Breaking Down Cleat Tiers
By WeGotSoccer
When purchasing cleats, one of the most common questions we hear is, “How do I know which level is right for me?”
While the answer varies, we put this guide together to provide some clarity about the tiers of cleats that exist within the primary brands that we offer, including Nike, adidas and Puma.
Nike
The Nike cleats that we carry fall into four categories: Elite, Pro, Academy and Club.
Elite cleats are worn by the biggest stars in the game and include the most advanced features and materials. For example, Nike’s Vaporposite+ and Gripknit systems provide supreme touch on the ball in any weather, while FlyKnit technology provides a comfortable and supportive fit. These cleats are priced the highest and tend to appeal to more serious players. Price range: $230-$295
Pro level footwear is widely considered to be the best balance of technology and price. Nike still utilizes FlyKnit and ACC at this level, although the latter is only located on the synthetic sections of the cleat. Cleats at this level are an extremely attractive option for a wider selection of players, from casuals to those more competitive. Price range: $120-$160
Academy boots provide semi-casual to casual players a solid choice that typically is more durable than Elite and Pro boots. The reason? Elite and Pro boots are designed to give players maximum performance at the expense of longevity. With Academy footwear, materials may be slightly heavier and more cost-effective while maintaining a high degree of comfort. FlyKnit and ACC are absent at this level. Price range: $60–$90
Club level cleats are available at WeGotSoccer in youth sizes and are built for younger players or beginners with basic synthetic leather. Price range: $30-$55
adidas
Similar to Nike, adidas cleats are broken out into the tiers +, .1, .2, .3 and .4.
+ footwear is adidas’ premier grouping with the latest and greatest tech and components. These cleats are generally always laceless to provide a clean surface for better strikes and touches on the ball. A Primeknit fabric upper and liner combination keeps the foot in place. Price range: $275-$300
.1 cleats are essentially the same as the tier above, but with laces. The features on the external of the shoe are identical to the + models, however there is no liner due to the addition of laces. Price range: $225-$250
.2 models is the level at which some tech features are left out, however the boots still rank highly in comfort and durability. Primeknit elements are replaced by Primemesh, a comparable but slightly lower quality material. Price range: $100-$130
.3 level boots, much like Nike Club ones, are the most affordable and appealing to younger players or those just getting into the game. These cleats are stripped down in terms of top-of-the-line technology and are built using thicker synthetics. Price range: $60-$100
Puma
Featured in newer packs, Puma has updated their tier system with their cleats, which now come in four categories: Ultimate, Pro, Match, and Play.
Ultimate represent Puma’s best cleats, packed with a ton of enhanced engineering at a considerably lower price point than competitors.
New in 2022 is the Ultra Ultimate — available in both men’s and women’s styles. This cleat boasts a woven Ultraweave upper to keep it lightweight, and a two-part system of PWRPrint and PWRTape provide stability and structure throughout the shoe. Price: $220
Lining up alongside the fresh Ultra Ultimate is the new Future Ultimate, created with upgraded FUZIONFIT360 and PWRTAPE technology to provide a supportive and adaptive mold to your foot. Creator zones across the front of the foot include 3D textured grip for improved driving of the ball. Dynamic Motion System outsole provides traction and agility to promote dynamic movement while stabilizing the foot. Price: $220
The Pro tier, featuring both Future and Ultra, offers excellent options for players who want a balance of affordability and performance. These cleats have optimized fit and grip features, as well as advanced zones across the upper for improved dribbling and touch. Price: $140
Match cleats offer a balance of comfort and durability, without some of the advanced tech features. Upper technology gets replaced with a lightweight mesh and is reinforced with a thin layer of GripControl skin to provide control of the ball. Price Range: $90-$100
Play tier cleats are meant for young players or beginners. They are created with soft, lasting materials at an economic price, however multiple features across the upper and the soleplate have been eliminated. Despite the drop off in the element quality, they remain relatively lightweight. Price: $55
Feel like a cleat expert yet? When you’re ready to make your next informed purchase, be sure to check out the wide range that WeGotSoccer has to offer, from Nike, adidas and Puma to New Balance and Unozero!
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