Best Soccer Cleats for Goalkeepers

Figuring out the best soccer cleats for goalkeepers can sometimes feel like an uphill struggle. There are so many options on the market, it’s hard to know which you should choose.

Fortunately, I’ve put together this guide for you. It lists what I believe are the most solid options on the market for players who spend most of the match standing on the goal line.

What Soccer Boots Do Goalkeepers Wear?

So, which soccer boots do goalkeepers wear? Are they the same as other players, or are they different?

Here is where you’ll find out. In this section, I list the most popular cleat choices for amateur and professional goalkeepers, explaining why they make sense in these positions and which you should choose, depending on your requirements.

1. Adidas Copa Mundial Firm Ground

The Adidas Copa Mundial Firm Ground is another top goalkeeper choice due to its comfort. I like it because it lets me stand on a pitch for 90 minutes without my feet feeling tight or blister-prone.

Adidas makes the Copa Mundial with a leather upper, which is soft and durable but withstands heavy tackles. The boot can also boost control for clearances, allowing me to boot the ball up to the midfielders for counterattacks after dangerous periods of play.

2. New Balance Tekela Pro V4 Low Laced

The New Balance Tekela Pro V4 Low Laced is another option well-suited for goalkeepers. I think the low-profile design is a stroke of genius because it gives the snug knit outer a more comfortable finish.

Saying that, this shoe isn’t one you throw out after using once. The tough upper means this boot will continue to serve you for many months and possibly years.

For goalkeepers who love jumping for the ball, the stable and responsible soleplate is also a nice addition. This feature lets me react to unexpected on-target shots with more confidence.

3. Puma Future 8 Ultimate Firm Ground

The Puma Future 8 Ultimate Firm Ground is another soccer cleat I couldn’t omit from this list. It’s suitable for goalkeepers because it lets you make quick movements. Many goalies, including myself, experience more agility on the pitch and cover more ground.

Like many other top-tier Puma boots, the Future 8 Ultimate FG has the company’s proprietary GripControl Pro finish. I like this feature because it gives you more confidence using your feet, not just your hands, whether you’re blocking shots or booting the ball up the field.

4. Nike Legend 10 Elite Firm Ground

What about the Nike Legend 10 Elite FG? Again, this boot is a solid choice for goalkeepers because of its cushioned feel and comfy fit.

Nike equips this boot with what it calls “All Conditions Control” (ACC) technology, which means the boot behaves similarly in wet or dry conditions. Because of this, I always wear these boots if I think I’ll be playing in changeable conditions. If a downpour is likely halfway through a match, I can still kick the ball away from the goal without it slipping off my foot.

5. New Balance 442 V2 Pro Firm Ground

The New Balance 442 V2 Pro FG is another boot with a premium K-leather upper for a comfortable fit and the brand’s Elite Pro soleplate for greater stability. However, these bells and whistles aren’t what attract me to this boot. Instead, I like it because of its deft touch on the ball, something many brands forget when designing products for goalkeepers.

The lightweight TPU material is another breath of fresh air. Not only does it last a long time, but it also houses the conical studs that make it easier to dive or lunge for the ball as it makes its way to the net. During penalty shoot-outs, there’s no other shoe I’d rather have on my side.

6. Puma Ultra 5 Ultimate Firm Ground

The Puma Ultra 5 Ultimate FG is another option for goalies. I like it, again, because of the ULTRAWEAVE upper and SPEEDSYSTEM outsole. These give it acceleration and agility when rushing to intercept long balls played down the pitch to the opposing forwards.

These cleats also offer decent control and comfort, making them a great option for distributing the ball to players. The GripControl Pro texturing makes handling better during throw-ins, while the NanoGrip sockliner is a nice additional touch that reduces the risk of rubbing and blisters.

7. Nike Mercurial Vapor 16 Pro Firm Ground

Finally, you could opt for Nike Mercurial Vapor 16 FG boots. These are famous for their Air Zoom technology, which bounces your foot back up when it hits the ground, helping you sprint faster.

I like these boots because of their sheer agility. With these, I can be anywhere in the box in seconds, including for set-piece plays.

I also know that I can benefit from these boots’ unusual traction pattern. Nike equips the shoe with a firmer platform, allowing me to spring into action when I’m needed, even on muddy pitches.

Goalkeeper Soccer Cleats FAQ’s

Choosing soccer cleats as a goalkeeper can be confusing, so I’ve written some answers to common FAQs players ask before buying these sorts of boots:

1. Do soccer goalies wear cleats?

Yes, soccer goalkeepers wear football boots like any other player. However, they usually have specific features that make them suitable for goalies, including superior comfort and stud designs for jumping and leaping.

2. Can goalkeepers wear Mercurials?

Yes, goalkeepers can wear Mercurials. Nike makes these shoes lightweight and focuses the design on speed and agility, which can make them helpful when sprinting to collect stray balls in the box. However, their lightweight construction may not be suitable in all situations.

3. Are cleats for goalkeepers different from other positions?

Cleats for goalkeepers can vary slightly from regular football boots. For example, they usually offer extra grip for jumps and quick dives alongside additional protection against other players’ flying tackles. Some goalies also wear them because they are more comfortable.