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Just like a butcher can’t work without a proper knife, a soccer player can’t perform their job without the right tools for it.
One of the basic tools of soccer trade are soccer cleats. Depending on the player’s budget, the choices of soccer cleats can be endless.
With hundreds of models on the market, it is extremely difficult to make the right choice when it comes to buying new soccer cleats.
If you’re looking for a pair that costs under $100, read through the list below carefully; we’ve cut down those choices to the 10 best ones:
Best Overall Soccer Cleats Under $100 in 2021
After testing dozens of models, there’s one set of soccer cleats that stands out from the crowd of its peers. Here are the soccer cleats that we found to offer the best balance between performance and price:
Adidas 11Nova TRX FG Soccer Cleats
Available on Amazon, Adidas 11Nova TRX FG is a set of soccer cleats that have earned the title of the best overall soccer cleats under $100 with its impressive build, comprehensive technology, and exemplary performance. Here’s our review of one of the most popular soccer cleats available:
The Adidas Men’s 11Nova TRX FG soccer cleats are made using 100% leather for the upper, while synthetic materials are used for the sole of the shoe.
These two elements provide a sense of durability and quality, despite the price of the product. The heel section of these cleats is lined with synthetic leather that provides comfort and then covered with a mesh layer that ensures protection.
For even more protection and comfort, both the front and the heel area are padded, which enables the player to run and kick the ball for hours at a time with no discomfort.
The bottom of these soccer cleats utilizes Adidas’ Energypulse technology that applies a high-elasticity forefoot element that increases the overall energy output.
Adidas 11Nova TRX comes with the signature FG stud configuration that is there to ensure maximum grip and acceleration.
At least this is what the manufacturer has to say about this model. Here’s what we found during testing:
Some soccer cleats just feel right the moment you lay your eyes on them. This is the case with Adidas 11Nova TRX FG: The materials used feel premium and built to last, supporting the manufacturer’s claims.
The upper is made using full-grain leather, which is flexible and durable; just what you’re after in a pair of good soccer cleats. The insole appeared comfortable at first glance, while the rubber outsole supported the whole durability theme of these cleats.
On the field, these soccer cleats kept racking up positive points. They feel light, offer plenty of grips, and the ball seems to stick to them with no issues.
The protection pads do their jobs brilliantly, cushioning the impacts from running as well as transferring and absorbing the kicks with no issues.
The Adidas 11Nova TRX FG feels like they’ve been built with quick soccer players in mind; the cleats are excellent for sprints and they don’t allow you to lose traction for a second.
Adidas Men’s 11Nova TRX FG soccer cleats also impressed us with the offer of color options; there are three of them (running white, black, High Energy), which should be more than enough for every soccer player to find their favorite.
The only setback with these soccer cleats is the fact that they are rarely available in sizes other than size 12.
If you’re looking for a pair of soccer cleats that offer excellent performance, are reasonably priced, and can last for multiple seasons, the 11Nova TRX FG from Adidas is your safest and best option.
10 Best Soccer Cleats Under $100 in 2021
Even though we’ve spoiled the entire article by pronouncing the best overall soccer cleats under $100, we must consider the fact that they might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
This is why we’ve done extensive research to find the 10 best soccer cleats under $100 that you can buy in 2021. Here’s the list:
10. Puma Spirit III Firm Ground Soccer Cleats
Looking for a pair of modern-looking soccer cleats that are priced under $100? Puma Spirit III FG, which you can check out on Amazon by clicking on the link, might be your next pair.
These soccer cleats are stylish, comfortable, and durable, which are just some of the reasons why they are on this list. Here are our impressions of the Puma Spirit III Firm Ground soccer shoes:
These soccer cleats are characterized by a lightweight feel and a soft synthetic upper; both of those characteristics contribute to the overall comfort that the Puma Spirit brings as its main quality.
When you first get these shoes out of the box, you can’t help but wonder how durable they’ll be. This shouldn’t be a problem, as the upper is designed with prolonged use in mind, and the outsole is made of TPU material that increases the longevity of the product.
On the field, Puma Spirit III FG confirms our initial comfortability impression; the shoes feel light yet comfortable. The TPU outsole with conical studs provides amazing traction on firm ground.
When used on a softer surface, such as real grass in the rain, there is a notable decline in the grip and traction department. The ball is easily controllable in these cleats, and the power transfer, while being nothing to write home about, is optimal.
