choosing a soccer cleat with excellent accuracy is a must.
The Best Soccer Cleats for Goalkeepers
Here’s a list of the best soccer cleats for goalies (in no particular order):
Puma Future 7 Ultimate
Professional Goalies using it: 37
The Puma Future 7 Ultimate is a soccer cleat built for touch and agility, and it is one of the most comfortable boots for goalkeepers. But it seems not made for every foot type because some players complain that it is not true to size. It’s a shoe that is best to try on before buying.
The Future 7 Ultimate has one of the best synthetic uppers. It uses Puma’s FUZIONFIT360 material with PWRPRINT and PWRTAPE technologies, which offer a snug, supportive fit that goes with the foot in any direction. The upper also has 3D grip textures for enhanced ball control. To support unpredictable changes of direction, it uses a Dynamic Motion System outsole, which amplifies stability, agility, and traction.
Shop On AmazonPuma Ultra Ultimate
Professional Goalies using it: 13
The Ultra Ultimate is Puma’s speed cleat, which has one of the most aggressive outsoles and a better lockdown sensation than most speed cleats. It is around 4 grams lighter than the Future 7 Ultimate and is the one to choose if you want the fastest Puma soccer cleat.
Puma Ultra Ultimate uses a lightweight ULTRAWEAVE upper with PWRPRINT and PWRTAPE technologies for a secure multidirectional lock-in fit. It has a sticky coating that grips the ball and adds more control when dribbling. Inside is a removable insole with NANOGRIP technology, which helps reduce foot slippage. And underneath it is a super aggressive SPEEDPLATE outsole designed for maximum speed and optimal traction.
Shop On AmazonPuma King Ultimate
Professional Goalies using it: 1
Did you know that the Puma King has a history of being a top scorer in the World Cup? This legendary soccer cleat was the preferred shoe of Eusebio, Pele, and Diego Maradona in the 1966, 1970, and 1986 World Cups. And it is not only an excellent shoe for the best forwards but also for the best goalkeepers.
Puma King Ultimate uses a K-BETTER upper instead of the traditional K-leather upper. The new synthetic material makes the shoe much lighter. It feels premium, comfortable out of the box, and soft as leather, but gives you a snug fit that doesn’t stretch continuously like traditional leather over time.
It has a lightweight outsole with an integrated stability spine and all-conical studs designed to move with the foot in any direction. The shoe feels nimble and offers better foot function.
Shop On AmazonNike Phantom GX 2 Elite
Professional Goalies using it: 20
If you are naturally wide-footed and want a super comfortable, wide-fitting soccer cleat that doesn’t need any break-in period, the Nike Phantom GX 2 is one of your best options. It’s an all-rounder that can do anything on the soccer field. And it just got better for this latest model because of its improved heel structure, which provides more lateral and medial support. It is also the lightest Phantom ever made.
The Phantom GX 2 uses a one-piece Gripknit upper, which has a slightly better touch on the ball than its predecessor. It molds nicely to the shape of your foot, giving you an excellent lockdown. Plus, underneath your foot is a smooth outsole that uses Nike’s Cyclone 360 quick traction pattern, which offers fully secure propulsion and agility.
If you want a high collar for better ball contact, go for the Nike Phantom Luna 2. It has the same DNA as the Phantom GX 2 and is much better (in every way) than its predecessor. This soccer cleat has at least 2 professional goalkeepers using it in major competitions.
Shop On NikeNike Tiempo Legend 10 Elite
Professional Goalies using it: 17
The Nike Tiempo Legend 10 doesn’t use K-leather anymore. Instead, it uses FlyTouch Plus engineered leather, which Nike claims is softer than natural leather. Indeed, this new upper is near-perfect in terms of touch and grip on the ball. And it conforms to the shape of your foot more easily than K-leather.
The lightweight plate is similar to its predecessor but gives more freedom of movement. It still offers the same classic, smooth traction pattern that Tiempo Legends are known for, which combines conical studs with blades and chevrons.
