Buying guide for best women’s soccer cleats
Planning on hitting the soccer pitch soon? Whether you have scrimmages or games on your schedule, make sure you have a good pair of cleats that will carry you through the season. Well-fitting cleats not only make gameplay more comfortable, but they make it safer, too.
Ideally, cleats should have a snug yet flexible fit that allows your foot full range of motion. They should feel as if they’re almost molded to your foot, as there should be no areas of slack or gaps. Like fit, durability is a top priority when it comes to choosing quality cleats. Signs of quality construction include reinforced stitching, well-secured cleats, and a cushioned interior. Some soccer players also invest in cleats made of water-resistant materials, such as treated uppers or rubberized toe guards, especially if they play in wet climates.
While fit and construction remain top concerns when shopping for soccer cleats, there are many other features to compare as well. In this buying guide, we introduce you to the most important ones to examine as you shop.
Key considerations
Fit
As you begin comparing styles, you’ll find that women’s soccer cleats fall into two categories when it comes to fit: women’s and unisex.
Women’s cleats are typically contoured to a woman’s foot, so the designs feature fine-tuned details like targeted arch support and narrower heels. Many women’s soccer cleats have contoured heels to provide a snug, sock-like fit to make sure they stay put during periods of intense activity.
Unisex cleats can be worn by men or women and generally have a neutral design. What sets unisex cleats apart from women’s cleats is the width. Because these cleats are also worn by men, they tend to have a wider cut around the toe box through to the heel. For that reason, many women with wider feet tend to prefer unisex cleats.
Size
Like most athletic shoes, women’s soccer cleats are available in half and full sizes between 5 and 11. For the most part, women wear the same size in cleats as they do in regular athletic shoes. Some women prefer sizing up a half or whole size if they wear thick socks or custom insoles.
When you start comparing sizes of cleats or the size information on the boxes, you’ll find more than one size listed. In addition to US sizing, you’ll often find UK, EU, and/or Japanese sizing, too.
Extended sizes: Many women who wear a shoe size smaller than 5 or 6 wear youth cleats because there aren’t small equivalents in women’s shoes. As for those who require cleats larger than a women’s size 11, it’s often recommended that you wear men’s cleats. If you fall into either of these categories, you can find the right or recommended equivalent in youth and men’s sizing based on a universal size chart. Another option is to measure the length and width of your feet to find the recommended size.
Upper materials
Leather: Top-quality women’s soccer cleats feature a breathable and flexible leather upper. Leather is also incredibly durable and has high tensile strength, so it holds up well through running, tackling, and ball handling. At worst, the leather upper — particularly the toe area — sustains scuffs that can be buffed out with shoe polish if desired.
Synthetics: Thanks to recent improvements in design and material technology, there are now many high-quality cleats that include synthetic materials. Many cleats incorporate nylon mesh panels into their designs to boost airflow and help regulate temperature. Vegan leather is often used throughout cleats as the main material. This often makes the cleats more affordable, not to mention keeps the designs as lightweight as possible.
Expert Tip
Clean your cleats after each game. Not only does this keep them looking fresh and new, but it also prevents chemicals like fertilizer and pesticide from being tracked into your home.
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Features
Studs
Materials: The vast majority of women’s cleats have dense plastic studs, some of which have a metal core. There are also some studs made of rubber, nylon, or leather, as well as aluminum. Most are molded to the midsole or outsole of the shoe, but there are some that screw on.
Types: Since soccer can be played in more than one environment, you’ll find more than one type of stud. The construction and layout vary based on the type of ground you’re playing on.
- Firm ground (FG) cleats, which are by far the most popular, are intended for playing on natural grass pitches. These tend to have conical studs.
- Soft ground (SG) cleats are worn on muddy fields, and for that reason they have longer, metal-tipped studs.
- Artificial ground (AG) cleats are used for playing on artificial grass and tend to have shorter, circular studs.
