How Should Soccer Cleats Fit?

In a soccer match, players need to change directions and move from a stationary position to a sprint in seconds.

A snug, comfortable pair of soccer cleats can facilitate those actions and improve a player’s accuracy on the field. Read on to find the best-fitting soccer cleats to up your play on the pitch.

Generally speaking, a soccer cleat will fit true to regular shoe size. That said, some players (especially elite-level athletes) prefer their boots to fit much more snug than, say, a pair of running shoes.

This is because elite-level athletes tend to prefer a more sensitive touch on the ball. They may choose a half or full size below their normal size. (Note: This can be uncomfortable at first.) For recreational or amateur players, sizing down may not be necessary. Players should select a size that feels comfortable on their feet.

Nike soccer cleats are primarily made from synthetic material, which is supple and soft and provides some room to stretch. However, they’re also designed to be ready to wear as soon as they’re taken out of the box, and they don’t require a lengthy break-in time.

In general, choose a fit that feels right when you’re trying them on (as opposed to guessing how they might feel in a few months). When trying on new cleats, wear the socks that you plan to play in.

A well-fitting soccer cleat should have:

• No movement in the heel
• Roughly the width of a thumb between the big toe and the edge of the cleat

(Related: Follow These Podiatrist-Approved Tips to Find Sneakers That Fit)

All Nike soccer cleats are designed to be worn by every position on the soccer field. There isn’t one cleat that’s best for defenders or a cleat that’s best for strikers.

Rather, the three iconic Nike soccer-cleat styles — Nike Mercurial, Nike Phantom and Nike Tiempo — were designed for a certain style of play, each with its own unique set of features and benefits. Here’s a quick overview:

Key features: ultra lightweight, grippy surface texture for precise ball touches; tightly wraps around the foot

Best for: players who prioritize fast, explosive movement on and off the ball and prefer a narrow fit down the sides of the cleat

Key features: raised patterning on the surface for extra grip on the ball and off-center lacing style for precise passing and shooting

Best for: players who never want to risk missing a pass

Key features: soft, premium leather and special cushioning for maximum comfort

Best for: players who perform best when they’re feeling supported on the pitch

The life of a pair of soccer cleats depends on many factors, including how often you wear them. Nike soccer cleats are designed to be sturdy and durable. They’re meant to last at least a season, but they’ll likely last longer if you properly care for them.

One way to be sure you’re taking care of your cleats is to wear them on the surface for which they were designed.

Tip: Keep a pair of slides or slip-on sneakers handy to easily change into before exiting the field.

(Related: How to Clean Soccer Cleats)

A few key indicators might mean it’s time to invest in a new pair of soccer cleats. These include:

• Delamination (when the two surfaces on the outsole of the cleat — which are normally glued together — begin to separate)
• Worn-down studs on the outsole
• Holes or patches in the ankle-cuff area (particularly if the cleat has a high ankle)

Words by Julia Sullivan