Shop On NikeNike Mercurial Vapor 16 Elite
Professional Goalies using it: 13
The Nike Mercurial Vapor 16 soccer cleat is ideal for goalkeepers due to its lightweight design, enhancing agility and quick movements. The cleat features a responsive traction pattern that allows for swift direction changes, essential for intercepting shots. Its snug fit provides excellent stability, reducing the risk of slippage during crucial saves.
Additionally, the cushioning technology offers comfort during extended play, ensuring goalkeepers can perform at their peak without discomfort. The sleek design and professional aesthetic also boost confidence on the field, making it a top choice for goalkeepers seeking performance and style.
Shop On NikeNike Mercurial Superfly 10 Elite
Professional Goalies using it: 11
The Nike Mercurial Superfly 10 is an ideal soccer cleat for goalkeepers due to its lightweight design, providing swift movement and agility. The Flyknit upper offers a snug fit, enhancing comfort and control. The Dynamic Fit collar ensures ankle support while maintaining flexibility, crucial for quick reflexes.
Additionally, the outsole features strategically placed studs for excellent traction on various playing surfaces, allowing goalkeepers to plant their feet firmly during saves. The cleat’s responsive cushioning also helps with explosive lateral movements, essential for diving and reaching high shots.
Shop On NIkeAdidas Predator Elite
Professional Goalies using it: 58
The Adidas Predator Elite is the most preferred soccer cleat among professional goalkeepers. It is extremely lightweight and built for comfort, stability, and enhanced ball control. With its new technologies, this latest model is arguably the best Predator ever made. And many experts consider it the best soccer cleat of the year.
The Predator Elite has a pliable HYBRIDTOUCH 2.0 upper with a PRIMEKNIT collar that wraps the entire instep for next-level comfort and stability. The flexible STRIKESKIN rubber fins on strike zones add more grip and ball control. And the Controlframe 2.0 outsole with hybrid studs also offers great explosiveness, responsiveness, and turning ability like never before.
Adidas Copa Pure 2 Elite
Professional Goalies using it: 20
This latest model of Adidas Copa is the most famous leather cleat among professional goalkeepers. It’s good-looking and easily fits your fancy as a goalkeeper. Although Adidas seems to have made the calfskin leather in the forefoot thinner to make the shoe more lightweight and skin-tight, it has the technology that absorbs impact from the ball so that the force won’t go through your foot.
The premium FUSIONSKIN upper has a precise touch on the ball and lockdown is better than its predecessor. The lightweight TORSIONFRAME outsole with blade-like studs also provides stability, traction, and the right amount of explosiveness.
Shop On AmazonAdidas X Crazyfast Elite
Professional Goalies using it: 8
The X Crazyfast Elite is Adidas’ best speed cleat. It has a monomesh AEROPACITY Speedskin upper with AEROCAGE lining skeleton, which offers great freedom of movement with stability, comfort, and support for the foot in any direction. The upper feels like a second skin (but thinner than the Mercurial Vapor 15) with excellent touch and ball control even at high speeds. It may be the best-fitting upper with a more barefoot-like sensation.
The X Crazyfast has an AEROPLATE outsole built for maximum speed and comfort. It has a new lightweight tooling inlay for a more aerodynamic design. This new soleplate feels more aggressive and responsive than its predecessor.
Adidas F50 Elite
Professional Goalies using it: 7
The F50 Elite is one of the best soccer cleats ever produced by Adidas. It’s a relaunch of an iconic soccer cleat, which Lionel Messi first used in 2006 before the World Cup. There is the F50 Elite Messi model, which Messi himself used this summer. And although not many professional soccer players use the F50 Elite Messi version, we think it’s the best F50 model.
Adidas F50 Elite is a good-looking soccer cleat with Messi’s preferred fit. It has a burrito-style tongue with a compression knit material that wraps around the midfoot for maximum comfort. It has a Hybrid Touch upper designed to enhance performance and comfort when in contact with the ball, even at high speed. And a SPRINTFRAME 360 soleplate that optimizes traction and stability.