Interior
Lining: Women’s soccer cleats are lined with a synthetic blend of materials, which often includes polyester and nylon. The soft lining improves the fit of the cleats and covers seams that could otherwise rub against your feet and result in blisters or cuts.
Padding: The lining also covers padded or cushioned areas, namely around the heel and arch. Most of the padding is made with a cotton blend, however some cleats have memory foam or memory gel. Not all soccer players are sold on the foam or gel, however. They say these areas are quick to compress and therefore affect the overall fit of the shoes.
Cut
The most common cut for women’s soccer cleats is just below the ankle. There are newer styles that feature a mid-top cut just above the ankle, and some soccer players feel these offer superior ankle support. Cut is largely a personal choice, but regardless of the style you prefer, it’s important that it doesn’t obstruct the fit of your shin guards.
Colors
Soccer cleats of the past were fairly plain, and for the most part were only available in black or white. At most, they had the occasional color accents that were all but unnoticeable.
Now, women’s soccer cleats are just as fashionable as they are functional. Black and white still reign supreme as popular colors, but you’ll find that many brands have adopted vibrant accent hues in their colorways. These include neon colors, pastels, and even textured prints. There are also studs in these bold, statement-making colors, too.
Expert Tip
Make sure your laces pass through the loop on the tongue. This helps them stay in place during play and prevents the tongue from sliding down into the side of your shoe.
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Women’s soccer cleat prices
Women’s soccer cleats start at $39 and can cost as much as $200. While construction and material quality certainly affect the price, in many cases you’ll pay a premium for cleats manufactured by top brand names.
Inexpensive: Entry-level women’s soccer cleats cost $39 to $65. These are usually made with all synthetic materials, though some at the top of the range have leather uppers.
Mid-range: These cleats cost between $70 and $125. Designs in this range are usually well-made pairs from top manufacturers. They include mostly basic colorways, but there are some cleats in this range that feature trendy designs or colors.
Expensive: The most expensive women’s soccer cleats cost $125 to $200. These are made with premium materials, and depending on the manufacturer, patented performance technology. If you’re looking for a bold colorway, you’ll definitely find it in this bracket.
Expert Tip
If possible, change out of your cleats into slides or other athletic footwear before leaving the pitch. This prevents unnecessary wear and tear on the studs. Sidewalks, tarmac, and other hard surfaces can shred the plastic or rubber coating on the studs.
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Tips
- Air out your cleats. Feet sweat quite a lot in soccer cleats, so it’s important to let them air out in a well-ventilated area after each game or practice.
- Try on more than one size. If one pair feels a bit snug or too loose, try half a size up or down. If you find the cleats are a bit narrow, you might want to consider a pair in a wide width.
- Wear your soccer socks when trying on cleats. To make sure you’re getting a pair of cleats that fit properly, make sure you try them on with the socks you wear when playing. Most regular socks are far too thin to help you accurately judge the fit.
FAQ
Q. How long do women’s soccer cleats last?
A. The average pair lasts approximately five to six months of continuous game use. As expected, most wearers replace their cleats every season. Some players opt to buy two pairs of cleats to extend their wear time: a pair for practice and a pair for games. It goes without saying that if cleats sustain major wear and tear that affects the fit, they must be replaced immediately for safety reasons.
Q. Does it matter how I lace up my cleats?
A. There are countless lace configurations, and the way you lace up your cleats changes the way they fit. Certain lacing styles add more room to the toe box, while others add arch support. Some players wear extra-long laces to wrap them entirely around the cleats as well. Not only does this configuration prevent laces from loosening or becoming undone, it also adds superior arch and instep support.
Q. Can I wear football cleats instead of soccer cleats?
A. No, you can’t. No matter which league you play in, intramural or professional, your cleats must meet safety and footwear regulations. Referees also check each players’ cleats prior to the game and won’t allow you to participate unless you’re wearing soccer cleats.
