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#2. Middle Tier Football Boots
Since the late-2000s, synthetic moulded studs have soared past traditional metal ones in popularity – following the devo rapid revolution rise firming of natural grass pitches and artificial turfs.
This comprehensive list compiles the best firm ground boots on the market in 2023. We’ll navigate your way through the frantic FG football boot field and help you find your feet, aiming to give you the best advice before you pull the financial trigger on a new set of synthetic-studded wheels. Let’s go…
Top Tier
Speed
New Balance Furon V7 Pro
Fans of Sadio Mane and Bukayo Saka will have a lot of time for the players’ signature colourways of the latest Furon models. Coming in three distinctive designs, New Balance have shaken up the speed boot sphere. The top spec Furon only weighs less than 180 grams and comes complete with signature Fit Weave technology alongside a Hypoknit Upper to give lightweight durability.
adidas X Crazyfast
Forged for formidable pace, adidas’ signature speed silo graces the feet of the fastest pros on the pitch. Take advantage of the carbon-plated sprint frame, latest PRIMEKNIT collar and sign off in style with the all-new ultra thin Speedskin upper.
Puma Ultra
With a Pebax SpeedUnit outsole, these boots are inspired by running spikes. The lightweight ULTRAWEAVE upper consists of reactive kevlar and carbon yarns, while the PWRTAPE keeps your feet locked down. Even better, they’re all tastefully packaged in saucy colourways, such as this Green/Yellow edition.
Nike Mercurial Vapor Elite / Superfly Elite
Perhaps the most popular speed-focused silo over the years, the original, low-cut Mercurial Vapor is as attractive as it is technically proficient. Choose from an array of colourful designs too. The same goes for the mid-top Mercurial silo. A snug sock-like fit, courtesy of the knitted ankle support, compresses your upper foot as you dash past opponents. Benefit from the Swoosh’s magical All Conditions Control (ACC) technology, too.
Want to learn more about the latest Dream Speed 6? Check out our latest blog that goes into depth on the latest features and inspirations behind this year’s most anticipated silo here.
Power/Control
adidas Predator Accuracy +
Primeknit tech wraps adidas’ latest incarnation of the long-lasting and legendary Predator silo. A laceless design is stylishly littered with textured rubber details, complementing a range of attractive base colours.
Want to find out more? Check out our latest blog on the Predator Accuracy + now.
Puma Future Ultimate
Puma’s power-focused boot features the latest generation of FUZIONFIT360 technology, causing them to adapt to the shape of your feet. Laces are both a design quirk and a functional component: you have the option to remove them completely, making them laceless boots, due to the elasticated one-piece upper.
Like what you see but want to know more? Check out our latest blog on the all-new Puma Future Ultimate and explore what makes this boot so great!
New Balance Tekela v4 Pro
Thanks to a foam padded microfiber insole liner, the Tekela is one of the most comfortable boots out there, even straight out of the box. Pulling strings in central midfield? Look no further than these comfy cleats. In fact, no matter where you play, or your foot width, the latest Tekela takes some beating.
Nike Phantom GX Elite
One of the most popular silos, the Phantom GX employs Nike’s brilliant GripKnit technology; packing the boot with its most advanced textile tech yet for ultimate control in the wet and dry.
We look at the latest Phantom Elite GX in depth here.
Classic
Puma King Platinum
Without doubt one the most iconic silos, Puma have given the King some long overdue TLC, revamping it with lighter kangaroo-leather and a reactive Rapidsprint outsole. The Platinum carries the King’s legacy into the modern boot market by utilising textured ridges on both sides for ultimate control. The upper also ditches the classic stitching and multiple panels; instead comprising a single panel for minimalism and lightness. With input from recent recruit Thierry Henry, the King has been reborn.
adidas Copa Pure +
Replacing the timeless Copa Sense, these sublime laceless boots seamlessly pack adidas’ premium technology into a classically-styled silhouette.
Crafted from calf leather, the Copa’s signature quilted Fusionskin leather upper provides an exceptional close to the ball feel, whilst the Primeknit collar keeps you stable and your feet locked in.
With the ball at your feet, you’ll feel like the Copa Pure comes with an invisible piece of string!
Find out more about the Copa Pure +.