Shop On AmazonMizuno Morelia Neo IV Beta
Professional Goalies using it: 5
The Mizuno Morelia Neo IV Beta could be the year’s best leather cleat. It is the most advanced Neo, around 8.5 grams lighter than the Puma Ultra Ultimate. If you are a goalkeeper looking for leather material, this is the only soccer cleat you need for all your games.
The Morelia Neo IV Beta has classic vibes but will give you a modern and close-to-the-foot feel. It is super comfortable in every part of the foot with BF (barefoot) knit on the tongue that offers a one-piece feel around your foot. It has a classic-looking outsole (with conical studs), but it performs more aggressively than classic cleats.
If you want a comfortable, modern leather cleat with a more old-school design, go for Mizuno Morelia II. This all-leather cleat directly competes with any leather cleat legend. It has the highest-grade leather upper with a modern fit. And a classic-looking soleplate (with all-conical studs) that offers a present-day feel.
Shop On AmazonMizuno Alpha Elite
The Mizuno Alpha Elite replaces the Mizuno Rebula Cup, which was a very comfortable all-leather speed cleat. The Alpha Elite is a speed cleat with an Engineered Fit Woven upper. Weighing at 6.7 oz only, it is the fastest Mizuno boot (according to Mizuno). And it’s good-looking, too.
This soccer cleat has a near-perfect, super-aggressive outsole with a KaRVO RSTM insert designed to enhance energy return and responsiveness. It has a ZEROGLIDE ALPHA Mesh interior, which helps prevent foot slippage whenever you make those unscripted movements on the soccer field. It also has the MIZUNO ENERZY, a famous foam material in the Mizuno’s running shoe lineup, which offers the ultimate rebound and performance.
Shop On AmazonNew Balance Tekela v4 Pro
Professional Goalies using it: 1
The New Balance Tekela v4 is an ideal soccer cleat for goalkeepers due to its excellent traction, lightweight design, and superior comfort. The cleat’s innovative outsole provides optimal grip on various playing surfaces, enhancing stability during quick lateral movements and saves.
The lightweight construction allows for agility and speed, enabling goalkeepers to react swiftly to shots on goal. Additionally, the cushioned insole ensures lasting comfort, reducing fatigue during long matches. The snug fit and supportive design also enhance control and confidence when distributing the ball.
Shop On AmazonNew Balance Furon v7 Pro
Professional Goalies using it: 1
The New Balance Furon v7 is an ideal soccer cleat for goalkeepers due to its lightweight construction, providing agility and speed when making critical saves. The cleat features a snug fit that enhances stability and control, allowing keepers to move quickly in any direction.
Its durable synthetic upper offers excellent ball touch and precision, essential for goal kicks and distribution. The strategically placed studs provide optimal traction on various playing surfaces, ensuring goalkeepers can pivot and accelerate with confidence. Additionally, the Furon v7’s stylish design and vibrant color options make it a standout choice on the field.
Shop On AmazonFinal Thoughts
An excellent goalkeeper can stay patient and composed during the game. And if your team has a solid defense and is the overwhelming favorite to win the tournament, chances are you will perform more goal kicks than catching the ball.
But always focus because anything can happen instantly during any match. And one simple mistake can quickly cause an upset where the opposing team can score a goal and retreat to an all-out defensive position until the game ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Mercurials good for goalkeepers?
Yes, but the Phantom GT2 may be a better choice because it is slightly better on side-to-side movements than the Mercurials. But if you are to choose a Mercurial, get the Vapor 14 because it offers more freedom of movement around the ankle.
What should goalkeepers wear?
Goalkeepers should wear comfortable, lightweight, and fast soccer cleats that will allow them to change direction with ease. Goalies may be the most stylish players on the soccer field, so make the most out of it and choose the shoes that fit your fancy.
Are Adidas Predators good for goalkeepers?
Yes. Adidas Predators (especially the Freak.1 and Freak+) will give you better control of the ball. They are among the choicest soccer cleats of pro goalies. It doesn’t matter if you choose the lace-up or laceless model, the Predator will perform well in the goalkeeper position.
You may also like: