Whether you're a seasoned veteran, no-nonsense enforcer or ball-playing defenseman, you'll want to find the best soccer cleats for defender.
While these cleats are targeted specificially at defenders, that doesn't mean these are the only cleats defenders can wear. In fact, if a towering centre-back wants to shop the best soccer cleats for strikers, the best soccer cleats for wingers or even the best soccer cleats for speed, then they're well within their right to do - this guide is simply that; a guide for those unsure about what their next pair should be.
Regardless, having cleats suited to your game can still have an impact on your performances, with certain features designed to specifically help in certain areas. Fortunately, I've been dedicating myself to categorizing designs to make cleat shopping easier for you. If you're simply looking for the best soccer cleats out right now, be sure to check out our other reviews.
But here you'll find the best soccer cleats on the market right now for defenders...
Quick list
There's great balance between comfort from the leather, protection from the padding and agility from the soleplate on the Copa Pure 3 Elite that makes them ideally suited for modern day defenders.
Now made from a synthetic upper, the upgraded New Balance 442 V2 Elites still offer great protection through the padding, while making them slightly lighter and more comfortable underfoot.
Once made from leather, Nike has taken the Tiempo model down the synthetic route - though it's by no means a disappointment. Mimicking the natural feel of leather, these offer the best of both worlds.
The construction quality of Mizuno cleats is arguably the best around, and the Morelia's are no different. Built from an incredible leather and with intricate detailing, they're truly some of the best. They are, however, fairly expensive in comparison.
The Lotto Stadio's thick, high-quality leather offers plenty of protection when going into challenges, while the soleplate being sewn to the upper makes them extremely durable and well-conditioned to life at the back.
A descendant from the iconic Adidas Copa Mundial, the Copa Icon 2 costs exactly the same price, utilises many of the same features, but also incorporates newer technologies to help create something altogether better.
Best overall
An upgrade on an already excellent cleat, the Copa Pure 3 Elite replaces the Adidas Copa Pure 2 Elite - and there's a marked improvement, too, highlighting just how much I rate the latest model.
Offering the best of both worlds, the Adidas Copa Pure 3 Elite has reduced its bulk but still offers plenty of protection in the form of a generous layer of padded calfskin leather. This is perfect for defensive players wanting some extra confidence when heading into heavy-hitting challenges over the barefoot feel that the best lightweight soccer cleats offer. Sure, this means the cleats do carry a little extra weight, but I personally believe that it's absolutely worth it for defenders.
Leather is becoming an increasingly less-seen material used on modern cleats, which, in my opinion, is a crying shame. Fortunately, these Copa Pure 3 Elites still retain that classic, traditional feel, firmly earning them a spot when it comes to the best leather soccer cleats around. They still manage to incorporate the latest technologies that the most advanced cleats do as well, meaning they're by no means behind the times, either.
Best tech
While the previous generation of the New Balance 442 V2 Pro saw leather comprise the upper, the Elite version has moved towards a microfibre synthetic upper built to imitate the fit and feel of natural leather. I believe that only natural leather can really feel like natural leather - but the 442 V2 Elite does a pretty good job in replicating the comfort of its predecessor while adding some welcome features in the process, too.
This is a cleat that feels in direct competition with the likes of the Nike Tiempo Legend 10 Elite and Puma King Ultimate, both of which have moved away from leather uppers in recent times, too. What makes the New Balance 442 V2 Elite different, though, is the cheaper price point and plush cushioning it provides in the forefoot.
I also found that players seeking the best soccer cleats for wide feet could still benefit from this synthetic pair, too. From the fit of the upper to the simplicity of the fully conical stud pattern on the soleplate, the 442 V2 Elite has a no-frills quality.
Best for passing
The Nike Tiempo has long been a favorite of defenders, and is the current cleat of choice for Liverpool's Virgil Van Dijk, having previously been the long-time choice of Spain's legendary defenders: Sergio Ramos and Carlos Puyol. The latest generation, however, the Tiempo Legend 10, is missing a key element that the pairs worn by those legendary defenders: leather.
Nike has opted to move away from leather uppers on one of its most historic models. This is a major change and has also accompanied a shift in Nike’s positioning of the cleat, though it remains one of the better options for defenders on the market.
In the place of the kangaroo leather that has made up the upper of all of the previous elite Tiempo models is Flytouch Plus, 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.
