The Best Soccer Cleats for Defenders: A Top 8 List
Like sentinels guarding their fortress, soccer defenders are the warden of their team. If you have been entrusted with this responsibility, you will need the best cleats for soccer defenders.
The best soccer cleats for defenders should have a good fit that is comfortable to wear, have a good grip for better control over your movement, and be durable to withstand the game’s aggression. You can go for Adidas Men’s Copa 20.4 or Nike Men’s Hi-Top.
However, there are more options that you may want to check. Let’s have a closer look at the top 8 soccer cleats for defenders:
1. Adidas Men’s Copa 20.4 Firm Ground Soccer Shoe
Adidas Men’s Copa 20.4 is undoubtedly one of the best soccer cleats for defenders because of its well-structured design and modern look. The synthetic leather upper is also quite durable and ready to face all the challenges with the defender.
Product Specs:
- Manufacturer: Adidas
- Available sizes: 5-13
- Available colors: 5
- Sole material: Synthetic
- Shaft height: 6-12 inches
- Shaft circumference: 0-3 inches
Pros:
- The perfect structure of the cleats fits well
- The synthetic material and lightweight make it comfortable to wear
- The material is quite durable, even in a rainy season
- The exterior is quite easy to clean
Cons:
- The regular fit seems a little bit smaller compared to the US standard
2. Nike Men’s Hi-Top Trainers Sneaker, 40 Eu
If you have been looking for rubber sole cleats, then you can get Nike Men’s Hi–Top Trainers Sneaker. The stylish look easily grabs attention, and the overall build is great for defenders.
Product Specs:
- Manufacturer: Nike
- Available sizes: 7.5-12
- Available colors: 4
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Synthetic
Pros:
- The unique stud pattern makes the grip perfect to play in a defending position
- A well-designed structure fits perfectly to the different foot shape
- Muds don’t stick easily on the rubber material, which keeps it clean
Cons:
- Some people received the wrong size
3. New Balance Men’s 442 V2 Team Fg Soccer Shoe
If you are looking for the best soccer cleats for wide feet, then you should go for the New Balance Men’s 442 V2 Team Fg Soccer Shoe. While you may find Adidas and Nike narrow for your feet, New Balance gives you the choice to select wider sizes.
Product Specs:
- Manufacturer: New Balance
- Available sizes: 6.5-13.5
- Available colors: 5
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Leather
Pros:
- High-quality material ensures that it doesn’t smell even after a long usage
- Different sizes are available for wide feet, ensuring a perfect fit for everyone
- A sturdy build ensures maximum durability even for aggressive use
Cons:
- Wider than normal shoes but not too wide that you may expect
4.Adidas Unisex-Adult X Crazyfast.3 Firm Ground Closeout Sneaker
Adidas Unisex-Adult X Crazyfast.3 can be an excellent choice for both men’s and women’s defenders. These cleats have different structures for men and women and come with a cool-looking design.
Product Specs:
- Manufacturer: Adidas
- Available sizes: 4-14.5
- Available colors: 5
- Sole material: Synthetic rubber
- Outer material: Synthetic
Pros:
- The lightweight design makes them comfortable to wear
- Separate designs for men and women ensure a perfect fit
- Aggressive studs are great for turning into a defensive position
Cons:
- These are not water-resistant
5. Adidas Men’s Copa Mundial Soccer Shoe
Adidas Men’s Copa Mundial Soccer Shoe comes with a classic black and white design. If you want a leather forefoot design and do not like modern-looking shoes, then these pairs can be the best defender cleats for you.
Product Specs:
- Manufacturer: Adidas
- Available sizes: 4-13.5
- Available colors: 1
- Sole material: Synthetic
Pros:
- Soft cleats give you a comfortable feel
- Makes good contact with the ball to have better control
- Well-structured studs ensure excellent grip on various grass types
Cons:
- It soaks water and can feel heavy on a rainy day
6.Adidas Predator 18.3 Fg Soccer Shoe for Men
Another good cleat for defenders from the Adidas brand. The Adidas Predator 18.3 is made with premium quality material but comes with an affordable price. While other cleats from Adidas have synthetic soles, this one comes with rubber soles.
Product Specs:
- Manufacturer: Adidas
- Available sizes: 10-13
- Available colors: 2
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Rubber
Pros:
- Aggressive stud patterns ensure excellent traction
- Fabric replaces the tongue to make it easier to put on
- The use of high-quality material makes the cleats extremely durable
Cons:
- The instep is narrow and can feel tighter on wide feet
7. PUMA Men’s Ultra Play Firm Artificial Ground Sneaker
A modern-looking design with a performance-centric build makes Puma Men’s Ultra Play one of the best soccer cleats for defenders. Not to mention, it is the only soccer cleat in this list that has polyurethane outer material.
Product Specs:
- Manufacturer: Puma
- Available sizes: 5.5-13
- Available colors: 8
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Polyurethane
Pros:
- Has excellent grip on artificial grass
- Made of sturdy materials that make the cleats extremely durable
- Various color option makes the cleats look good and aesthetic
Cons:
- Not good soccer cleats for wide feet
8. Puma Unisex-Child Tacto Ii Fg/Ag Junior Football Shoe
If you have been looking for the best defender cleats for your kid, then Puma Unisex Tacto can be your best choice. It has a cool-looking design with superb traction that helps soccer defenders.
Product Specs:
- Manufacturer: Puma
- Available sizes: 1-13
- Available colors: 4
- Sole material: Rubber
Pros:
- Good quality rubber material that is superb for playing on a muddy field
- Well-engineered studs make fantastic grip & traction on all surface
Cons:
- The sizes are smaller than standard, and you will need to order larger sizes to ensure fit
Final Verdict!
Lastly, all of these options are the best soccer cleats for defenders. However, Adidas Men’s Copa 20.4 is my overall favorite option. But if you have wide feet, then I would recommend you purchase the New Balance Men’s 442 V2. Nonetheless, you can go for any of these options as they all have excellent quality and are perfect for soccer defenders.