Available in four different color options, Puma Spirit III FG can also be a fashion statement on the field. The modern design guarantees that these soccer cleats will retain their desirability factor through the next decade, while the build quality ensures that you can use them for multiple seasons.
The one negative side of these shoes is the sizing; make sure to order a size bigger than you need.
9. Nike Mercurial Vapor 13 Academy MDS Multi-Ground Soccer Cleats
Easily ordered from Amazon, Nike Mercurial Vapor 13 Academy MDS MG are soccer cleats that have been created with a modern soccer player in mind.
This is seen in both their aesthetic design and the Multi-Ground build that accounts for virtually any surface. Here are our thoughts on these soccer cleats:
When first taken out of the box, the thing that jumps out about this model is the design; even though it isn’t flashy as the previously listed model, Nike Mercurial Vapor 13 left us with the first impression of a modern shoe that is built to last.
The entire shoe is made of soft synthetic material and covered with a lining whose aim is to make the shoe feel like an extension of your leg. In order to improve durability, Nike incorporated a higher player overlap on the toe.
Nike Mercurial Vapor 13 Academy MDS MG is a set of soccer cleats that are meant to bring out the best in every player. These shoes are perfect for artificial surfaces, while they also shine on short-grassed ones.
When it comes to playing, the model offers a textured surface that brings excellent touch and feels for the ball, while the Nike Aerotrak zone inf the forefoot takes care of traction; both on natural and artificial surfaces.
This model is only available in blue, but the design is modern yet timeless, which ensures that the majority of soccer players like it.
Nike Mercurial Vapor 13 fits great, offers amazing comfort, speed, and control, and is set at a reasonable price; more than enough to earn it a spot on our list of the best soccer cleats under $100.
8. Lotto Maestro 700 FG Soccer Cleats
Another Amazon-available product, Lotto Maestro 700 FG is soccer cleats aimed at soccer players who prefer the traditional look and feel in their shoes.
This also means that older technologies are used in making these soccer cleats, which also brings the price down. Read on to find out what we thought of this model after testing it:
Lotto Maestro 700 FG feels like an old-school soccer shoe that we all used to wear during the mid-90s, but with added cleats. This, however, is not a bad thing:
In addition to being a nostalgic reminder of our childhood, this model also reminds us why so many professional soccer players prefer the traditional design.
This type of soccer cleats is built to perform decently and to last a long time. The entire shoe feels solid, while the synthetic exterior provides an added sense of quality and durability, leaving not much to be expected in terms of comfort.
However, when taken to the field, Lotto Maestro proved us wrong. The cleats were surprisingly comfy, probably due to the soft-padded tongue and the insole that is insanely plush.
Due to the asymmetric lacing patterns, the shoes feel like they are glued to your feet, with no movement throughout an entire practice session or a game.
The five conical studs that are on the bottom of the shoe provide enough grip, balance, and flexibility to make this model one of our favorites among dozens of tested ones.
While not winning any design awards, Lotto Maestro 700 FG is a pair of soccer cleats that can last for years while performing more than decently.
At this price point, there’s nothing more we can ask. Keep in mind that they are not as light as some of the more modern-designed soccer cleats.
7. Adidas Goletto VII FG Soccer Cleats
Adidas Goletto VII FG soccer cleats are another traditional set of sports shoes, and you can order them on Amazon right now.
These soccer cleats are designed for beginner and amateur soccer players who spend most of their playtime on dry, natural surfaces. Here’s what we thought of these shoes:
Our first out-of-the-box impression of the Adidas Goletto was not excellent; the shoes are 100% synthetic, but, this time around, the shoes didn’t feel as solid as some other models on this list.
However, we then remembered the price as well as the intended user base of this model, which brought our initial impression to a positive side.
On the field, the model felt a little on the firm side, but that might be just personal preference. When it came to ball control and grip, Adidas Goletto VII FG changed our first impressions once again; the touch was excellent, and the shoe grip to the ground like a much more expensive model, allowing the player to make sudden pace and direction changes without losing traction.
However, once used on wet grass, all of this went out the window; the cleats lacked grip and we were once again reminded of their purpose and price.
