#1. The Finest Boots Money Can Buy
adidas X Crazyfast
Forged for formidable pace, adidas’ signature speed silo from the adidas Solar Energy Pack graces the feet of the fastest pros. A Carbitex carbon fibre plate and TPU frame adequately reinforce the ultra-lightweight upper.
Nike Mercurial Vapor Elite / Superfly Elite
Perhaps the most popular speed-focused silo over the years, the original, low-cut Mercurial Vapor is attractive as it is technically proficient. Choose from an array of colourful designs for both silos.
The mid-top Mercurial Superfly has a snug sock-like fit, courtesy of the knitted ankle support, and compresses your feet as you dash past opponents. Both feature Nike’s patented All Conditions Control (ACC) technology.
Power/Control
adidas Predator ’24
Hybridtouch tech wraps adidas’ current incarnation of the timeless Predator blueprint. A laced design is stylishly littered with textured rubber details, which enhances ball control and complements a choice of attractive base colours.
Puma Future Ultimate
Puma’s power-focused boot features the latest iteration of their FUZIONFIT360 technology, making them the ideal boot in how effortlessly they adapt to the shape of your feet.
Laces are more of a design quirk than a functional component. You even have the option to transform them into laceless boots by simply removing them – thanks to the compressional knitted one-piece upper.
Nike Phantom GX 2 Elite
One of the most popular silos, the latest Phantom GX 2 Elite employs Nike’s brilliant Nike Gripknit technology; packing the boot with its most advanced textile tech for ultimate control in the wet and dry.
This SG version even comes with clever anti-clog tech!
New Balance Tekela 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. The long metal studs make for maximum traction in muddy conditions.
#2. Classic
Puma King
Without doubt one the most iconic silos. Puma have given the King some TLC, modernising it with lighter K-Better synthetic leather and a reactive Rapidsprint outsole.
The Puma King Ultimate 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 classic-styled silhouette, crafted with supreme calf leather and adaptive Fusionskin cut outs over the instep. A Primeknit quarter provides a locked in fit. With the ball at your feet, you’ll feel like these Copas come with an invisible piece of string.
Nike Tiempo Legend 10
The Legend gets lighter. Nike’s lightest Tiempo ever. Exuding noughties nostalgia of golden-age Ronaldinho marketing campaigns, nowadays they come complete with all the modern innovations the Swoosh represents. We’ve a choice of colours for this soft ground stalwart.
adidas X .1
On the upper end of the mid-tier pricing scale, the X.1s are essentially the same as the laceless +, albeit with old-school laces. Carbon-fibre-plated inserts provide speed and strength in abundance. Save yourself some cheddar, whilst slicing through defenses – just as you would in the pricier model.
Under Armour Magnetico Pro Hybrid
Perfect for tearing up the pitch, these bright red Magneticos are crafted with lace fastening and a cushioned insole. Subtle textured detailing across the upper aids ball feel, while the hybrid soleplate benefits from moulded and metal studs for fantastic traction.
adidas World Cup
The soft ground adaptation of the classic Copa Mundial. Aptly named (simply translated from Spanish to English), this variation is better suited to boggy British weather, by implementing a six-studded soleplate with metal tips for assured traction. Monochrome design, trefoil logo, fold over tongue. Perfection.
Nike Premier 3
Get a timeless look with these Nike Premier 3s, which have been engineered with supple k-leather for incredible comfort and a commanding first touch.
The Anti-Clog soleplate sheds mud to keep you light on your feet, and works with the studs to maximise traction, while the fold-over tongue has a cut line to let you choose between a traditional or modern look.
Balling on a Budget
Nike Mercurial Superfly Academy
Engineered with a textured upper allowing players to control the ball with ease at high speeds, these takedown Mercurials also feature a plush Dynamic Fit collar for sock-like comfort.
Nike Phantom GX II Academy
A snug-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. Asymmetrical lacing delivers a clean striking zone whilst an open arch soleplate suits wide feet.
adidas Predator Edge .3
Get the most out of your performance on the pitch at a reasonable price with the Edge .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.
adidas Goletto VIII
Rounding off our picks are these bargain boots. Crafted from leather with lace fastening and a padded ankle collar for a secure and protective fit, they feature a comfy cushioned insole with three stripes on the outside upper and adidas logo on the inside. Find a better pair of boots for under forty quid. We’ll wait.
Like what you see? Why not check out our latest boot launches right here at On The Line!