The change in material has also brought a change in weight with the Tiempo Legend 10 being lighter than what we are used to from this model. They also feature a slightly sleeker build than previously seen and Nike has tweaked the marketing of the cleat to make them an option for the best soccer cleats for midfielders. This shift ensures passing is clearly a focus of the cleat.
Best quality
If you're a defender also wanting one of the best soccer cleats for comfort, then the Mizuno Morelia 2 Made in Japan is perhaps the very best option on the market available to you. The supreme quality of the kangaroo leather that makes up the upper, and the standard of all the materials used, create an experience quite unlike anything else offered by any other brands. Add to this the accommodating fit and the cushioning compared to many of the other alternatives and this cleat is ideal for a defender looking for a pair to suit their game.
I can honestly say that I didn’t realise it was possible for a pair of cleats to be 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 cleats, this build quality and comfort is all the more appealing.
It is also interesting to note that the cleats are surprisingly light. A little extra weight is usually expected to be the trade-off when wearing a natural leather cleat of this shape, but there is not much difference between the Mizuno Morelia 2 and many of the best lightweight soccer cleats currently available. So, defenders (or any other players) can have a cleat that not only boasts all of the advantages of pairs from yesteryear without having to accept much excess weight or bulk.
Best for traditionalists
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.
The soleplate is also responsive, while the generous helping of natural leather makes the upper much more padded, and therefore more protective – a significant plus for defenders.
Another element of these cleats is the durability offered. The soleplate of the Lotto Stadio is both sewn to the upper and connected to it with rivets meaning separation is highly unlikely or will take a significant amount of wear. So, any no-nonsense players looking for a pair that will fit well, offer some protection, and that will last need look no further.
Best value for money
Professionals might prefer the more 'elite' and aforementioned Copa Pure 3 Elite, but the Adidas Copa Icon 2 has gone massively under the radar - especially when it comes to defenders.
Featuring a full leather upper and maintaining much of the same qualities of its inspiration and one of the best Adidas soccer cleats ever made, the Adidas Copa Mundial, the Copa Icon 2 retails at the same price and has added modern technologies that sees it stand above the Mundial - yes, I really think they're that good.
For any old school defenders who are longtime Copa Mundial loyalists looking to dip their toes into the pool of modern soccer cleats, the Copa Icon 2 represents a great option – bringing them into the future but without spending a penny extra.
How we test soccer cleats
In order to test each pair to its true potential, we put as many cleats as possible through their paces across several sessions. This helps us to determine their true level of performance in a range of key factors, including comfort, stability, fit and feel. With so many claims from brands about their newest features and technology, this helps us to balance what is said and what is true.
Each pair is tested by an expert member of the team who lives and breathes soccer cleats – and who play a lot of games! They're able to cut straight to the crux of the detail through their experience as testers, providing simple yet detailed advice for players of all levels.
Factors that are important to consumers will be flagged through our in-depth knowledge of the market.
How to choose the best soccer cleats
The soccer cleat market can be a bit of a minefield at the best of times, with an array of options available and brands championing the 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
For defenders, the material of the upper is an extremely important thing to consider. Synthetic uppers are thinner and therefore more lightweight, but offer little in the way of protection. Conversely, leather is generally more comfortable and padded, but can sometimes be a bit bulky and reduce the feeling on the ball.
Most synthetic uppers will be slightly thinner and offer less padding than their natural leather counterparts. They will, though, offer a much closer connection to the ball with the thinnest synthetics providing a close to barefoot feel.
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.
Despite this, it does simply come down to personal preference. Defenders don't have to conform to the norm and opt for leather options – if they prefer a Nike Mercurial Superfly, then let's go!
Styling
This is the area where there is perhaps the greatest range with something for everyone. Most brands will offer pairs that are simpler and more traditional in look and also ones that are flashy and colorful.
Whatever your personality or preference, there are likely many pairs that complement it perfectly.
Getting the right fit
We would always recommend trying a pair before buying because making sure your cleats are the perfect length and width is key.
Pairs of the same size often vary slightly in length between brands and across models, so it important to try a pair on in order to know whether it is better to go a half-size up or down for a particular pair or brand.
Foot shape is highly personal so consider the shape of your feet when looking for a pair. Some cleats are very narrow so will not suit anyone with wide feet and likewise very wide fitting pairs can sometimes feel slightly awkward for those with especially narrow feet.
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.
