25.09.2015
We often get questions about which football boot is best suited for defenders or strikers. The answer is often not as straightforward as you should think. Different factors play a key role in what kind of boot is most suited for a certain type of player. This could be the type of foot, the playstyle and your upper or fit preference. We have therefore made a rough overview of some of the best football boots and which position they fit best.
There is no right or wrong formula for what type of football boot best fits the different positions on the pitch. That being said, many football boots are designed to fit a certain style of play. The most important property of any football boot is the fit, which should always feel comfortable on your foot. Some football boots are narrow, while some are wider, and for that reason it isn’t always as easy as it sounds to find the right football boots.
In this overview you will be able to see what type of football boot we recommend for the various positions. Furthermore we will also explain why we recommend these boots. We will also give you an idea about how the fit of the boot is, so you can easily find out if the football boot fits your foot or position.
Some of the most important attributes for a goalkeeper is that the football boots have a strong grip, comfort and that the upper is good, so they can take long goal kicks. Most goalkeepers don't run that much as the other players, so the weight of the football boots isn’t that important.
Adidas Ace16 Primeknit: The Adidas Ace fits goalkeepers well, because of its solid structure and soft upper. The boots are comfortable and have good traction and a wide striking surface. It has a medium to wide fit and the studs can be used both for natural and artificial grass. Used by players like Manuel Neuer, David de Gea and Petr Cech.
Nike Magista Obra/Opus: The Magista collection can be described as somewhat of a favourite amongst keepers, due to its wide striking surface and the great levels of comfort. The Opus has a classic upper with good padding, while the Obra has a thinner upper and tighter ball control. The boot has a medium to wide fit. Used by players as Thibaut Courtois and Wojciech Szczęsny.
Nike Tiempo Legend 6: This is a football boot with focus on comfort and touch. The upper is made of leather which gives a silky soft touch, while also offering excellent comfort. The studs give good grip on the surface and the fit is medium to wide. Used by players such as Diego Lopez.
PUMA evoPOWER: The evoPOWER is made for pure power and precision in every kick. It is therefore a boot well suited for keepers who like to kicking long balls, thanks to the padded upper and clean striking surface. It has a medium to wide fit. Used by players like Gianligui Buffon and Roman Weidenfeller.
A modern back is very strong, both defensively and offensively. This means that there is quite a large amount of different types of football boots to choose from. There are boots that focus more on the offensive aspects of the game and some boot that focus on the defensive aspects. As written earlier, it all depends on what football boot fits your foot and playstyle best.
Nike Tiempo Legend 6: The leather boot from Nike fits defenders who want a comfortable football boot with a good touch. The Tiempo doesn’t offer lightweight, but does give you comfort that most other boots can't match. It has a medium to wide fit and is used by players like Pablo Zabaleta and Branislav Ivanovic.
adidas X15: More and more fullbacks are starting to use lighter and faster football boots, because they play higher and higher up the pitch. The adidas X15 is well suited for a player who uses speed and technique, while also wanting stability and a comfortable pair of football boots. Narrow to medium fit. Used by players like Jordi Alba, Luke Shaw and Marcelo.
Nike Mercurial Vapor/Superfly: This popular Nike attacking model is getting quite popular among the fast fullbacks. The football boots offer a lightweight, tight fit, touch and good traction. It has a narrow fit. Used by players like Bacary Sagna.
As a centre-back you first and foremost need to make sure you keep a clean sheet, while also starting attacks. You therefore need a boot that is comfortable, protective and at the same time offers you the control that you need to for making precise passes through the midfield and out to the wingers.
Nike Magista Obra/Opus: The control boot from Nike fits defenders that want a more modern football boot with a light touch. The studs are conical, so you easier can turn and it also has a wide striking surface, which makes it perfect for precise passes and clearances. It has a medium to wide fit. Used by players such as David Luiz, Thiago Silva and Mascherano.
adidas Ace16 Primeknit: This is adidas’ new control boot which is a big hit among the defenders. The boot is similar to the Magista Obra, which offers a close touch, comfortable fit and wide striking surface for passes. Medium to wide fit. Used by players like Mats Hummels, Neven Subotic and Per Mertesacker.
Nike Tiempo Legend 6: Also a perfect choice for centre-backs, who want a more modern leather boot, which has focus on comfort. The leather upper gives a nice touch on the ball and excellent comfort, even on the hardest surfaces. It has a medium to wide fit. Used by players such as Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos.
