Having comfortable football cleats is essential when playing the intense sport. Nike is well-known for providing quality shoes, and they don’t disappoint when it comes to football. The Best Nike Football Cleats provide durability and ensure they can last the length of the game and the whole season, for that matter. Having the proper football cleats helps prevent injury and offers much-needed support. While it might be tough on the wallet, buying quality shoes is imperative for football cleats.
When choosing the right football cleats, you want to consider the position you play and where you can use the most support. Some cleats have high upper offering supreme ankle support, while others are shorter, suitable if you aren’t running twists and turns on the field. I have compiled a comprehensive list of the ten best Nike football cleats to ensure the only thing stopping you on the field is the opposing team.
| Best Nike Football Cleats | Why It's Best | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Vapor Edge Pro360 | Ghost-lacing for quck lacing. Enhanced traction. Flexible outer part. | ★★★★★ |
| Men's Alpha Menace 2 Shark Football Cleats | Ideal for wide feet. Abrasion-resistant molding. FastFlex technology. | ★★★★★ |
| Men's Alpha Menace Elite 2 Football Cleats | Hook-and-loop closure. Excellent support. Ideal for running backs. | ★★★★★ |
| Force Savage Elite 2 Td Men's Football Cleats | Three hook-and-loop closures. Ideal for linemen. Promotes natural motion. | ★★★★★ |
| Force Savage 2 Shark Men's Football Cleat | Good for wide feet. Pull tabs for easy on and off. Excellent ankle support. | ★★★★★ |
The 10 Best Nike Football Cleats
Nike Men’s Vapor Edge Pro 360 Football Cleat
The Nike Men’s Vapor Edge Pro 360 Football Cleat is sharp-looking and great for hitting the football field. The cleats have an elastic cuff to provide breathability and comfort. In addition, they have an innovative “ghost lacing” system for quick lacing and no distractions. The outer part of the cleat is supportive and provides much-needed flexibility. There is also a plate at the front of the cleat with two studs on each side to offer excellent stability. The plate also aids when turning direction quickly on the field or coming to a stop.
The unique cleats have enhanced traction to ensure the user has maximum support while playing football. The football cleats come in 5 different color combinations and a large variety of sizes. The cleats are popular amongst quarterbacks, linebackers, and receivers, although nearly every player would benefit from wearing the cleat. Finally, the Vapor Edge Pro 360 runs true to size, so you should order your regular size.
Pros:
- Quick Lacing
- Elastic Cuff
- Enhanced Traction
- Durable
- True to Size
- Suitable for nearly any football position
- Breathable
Cons:
- Not made for wide feet
- Cloth prone to tearing
Nike Men’s Alpha Menace 2 Shark Wide Football Cleat
The Nike Men’s Alpha Menace 2 Shark is one of the best football cleats for wide feet. The Nike football cleats are equipped with a rubber sole and an abrasion-resistant molding to provide durability. In addition, the synthetic leather and fabric are both supportive and durable to ensure the football player has no complaints during the big game.
The football cleats also have a foam midsole to provide even more comfort. Any running back will appreciate the aggressive rubber tread that offers traction for speed and the ability to change direction quickly. The cleats are built with Nike’s FastFlex technology to yield flexibility in the outsole for a more natural movement. Finally, the three-quarter high-top cleats come in three color combinations and range in size from 6.5 – 14, including both regular and wide sizes.
Pros:
- Come in wide sizes
- FastFlex technology
- Comfortable
- Rubber sole
- Foam midsole
- Three-quarter high-top
Cons:
- It may be narrow for extra-wide feet
Nike Men’s Alpha Menace Elite 2 Football Cleats
The Nike Men’s Alpha Menace Elite 2 Football Cleats are another excellent choice for the best Nike football cleats. The cleats are built with a phylon sole to deliver lightweight cushioning and an internal saddle that helps cradle the foot for extra support. The stretch-knit fabric wraps around the collar of the cleat to provide a sense of balance.
In addition, the Nike football cleats have a heel strap with a hook-and-loop closure. The attached pull tab makes getting the cleats on and off a breeze. Finally, the Elite 2 Football Cleats are available in 4 color combinations. The Menace Elite 2 are some of the best Nike cleats for speed.
Pros:
- Excellent support
- Easy to get on and off
- Hook-and-loop closure
- True to size
- Ideal for running backs
- Collar provides balance
Cons:
- High price tag
- It does not come in wide sizes
Nike Force Men’s Savage Elite 2 Td Football Cleats
The Nike Force Men’s Savage Elite 2 Td are the best football cleats for linemen. No need to worry about loose laces with these cleats. The Savage Elite 2 is equipped with three hook-and-loop straps for supreme stability and to keep your feet secure. The tongue on the cleats wraps laterally across, which eliminates any seams on top. The fifteen triangle teeth on the bottom help support a player’s speed and physical strength. Nike’s FastFlex outsole allows the player to make any necessary twist and turn on the field. The outsole also helps promote a player’s natural motion.
In addition, the cleats are built with a mobile upper design to offer excellent stability and protection. The Nike football cleats have a lunarlon foam midsole that provides superb cushioning. Players will appreciate the gripping traction to ensure they avoid injury. The internal pad cups provide a secure and comfortable fit for the heels. Finally, the football cleats come in eight color combinations, allowing you to pick the perfect color for you.
Pros:
- Variety of color choices
- Supreme gripping and traction
- Ideal for linemen
- Promote’s a natural motion
- Lunarlon foam for cushioning
- Pad cups provide comfort for heels
- Upper designs offer stability
Cons:
- Too narrow for wide feet
- Pricey
- Velcro can come loose
Nike Force Mens’ Savage 2 Shark Football Cleat
The Nike Force Savage 2 Shark Football Cleat is built with the brand’s FastFlex outsole to promote articulation. The cleats are equipped with pull tabs at both the heel and tongue, making it incredibly easy to get the shoes on and off. In addition, the Nike cleats have webbing on each side to ensure the laces are securely locked in. The molded details offer abrasion resistance and provide much-needed durability. Football players will appreciate the comfort the cushioning offers.
The cleats can be used on either turf or grass, making them a great versatile choice. Also, the cleats are ideal for those with wider feet who have trouble fitting into regular football cleats. The high upper provides excellent ankle support, which is essential as players run back and forth across the field. Finally, the shoes are available in sizes 9-12 and currently are only made in black.
Pros:
- Good for wide feet
- Comfortable
- Excellent ankle support
- It can be used on turf or grass
- Pull tabs for easy on and off
- FastFlex outsole
Cons:
- Limited sizes and colors
Nike Vapor Edge Shark Boys’ Football Cleat
The Nike Vapor Edge Shark 4 Boys’ Football Cleat is perfect for those younger football players. The cleat is built with a rubber sole and provides supreme grip and traction. In addition, the sides of the cleats have perforations to add extra ventilation. The built-in Phylon foam adds extra comfort to ensure the cleats are comfortable throughout the entire game. The cleats are made with a synthetic upper that offers improved fit and performance.
The Nike Boys’ Football Cleats come in under $100, which is beneficial since kids quickly grow out of their shoes. The cleats are made with Nike’s FastFlex technology that aids a player as they are cutting and running on the field. Finally, the cleats come in two different color combinations and various sizes. Your future pro will appreciate the comfort the Vapor Edge Shark cleats provide.
Pros:
- Priced well
- True to size
- Durable
- Extra ventilation built in
- FastFlex technology
- Rubber sole for excellent grip and traction
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Lack of variety of colors
- It takes time to break in
- Cut small
Nike Force Mens’ Savage Elite Td Football Cleat
The Nike Force Savage Elite Td Men’s Football Cleat provides a high-top for extra support and a lace closure to ensure a secure fit. The oversized cables keep your feet locked in for added power. The Savage Elite is another one of the best cleats for linemen. The cleats are built with a wide cleat plate and armored toe plate for extreme durability. The wide plate also allows the player to explode off the ground as they take off running.
