If you're looking for the best Adidas soccer cleats, you are in luck - we've created a comprehensive guide to all of the offerings the German brand currently has.
With one of the most recognisable names within the sports world, Adidas creates some of the best soccer cleats on the market. Boasting some of the biggest stars past and present, from David Beckham through to Jude Bellingham, there is clear heritage and quality to the Three Stripes.
Nike, Puma and New Balance are clear competitors, sure, but Adidas have arguably the most iconic cleat in the Predator, with the Copa Munidal the oldest model still in production today.
So let me talk you through the best Adidas soccer cleats on the market right now...
Quick list
Leather cleats are generally a lot more comfortable, and the Copa Pure2+ Elite is no different. Underfoot, the construction feels padded as well, while the heel area offers great cushioning.
The return of the tongue on the Predator has been extremely welcome, and it performs brilliantly. With rubber elements dotted throughout the synthetic upper, passing is helped even more as a result.
Super-thin and minimal, the Crazyfast+ is extremely lightweight and incredibly fast. The cleat configuration is slightly more aggressive, too, helping players to speed away from their opponents.
While the majority of the elements seen on the tongue version of the Predator Elite remain with the laceless, the clean striking area makes them great for shooting along with the rubber elements.
Featuring a grippy texture on the upper and plenty of bite through the soleplate, the Crazyfast.1 is both agile and great for players seeking slightly more control on the ball. They're super light, too.
With a separated tongue and a leather upper, the Copa Pure 2.1 has plenty of potential to stretch and give to players with wide feet. They're super comfortable and padded, too, with a traditional feel offered.
Best Adidas soccer cleats
Best for comfort
In the Copa Pure 2+, Adidas has managed to strike a balance between the class and tradition synonymous with the Copa name, and is a modern cleat expertly implementing new technologies.
With a classical, simplistic design, Adidas have switched material from kangaroo to calfskin leather since the release of the Copa Pure 1 in early 2023, but it retains the comfort I'd expect from the model nonetheless. The leather in the upper is concentrated towards the forefoot and transitions into a synthetic material towards the heel.
I found there's some extra bulk in the heel area due to the cleat featuring quite significant cushioning, which does help add to the overall comfort of the cleat.
Underfoot, the Copa Pure 2+ has a no-frills soleplate featuring rounded studs with a bladed bottom aimed at providing both rotational support and a little added aggression.
The Copa Pure 2 is the first modern Copa since 2018 on which there is no laceless option. Instead, the boot is made up of a one-piece construction with the brand’s elasticated prime knit collar helping you get them on and off. The result is a sweet, snug fit that is still accommodating enough for those with slightly wider feet, too. Defenders and midfielders are best suited to this cleat, which offers a happy medium to traditionalists wanting to try a distinctly modern cleat.
Best for passing
Rarely, if ever, does a new soccer cleat receive the sort of reception that the Adidas Predator Elite did in late 2023. The return of one of the most iconic features of the classic Predator models – the folding tongue – had legions of fans rewinding to glory days of David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Zinedine Zidane and more.
Adidas has succeeded in bringing together excellent marketing, popular design and modern performance with the Predator Elite in a way that brands aspire to with every release.
Interestingly, though, the Predator Elite does not fit or feel at all like its most loved and remembered predecessors. This is a cleat that is lightweight, making them a great option for midfielders and strikers, while still providing the classic elements anyone would expect from the model.
We interviewed Adidas' VP of Design, Sam Handy, who exclusively told us that the Predator's return was inspired by an unnamed, Gen-Z player who appealled to Adidas to 'give me a real Predator, with a foldover tongue, but make it light'.
One way the Predator Elite deviates quite significantly from the most famous boots from the model is in material, with Adidas’s Hybridtouch 2.0, which has a suede-like feel to the touch, used instead of leather. Despite that, I still found the upper comfortable, with it softening up very quickly.
It is worth noting, however, that this is a narrow pair, particularly in the toe box, so may not be suitable for those with wider feet.
- Read our full Adidas Predator Elite review
Best for speed
The X line from Adidas has produced some of the best speed cleats that I have seen over the last several years and the Crazyfast+, though not the very best, is a more-than-welcome addition to a model that now rivals the Mercurial as the best in class.
Lightweight and minimalistic, the X Crazyfast+ mimics the feeling of a second skin on feet, thanks to the upper constructed from a semi-translucent mesh covered with a thin film that the brand calls ‘Aeropacity speedskin+’. This is then reinforced with an ‘aerocage+’ skeleton that I thought provided some additional structure, though it is still lacking with a barefoot sensation prioritised. I also found awkward creasing and bulging on the upper, mainly around the opening of the cleat, which also feels a little flimsy in some areas. The lockdown could also be better around the ankle area in particular.
With the soleplate comprised predominantly of chevron studs and a plastic insert running through the midfoot, there was a snappiness about this cleat that rivals the best on the market. Truly, it is one of the most aggressive outsoles available, which is perfect for wingers and strikers looking to speed away from defenders.
Indeed, the Adidas X Crazyfast+ offers the kind of experience that will appeal to those who truly love speed cleats. The complete absence of any excess weight or bulk, and the paper-thin upper creates a one-to-one feel with the ball that can be seen on the very best cleats of this type.