As a central midfielder you are the general of the pitch and controlling the game. The football boots you need must give you the best conditions for a good ball contact, good stability, clean striking surface and comfort.
adidas Ace 16.1 Primeknit: The control boot from adidas is developed for 360 degree control of the ball and fits perfectly for the creative and controlling central midfielder, who wants to control the game with his technique and passes. It has a medium to wide fit. Used by players such as Mesut Özil, James Rodriguez and Ivan Rakitic.
Nike Magista Obra/Opus: The Magista is a very good match for the midfield general who wants a modern football boot with a light touch and flexible upper. The studs are round so it is easier to make turns and it also have a wide striking surface, which makes it perfect for precise passes. It has a medium to wide fit. Used by players such as Iniesta, Blase Matuidi and Jordan Henderson.
New Balance Visaro: The playmaker boot from NB Football offers a flexible upper and a comfortable fit. The asymmetric lacing system and an anatomical formed upper gives a clean striking surface for passes and shots. It has a medium to wide fit. Used by players such as Aaron Ramsey and Marouane Fellaini
PUMA evoPOWER: The power boot from PUMA is made for the player who wants to use his or her passing and shooting strengths. The boots has a padded and clear striking surface combined with a flexible sole, which makes it possible for the player to get maximum power in every kick to the ball. It has a medium to wide fit. Used by players such as Cesc Fabregas and Yaya Toure.
Wingers usually rely on high pace or great technique, and the best players often use both aspects in their game. The wingers want and need a boot that gives a good traction to the pitch and a light ball touch. The keywords for a winger is lightweight and thin upper.
Nike Mercurial Vapor/Superfly: The speed boot from Nike is made for the fast and skillful player. The thin upper gives a tight touch to the ball and the studs gives an excellent grip and stability for making tricks and dribbling. It has a tight fit. Used by players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Eden Hazard, Alexis Sanchez and Raheem Sterling.
adidas X15: The boot fits the players that wants to create chaos in the opponent's defence with his or her technique and pace. The thin upper is combined with a responsive sole, which gives you a boot that is made for speed and light touches. It has a medium fit. Used by players such as Di Maria, Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott.
PUMA evoSPEED SL:The lightest boot ever to be mass produced. It is made for fast players who want to get even faster. Ultra thin upper and sole makes it the ultimate speed boot. It has a tight fit. Used by players such as Marco Reus and Antoine Griezmann.
Hypervenom Phinish/Phantom II: With its soft upper and stable soleplate the Hypervenom fits the flexible attacker with good technique. Optimised for maximum movement and precise finishes. Well suited for wingers who like to cut into the pitch and take shots. It has a medium fit. Used by players such as Neymar Jr. and Pedro Rodriguez.
The most dangerous attacker always know where to goal is, no matter what position or direction they are facing. The football boots must have a clear striking surface, good stability for tricks and dribbling, a tight ball contact and a good grip to the surface so you can accelerate past the defenders.
adidas X15: The X-series from adidas is made for attackers who want a football boot with tight ball contact, responsive sole and excellent fit. It fits the efficient and skillful striker. It has a medium fit. Used by players like Luis Suarez and Karim Benzema.
Nike Mercurial Vapor/Superfly: This is the most explosive football boot on the market. Made for acceleration and high pace. The light and thin upper gives the best possible contact with the ball and the conical studs give the best possible grip. It has a tight fit. Used by players such as Anthony Martial and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
PUMA evoPOWER: These football boots fits perfect for an attackers who has finishes as his or hers biggest strength. The football boots are made with an upper and sole which secures that you get the most precise and powerful shots, every time you shoot. It has a medium to wide fit. Used by players like Olivier Giroud and Mario Balotelli.
Nike Hypervenom Phinish/Phantom II: Made for the most dangerous attackers who always knows where the goal is and wants to decide the games. It is made from the newly developed NikeSkin and Flywire, which gives it comfort and support. It has a medium fit. Worn by Robert Lewandowski, Wayne Rooney and Edinson Cavani.
PUMA evoSPEED SL: The ultimate speed boot for players who plays as a False 9 and wants to use its full speed. Made for extreme pace with a ultra thin upper and a weight of only 103 gram. It has a medium fit. Used by players such as Sergio Agüero and Falcao.