The cleats are built with triangular teeth on the bottom to provide ultimate traction for players. The synthetic construction offers much-desired breathability. If you are a fan of the Savage Elite cleats but do not want the velcro straps, these are the cleats for you. There is no concern about the velcro coming undone while running across the field. Finally, the cleats come in two color combinations.
Pros:
- Armored toe box
- High-top for support
- Cables keep feet secure
- Wide plate for power
- Triangular teeth for extra traction
- Breathability with synthetic construction
Cons:
- High price tag
- Small size selection
- Only two color combinations
Nike Men’s Force Savage Varsity Football Cleats
The Nike Men’s Force Savage Varsity Football Cleats are created with a 12-cleat configuration for proper traction while players are running the field. Another reason why you will love these Nike cleats is because of the innovative design that helps players accelerate and change direction quickly. Running backs will appreciate the ability to easily twist and turn across the field. In addition, the synthetic high-top allows for extra support, as football players are making quick turns on the field. The laces are designed with webbing to ensure your feet are locked in securely.
The Savage football cleats are also built with internal cups on each heel, providing a comfortable and secure fit. As a football player, you do not want to feel like your cleats are going to fall off as you begin running. The cleats are equipped with durable molded details that aid in preventing abrasion. The sole of the cleat offers the necessary flexibility to ensure a smooth run. Finally, the cleats are currently only available in orange.
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- 12-cleat configuration
- High-top upper
- Webbed laces ensure security
- Internal cups for comfort
- Molded details prevent abrasion
Cons:
- Limited color choices
- Not ideal for wide feet
Nike Men’s Football Shoe
The Nike Men’s Football Shoe is not only vibrantly colored, but also provides excellent traction and versatility. The football shoes have a rubber sole and a lining around the foot to provide extra comfort and a snug fit. In addition, the soft, synthetic material is structured throughout, allowing for its user to run at high speeds.
The texture-styled shoes have a versatile sole, making them ideal for either turf or artificial turf. Finally, the shoes are meant to have a “barely there” fit, so it almost feels like you are wearing socks instead of shoes. While comfortable, the cleats still protect your feet while running the field. Finally, there is a wide variety of color choices available, which will undoubtedly make you seen on the football field.
Pros:
- Plenty of color options
- Well-priced
- Comfortable fit
- It can be used on turf or artificial turf
- Rubber sole for a snug fit
Cons:
- Lacking in ankle support
Nike Men’s Vapor Edge Football Cleats
The Nike Men’s Vapor Edge Football Cleats are similar to the Vapor 360 with a much-desired lower price tag. Depending on the color and size you choose, you can snag these durable cleats for under $100. The cleats come in three different color choices and a great range of sizes.
In addition, the Vapor Edge cleats have a faux leather sole and a stitched down tongue for added comfort. The football cleats have a fabric and textile upper to provide lightweight durability. The molded cleats offer supreme traction and much-needed gripping. Finally, the multi-directional traction is perfect for cuts you need to make to avoid the opposing players.
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Stitched-down tongue for comfort
- Excellent traction and gripping
Cons:
- Less ankle control than others
- Run small
- It takes longer to break in
How We Chose the Best Nike Football Cleats
Comfort
If a football player is running around the field for several hours, they need comfort on their feet. While cleats may not seem like they would be the most comfortable shoes, they must fit correctly and have sufficient cushioning. Nike uses their design, FastFlex, to allow for flexibility while on the move. In addition, it’s essential to keep your socks on while wearing cleats. Socks help aid in the overall comfort of a pair of cleats.
In general, cleats should fit snugly but not be overly tight. You need a good amount of support in your cleats, but they will affect your performance when they are too tight. When wearing football cleats, you should be able to move your toes within the shoe. If you have wide feet, it’s crucial to find a pair of cleats designed explicitly for that.
