If you're a sweeper-keeper or a one-on-one wonder, you'll want to find the best soccer cleats for goalkeepers before the new season kicks off.
Having the right cleats can make a huge difference to a player's game, with certain ranges specifically designed to assist goalies, defenders, midfielders and attackers. FFT has been dedicating itself to categorising 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 goalkeepers...
Best soccer cleats for goalkeepers: Nike Tiempo Legend 9
As worn by: Alisson, Thibault Courtois
As explained in FFT's Nike Tiempo Legend 9 football boots review, Alisson Becker and Thibault Courtois are just two of the superstar 'keepers that have worn these recently, despite the cleats initially being advertised as built for attacking players.
That's because, while light and offering great traction, they're more durable than many of their peers. They also feature "touch pods" on the upper, designed to help with your passing and first touch. Made of tough, yet soft, K-leather and ideal for players with wider feet, the Tiempo Legend 9 is a strong choice for goalkeepers who are quick off their line and good distributors.
Buy the Nike Tiempo Legend 9 from Pro Direct
Adidas Copa Mundial
One for refereeing officials, the old guard and hipsters alike, there's simply nothing like the Copa Mundial soccer cleats, no matter how many times Adidas reinvent the wheel.
For the sheer comfort, nostalgia and reliability, it's virtually impossible to top these brilliant cleats, which still look as wonderful now as they did on black and white TV sets. The Adidas Copa Mundial is an icon – and if you're a soccer nerd, you deserve a pair of these at least once in your lifetime. You can have them in any colour: so long as it's black.
Buy the Copa Mundial from Adidas.co.uk
Puma King Platinum 21 Vegan
As we said in our Puma King Platinum 21 Vegan football boots review, Puma Kings have always been considered no-nonsense soccer cleats. Goalkeepers all over the world, from Sunday League-level to the World Cup, have donned this iconic range before going into battle. So FFT was intrigued to hear, in 2022, that Puma were releasing a vegan pair, made entirely free of animal products.
The Vegan Kings are just as durable and robust, yet light, as the classic range. The animal-free "leather" upper is supple, comfortable and slightly spongey, while maintaining its tough streak. We also think they look the business, with the vintage black and white colour way reversed in sumptuous style. They're also a lot cheaper than other newly-released ranges.
Keepers can't go wrong with these, and they'll be doing something great for the environment when they buy a pair.
Buy the Puma King Platinum 21 Vegan from Pro Direct
New Balance V2 442
In our New Balance 442 v2 football boots review, we explained how this is a no-nonsense cleat at a low price. Comfort and durability are valued above all by this range, which offers a premium K-leather upper and studs which are best-suited for softer ground.
Internal cushioned pillows deliver incredible comfort and solid support. There's little in the way of gadgetry (no "touch pods" to assist with ball control, for example), but there's a lot to be admired about a boot which feels good, protects you and will last for a good few seasons.
Buy the New Balance V2 442 from Pro Direct
Adidas Predator Pulse
2006 was a simpler time (unless your name is Marco Materazzi). A time of Gnarls Barkley, Daniel Craig in Casino Royale and Zinedine Zidane rolling back the years to pirouette around the world… wearing Adidas Predator Pulse cleats.
You can still get them. Adi have re-released the Pulses complete with a more robust heel but otherwise true to the original design, from the oversized tongue and soft leather body to the three stripes wrapping under the sole and the instep panels that resemble scratch marks left by claws. It's one of the most beautiful boots in history – and available in brand new colourways.
Buy the Adidas Predator Pulse from Pro:Direct
Here at FourFourTwo, our cleat testing procedure is all about getting boots on our feet and personally trying them out in kickabouts, training sessions and matches. Our writers test each pair over a number of weeks, in various playing conditions, in order to get a proper idea of what they're like on a soccer pitch.
Fortunately, one of our experts is also a mad goalkeeper, so they've been able to provide as much information as possible about what they'd recommend for those guarding the net.
This is the best way to find out if cleats are better suited for firmer or softer ground, what level of traction they offer and how else they're geared towards improving a player's game. We're passionate about soccer cleats and regularly attend launch events and Q&As to get as much information as possible from manufacturers and designers before we begin.
All of our reviews are honest (despite working with brands, nobody can "buy" a good review from us) and we always have real soccer cleats in mind when giving recommendations.
How to choose the best soccer cleats
There are a range of different options you need to consider when choosing your next pair of soccer cleats. From how they fit and feel to what they perform like, focussing on just one area might not provide you with exactly what you want.
Ultimately, choosing your next pair relies on what suits you and your game the best. So, take time before plunging for your new cleats, otherwise you could end up regretting it...
Getting the right fit
How your cleats fit is the most important factor to consider, in our humble opinion, because otherwise your feet could blister or bruise from ill-fitting cleats. That's why we'd always recommend you pop into a local soccer cleat store and find a pair that truly fits you like a glove - not just what you like the look of. That might not be what some of you goalies want to hear, but it's the harsh truth, we're afraid.
Brands vary the length of their cleats despite them potentially being the same size, while certain pairs are wider (or narrower) than others, and might not suit players with different foot shapes.
Leather or synthetic
This comes down to personal preference. Leather cleats are often more comfortable and protective, with the material conforming to your feet over time and the extra padding providing a blissful feeling. That can often mean they're bulkier, though, oftentime a lot more than synthetic.
Indeed, synthetic cleats are lightweight and provide a close control to the ball, though your toes might hurt that little bit more if you're stamped on by an opponent. Decide what's right for you.
Styling
You want to look good while playing, and thankfully brands now release the same soccer cleats in a range of different colors, offering plenty of options for players wanting to express themselves or keep the limelight away from them.
This should definitely come after you've found the pair of cleats that fit and feel the best, however.
