14 Best Soccer Cleats for Midfielders (the Ultimate List) in 2023

Updated December 3, 2023 | by

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Our topmost choices for the best soccer cleats for midfielders:

  • Synthetic: Adidas X Speedflow.1 — the most famous soccer cleat among professional midfielders. It is fast and agile and may have the most comfortable upper material for a midfielder.
  • Leather: Adidas Copa Sense.1 — the most preferred leather cleat among elite midfielders. It absorbs impact energy and has plenty of technologies that can manipulate the ball perfectly.

The midfielder may always have the most covered distance in any match. This player is the best example of exceptional stamina, whether he plays central midfield, wide midfield, defensive midfield, or attacking midfield.

If you are a midfielder, there is much ground to cover, and your team expects you to carry technical skills that can beat anyone from the opposing team in a one-to-one situation.

People may say that midfielders are the best players in the game. It is a strong statement supported by a customary game strategy that coaches put their best players in midfield positions.

best soccer cleats for midfielders
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As a midfielder, your team requires you to have the following strong attributes:

  • Dominant in ball possession
  • Fast and tricky
  • Great crossing ability
  • Solid on defense
  • Skillful on attack
  • Exceptional stamina that can last over 90 minutes

The midfielder is one of the most hard-working players on the pitch, so getting your soccer cleats right determines how well you will perform during the game.

What are the best soccer cleats for midfielders?

The best soccer cleats for midfielders are fast and comfortable cleats that can help you tackle the grueling miles you need to travel for your team. They must also be accurate at handling the ball. So these soccer cleats should have the following features:

  • Excellent grip on the ground
  • Quick release from the ground
  • Superior turning ability
  • Full control of the ball when dribbling and kicking

Most professional midfielders use control cleats because they are effective in any midfield position. A control cleat is usually more padded than a speed cleat, and you will have more protection from any forceful impact.

best soccer cleats for midfielders
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The Best Nike Soccer Cleats for Midfielders

Here’s a list of the best Nike soccer cleats for midfielders (in no particular order):

Nike Phantom GT2 Elite

nike phantom gt2
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Effective positions: Defensive Midfielder, Central Midfielder, Attacking Midfielder, and Left/Right Midfielder.

Nike Phantom GT2 is an all-rounder that can do anything for the soccer midfielder. It is a smooth soccer cleat with dynamic traction, designed to give you the power to change direction effortlessly. And it won’t hold you back if you want to speed up and be the first on the ball. This soccer cleat is most suitable for deep-lying playmakers or advanced playmakers.

Notable features of Nike Phantom GT2 Elite:

  • An upper made from one-piece Flyknit for an excellent locked-in fit that follows your foot in all directions.
  • A unique Generative Texture technology, a grippy texture that can enhance your control of the ball during dribbling and shooting.
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Cheaper 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.

Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Elite

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Effective positions: Defensive Midfielder, Central Midfielder, and Left/Right Midfielder.

Nike Tiempo Legend 9 is a stable leather cleat suitable for midfield positions. It has more lateral and ankle support than most soccer cleats. Its one-piece K-leather upper is not only comfortable, but it will also protect you from any forceful impact that can happen anytime on the soccer field.

This latest model is the lightest Tiempo ever made, and it has improved in the speed category. The touch and feel of the ball have also improved with added raised texture on top for extra grip on the ball.

Notable features of Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Elite:

  • Soft foam pods underneath the K-leather upper that create a better close-to-the-foot sensation than the previous Quadfit mesh.
  • A subtle raised texture on areas where the foot meets the ball for better touch and control.
  • A Hyperstability plate, which offers comfort and traction in all directions.
  • Mixed blade and round studs designed to deliver more stability, excellent grip on the ground, and superior turning ability.
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Cheaper alternative: Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Pro. It is $100 cheaper than the elite model. But it has quality materials and looks and feels very much like its top-end model.

Nike Mercurial Vapor 15 Elite

nike zoom mercurial vapor 15
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Effective positions: Defensive Midfielder, Central Midfielder, Attacking Midfielder, and Left/Right Midfielder.