Support
Along with needing comfort comes the need for support in football cleats. The best Nike football cleats are built-in with the much-needed support football players require. Some of the best cleats have a high-top upper for even more support. It helps prevent the ankle from rolling in as a player zips back and forth across the field. The uppers on cleats should fit snugly around your ankle.
In addition, having proper support in football cleats helps prevent injuries. If the cleats aren’t fitting correctly, a player is much more inclined to twist their ankle. While cleats with a low cut don’t offer as much stability, they do allow for the highest maneuverability. You really want to take your position into consideration when you decide which style of cleats will work best for you.
Durability
Football players put their cleats through a lot. The sport is high impact and requires shoes that can keep up with the intense sport. The best Nike football cleats are durable and made from high-quality materials to ensure they can make it through more than one season. There isn’t much worse than spending a decent amount of money on a pair of shoes, only to have to buy a new pair less than a year later.
Over time, the traction on your pair of cleats will wear down, affecting your performance. Depending on how much wear and tear you put on them, you will likely have to replace your pair of cleats after a few seasons. It’s essential to look over your cleats often to look for any significant damage that could affect your game. You don’t want to put yourself at risk for an injury because you aren’t inspecting your cleats.
Cost
No matter the type, a high-end pair of shoes will come with a matching price tag. While plenty of football cleats are on the market, it’s crucial to invest some money into a quality pair. Nike isn’t known for low prices; however, they are producing products that last. However, I made a point to find cleats with a wide price range. Even though it’s a famous brand, it doesn’t mean every pair of Nike football cleats should break the bank.
Buying a quality football cleat also means you won’t have to buy a new pair for the next season. There’s no reason why an excellent pair of cleats shouldn’t last for more than one season. This is especially true for players who don’t run back and forth often like the quarterback. Always keep in mind that you get what you pay for.
FAQs About the Best Nike Football Cleats
What football cleats do professionals wear?
Nike proves to be the leading brand worn by professionals year after year. The most popular pair being the Vapor Edge 360. While lightweight, the cleats are durable and provide excellent traction. Whether the player runs the field or blocks the opposing players, they will enjoy the football cleats’ comfort.
What football cleats should running backs wear?
The best Nike football cleats for running backs are the Nike Alpha Menace Elite 2. The cleats are perfect for the player that wears many hats on the football field. Running backs need to run, catch and block, and they should have cleats that provide durability for each move. The Alpha Menance Elite 2 provides excellent support and stability, particularly in the ankle. Finally, the discreet laces prevent any potential tripping.
Do you run faster with football cleats?
The high price tags may make you wonder if football cleats are necessary. It’s not advisable to play football wearing sneakers or other shoes. Cleats are specifically designed to make you faster by providing friction and are usually lightweight, helping a player gain speed. A good pair of cleats won’t make a football player a professional, necessarily, but they will perform better than they would have with regular sneakers. So, put away those running shoes and pick out one of the best Nike football cleats to help you run like a pro.
How should football cleats fit?
There is a bit of a perfect storm when it comes to football cleats. You want them snug but not too tight. So, how do you make sure they fit correctly? When the cleat is on, you should still be able to move your toes around and flex your foot. When a cleat fits too tight or is too loose, a player is at risk for injury. IF you are trying on cleats, don’t be afraid to try a size smaller than usual. It may provide the necessary snugness without being too tight.
The Bottom Line
Nike knows what it was doing when it began creating football cleats. There is a shoe for every player on the field, it’s a matter of finding the best fit for you. The best Nike football cleats take into consideration the position you play while providing a durable, comfortable fit. In addition, they offer several variations in height, depending on your preference. There is no doubt you will find one perfect for you.
My top pick would have to be the Vapor Edge 360. There’s no question why it ranks high amongst football players. The high-quality cleat provides superb traction and extreme flexibility to make running back and forth a breeze. Lastly, I’m a huge fan of the sleek look of the cleats and the lack of laces potentially causing a tripping risk.
