Best Soccer Cleats for Beginners

Finding the right pair of cleats is hard for any soccer player, whether it's Messi or a high schooler on the JV team. No matter your skill level, the league you're in, or the type of field you play on, you need the proper equipment in order to perform at your full potential. This list compiles the best entry- and mid-level cleats for those who are relatively new to the game of soccer.

I'll note that these are all primarily firm ground soccer cleats. If you are looking for turf shoes for indoor soccer, these won't work for you—in fact, you most likely wouldn't be allowed to play on an artificial turf field with these. Check out the best soft ground soccer cleats instead. The soccer cleats for beginners on this list are designed for outdoor use on a firm ground field.

This mid-range boot by soccer powerhouse Adidas is made of kangaroo leather to provide a clean, accurate touch on the ball. The Copa 18.1 also features an internal vamp cage which serves multiple purposes. In addition to supporting the leather upper and preventing it from stretching, the vamp cage also makes for a much shorter break-in period, meaning you can take these shoes out of the box and head straight to the field and still expect 90 minutes of comfort on the pitch. Furthermore, this comfortable fit will no wear out, promising enhanced, reliable comfort day in and day out.

In addition to being one of the most affordable soccer cleats in Nike's lineup, these synthetic boots offer a number of features to up your game, such as a plush sock liner and a dynamic fit collar. There are many pros of synthetic cleats over leather ones. Another added benefit of these stylish soccer shoes is an adaptable stud configuration, designed to work on a wide variety of ground types. Whether you could use these on an indoor field depends heavily on the field and its management, but these cleats are suitable for firm ground, artificial turf, or any other outdoor terrain. If you aren't sure what sort of field you'll be playing on or if you think you may be playing on a variety of terrains, the Nike Mercurial Superfly VI MG is a great all-around cleat for you.

In a market dominated by sportswear titans Adidas and Nike, Puma places a distant third. Personally, I've always appreciated their style and their quality, and the classic but affective design of this pair of cleats is no exception. The Puma King is one of the company's most iconic designs, featuring a leather upper and Puma's classic black/white/gold color scheme. The compromise of leather as opposed to the synthetic materials more common in other styles of cleats is more durability at the expense of a little extra weight. If you're a beginner, however, the extra weight is likely inconsequential anyway.

These reasonably-priced boots by Under Armour are great entry-level soccer cleats for beginners concerned with comfort. Featuring an Ortholite footbed, a three-layer synthetic upper, and a form-fitting Clutchfit toebox, the Magnetico Select feels almost like a second skin. The sole is outfitted with a combination of conical and bladed studs to provide traction and mobility on firm natural surfaces. The Select is a vastly cheaper version of Under Armour's flagship Magnetico Pro line, providing the same level of comfort at a fraction of the cost. While the Pro model boasts a lighter weight and premium materials, the Select allows the beginner to experience the same design without a significant monetary investment.

Primeknit or other styles of laceless cleats are almost always accompanied by a hefty price tag. This is due to the extra care that has to be taken in order to ensure proper performance, fit, and function in a non-adjustable design. Unlike your everyday slip-on shoes, soccer shoes have to be able to stay snug in order to endure rigorous exercises on the field. While I usually don't recommend laceless soccer cleats for beginners, your mileage may vary. If you're new to the game of soccer but you feel confident the laceless style is for you, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better deal than the Adidas Predator 18+.

New Balance has made a name for itself as a producer of stylish streetwear and running shoes, but they really don't have much of a presence on the soccer field. This is really too bad, as they have unique products that work well as mid-level cleats for beginners looking to break the mold. Offered in a variety of color schemes, the Visaro 2.0 is entirely synthetic from heel to toe, and you can tell New Balance worked hard to develop the material to be incredibly soft and light. This upper, combined with their patented FreshFoam midsole, provides maximum comfort for the full duration of your game.

If you're looking to break away from the Nike/Adidas pack, but you don't want to compromise on quality, Mizuno is the perfect option for you. Crafted in Japan, the Morelia Neo II is a testament to what can be accomplished by a company when craftsmanship takes priority over marketing. The company proudly state that the larger brands produce as many as 72 pairs of cleats in the time it takes Mizuno to craft a single pair.

These boots are made of lightweight kangaroo leather and feature innovative heel and vamp construction designed for improved comfort as well as durability. While far from the cheapest boot on this list, the Moreliaa Neo II is actually cheaper than comparable offerings from Nike and Adidas, meaning these are the perfect soccer cleats for beginners hoping to be conscientious with their money.

Although the Nike Tiempo Legend VII may seem to be a little pricey compared to most soccer cleats for beginners, the additional features it offers may just make it worth the money. Aside from a sleek, all-black design, the Tiempo Legend VII is constructed of a combination of kangaroo leather and synthetic materials, providing the best of both worlds in a boot that is as lightweight as it is durable. Another defining feature of this boot is its stud configuration, which consists of a combination of hybrid conical studs and bladed chevron studs, providing maximum maneuverability and traction on the field. If you're willing to pay for the best of the best, the Tiempo Legend VII might be just that.

Depending on your personal situation, you may see a need get the best soccer cleats under $100. And I can't blame you: if this is your first time playing soccer, why spend so much money on shoes you may only use for a season or two? If this rings true for you, then the Diadora is the boot for you. It only has basic features and materials, but the trade-off is an extremely low price compared to the countless Nike and Adidas cleats on the market. Consider Diadora your "trial" soccer cleats to see if you enjoy playing in a league. Then, after a couple seasons, you can look into upgrading.

The world of soccer shoes today is defined by endless waves of proprietary synthetic materials and neon-colored uppers. If, for whatever reason, these features turn you off, you are not alone. The Adidas Copa Mundial boot has been in production—largely unchanged—for more than three decades. These simple leather boots have been one of the most iconic and popular soccer cleats for beginners and professionals alike since 1982. This level of popularity is only attainable with the finest materials and craftsmanship, and that's what you'll find with the Copa Mundial. Produced in Germany with kangaroo leather, these boots are not as lightweight as modern synthetic soccer shoes, but they are exceedingly durable and comfortable. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.