The models of Nike Mercurial are arguably the fastest soccer cleats in straight-line acceleration. Although it may not be as versatile as the Phantom GT2 on side-to-side movements, it is one of the favorite soccer cleats by midfielders at any position. Between the two siblings, the Vapor 15 and Superfly 9, the Vapor is the most famous among elite midfielders. And according to some sports medicine physicians, the Mercurials have the perfect blend of comfort, flexibility, support, and shock absorption.

Notable features of Nike Mercurial Vapor 15 Elite:

  • A soccer-specific 3/4 Zoom Air unit that provides a springy underfoot feel and helps you move faster on the field.
  • A lightweight speed cage that locks the foot down through every change of direction.
  • Vaporposite+ upper, made from a grippy, grid mesh, for optimal ball control at high speeds.
  • Tri-star studs that provide stability and multidirectional traction.
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Cheaper alternative: Nike Mercurial Vapor 15 Pro. It is $110 cheaper than the elite model but feels like its top-end version, with materials not far behind in quality and performance.

The Best Adidas Midfielder Soccer Cleats

Here’s a list of the best Adidas Midfielder soccer cleats (in no particular order):

Adidas Predator Freak.1

adidas predator freak.1

Effective positions: Defensive Midfielder and Central Midfielder.

Adidas Predator Freak.1 is arguably the most famous soccer cleat for midfield positions because of its excellent ball-handling capabilities. We often see it in holding midfield, a position that stays close to the team’s defense.

The Predator Freak.1 is one of the best soccer cleats for dribbling. It has 360° coverage of the rubber elements on the upper. These rubber spikes help control the ball better and increase ball swerve. And like the Tiempo Legend 9, it also has a mixed blade and round studs designed to deliver more stability, excellent grip on the ground, and superior turning ability.

Cheaper alternative: Adidas Predator Freak.2. It is $120 cheaper than Freak .1 but also has the 360° coverage of the sticky rubber spikes. It has a soleplate that looks very much like the Freak .1.

Adidas Predator Edge.1

adidas predator edge.1
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Effective positions: Defensive Midfielder and Central Midfielder.

Adidas Predator Edge.1 is more famous than the outgoing model, Freak.1, among defensive and central midfielders. Although the previous model may be slightly more comfortable and refined at ball handling, this latest model has more predator DNA than its predecessor – it has more volume and power than the previous model.

Notable features of Adidas Predator Edge.1:

  • Strategically positioned rubberized ribs, called ZONE SKIN, which optimizes ball manipulation.
  • Premium PRIMEKNIT upper designed for breathability, easy entry, and secure lockdown.
  • FACET FRAME outsole for more stability, dynamic traction, and optimized power transfer when striking the ball.
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Cheaper alternative: Adidas Predator Edge.2. It is $120 cheaper than Edge .1 but also has the new ZONE SKIN technology and weighs almost the same as its top-end model.

Adidas X Speedflow.1

adidas x speedflow.1

Effective positions: Defensive Midfielder, Central Midfielder, Attacking Midfielder, and Left/Right Midfielder.

Adidas X Speedflow.1 is an agile speed cleat that can match the skills of the best midfielders. It has a soft upper material that feels more supportive than its predecessor, the X Ghosted.1. This latest model has the softest upper material among speed cleats. It is also more pliable and can now fit wide feet.

The new upper is premium PRIMEKNIT material, which provides an adaptive fit for quick movements. It also has an Engineered Agility Frame for stability and structured support in every direction. And a Carbitex SpeedFrame outsole, which enables instant transfer of power through the forefoot.

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

Effective positions: Defensive Midfielder and Central Midfielder.

Adidas Copa Sense.1 is not only one of the most elegant-looking leather cleats, but it is also a favorite shoe for defensive and central midfielders. This leather cleat has plenty of technologies that can control the ball perfectly. It is excellent at absorbing impact energy off the ball. And it offers a more barefoot-like touch than its predecessor.

Notable features of Adidas Copa Sense+:

  • A unique two medial forefoot studs made from SOFTSTUDS, the protrusions that bend upon impact with the ball, ensuring the most pleasing touch possible.
  • SENSEPODS technology, designed to eliminate negative space around the ankle and Achilles.
  • TOUCHPODS technology, placed on both the boot’s medial and lateral sides, absorbs impact from the ball so it won’t go through your foot.
  • FUSIONSKIN technology on its leather upper for water resistance and improved flexibility.

