Our topmost choices for the best soccer cleats for midfielders:
- Synthetic: Adidas X Crazyfast — the most famous soccer cleat among top midfielders. It has over 125 professional players using it in major competitions.
- Leather: Adidas Copa Pure 2 — the most preferred leather cleat among the best midfielders. It has over 57 professional players using it in major competitions.
If you are a midfielder, you may have the most covered distance in any given match, 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.
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. These soccer cleats must 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.
The Best Nike Soccer Cleats for Midfielders
Nike soccer cleats may have the perfect blend for comfort, flexibility, support, and shock absorption. These soccer cleats are your best options if you want performance and protection on the soccer field. Some sports medicine physicians even recommend them for those who have foot problems.
Here’s a list of the best Nike soccer cleats for midfielders (in no particular order):
Nike Phantom GX 2 Elite
Effective positions: Defensive Midfield, Central Midfield, Attacking Midfield, and Left/Right Midfield.
Elite-level players using it: 75
Nike Phantom GX 2 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.
The Phantom GX 2, with its Nike Cyclone 360 traction pattern, is arguably the most aggressive soccer cleat in the Phantom lineup. No wonder it is very effective in both defensive and attacking midfield positions. And it is a soccer cleat that doesn’t need any break-in period.
The one-piece Flyknit upper, with its asymmetric lacing, provides a comfortable, snug fit like no other. It also has better heel support than the previous generations. And the toe box is also more accommodating.
Shop On NikeNike Tiempo Legend 10 Elite
Effective positions: Defensive Midfield, Central Midfield, and Left/Right Midfield.
Elite-level players using it: 30
Nike Tiempo Legend 10 is a stable leather cleat suitable for midfield positions. It has more lateral and ankle support than most soccer cleats. Its new FlyTouch Plus engineered leather upper is not only comfortable, but it will also protect your foot from any forceful impact that can happen anytime on the soccer field.
The new upper material is softer than its predecessor and doesn’t need any break-in period. The shoe is easy to slip on and conforms to the pattern of your foot right away. The soleplate is similar to the previous version (with a little tweak), which offers optimal traction and stability during sudden stops and changes of direction.
Shop On NikeNike Mercurial Vapor 15 Elite
Effective positions: Defensive Midfield, Central Midfield, Attacking Midfield, and Left/Right Midfield.
Elite-level players using it: 98
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 GX on side-to-side movements, it is one of the favorite soccer cleats by midfielders at any position. It is more popular than the Phantom GX, too.
Between the two siblings, the Vapor 15 and Superfly 9, the Vapor is the most famous among elite-level midfielders. According to some sports medicine physicians, the Mercurials blend comfort, flexibility, support, and shock absorption perfectly.
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.
Nike Mercurial Superfly 9 Elite
Effective positions: Defensive Midfield, Central Midfield, Attacking Midfield, and Left/Right Midfield.
Elite-level players using it: 39
Nike Mercurial Superfly 9 is the twin brother of the Vapor 15, with its high Dynamic Fit collar as its only recognizable difference. It is arguably a better-looking shoe than the Vapor 15. And its mid-cut collar will make you feel your foot is one with the shoe.
New to this 9th iteration of the Mercurial Superfly is the 3/4-length Air Zoom unit in the outsole, which provides a springy underfoot feel similar to a running shoe. It’s a great addition to its explosive outsole, which is one of the best in straight-line acceleration.
There is also an improvement in the soft, stretchy Flyknit upper, which offers an improved fit, especially in the toe box and heel.
Shop On NikeThe Best Adidas Midfielder Soccer Cleats
Adidas soccer cleats are the ones to choose if you want comfort, performance, and style. This brand has two of the most popular soccer cleats among professional midfielders.
Here’s a list of the best Adidas Midfielder soccer cleats (in no particular order):
Adidas Predator Elite FT
Effective positions: Defensive Midfield and Central Midfield.
Elite-level players using it: 112
Adidas Predator Elite FT is the most famous soccer cleat for midfield positions because of its excellent ball-handling capabilities. We often see it in holding midfield, a position close to the team’s defense.
The Predator Elite FT is arguably the best Predator ever made. It has HYBRIDTOUCH 2.0 synthetic suede upper with STRIKESKIN rubber fins for comfort, stability, and enhanced ball control. It has a classic fold-over tongue, which adds up to its already excellent lockdown. The tongue also helps with clean striking.
The soleplate is now Controlframe 2.0, which provides great explosiveness and is the most responsive soleplate among all the Predator models. It also has hybrid studs that deliver more stability, excellent grip on the ground, and superior turning ability.
Shop On SoccerAdidas F50 Elite
Effective positions: Defensive Midfield, Central Midfield, Attacking Midfield, and Left/Right Midfield.
Elite-level players using it: 15
Adidas F50 is an iconic soccer cleat that Adidas first launched right before the Euro 2004. It’s a lightweight shoe built for speed and agility. Lionel Messi’s playing style has a lot of influence on its design, especially the F50 Elite Messi shoe.
The Argentinian superstar has primarily played as a central attacking midfielder, from which this shoe may have the most effective performance. However, this latest generation of the F50 is much lighter than its predecessors, with modern materials that can take on any competitor shoe.