- Read our full Adidas X Crazyfast+ review
Best technology
Though the release of the tongue version of the Adidas Predator Elite has taken precedent for Adidas, the laceless variation of the cleat is certainly worthy of attention as it takes a completely different direction. With a change in shape and now low-cut, the laceless version is the lightest version of the new Predator range, barely weighing anything more than the laceless Adidas X Crazyfast.1 - the brand's original speed offering.
In 2024, the profile of the laceless predator has completely changed – not only is it lighter, but it is sleeker, narrower and has an all-round lower profile. The change works well as the result is a more comfortable, structured alternative to the super lightweight, thin Crazyfast, while also coming with the iconic rubber elements for grip and swerve.
One of the biggest questions for any laceless boot will be that of lockdown without the adjustability offered by lacing. I found that, though it's not the worst on the market, there is still a discernible gap between the very best lockdown offered by laceless boots and that on offer with this particular pair.
As with the tongue and laced versions, the Predator Elite Laceless is very narrow, especially in the toebox, so these may be less suitable for those with wider feet.
Best for dribbling
An elite speed cleat option that sits below the X Crazyfast+, the X Crazyfast.1 is slightly cheaper and may provide an experience that players prefer to its more expensive counterpart.
As with the Crazyfast+, the Crazyfast.1 is constructed using an 'aeropacity speedskin' encased with an 'aerocage skeleton'. However, there is a little more structure to this in the Crazyfast.1, and the lockdown is markedly better. The lacing system of the Crazyfast.1 starts quite far back, too, allowing it to really hug your foot and leave you feeling completely locked in.
With the soleplate featuring chevron studs in the forefoot and midfoot, and bladed studs in the heel, plenty of aggressive traction is provided that is able to rival any of the best cleats on the market.
Overall, for those who do prefer a little more structure rather than the no-holds-barred approach of the more expensive Crazyfast+, the Adidas Crazyfast.1 is not only a cheaper option, but a better option in terms of performance. It is similarly lightweight and offers much of the same barefoot, unrestricted connection with the ball along with the exact same soleplate, but simply does so in a more considered way.
Both are going at 100mph, but the Crazyfast.1 does so with a seatbelt. Suffice to say, that will be preferable to many.
- Read our full Adidas X Crazyfast.1 review
Best for wide feet
The Copa Pure 2.1 is an elite cleat also worn by professionals but slightly cheaper than the top of the range Copa Pure 2+. It offers a more traditional fit and feel, and will likely be more appealing than the more expensive Copa option to those who prefer this to the usual fit of modern cleats.
Featuring a 2-piece upper with a separated tongue in a ‘u-throat’ construction, this is the main difference between the 2.1 and the 2+. This makes the Copa Pure 2 much more accommodating for those with wider feet, too, setting it apart from a lot of the best cleats on the market. The upper itself features the same fusionskin technology from Adidas that combines natural leather, calfskin in this case, with a soft synthetic.
The soleplate it also the same, brought forward from the Nemeziz line and featuring studs that are rounded at the top with a bladed bottom. There is significant cushioning in the heel that contributes to what is an extremely comfortable cleat to wear, which I found didn't require any break-in time whatsoever, either.
This does add a fair amount of bulk, however, and the traditional build does mean that the Copa Pure 2.1 has more volume than most modern options currently available. This bulk does come with a level of padding that is rarely seen on modern cleats, though, so could be a benefit to some players - esepcially defenders and midfielders going into heavy tackles on a frequent basis.
- Read our full Adidas Copa Pure 2.1 review
How we test soccer cleats
Our expert testers with an abundance of experience in testing soccer cleats puts each pair through their paces across several training sessions and games. Focusing on a range of key factors, such as stability, fit, comfort and feel, we put a brand's claim to the actual test through wearing the cleats first-hand.
The testers are able to cut through the marketing jargon straight to the crux of the detail, with their simple yet detailed advice suitable 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
With an array of options available, the soccer cleat market can be a minefield at times. Adidas naturally try and sell as many of their products as possible, so it will constantly championing the latest tech that will supposedly improve every aspect of your game.
That might not be true, though, so it's down to what best suits you and your playstyle. Ultimately, it's personal preference, but there are important factors to consider when looking for your next pair...
Getting the right fit
Trying a pair on in store is always advisable before they're brought, because sizing is the most important thing to consider when initially buy a new pair of soccer cleats. This helps you get the perfect length and width, with pairs of the same size varying across brands.
Plus, foot-shape can affect which pair of cleats you buy, because wider feet might need more room while narrower feet are in need of tighter fitting options. This is especially important when it comes to laceless cleats, because there's even less adaptability without laces.
Ultimately, though, it's all personal - so trying before buying is essential.
Styling
Once you've found a pair of cleats that fit perfectly, choosing the color and design is the next area to think about. Adidas often release a vast amount of different colorways for the exact same cleats, so there's always something for everyone.
Whatever your personality or preference, there are likely many pairs that complement it perfectly.
Leather or synthetic
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. The former is also generally a lot lighter, so it might come down to which position on the pitch you're playing and the feeling you want from your cleats.
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.
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 lightweight speed boot, then let's go!
