If you're a budding wing-back or a seasoned sweeper, you'll want to find the best football boots for defenders before the new season kicks off.
Having the right boots can make a huge difference to a player's game, with certain ranges specifically designed to assist defenders, midfielders and attackers. FFT has been dedicating itself to categorising designs to make boot shopping easier for you. If you're simply looking for the best football boots out right now, be sure to check out our other reviews.
But here you'll find the best football boots for defenders on the market right now...
The quick list
Featuring the best of both worlds, the Adidas Copa Pure 2 Elite has both modern technologies and a leather upper - ideal for defenders seeking extra protection but still wanting the benefits of updated boots.
A great option for those seeking a high-end boot at a low cost, the Nike Premier III boasts everything that is great about Nike's flagship models for a fraction of the price. They're leather and durable, too.
Having been around for 50 years, the Copa Mundial has remained largely unchanged - but it's still as brilliant as ever. With a plush kangaroo leather and soleplate riveted to the upper, it's of great quality.
They're padded thanks to the quality leather; they're surprisingly light due to the top-end materials used, and they're hand-crafted in Japan - highlighting just how much effort has gone into their construction.
Ball-playing defenders need look no further, for the Tiempo Legend 10 Elites are a great option. With a grippy synthetic upper, protection isn't quite as good as what leather offers, but touches on the ball are exceptional.
Hard-hitting tackles are made all the easier in these iconic boots, thanks to the highly durable leather and great protection they provide. They fit brilliantly and are comfortable underfoot, too.
Best overall
The Adidas Copa Pure 2 may only be subtly upgraded upon from its predecessor, but those improvements have made an already solid boot into a standout option among the best football boots on the market. Its traditional style means its a lot less restrictive than the one-piece uppers that have become commonplace in the modern day, making them a suitable fit for defenders.
I found the upper, which is comprised mostly from leather, ensured a high level of comfort, fitting my feet like gloves after just a couple of wears. Comfort at the heel has been improved with the extra padding there, too, while the quilted upper provides plenty of protection which is essential for defenders.
These do come with an extra bit of bulk because of this, though, with the Copa Pure 2 carrying more weight and volume than the majority of options when it comes to football boots. This is a worthwhile trade-off if you're wanting a more comfortable and adaptive fit, however.
Your ability to track speedy attackers won't be impacted, either, with the firm ground option featuring a bladed base and rounded headed studs to provide extra aggression during the acceleration phase, as well as comfortable and safe pivoting. Defenders therefore don't have to sacrifice on agility or protection and comfort with the Copa Pure 2 – perfect to help them carry out their tasks to the best of their abilities.
Best budget option
A wide-fitting boot with a folding tongue that is secured using Velcro and is comprised of a two-piece construction, the Premier is a classic boot that undoubtedly appeals heavily to traditionalists, of which many defenders belong.
The mixture of the leather and soft synthetic materials combined on the upper creates a comfortable boot that fits perfectly immediately out of the box – give it just a few wears, and it'll be even better. With its stripped back nature and soleplate prioritising comfort over raw speed – due to its flexibility and simplicity – the Premier is a boot that would certainly appeal to many defenders.
What's perhaps best about the Premier, though, is that they're a cheaper option than many of the boots on the market, making them a low-cost option I don't believe compromises on style or quality whatsoever.
Best leather
On any given weekend, defenders up and down the country can be seen sliding into challenges and spraying long balls in a pair of Adidas Copa Mundials. Simple and inexpensive, especially when compared to other options, the Copa Munidal is a boot that provides all of the basics of a reliable football boot. Its old-school simplicities, though, is what makes them perfectly suited for defenders.
Made of kangaroo leather, the upper of the Copa Mundial is soft and stretches well to the shape of your feet. Beware, though, after an extended period of use the leather can begin to overstretch and create an awkward fit. With protection and comfort a much higher priority in the make-up of the leather, the Copa Mundial certainly isn't a boot that is lightweight or one that provides a close contact with the ball.
Despite the complete loyalty to tradition, I really do enjoy wearing these iconic boots. The Copa Mundial is often cheaper than many other options and has stuck around as such an impressive option for so long for a reason - though there are alternatives on the market that both offer the traditional feel while still incorporating modern technologies.
Best quality
Arguably the most comfortable football boots available right now, the Mizuno Morelia 2 Made in Japan is also extremely lightweight. Though not essential for defenders, they're a great option for stoppers wanting the best of both light and comfortable boots.