The new F50 has a supportive FIBERTOUCH upper that looks and feels similar to the X Crazyfast Elite. It has a Compression Fit Tunnel Tongue that enhances fit and lockdown. The upper has SPRINTWEB technology, which offers superior control of the ball. And a SPRINTFRAME 360 outsole that feels nimble underfoot and allows easy acceleration in all directions.
Shop On SoccerAdidas X Crazyfast Elite
Effective positions: Defensive Midfield, Central Midfield, Attacking Midfield, and Left/Right Midfield.
Elite-level players using it: 125
Adidas X Crazyfast is an agile speed cleat that can live up to any expectations of the best midfielders. It has a soft upper material similar to the Nike Mercurial Vapor 15 but is much thinner, which can give you a more barefoot touch on the ball. This latest model may have the softest upper material among speed cleats. It is also more pliable and can now fit wide feet or any foot shape.
The new upper is premium Aeropacity Speedskin material, which provides an adaptive fit for quick movements. It also has subtle structured support in every direction that doesn’t hamper freedom of movement. And the lightweight Speedframe outsole enables instant transfer of power through the forefoot.
Shop On SoccerAdidas Copa Pure 2
Effective positions: Defensive Midfield and Central Midfield.
Elite-level players using it: 57
Adidas Copa Pure 2 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 is better than its predecessor.
It has a Fusionskin upper with a calfskin leather forefoot, which feels soft and flexible and has a better lockdown than its predecessor. This upper offers a pleasingly graceful and precise touch on the ball. The TORSIONFRAME outsole also provides stability, traction, and the right amount of explosiveness.
Shop On SoccerAdidas Copa 20.1
Effective positions: Defensive Midfield, Central Midfield, and Left/Right Midfield.
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
Effective positions: Defensive Midfield, Central Midfield, Left/Right Midfield, and Attacking Midfield.
Elite-level players using it: 6
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. It has a Torsionframe outsole with split plate tooling that offers stability and complete support for a radical change of direction.
The Best Puma Midfielder Soccer Cleats
Puma soccer cleats may have the best value for money when it comes to material, technology, and performance. They are the preferred shoes by many professional midfielders.
Here’s a list of the best Puma midfielder soccer cleats (in no particular order):
Puma Ultra Ultimate
Effective positions: Attacking Midfield and Left/Right Midfield.
Elite-level players using it: 27
If you are a midfielder looking for a super comfortable speed cleat with a more barefoot-like touch on the ball, Puma Ultra Ultimate is one of your best options. This latest model still uses the lightweight ULTRAWEAVE upper but with added PWRPRINT and PWRTAPE for structured support in all directions.
These new technologies in the upper make the shoe feel more supportive than its predecessor. The outsole remains the same and still uses the ultra-fast dual-density SPEEDPLATE, which is designed for traction and explosive acceleration.
Shop On SoccerPuma Future 7 Ultimate
Effective positions: Defensive Midfield and Central Midfield.
Elite-level players using it: 40
The Future 7 Ultimate remains the Puma shoe built for agility, control, and speed. And if you like the previous version, which was very popular among midfielders, you will love this latest iteration because it only has subtle changes to improve its performance.
Puma Future 7 Ultimate has a soft, comfortable FUZIONFIT360 upper with PWRPRINT and PWRTAPE technologies, with the new PWRTAPE repositioned from the sides in the previous version to the instep/midfoot to enhance fit, stability, and lockdown. The outsole is a Dynamic Motion System, which offers stability, agility, and traction whenever you make unpredictable changes of direction.
Shop On SoccerPuma King Ultimate
Effective positions: Defensive Midfield and Central Midfield.
Elite-level players using it: 23
If you are a defensive or central midfielder and want a soccer cleat that has invested heavily in comfort, Puma King Ultimate is one of your best options. This latest model now uses a non-animal-based upper, called K-BETTER. And Puma claims this new upper outperforms the previous King K-Leather in touch, comfort, and durability.
Indeed, the new King Ultimate has gained remarkable popularity among professional midfielders. It feels soft and luxurious and has a better fit and lockdown than its predecessor. The touch on the ball is great. And its lightweight outsole with a Stability spine and a NanoGrip tech sockliner feels stable in any direction.
Shop On SoccerThe Best Mizuno Midfielder Soccer Cleats
Mizuno makes the highest quality leather cleats that are super lightweight and packed with technologies that can do anything on the soccer field. These are the only shoes you need for any given match.
Here’s a list of the best Mizuno midfielder soccer cleats:
Mizuno Morelia Neo IV Beta
Effective positions: Defensive Midfield and Central Midfield.
Elite-level players using it: 6
If you are a defensive midfielder looking for a tough leather cleat that can take on this line of defense, Mizuno Morelia Neo IV Beta is your best option. Mizuno is the brand that makes the highest quality leather cleats. And the Neo IV Beta is Mizuno’s fastest and lightest soccer cleat preferred by professional midfielders. The fact is, it is the only soccer cleat you need for all your matches.
Notable features of Mizuno Morelia Neo IV 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.
