Our best soccer cleats for strikers will help any old-school target guys, flashy false nines or out-of-fashion penalty box poachers level up their game.
That's because there's a vast range of awesome soccer cleats available right now, but not all might be suited to an attacker's game. Certain ranges are designed specifically to assist when it comes to the best soccer cleats for defenders, the best soccer cleats for midfielders, the best soccer cleats for wingers and even the best soccer cleats for firm ground.
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, while there are some of the best soccer cleats for kids available, too.
But right here it's all about the best soccer cleats for strikers...
The quick list
Comfortable, light and boasting the best upper on the market, the Phantom GX 2 Elite has it all. The off-centred lacing system provides a cleaner surface area for shooting, too.
Nike is into its 10th iteration of the Mercurial Superfly, and it doesn't look like reducing on quality anytime soon. Materials have been upgraded to make them even better performance-wise, while the notoriously aggressive studs remain.
Skechers is a brand synonymous with comfort, and that's been carried over into their soccer cleats. But don't be fooled, they're still light and perform excellently while on the feet of forwards.
Off-centred lacing systems and one-piece uppers can be hit and miss, but the New Balance Furon V8 Elite are certainly a hit. With a thin upper and responsive soleplate, the brand has managed to shave off as much weight as possible while still keeping them comfortable.
Rubber fins adorn the upper of the Predator Elite to provide a better control for shots and passing, with the foldover tongue presenting a larger, cleaner surface area as well. It's deceivingly lightweight as well, with some good speed attached.
With a full carbon soleplate and aggressive stud pattern, the Under Armour Shadow Elite 3 provide plenty of bite when sprinting and changing direction. The soleplate certainly isn't for everyone, however.
Best overall
The Nike Phantom GX 2 Elite had the unenviable task of replacing the favorably received Nike Phantom GX Elite, but it has done a fantastic job in doing so. That's a great compliment, in my opinion, considering just how highly I rated the original edition.
With an off-centred lacing system creating an ample striking surface that will appeal to goalscorers, the cleat has a look reminiscent of the classic Nike T90 Laser models, but with all of the best modern technologies. My favorite is the gripknit upper, that offers a stickiness on the ball and is certainly noticeable when dribbling, passing and, indeed, striking.
I also find these cleats one of the best soccer cleats for wide feet, with the space provided and ability to stretch making them extremely comfortable. The soleplate is slightly too flexible for my liking, however.
Best lightweight
Nike's aforementioned gripknit has breathed new life into its most iconic silo, the Nike Mercurial Superfly 10 Elite.
Providing the lightweight, barefoot touch that we have come to expect from this model, the addition of the gripknit adds a further element to the renowned Mercurial experience with the sticky upper geared towards keeping the ball closer when dribbling - something that will no doubt appeal those who ply their trade at the business end of the pitch.
A responsive soleplate helps players with traction when chasing after loose balls as well, which is further enhanced by the lightweight nature of the cleat. Weighing less than 200 grams, the Superfly 10 makes it feel like you've barely got anything on your feet when playing.
Best for comfort
A brand new cleat that launched at the end of 2023, Skechers entered the market with a bang – and an impressively well-designed cleat which is both responsive, comfortable and lightweight. The Skechers Razor Elite has also been upgraded from the original Razor, with the subtle improvements making it even better.
And while Harry Kane wears Skechers' flagship SKX_01 model, the Razors are better suited for strikers. A lighter cleat engineered for speedy players, strikers playing on the defender's shoulder will benefit best from the Skechers Razor, while they still provide a great level of comfort and protection often not seen on speed cleats.
Plus, they're also accommodating for players with wide feet, making them an ideal option for strikers of all variations.
Best for speed
The New Balance Furon V8 Elite is one of the best soccer cleats for speed on the market, with the hypoknit material used by the brand on the upper being perhaps the best of its type on the market.
This material not only provides a great touch on the ball, but also makes for wonderfully comfortable cleats that require no time at all to break in. The high, off-centred lacing means there is a large striking area – making it that little bit easier to get clean shots off.
