Most Comfortable Soccer Cleats of 2018

Whether you're a recreational weekend player or preparing for the 2022 World Cup, you deserve to enjoy playing soccer. This enjoyment often comes down to what type of boots you have on. Uncomfortable pairs of cleats can really drain your energy and dampen your effectiveness on the field. With that in mind, here are the most comfortable soccer cleats on the market this year. Whether you're interested in a classic kangaroo leather boot or something modern and high-tech, any of these pairs of shoes will ensure you're still standing at the end of the game.

If comfort is your foremost goal in a soccer shoe, then you really needn't look further than the Adidas Copa Mundial. This iconic boot brings the comfort and fit of a tennis shoe to a functional FG soccer cleat. The no-frills design and quality German construction have kept the Adidas Copa Mundial a favorite of pros and amateurs alike for over thirty years, a fantastic option for defenders to buy. The boot has basic conical studs and is constructed of high quality kangaroo leather with additional leather supports around the heel for a secure and snug fit.

While the Adidas Copa Mundial succeeds due to its classic, timeless design, the Adidas Predator 18+ represents the other end of the spectrum: the ultimate in modern soccer shoe technology. The Adidas Predator series has been the boot of choice for many of the world's greatest soccer players and has made many World Cup appearances as a result. David Beckham, Mesut Özil, and Dele Alli all count themselves among users of the Adidas Predator, so you know you'll be in good company. This laceless "Primeknit" edition, composed of high quality synthetic materials, grants the wearer a level of comfort and a connection to the boot that is simply not found in traditional laced shoes. This unique feature makes the Adidas Predator 18+ one of the most comfortable cleats of the modern era, as well as one of the greatest laceless cleats for the game.

Nike's answer to the Adidas Copa Mundial, the Premier II, is a surprisingly wonderful soccer shoe considering its low price, making it possibly the best value of all the pairs of cleats on this list. Similar to its Adidas cousin, the Premier II is constructed of kangaroo leather and features a fold-over tongue for a retro feel. This boot is one of the most lightweight you'll find with a leather upper, making it a great choice for those who love the comfort and security that super soft kangaroo leather can provide, but don't want to sacrifice weight.

Nike's Mercurial Superfly VI Elite is one of the most advanced pairs of shoes on the market today. The shoe of choice of soccer great Cristiano Ronaldo, these boots feature a unique upper comprised of Nike's proprietary synthetic materials. The "Flyknit" material completely encapsulates your foot for a perfectly snug fit, and is coated in a water-resistant material to help you on those rainy game days. The hybrid construction of laces and a wrap give this boot the best of both worlds, making it not only supremely secure but also one of the most comfortable soccer cleats money can buy.

If Nike's Mercurial line isn't technologically advanced enough for your liking, then the Nike Hypervenom Phantom III Elite may be right up your alley. It includes many of the same features that make the Mercurial Superfly VI such comfortable soccer cleats, like the hybrid laces and sock-like, knit structure. In addition to this, however, the Nike Hypervenom Phantom III Elite includes experimental construction on the exterior of the shoe to aid in ball handling. The strike zone is padded with PORON foam pods, which are designed to harden on impact for a more responsive shot. The rest of the upper is padded with dampening pods that allow you to set up your shots with ease.

By this point in the list, we've pretty well established that knit uppers provide the most secure and comfortable fit around the ankles. All of the major brands are acutely aware of this, so you must look at other brand-specific features in order to determine which is the best shoe for your needs. While some boots like the Adidas Predator 18+ completely omit the laces, other pairs of cleats like the Nike Mercurial Superfly use knit uppers to complement a standard lace structure. The Puma Future 18.1 Netfit provides the most advanced lacing system, allowing you to customize the boot's fit to your feet for your specific needs. The Netfit system is infinitely customizable, making them a great choice if you want to be able to adjust your cleats for comfort.

Japanese manufacturer Mizudo may seem like an underdog compared to titans like Nike and Adidas. Their attention to detail and dedication to producing high quality, comfortable soccer cleats, though, means that they are not a brand to be scoffed at by any means. The leather upper has been stitched in order to minimize wear on common stress points. The footbed features an innovative dual density construction, providing support and comfort where you need it most. The most important feature of these shoes, however, is their craftsmanship. With such high quality materials and construction, they are guaranteed to be comfortable and long-lasting cleats.

New Balance is another brand that most people don't think of when they search for new cleats. The Furon 4.0 Pro, however, proves that New Balance can crank out a versatile and comfortable boot. This soccer shoe is constructed solely of synthetic materials designed to conform to the contours of your foot. The lacing design offers a much larger strike zone, and the footbed is padded with built-in orthopedics, allowing you to stay on your feet for long periods of time.

Upon first glance, the Brasil looks like another offshoot of the Adidas Copa Mundial. Despite a similar external appearance, however, this boot features many high-tech advancements. The fine grain kangaroo leather is treated with a waterproof material and is lined on the inside with a moisture-wicking microfiber material. This lining provides a comfortable padding while also keeping your feet dry in wet or humid conditions. Diadora has also outfitted these boots with their unique insole design and shock absorbing rubber soles, which provides maximum stability by reducing negative vibrations.

Under Armour's Magnetico Pro offers a unique take on what makes effective and comfortable soccer cleats. The exterior appears to have a leather upper, but, in fact, is an advanced three-layer synthetic material designed to conform to the exact shape of your feet. This synthetic blend offers supreme durability while providing a level of softness and comfort similar to real kangaroo leather. The Magnetico Pro also features a comfortable footbed and is extremely lightweight, reducing fatigue after a long day spent on the field.