Indeed, the quality of leather is noticeable almost immediately, offering an accommodating fit, great cushioning and padding for more protection - I can honestly say that no pair of football boots have been as comfortable as the first time I put on a pair of Morelias. This is likely attractive to any player, but for a defender who perhaps places less stock in having the thinnest, lightest or highest tech boots, this build quality and comfort is all the more appealing.
Helping defenders to steam into tackles while also ensuring there isn't any unnecessary bulk is a great balance that Mizuno has managed to achieve with the Morelia 2, so defenders can have a boot that boasts all of the advantages of the pairs from yesteryear without having to accept much excess weight.
Best for passing
The Nike Tiempo has long been a defender's favourite, as evidenced by Virgil Van Dijk's current preference for the boot and Sergio Ramos and Carlos Puyol having previously opted for them. What makes these different, though, is that the Tiempo Legend 10 is the first model in the range to move away from leather. Regardless of the major change from Nike, the Tiempo Legend still remains a great option for defenders.
Flytouch Plus replaces leather that has so heavily featured on previous Tiempos, which is a material made to recreate the fit and feel of natural leather. The new upper is soft and flexible enough to suit defenders who are primarily concerned with ease of wear rather than the raw speed on offer from more lightweight models.
This change in material makes the Tiempo Legend 10 lighter than usual, with a slightly sleeker build seeing Nike tweak the marketing of the boot to include technical midfield players such as Christian Eriksen and Jamal Musiala. Despite this, I still felt that the cleats retained an accommodating enough shape for players with wider feet. It remains as Nike’s most traditional and stripped back option, and one that I believe is perfect for defenders who want a no-frills pair.
Best for protection
The Lotto Stadio is perhaps the most iconic model from the Italian brand, and this Made in Italy version is worth consideration for any defenders out there looking for a simple and traditional pair. One of the biggest compliments I can pay the Lotto Stadio Made in Italy is that it fits and feels very similarly to the Adidas Copa Mundial, but with a slightly better construction and better quality material.
Perhaps the most iconic model from the Italian brand, this Made in Italy version offers a simple and traditional pair at an extremely high quality.
The Lotto Stadio is guaranteed to last, too, with the soleplate both sewn to the upper and connected to it through rivets, meaning a large amount of wear-and-tear is needed for the durability to be affected. Any no-nonsense defenders looking for a protective pair that allows them to make crunching tackles, all while the boot is fitting well, need look no further.
How we test football boots
Testing each pair of boots to its true potential means one of our expert members of the team, who lives and breathes football boots, wearing them across a number of different sessions to ascertain their true level of performance. Factors to consider in the performance of each boot includes comfort, stability, fit and feel.
The expert in our team considers the claims made by brands about their newest features and technologies, cutting straight to the crux of how each boot performs through simple yet detailed advice for players of all levels.
How to choose the best football boots
The football boot market can be a bit of a minefield at the best of times, with an array of options available and brands championing their latest tech that will have you jumping higher, running faster and never miscontrolling a ball ever again.
Ultimately, your choice should come down to what best suits you and your game. Below are some factors to consider when looking for your next pair...
Leather or synthetic
Defenders need to take care in deciding about the material of upper they would prefer, because they're the positions on the pitch which need more protection for tackles. With synthetic uppers thinner, and therefore more lightweight, they don't offer much in the way of protection and could put players more at risk of injury. Leather, though, is more comfortable through the thicker materials and padded inserts, but can sometimes prove a little too bulky.
There is also the option of leather-imitating synthetics that represent a nice in between. These are often more lightweight than natural leather but come with much of the same comfort and pliability.
As a result, leather does seem the better option for defenders, because protection during heavy tackles can be the difference between injuries and safety.
Styling
This is where personal preference takes precedent, with brands usually offering multiple colourways to ensure there's something for everyone.
Whatever your personality or preference, there are likely many pairs that complement it perfectly.
Getting the right fit
Trying a pair of football boots on before buying is extremely important, and something we'd vehemently recommend. Making sure the boots properly fit your feet is essential, otherwise performance could be affected.
Trying pairs on first is needed because brands often vary slightly in sizes, meaning some require you to go half-a-size higher or lower, depending on their fit.
Additionally, some boots are narrower than others, so defenders with wide feet need to ensure they get the right size otherwise they risk not being able to fit into their new wheels.
This is especially important if considering a pair of laceless cleats as the lack of laces means there is very little adaptability – they will either work for your feet or they won’t.
