Best Football Cleats of 2023 for Every Position + Player

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or you’re just gearing up for your first-ever season, these football cleats will give you the confidence you need to run past the competition and complete the game-winning play. These cleats are especially great for players who rely on speed and agility, since their TPU outsoles provide the traction that wide receivers, cornerbacks, and safeties need to move down the field quickly and effortlessly.

• Pros: The ghost lacing system keeps your feet feeling snug. Its wide stud placement and TPU outsoles provide superior traction. The NikeSkin overlay flaunts a bold style, and its elastic ankle cuff grants easy movement and breathability.
• Cons: These cleats are engineered to be lightweight, so they’re not ideal for players who prefer a bit of weight or for contact-heavy players who depend on maximum stability and ankle support in their cleats.

If you’re a die-hard Nike fan looking for the best cleat option to help you quickly weave through the field, these cleats are sure to be your MVPs. With their low-profile design, this pair is perfect for any wide receiver, cornerback, or safety looking to take their game to the next level.

• Pros: The NikeSkin overlay promotes durability and style. Its fabric uppers give athletes a snug and secure feel, while the wide stud placement and TPU outsoles provide superior traction. The attached heel pads provide cushioned comfort.
• Cons: Not suitable for contact-heavy players who need more stability and ankle support in their cleats.

For our Adidas fans, this cleat provides lightweight comfort and grip to help you charge off the line of scrimmage. The TPU studded outsole helps deliver traction and assists in making any cut on the field. Its lightweight mesh upper with lace closure gives you a locked-in feel to help you speed into the endzone with confidence.

• Pros: Lightweight mesh-overlay upper enhances airflow and promotes speed, while the TPU studded outsole provides superior traction.
• Cons: This cleat is versatile, so it’s likely not the best fit for lineman players who rely on their football cleats to provide them the best coverage, ankle support, and maximum stability.

These football cleats are designed to help you effortlessly move and pivot swiftly down the field — perfect for Under Armour fans! The SuperFoam insoles provide comfortable support, while the proprietary UA Scatter Traction gives you all the grip you need to turn on a dime as you weave past your defender.

• Pros: The SuperFoam insoles promote comfortable wear. Its UA Scatter Traction provides superior traction and grip, and the laceless fold-down collar provides added support with quick and easy entry.
• Cons: This mid-to-high structure of this cleat would not be suited for plays who prefer more ankle mobility or a lower cleat.

These cleats are best for any wide receiver who is looking to blast past defenders and never be caught. Weighing in at 8.8 oz, this model is Under Armour's lightest cleat and one of the overall lightest on the market, helping any receiver gain the traction and speed they need to leave the other team in the dust.

• Pros: The lightweight low-top cleats promote speed. The track-spike-inspired plate gives superior traction. Its SuperFoam insole provides cushioned comfort, and the soft heel pocket increases foot security.
• Cons: The low-top structure of this cleat does not offer the best stability for linemen or players who prefer more ankle support.

These cleats are perfect for linemen who value keeping their feet comfortable, secure, and supported for the entire game. The webbed uppers on these high-top cleats aid the lacing system to lock your feet securely into the shoes, while the Nike FastFlex outsole gives you the necessary traction to control the line of scrimmage.

• Pros: The Nike FastFlex outsole provides traction, its injected Phylon midsole offers plush comfort, and the webbed synthetic leather upper adds durability and secures your foot into place. The heel and tongue pull tabs allow for easy on/off.
• Cons: While this cleat is most suitable for larger, more contact-heavy players, it's not the ideal choice for someone who prefers a lightweight, breathable, low-top cleat.

The Adidas Freak 22 is the perfect shoe for any running back looking for a lightweight, sturdy, and comfortable ride in a cleat. These cleats are not only made from recycled materials, but offer a cushioned first-to-last step with the Adidas Bounce midsole.

• Pros: The Primegreen recycled uppers resist wear and tear, while the lightweight Adidas Bounce midsoles and foam heel pads offer cushioned comfort. Its adaptive lacing system offers snug security.
• Cons: High-contact players who need maximum stability and support won’t likely find these football cleats ideal for their position or preferred comfort on the field.

Whether you are a lineman or a running back, this cleat will give you the ankle support and traction you need to complete even the toughest plays. The SuperFoam insoles provide an unmatched shock-absorbency, while the UA Scatter Traction outsoles supply multidirectional grip to help you stand your ground.

• Pros: The SuperFoam insoles provide next-level shock absorption. The UA Scatter Traction helps provide multidirectional grip, and the fold-down collar design gives you a custom look and snug fit.
• Cons: While this cleat is most suitable for larger, more contact-heavy players, it's not the ideal choice for someone who prefers a lightweight, breathable, low-top cleat.

If you’re looking for the best football cleat available at a lower price point, these cleats may be the ones for you. With Nike Fastflex technology, the Alpha Menace 3 Shark features an injected Phylon foam midsole for cushioned comfort. Its synthetic uppers offer durability and containment for players in many positions.

• Pros: The Nike Fastflex technology provides traction. Its molded front details foster more durable wear, while the heel tab promotes easy on/off. An injected Phylon midsole offers plush comfort.
• Cons: Though these cleats offer a lot, they won’t likely meet players with more strict cleat needs or preferences. If you are a player looking for today’s best technology, then you may want to look at the higher-tier football cleat models Nike offers.