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.

Adidas Copa 20.1

adidas copa 20.1

Effective positions: Defensive Midfielder, Central Midfielder, and Left/Right Midfielder.

Even with the introduction of the new models of Adidas Copa Sense, the Copa 20.1 continues as a favorite soccer cleat among defensive and wide midfielders. It has more K-leather than the Copa Sense, which adds more protection and comfort for the foot. Some players even believe it performs better than the latest Copa.

Notable features of Adidas Copa 20.1:

  • A FusionSkin technology on the upper offers a unique touch on the ball, adding more confidence to your game.
  • A welded texture, which increases your control of the ball.
  • An Exoframe outsole with round studs for more stability and maximum traction.

Adidas Nemeziz.1

adidas nemeziz.1

Effective positions: Defensive Midfielder, Central Midfielder, Left/Right Midfielder, and Attacking Midfielder

Adidas Nemeziz.1 is a fast and agile soccer cleat that can do anything in the midfield area. It has a precise touch on the ball, loved by Lionel Messi. The upper has Torsionframe technology designed to provide stability for multidirectional movements. It has a low-cut V-shaped collar that allows easy entry and total freedom of movement around the ankle. And it has a Torsionframe outsole with split plate tooling that offers stability and complete support for a radical change of direction.

Adidas Nemeziz 19.1

adidas nemeziz 19.1

Adidas Nemeziz 19.1 is a favorite soccer cleat for creative midfielders. Deep-lying playmakers and advanced playmakers often use it. Strongly built for agility and touch on the ball, this soccer cleat is excellent in ball handling and twisting and turning. The upper uses Tensiontape technology, which not only provides structured support and stability but also helps protect the foot from impact injury.

Notable features of Adidas Nemeziz 19.1:

  • An adaptive upper construction with Tensiontape designed to ensure a better locked-in fit and barefoot-like touch on the ball.
  • A Torsionframe that offers stability in any multidirectional movements.
  • A split plate that offers traction while giving your foot more freedom of movement.

The Best PUMA Midfielder Soccer Cleats

Here’s a list of the best PUMA midfielder soccer cleats (in no particular order):

PUMA Ultra 1.4

puma ultra 1.4

Effective positions: Attacking Midfielder and Left/Right Midfielder.

If you are a midfielder looking for a super comfortable speed cleat with a more barefoot-like touch on the ball, PUMA Ultra 1.4 is one of your best options. This latest model continues to have less padding, which brings the foot closer to the ball. The upper also has GripControl Pro skin, designed to grip the ball even at top speeds.

PUMA Ultra 1.4 is the lightest soccer cleat for training and competition. It weighs around 5.57 oz only. It can take on straight-line acceleration and a quick change of direction with ease. And it has a comfortable footbed and an ultra-fast SpeedUnit outsole designed 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

puma future z 1.3

Effective positions: Defensive Midfielder and Central Midfielder.

This new soccer cleat has already proven its worth that it can match the skills and energy of Neymar Jr. It can also perform very well even if you are the only midfielder on your team. PUMA built the FUTURE 1.3 for agility, control, and speed. And it is comfortable right out of the box and doesn’t require a break-in period.

Notable features of PUMA FUTURE 1.3:

  • A second-generation FUZIONFIT+ technology, which adapts to the shape of your foot for support and flexibility.
  • A GripControl Pro technology that offers a refined touch on the ball.
  • Advanced Creator Zones strategically positioned in the forefoot area.

Another comfortable soccer cleat for the midfield position in the PUMA brand is the King Platinum, the leather cleat with the cleanest looks. It has a design admired by the fastest players in the game.

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.

Other Brands with the Best Soccer Cleats for Midfielders

Here are other brands with the best soccer cleats for midfielders:

Lotto Solista 200 IV Gravity

lotto solista 200 iv

Effective positions: Left/Right Midfielder

Lotto Solista 200 IV is the most affordable top-end soccer cleat for any midfield position. It has a price similar to the takedown models. But the class of materials is high and super lightweight. It is even lighter than Nike Mercurial Vapor 15. And it has at least one elite midfielder using it in the Left/Right Midfielder position.

