5 Best Firm Ground Soccer Cleats in 2023
Best knit upper.
Our entire selection process includes
Classic soccer cleats, also known as Firm Ground or molded cleats, are the most common style of cleats. They generally come with non-removable conical or bladed studs that dig into the ground. They provide traction, mobility, and stability on most firm natural grass soccer fields.
The soccer cleats market is actually saturated with a firm ground style of shoes. This is understandable as the boot offers more versatility and the fact that most of us players are playing the game on natural grass pitches and firm surfaces.
With tons of options out there, it would be a little difficult for some to pick out the right one. That’s exactly why we are here. We’ve rounded up firm-ground soccer cleats. We’ve reviewed each one of them and put them through loads of tests. After the excruciating process, we featured the top performers, which you can check out in this article.
Best firm ground soccer cleats overall
Best knit upper
88
Great!
What makes it the best?
If you take soccer seriously, then the Best knit upper is the right one for you. Being one of the most prized offerings from Nike, this soccer cleat is full of features that deliver undeniable performance benefits. Running across the pitch has never been this nice and smooth.
Pros
- We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us
- Truly a bang for the buck
- Barefoot-like touch on the ball
- Comfortably supportive
- Good one-to-one fit
- Accommodating structure
- Super light
- Akshay Kumar Malhotra
Cons
- A bit too pricey
- Too similar to the previous version
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
Nike
$213
Amazon
Free shipping
$351
Zappos
Running Warehouse
Best premium firm ground soccer cleats
Reliable multidirectional traction
84
Great!
What makes it the best?
Like the ones before it, the Reliable multidirectional traction hardly pleases soccer players with its clever innovations and advanced techs. It's quite pricey as an Elite model, but it delivers on aspects that matter the most when it comes to performance on the pitch. If you are serious about soccer, this cleat won't be a disappointment.
Pros
- Aug 2, 2023
- Truly a bang for the buck
- Reliable multidirectional traction
- Comfortable upper
- Conforming leather upper
- Slightly wider structure
- Incredibly lightweight
- Best indoor soccer shoes
Cons
- Too expensive
- No significant performance uptick
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
Nike
$275
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Best firm ground soccer cleats with knit uppers
Reliable multidirectional traction
86
Great!
What makes it the best?
As an elite model, the Gripknit Phantom GX Elite Firm Ground can really cost a lot. Fortunately, it delivers a lot as well. Soccer clears will not be left wanting more when it comes to performance. You can think of this as an investment, and you can expect big returns with every use.
Pros
- Amazing grip on firm grounds
- Incredible ball touch
- Shoe is of high quality
- Endures various weather conditions
- Very nice feel underfoot
- Conforming leather upper
- Nike Gripknit Phantom GX Elite FG
- Best for beginners
- Slightly wider structure
Cons
- Ready for all weather conditions
- Quite expensive
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
Nike
$250
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Best firm ground soccer cleats with leather uppers
Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Elite FG
80
Good!
What makes it the best?
The Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Elite FG is surrounded by so much hype, and it's for very good reasons. It is conservative enough, which satisfies Nike Tiempo fans but daring enough to attract skeptical new buyers/players. It boasts a true leather shoe feel, which was sorely missed in the Tiempo Legend 8. Its upper is also textured, which enhances ball friction. The fact that this shoe sports a modern look is already the icing on the cake.
Pros
- Nike Gripknit Phantom GX Elite FG
- Nice traction
- Conforming leather upper
- Comfort that's immediately felt
- Sturdy and protective materials
- Supportive fit
- Slightly wider structure
- Light
- Modern aesthetics
Cons
- Hard to put on
- Stud pressure
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
Nike
$196
Amazon
Free shipping
$200
Zappos
Running Warehouse
Best firm ground soccer cleats for beginners
Best indoor soccer shoes
83
Good!
What makes it the best?
Given its price, performance capacities, and resistance to abrasion, we can say that the Best indoor soccer shoes suits even those who are just starting to learn soccer. The shoe is able to withstand the expected messiness and extra pressure that a new player may put on it. If this cleat works for someone who is just stumbling and second-guessing their every move, you can just imagine the power that it lends to someone with better skills.
Pros
- Surprisingly nice quality
- Fits true to size
- Truly a bang for the buck
- Breathable knit upper
- Endures various weather conditions
- Quite attractive to look at
- Truly a bang for the buck
Cons
- Best knit upper
- Not for players with wide feet
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$56
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Comparison of the 5 best firm ground soccer cleats
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How we test firm ground soccer cleats
To categorize the good, the great, and the truly superb, we have put in hours of testing and micro-level analysis. Our data-driven approach allows us to maintain our objectivity and provide our readers with valuable information when buying a new pair of FG soccer shoes.
Our entire selection process includes:
- Purchasing firm ground soccer cleats for testing using our own money. This ensures our freedom from bias or brand influence.
- Giving each model the same level of attention when it comes to lab analysis, checking and rechecking the various parameters of the shoes such as materials used, the durability of the studs, outsole construction, and many more. Inside our lab, we also slice the shoes into pieces to give us more information about the techs and components that are inside.
- Playing actual games of soccer on firm ground pitches to get a real sense of its fit, traction, ball control, and shooting performance. We spend an unbelievable amount of time in each of the shoes to assure that our observations are well-founded.
