Those that have played the beautiful game over the years will perhaps have a specific pair of boots that they are fond of, however there are a number which have stood out. Whether you are playing on your local pitches on a Sunday morning or harbour hopes of making it at the top level, I have put together some of the best football boots available, with many having been remodelled in order to cope with the demands of the modern game.

BEST FOOTBALL BOOTS EVER

• ADIDAS PREDATOR 18+
• NIKE TIEMPO LEGEND VII ELITE
• PUMA KING TOP DI
• UMBRO SPECIALI 98
• ADIDAS COPA MUNDIAL

All of the boots discussed come in different versions depending on the surface in which you are playing on, while I have tested all products in order to bring you important information surrounding comfort, performance and durability. Let’s get things underway by taking a look at my first pair of the best football boots.

Best Football Boots Ever

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Adidas Predator 18+

The famous Adidas Predator boot returned with a bang in 2018, with the latest offering in the series utilising primeknit technology in the upper, which I found helps to cushion the ball when on the pitch. Primeknit is also used on a newly introduced sock-like collar, which made it easy to get the boots on and off, whilst also ensuring that the feet maintain locked down at all times.

Meanwhile, I also found that the support zones that have been integrated into the boots midfoot helps to ensure stability at all times, even on wet and uneven surfaces. Although I did not see any sign of this during testing, it is worth keeping in mind that the chrome found on the bottom of the Predator will gradually wear off during play.

The Adidas Predator 18+ is available in the traditional black, red and white colourway, which was made famous by the likes of David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane back in the 90’s. These boots are available in firm ground, soft ground, artificial and indoor surfaces, with the sole plate differing for each.

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Nike Tiempo Legend VII Elite 

Nike are another major player in the football industry, with their Tiempo series having been worn by the likes of Ronaldinho and Francesco Totti in the past. The first thing that I noticed about these boots was the quality of the material used, with a kangaroo leather and flyknit upper helping to ensure that both comfort and control are maximised.

Having tested a range of Nike football boots, I also found that the Tiempo was the widest fitting of all, ideal for those who have a wider foot. Elsewhere, a nice addition to the Legend VII Elite is a nylon plate, which I found to offer an increased amount of stability, while not effecting the weight.

The Tiempo Legend VII Elite is undoubtedly the old school option from Nike, however its latest updates mean that it is still a viable option for those competing in today’s game. These boots are also available in firm ground, soft ground and for artificial surfaces.

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Puma King Top di

The Puma King series dates back all the way to 1952, however I found that their latest version of this football boot brings together both tradition and the latest technology in order to provide players with one of the best products available today.

As with all of the former King boots, the Top di utilises Puma lite leather, which I found provides both comfort and durability when striking the ball. As well as this, the traditional fold-over tongue is still present, which helps to keep the laces in place at all times.

Meanwhile, if you are like me and often suffer from blisters when playing for extended periods, Puma’s GripTex ankle lining should help to eliminate such an outcome. The Puma King Top di is the heaviest of the boots mentioned so far, however I found that this certainly does not effect performance on the field.

It is worth noting that the Puma King Top di is currently only available in a firm ground option, meaning that it may not be suitable for those who regularly play on wet pitches.

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Umbro Speciali 98

The Umbro Speciali has been a mainstay in English football for over 20 years, having first been made famous thanks to Michael Owen’s wondergoal against Argentina during the 1998 World Cup. The Umbro Speciali 98 is the latest version of this historic boot, with kangaroo leather helping to make it suitable for the modern game.

Meanwhile, one of the best additions to the Speciali 98 is undoubtedly the memory flex sole, which during testing I found certainly aids the comfort of the boots. Umbro themselves suggest purchasing half a size bigger than normal, despite the fact that I found that the leather does give after use.

As with the Puma King, the Speciali also offers a fold-over tongue, which is easily secured thanks to a touch fastening feature. I found that this helps to ensure that the tongue does not come loose while on the pitch, which can often be frustrating and potentially effect your control of the ball.

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Adidas Copa Mundial

The Adidas Copa Mundial has sold over 10 million pairs over the years, with this firm ground boot having changed very little over the years, demonstrating its quality. I found that the moulded studs on the sole are perfect for both hard grass and artificial surfaces, including astro-turf.

Adidas have used a kangaroo leather upper, as well as additional leather on the heel to maximise comfort, while I found that inner lining helps to dry the boots quicker than normal. Meanwhile, having tested the Copa Mundial’s over an extended period, they are undoubtedly one of the most durable boots available to players today.

Those looking for a soft ground version of the Copa Mundial should check out the Adidas World Cup’s, which are very similar in their design, with only metal studs replacing the moulds.

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Buyers Guide

I have provided plenty of information regarding some of the best football boots ever created, however there are a number of additional factors that must be considered both before and after purchasing your preferred boots.

Pitch Surfaces

Modern footballers are likely to play on a range of different surfaces, including grass, artificial and indoor. While it is difficult to find a pair of boots that cater for all surfaces, the majority of the products discussed come in different versions, with the sole plate changing on each.

How to Get the Perfect Fit

Buying the right size of boot is only part of the job for many footballers, with there being a few additional methods in order to ensure that they fit your feet as best possible. Many players put their brand new boots in hot water, before wearing the boots for an extended period before taking to the field. Meanwhile, many football stores now have specialist steaming systems to help in this area.

Cost

I would advise that you spend an amount on football boots that fits with the level and amount of play in which you are going to undertake. For those looking to play on a regular basis, it is worth investing in a good quality boot, such as the products discussed in this article.