Adidas Goletto VII FG is an excellent set of cleats for any beginner or amateur soccer player. If you’re looking to buy your kid their first pair of cleats, this would be the perfect fit, as it offers an amazing balance between price and performance. However, if you’re a more serious soccer player, check out any of the other models on this list.
6. New Balance 442 Team Firm Ground V1 Soccer Cleats
Available through our Amazon link, New Balance 442 Team FG V1 is another traditionally-designed set of soccer cleats, but this time with a modern twist in terms of the technologies applied to the model.
Those technologies include the materials used in the build, as well as the shape optimization for increased performance. Here’s what our extensive testing of this model concluded:
New Balance 442 is an impressive shoe for the price: The model is built using 100% leather for the upper, while the sole is made of rubber.
This left us feeling like we were holding a much more expensive product. The durability is apparent at first sight, while the additional leather padding on the toe box adds to that and makes the shoes much safer for defenders and midfielders than any other competitor’s product.
On the field, the New Balance 442 kept being impressive: The elevated heel is there to provide additional comfort for the flat-footed players, which is an impressive feature.
Additionally, the Ortholite sock liner that comes with the shoes increases the comfort even further. The leather surface of the shoes does, however, impair the player’s feel for the ball, but its redeeming quality is the fact that all of the shocks are significantly damped.
New Balance 442 Team FG V1 comes in five different colors. Another great quality of these shoes is the fact that you can choose between a wide and a regular size; an excellent bonus for soccer players who struggle with the tightness issue in modern cleats.
5. Under Armour CF Force 3.0 Firm Ground Soccer Cleats
Under Armour CF Force 3.0 FG, available through the Amazon link, are modern and eye-catching soccer cleats built with versatility in mind.
These cleats are all-arounder; you can use them in games and in practice, regardless of your position on the field. Here’s a brief overview of this model, derived from the short time we had to spend with it:
These are professional-level soccer cleats, and you can tell that from the moment you get them out of the box.
A high-quality synthetic upper is there to ensure that the shoes remain light, flexible, and durable, while the bottom of the Under Armour CF Force 3.0 FG has a TPU outsole with conical studs for better grip.
What separates this model from the rest of the list are the forefoot studs that are positioned in a different way than usual. Let’s see how these shoes perform on the field:
Under Armour CF Force 3.0 confirmed our first impression when we took it out to the field: These soccer cleats are made for professional soccer players, or demanding amateurs.
The comfort is outstanding, thanks to the Performance Trivela microfiber upper and the die-cut sock liner. Under Armour’s ClutchFit technology makes sure that the player retains excellent touch for the ball in all conditions.
When used on real, dry grass, the UA CF Force 3.0 FG offers plenty of grips, which, combined with the anti-slip material on the heel doesn’t allow for any unpredicted movement or loss of traction.
Another technology used in these soccer cleats is called Charged Cushioning: This element absorbs impacts and helps with the player’s responsiveness.
Under Armour CF Force 3.0 FG is an excellent choice for players who want modern-looking, technology-packed soccer cleats. Players with wider feet won’t like this model, however, as it’s tighter than the usual cleats.
4. Nike Legend 8 Club Firm/Multi-Ground Soccer Cleats
Nike Legend 8 Club FG/MG soccer cleats are another set of cleats aimed at professional soccer players, set at an affordable price, and available from our Amazon link.
The pricing comes from the fact that this is an older version that has been overtaken by the much more expensive Flyknit series. Here’s our short review of the Nike Legend 8 Club model:
The first encounter with these soccer cleats is a positive experience: Even though synthetic leather is used in their construction, the shoes feel like a product that can last for years.
The diamond texture on the upper makes them look modern and futuristic, even though the model is a few years old. Super soft-feeling, these soccer cleats feel a little too tight when you first put them on, but this is an issue that goes away after the first wear or two.
On the field, Nike Legend 8 performs admirably. While running, you never get the feeling that you might lose a shoe, which can happen at this price point.
Every touch of the ball in these cleats feels soft, ball control is not an issue, and the traction is amazing on short grass and artificial surfaces.
When the surface becomes mushier after rain, these shoes still perform decently, but they did not impress us in any way.
The Nike Legend 8 Club FG/MG model comes in a single signature color, which might be considered as a negative by some players.
Other than that, and the initial sense of tightness, there’s nothing else we can hold against these soccer cleats, which is how they got one of the top spots on this list.