Nike Tiempo Legend 10
Tiempo’s have been about for some time. By comparison, Nike have shifted their focus to development of their other models. But new Tiempo’s are better – if you’re into classic styling.
They exude nostalgic feels of exquisite, Ronaldinho-based marketing campaigns of years gone by, only nowadays they come complete with all the modern innovations the Swoosh represent. The demand for these is always through the roof, and for good reason.
Middle-Tier
Nike Mercurial Vapor Pro
Engineered with a padded ankle collar to lock your feet in place and ACC tech to maximize ball control in all conditions, Nike offers a great mid-tier alternative for the active player looking to save some money.
Puma Ultra .2
Heavy on technology, featherlight on your feet. With an ULTRAWEAVE upper, engineered from soft polyester woven yarn, the backup Ultra model is ideal for high-level pacey players.
GripControl Pro coating features to help enhance your first touch so you can get the most out of your time on the pitch!
Power/Control
Nike Phantom GX Pro
The mid-range Phantom punches above its weight, offering some of Nike’s best tech without the top-end price tag.
adidas Predator Accuracy .2
Made in part with recycled scraps from leftover production waste, the Accuracy .2 is a premium takedown fit for players of any level or position, complete with the eye-catching Zone Skin rubber control details on the upper.
Puma Future Pro
Grab the tastiest-looking mid-range boot and one of this season’s most talked-about silos. The Puma Future Pro comes in a fantastic White/Red colourway, with signature lime green pouncing Puma logo contrasting the darker shades of red toward the toe box and heel.
New Balance Tekela V4 Mid
A mid-top collar for a mighty mid-tier boot. Bathed in brilliant shades of orange, the Tekela V4 Mid has a superb soleplate, engineered for acceleration, with conical studs for rotational traction on short natural grass and artificial turf.
Classic
Puma King Cup
No list is complete without the King. What separates the King Cup from the Platinum (besides £50) is the obvious ode to the original King from the sixties. The Top’s multi panel leather upper has all the classic styling perks: the stitching, golden logo and the staple fold-over tongue. Think Pele, Cruyff, Maradona… Now picture yourself, dancing around the pitch, turning opponents inside out on a sixpence, or slapping the ball past the keeper.
adidas Copa Mundial
The world’s best-selling football boot of all time. If that doesn’t speak volumes, we don’t know what will. Since its imperative inception in 1979, the simple silo has remained largely unchanged – but for better solvents and stitching. There’s no doubt it’s the most iconic boot alongside the original King – in terms of heritage status and cultural influence.
Balling on a Budget
Nike Mercurial Superfly Academy
Do not write off these as just the cheap option – they’ll do a job for the average amateur player. Light enough for bursts of speed and strong enough to withstand pressure when changing direction.
adidas X Speedportal .3
Get the look of your favourite speedsters at a fraction of the price. These takedown boots visually replicate the more expensive versions perfectly, and unlike the + models, they come with laces for accurately adjusting the fit.
Puma Future Play
You’ll be hard pressed to find a better boot for under fifty pounds. Aesthetically replicating the elite versions in a Puma Breakthrough colourway, the Future Play is an ideal fit for the casual player with a flair for on-foot sauce.
Power/Control
Nike Phantom Academy
A Dynamic Fit collar surrounds the ankle to deliver a secure and comfortable fit, while the soft synthetic leather features all-over texturing which is thicker at the instep and toe to help boost ball control. The laceless design delivers a clean striking zone, and an open arch soleplate is ideal for the wider footed player.
adidas Predator Edge .3
Get the most out of your performance on the pitch at a reasonable price with the Predator .3. A coated textile upper and a mid-cut design to offer optimal support on the pitch. 3D-printed Demonscale technology on the upper enhances control and generates unrivalled swerve. The lightweight TPU outsole features moulded studs for the perfect balance of traction and speed, taking this takedown boot to the top of the pile in value for money.
The Classic
Nike Premier
A definitive firm ground football boot. Nike understand the want for a moulded boot with no-nonsense, black and lime green timeless styling for the understated player. The Premier has a whiff of Tiempo about it, but at a fraction of the Elite’s price. Even some pros (who have the luxury of wearing whatever £200+ boot they want for free) have been seen wearing the Premier. You really can’t go wrong with these beauties.