Notable features of Lotto Solista 200 IV:

  • One-piece 3D knit with embossing on the upper front part to enhance ball control.
  • Punto Flex Technology in the forefoot for flexibility and reactivity.
  • EVO studs and conical studs for traction and speed in all directions.

Mizuno Morelia Neo III Beta

mizuno morelia neo iii beta
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Effective positions: Defensive Midfielder and Central Midfielder.

If you are a defensive midfielder looking for a tough leather cleat that can take on this line of defense, Mizuno Morelia Neo III Beta is your best option. Mizuno is the brand that makes the highest quality leather cleats. And the Neo III Beta is Mizuno’s fastest and lightest soccer cleat preferred by elite midfielders. The fact is, it is the only soccer cleat you need for all your matches.

Notable features of Mizuno Morelia Neo III Beta:

  • Super soft and thin kangaroo leather with an anti-stretch stitch pattern.
  • Knit is used on the heel and around the ankle for comfort and increased mobility.
  • A lightweight mesh in the outsole for added stability and responsiveness.
  • All-conical studs for optimal traction, stability, and pivoting ability.
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Cheaper alternative: Mizuno Morelia Neo III Pro KL. It is $210 cheaper than the Neo III Beta. But it also has a K-leather upper, a sockliner with rough coating, and a classic molded soleplate with plenty of stability and comfort.

Did you know that your team has more chances of winning if you are able to control the midfield?

Final Thoughts

The best midfielders think they own the midfield and are creative enough to position the forwards for great scoring opportunities. They create a constant situation that makes it easy for the defenders to gain ball possession.

Midfielders can easily blend in with defenders and help put up a solid defense to make it more difficult for the opposing team to score a goal. An excellent midfielder is also a goal-scorer when opportunity strikes, not just from the halfway line but also in the penalty area during a counter-attack or an offensive approach with the forwards.

Best Midfielder Soccer Cleats: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best football boots for attacking midfielders?

The best boots for attacking midfielders are fast football boots that can do it all on the soccer field. The best examples of these boots are Nike Mercurial Vapor 15 & Superfly 9, Nike Phantom GT2, Adidas X Speedflow.1, and PUMA Ultra 1.4.

Are Nike Tiempos good for midfielders?

Yes, especially the Tiempo Legend 9. It is the lightest Tiempo ever made, designed for comfort, speed, and support. It now has a raised texture for better touch and control of the ball. And the soleplate offers comfort and traction in all directions.

Are Copas good for midfielders?

Yes, the Copa Sense+ and Sense.1 (even the older Copa 20.1) are favorites of elite midfielders. These soccer cleats offer comfort only leather cleats can deliver. They have upper technologies, which give a unique touch to the ball. And outsoles that provide stability and optimal traction.

Are Mercurials good for midfielders?

Yes, Nike Mercurial Superfly 9 and Vapor 15 (with the Superfly 9 as the more popular choice) are good for midfielders. These soccer cleats are arguably the fastest cleats on straight-line acceleration. They are comfortable, flexible, supportive, and absorb shock very well.

What is the best soccer cleat for a midfielder?

The best soccer cleat for a midfielder is a fast and agile cleat, which offers complete control of the ball, has superior turning ability, and studs with excellent grip on the ground but releases quickly during take-off regardless of direction. The most famous soccer cleat among professional midfielders is Adidas X Speedflow.1.

What are the best soccer cleats for center midfielders?

The best soccer cleats for a Central Midfielder are Nike Phantom GT2, Nike Tiempo Legend 9, Nike Mercurial Vapor 15, Adidas Predator Edge.1, Adidas X Speedflow.1, Adidas Copa Sense.1, PUMA FUTURE 1.3, and Mizuno Morelia Neo III Beta.

What are the best soccer cleats for attacking midfielder?

The best soccer cleats for Attacking Midfielders are Nike Phantom GT2, Nike Mercurial Vapor 15, Adidas X Speedflow.1, Adidas Nemeziz.1, and PUMA Ultra 1.4.

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About Lem Anota

He played as a defender/midfielder for many years but is also proficient in other roles on the soccer field. During his younger years, Lem played in major competitions. Today, he tests soccer cleats and running shoes and reviews their quality, technology, comfort, and performance.