The Furon again features one of the most snappy and aggressive soleplates around, though slightly changed from the New Balance Furon V7 and New Balance Furon V7+ Pro.The responsiveness from the outsole makes it perfect for gaining that split second vital when trying to get the better of opposition defenders.
Best for shooting
For some strikers, lightweight cleats aren't essential. In fact, plenty of No.9s would prefer cleats that offer more protection, stability and control – and the Adidas Predator Elites are perfect for that.
The rubber elements on the upper help directing shots towards goal, while the tongue provides a clear surface for any strikes without laces getting in the way. Adidas have subtly upgraded the cleat from the 2024 model as well, with hybridtouch 2.0 implemented onto the cleat that is softer and provides a better feeling on the ball.
But don't be fooled, the latest Predators are the lightest version of the model ever, so these offer the best of both worlds. I got that classic Predator nostalgia during matches alongside some modern technology that felt like my game really improved on the field.
Best responsiveness
A release that has gone under the radar, I believe that the Under Armour Shadow Elite 3 has quickly become one of the most underrated boots available.
Under Armour's IntelliKnit is both lightweight and comfortable, but the soleplate is where the magic happens. The fully carbon fibre outsole is one of the most aggressive around and brings with it a snappiness that strikers looking to be first off the mark will welcome.
The stud pattern is brought forward from the Under Armour Shadow Elite 2, and is a unique configuration from a brand that always seeks to do things a little differently. However, it may be the slightest step too far and we have seen many pros opt instead for the outsole from the UA Magnetico underneath the show-stopping Shadow Elite upper.
How we test soccer cleats
Testing cleats is all about getting them on our feet and putting them to the limit in training sessions and matches, with our experienced testers wearing each pair a number of times to truly ascertain their performance levels.
This helps us learn what type of player certain cleats are better suited to, which ground they need to be worn on, and how they generally fit and feel while on feet. Of course, there isn't an exact science, but we go through as much detail as possible to figure out if that brand new technology is really worth the hype, or which cleat is ideal for strikers.
The reviews are honest, and we'd never recommend a pair that doesn't live up to what we expect from the options available right now.
How to choose the best soccer cleats
With the soccer cleat market often a minefield of marketing terminology trying to sell the best new technology, it can be a little overwhelming deciding on which soccer cleats are best. Fortunately, we've cut through all of this straight to the detail.
Ultimately, your choice should come down to what best suits you and your game. Despite that, there are certainly some factors you should focus on before parting with your hard earned cash...
Getting the right fit
Often finding a pair that fits like a glove can be a really arduous task, but it's something we'd highly recommend. Nobody likes getting blisters or having their toes squeezed too tightly by ill-fitting cleats, so taking time to try on a range of different pairs will be best in the long run.
That means we advise players go to the shop and actually try cleats on, rather than ordering online. This is because you can really get a feel for how they fit on feet - everyone's foot shape is unique, so not everyone will work well in certain cleats. Wider feet will struggle in narrow options on the market, while brands often vary in length regardless of the size.
Leather or synthetic
Players wanting an old-school feeling should choose leather, which has plenty of support and padding - as well as the ability to conform to your foot shape. That could come at the cost of sprinting away from defenders for strikers, though, with synthetic cleats generally a lot lighter and thin.
While this offers little in the way of protection, the cleats might be so light you'll evade any big challenges coming your way regardless.
Players looking for an in-between option are in luck, too, with mock leather materials providing the best of both worlds. They're not as bulky as leather cleats, not as lightweight as synthetic, but generally incorporate the best elements from the materials.
Styling
Right, so you've found out which cleats fit the best, whether you prefer leather or synthetic, and now is for the best part - getting the color and design you've set your eyes on.
With brands now making cleats in a range of different colorways, there are usually an array of options to choose from for the same style of cleat. From traditional black to bright pink, there's always something for everyone here.
Let your imagination and personality run wild!
