The BEST Football Cleats for Skill Positions
Football is a sport that requires speed, agility, and precision. To excel in skill positions such as wide receiver, corner, running back, safety, and quarterback, players need to have the right gear, including cleats. Cleats provide players with traction, support, and comfort, which are essential for making quick cuts, accelerating, and stopping on a dime. In this blog, we'll explore the key features of football cleats for skill positions and the top brands that offer them.
We will cover the best cleats for corners, safeties, running backs, wide receivers, and quarterbacks!
Key Features of Football Cleats for Skill Positions
Traction - Cleats with good traction are crucial for skill positions, because they allow players to make quick cuts and accelerate without slipping. Look for cleats with multidirectional studs that provide grip on both grass and turf. To make big plays you need to put a lot of force in the ground quickly and quality cleats with great traction is highly necessary.
Comfort - Skill position players need to be able to move quickly and comfortably. Cleats with good cushioning and a snug fit will reduce the risk of blisters and injuries. Playing with blisters or aching feet is definitely going to hurt your performance, so comfort is key!
Support - Football cleats should provide ample support to the ankle and foot to prevent injuries. Look for cleats with ankle support and a stiff sole that will keep your foot stable. There’s a fine line between getting light cleats with no support and heavy cleats with too much support that will slow you down.
Durability - Football is a contact sport, so cleats need to be durable enough to withstand wear and tear. Look for cleats with sturdy materials and a reputable name so you don’t have to worry about blowing your cleats during a game or practice.
Weight - Lighter cleats are ideal for skill position players, as they allow for faster movement and better agility. The lightest cleats may not always be the best, though. It’s important to weigh all the considerations and features above.
Top Brands for Football Cleats for Skill Positions
There are many brands that offer football cleats for skill positions, but it’s best to stick with the following three that can guarantee the following considerations from above.
Nike - Nike is a popular brand that offers a range of cleats for skill positions. Their cleats feature Flywire technology, which provides support and stability, as well as innovative stud designs that enhance traction. Nike Vapors are easily the best option for skill positions. There are a couple vacations of the Vapors, but definitely stick with the Vapors if you are choosing Nike. Personally, I would recommend the Nike Vapor Edge 360 Speed Cleats. The low cleats will allow for the most speed on the field. I would highly recommend these cleats if you’re looking for a solid cleat that will last a whole season.
Adidas - Adidas is another well-known brand that offers cleats for skill positions. Their cleats feature Boost technology, which provides excellent cushioning and energy return, and Sprintframe construction for added stability. Addidas offers the lightest cleats on the market with their Adizeros. Although they are the lightest, they tend to breakdown earlier because they are designed to be very light. If you’re looking for superior speed and have strong feet this could be a good option for you. Personally, these cleats hurt my feet so I switched to Nike and Under Armour. I didn’t dislike the cleats, but never went back once I changed if that tells you anything.
Under Armour - Under Armour offers a variety of cleats for skill positions that provide excellent traction and support. Their cleats feature Charged Cushioning technology, which provides responsive cushioning and energy return. Under Armour offers their Blur Smoke MC’s which are a very solid cleat. These cleats were my favorite in terms of comfort and overall performance, but my first pair blew apart after a month. If you’re willing to take the risk I’d definitely recommend these cleats.
Comparison of Top Football Cleats for Skill Positions
To help you choose the best football cleats for skill positions, we've compared the top brands based on key features:
Traction - Nike's cleats offer excellent traction on both grass and turf, thanks to their innovative stud designs. Adidas cleats also provide good traction, but they are more suited for turf fields. Under Armour cleats offer good traction, but they may not be as durable as Nike or Adidas cleats. Traction will also depend on your height and weight, but if you’re 230 pounds like me the Nike Vapors wins this category.
Comfort - All three brands offer cleats with good cushioning and a snug fit, but the Under Armour Blur Smoke MC’s take this category for sure. The Adizero’s may hurt your feet because they are so thin, and the new ghost shoelace cleat tech on the Nike Vapors makes the cleat a little stiffer.
Support - Nike’s cleats offer excellent ankle support and a stiff sole that keeps the foot stable. Adidas's Sprintframe construction also provides added stability, but their cleats may not be as supportive as Nike's. Under Armour's cleats provide good support, but they may not be as durable as Nike or Adidas cleats. The Nike Vapors sweep this category once again. If you have feet or ankle problems, I’d run the the Vapors. Keep in mind the ankle sleeve may hinder your ability to wear an ankle brace so stick with the lows.
Durability - Nike's cleats are the most durable, thanks to their sturdy materials and reinforced stitching. Adidas's cleats are also durable, but their Boost technology may wear down over time. Under Armour's cleats may not be as durable as Nike or Adidas cleats. I guess the Nike Vapors win again.
Weight - Adizeros are the lightest, and the Nike Vapors and Under Armour Blur Smoke MC’s are about the same in weight.
Price - Nike and Adidas cleats tend to be more expensive than Under Armour cleats, but they offer better overall performance and durability. But again, I loved the Under Armour Blur Smoke MC’s.
Based on these comparisons, the Nike Vapor cleats are the best option for skill position players. Their cleats offer excellent traction, comfort, support, and durability, making them a top choice for football players of all levels. While they may be more expensive than other brands, the investment is worth it for the enhanced performance they provide on the field. They also last the longest in my experiences.
When it comes to football cleats for skill positions, there are many factors to consider, including traction, comfort, support, durability, and weight. To test these cleats effectively you should make sure you workout properly on the field. More about how you should train like a Football Player on the field can be found in my article “Mastering The Game: The Top Football Drills.” And for the additional equipment you need make sure you take a peak at “The Best Football Training Equipment You Need For Success.” Nike's cleats are the best option for skill position players, as they offer a superior combination of these features. However, it's important to try on multiple brands and styles of cleats to find the right fit for your individual needs. With the right cleats, you can enhance your performance on the field and take your game to the next level. If you stick with these 3 cleats you’ll get a solid cleat regardless. Over the next couple years I’d recommend trying them all! The difference is noticeable, but like anything, you adapt. Wearing Adizeros versus Blur Smoke MC’s won’t noticeably effect your game, but there are definitely considerations to make. Also, consider that once you go to college you may have to wear their brand sponsored cleat. This is why it’s important to try other cleats! Put your choice to the test this summer at Summer Camps and Combines! Learn more about what camps and combines to go to here!