Mizuno Morelia II
Effective positions: Defensive Midfield and Central Midfield.
Mizuno Morelia II is a classic leather cleat with modern technologies. You may think of it as similar to the Adidas Copa Mundial but with a significantly lighter weight and better all-around performance. Like the Copa Mundial, it may stay in production for several years to come.
The Morelia II is an excellent choice if you want the ultimate comfort and modern feel in leather cleats. The upper has the highest-quality full k-leather, which offers a skin-tight modern fit that feels less bulky than the Copa. It has a Graded Pebax soleplate with all-conical studs that offer better foot function and optimal traction and pivoting ability
Shop On SoccerMizuno Alpha Elite
Effective positions: Central Midfield and Attacking Midfield.
Elite-level players using it: 2
Mizuno Alpha Elite is a speed cleat packed with modern technologies. It is arguably Mizuno’s fastest and most innovative soccer cleat with MIZUNO ENERZY foam, a midsole technology designed to deliver the highest energy return and optimum performance.
The Alpha Elite’s upper has Engineered Fit Woven, Flame, and Sponge, which stretches to the shape of the foot, enhances fit, and provides lockdown in all directions. This upper is one of the best-fitting upper materials among speed cleats. And it has an excellent touch on the ball when dribbling and striking.
The shoe also has ZeroGlide removable sockliner, which offers comfort and slip-resistance. And the outsole with triangular studs is very responsive and delivers excellent multidirectional traction.
Shop On SoccerThe Best New Balance Midfielder Soccer Cleats
Many players love New Balance soccer cleats because of their comfort, support, and fit. They are super lightweight, have impact protection, and help prevent fatigue. And these shoes have tons of technologies from the brand which knows the human foot very well.
New Balance Furon v7 Pro
Effective positions: Central Midfield and Attacking Midfield.
Elite-level players using it: 2
The Furon v7 Pro is New Balance’s speed cleat. This latest model is arguably the best Furon ever made. The upper is Hypoknit with mesh lining and off-set lacing for a laceless touch on the ball. This newly redesigned upper feels soft yet well-structured and provides a comfortable, snug fit and excellent control of the ball.
This soccer cleat continues to use a lightweight nylon outsole with v-shaped studs, which feel very nimble and responsive. And what this shoe does best is give you a fast and explosive acceleration.
Shop On SoccerNew Balance Tekela v4 Pro
Effective position: Left/Right Midfield
The Tekela v4 Pro is New Balance’s control soccer cleat, which focuses on providing comfort and superior touch and control of the ball. At 7.1 oz, it is a little heavier than the Furon v7. But like the new Furon, it also has massive updates for its latest version.
This shoe uses a new Hypoknit upper, which feels similar to the Furon v7 in softness, comfort, and lockdown. It has subtle touch elements on the medial and lateral sides for enhanced grip on the ball when dribbling. The added FuelCell insert also feels comfortable and propulsive.
But the biggest highlight of the Tekela v4 is its new lightweight nylon outsole, which features conical studs in the middle and blade studs on the sides of the outsole. It’s the most unique stud configuration, which helps a lot when you want your shoe to bite the ground at take-off or during a sudden change of direction.
Shop On SoccerOther Brands with the Best Soccer Cleats for Midfielders
Here are other brands with the best soccer cleats for midfielders:
Skechers Razor
Effective positions: Left/Right Midfield, Attacking Midfield, and Central Midfield.
Elite-level players using it: 5
Skechers Razor is one of the newest additions to the soccer cleat lineup and is already making waves in midfield positions outshining some great soccer cleats. It is a shoe built for speed and agility with a carbon-infused forefoot plate for stability and pro-level energy return.
On top of the soleplate is a highly responsive and resilient sockliner, called HYPER BURST PRO. And it gives a familiar comfort that Skechers shoes are known for. The super comfortable FITKNIT upper also hugs the foot in all areas and offers an excellent touch on the ball when dribbling and striking.
Shop On SoccerTRU TENACI
Effective position: Central Midfield
TRU TENACI is one of the lightest soccer cleats (6.6 oz only), which focuses on fit, feel, and form. Its four-layer knitted upper provides a secure lockdown especially if you wear its non-slip grip socks, called TRUSOX. It has a modern lightweight and stable outsole with all-conical studs that offer traction, 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 GX 2, Adidas X Crazyfast, and Puma Ultra Ultimate.
Are Nike Tiempos good for midfielders?
Yes, especially the Tiempo Legend 10. 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 Pure 2 (even the older Copa Sense and 20.1) are favorites of elite-level 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 release 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 GX 2, Nike Tiempo Legend 10, Nike Mercurial Vapor 15, Adidas Predator Elite FT, Adidas X Crazyfast, Adidas Copa Pure 2, Puma Future 7 Ultimate, and Mizuno Morelia Neo IV Beta.
What are the best soccer cleats for attacking midfielder?
The best soccer cleats for Attacking Midfielders are Nike Phantom GX 2, Nike Mercurial Vapor 15, Adidas X Crazyfast, Adidas Nemeziz.1, and Puma Ultra Ultimate.
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