3. Adidas Nemeziz 19.4 Flexible Ground Soccer Cleats
In addition to the Firm and Multi ground options, some manufacturers also produce Flexible ground models.
Flexible Ground models can be used on all-natural and artificial surfaces, regardless of the weather conditions. One of those is Adidas with their Nemeziz 19.4 model, which you can order by clicking on the Amazon link.
Here’s what we found out about these soccer cleats during our extensive testing:
The first thing when you get the Adidas Nemeziz 19.4 out of the box is just how great the shoes look. Simple, modern, and elegant, this design reminds us of much more expensive models from Adidas.
Another thing that catches the eye is the centrally positioned lacing system, which is not common in modern soccer cleats.
Being positioned in the middle, this lacing system allows players to personalize and endlessly adjust the way Nemeziz 19.4 fits. The construction of the shoes is 100% synthetic, which is expected at this price level.
When used in play, Adidas Nemeziz 19.4 exceeded our already high expectations. The shoes remained comfortable and barely noticeable through hours of play, the ball was easy to control thanks to the embossing featured in the upper, and the kicks were easy due to the flexibility of these soccer cleats.
The outsole and the studs attached to the bottom of Adidas Nemeziz 19.4 ensured that we didn’t go sliding around the field unless we wanted to. Even in rain, the model held its own, proving that the Flexible Ground stamp was there for a reason.
If you’re after a pair of great-looking, budget-friendly soccer cleats that can perform well in all conditions, look no further than Adidas Nemezis 19.4 Flexible Ground.
This model would easily be the first on this list if it wasn’t for one thing – the sizing is around half a size smaller than regular when it comes to the width.
2. Puma Future 4.3 Netfit Firm/Artificial Ground Soccer Cleats
For those who are after a pair of soccer cleats designed for artificial pitches, Puma Future 4.3 Netfit FG/AG soccer cleats are available on Amazon.
These cleats are innovative, modern, and, most importantly, extremely affordable. Here’s what we learned during our time with this model:
Puma’s Netfit technology is what makes these cleats look great, and this is the first thing we noticed about the Future 4.3 model.
The shoe is built from fabric and synthetic materials, with a rubber sole. While great-looking, this model doesn’t seem as durable as some other leather and purely synthetic ones on this list.
There’s a knitted built-in sock that fits around the player’s ankle, which makes the shoe safer and more comfortable.
When put through its paces on the field Puma Future 4.3 Netfit showed us just how good cheap soccer cleats have gotten: Even though it seemed flimsy at first glance, the Netfit construction ensures an excellent feel for the ball, with no signs of giving up after months of use.
The unique lacing pattern is there to ensure that every foot sits comfortably in these cleats. We were thoroughly impressed by these shoes, both on firm natural ground and on AstroTurf.
There are three color options for the Puma Future 4.3 Netfit model, from subtle black to flashy neon yellow, which is a huge plus. Don’t expect these cleats to be any good in the rain; they are not waterproof. The good thing is, the Netfit material dries quickly.
1. Adidas 11Nova TRX Firm Ground Soccer Cleats
Here we are once again, with the best soccer cleats under $100 that you can get. By clicking on the Amazon link, you can get the Adidas 11Nova TRX FG shoes right now, and not think about new soccer cleats for several seasons.
Here’s what we liked and didn’t like about these soccer cleats:
Leather top construction is something you don’t find at this price point; manufacturers are trying to cut costs, and weight, by using synthetic materials.
With this model, that isn’t the case: Adidas 11Nova TRX FG uses leather for the upper, while the sole is made of rubber. The leather section of the cleats is flexible and long-lasting, which is one of the main reasons why this model is our primary recommendation for those looking for cheaper soccer cleats.
Adidas 11Nova TRX FG’s leather construction means that the shoes can even be used in rain, with your feet remaining dry. The model is built to last, as well as to perform.
You can expect no major losses in traction when playing in wet conditions, while on a dry field, every second of game or practice time will be a joy.
The full-grain leather offers excellent touch, and the ball seems to stick to the shoes in all conditions. For passing and kicking, the blows are nicely cushioned and basically unnoticeable.
While we found Adidas 11Nova TRX to be the best choice among hundreds of reasonably priced soccer cleats, any of the 10 options listed above might be the right choice for you.
We hope that the short reviews from this list helped you pick your new soccer cleats.