Most Popular Soccer Shoes of 2023

Key Points

• Sportswear brands apply their signature technologies to shoes to support player capabilities.

• Specific soccer shoes are designed to enhance player's performance based on their unique field positions.

• The best soccer shoes strike a balance between style and performance.

Fashion's obsession with soccer is a complex dynamic that continues to evolve each year. With how readily the US has embraced the sport, it seems everyone is a footy fan. The world of soccer is ever-changing, with wares moving from pitch to runway to fashion influencers at breakneck speed.

While passionate soccer fanatics want to look good running the flanks, enhancing performance remains the top priority. Players seek out shoes that combine support, mobility, style, and fit. Staff Writer at ACTIVE Cory Kessler explains, "Because soccer is played with your feet, you have to balance control of the ball with support and comfort. The best-fitting soccer cleats will have a snug fit that leaves little to no room between your foot and the ball." 

For those new to the sport, shopping for the right shoes can be challenging. Even seasoned shoppers and soccer enthusiasts find new features and technologies difficult to understand. 

Simplify your search for the perfect pair. Explore the top soccer shoes of 2023 that take both style and performance into consideration. 

Furon V7 Destroy Fg Soccer Shoe

$78.44

by New Balance 

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

02/18/2024 02:40 am GMT

New Balance Furon v7 Pro FG

Although New Balance is still a newcomer to the soccer world, the brand continues to solidify its place among other footwear giants. New Balance strikes a chord with runners, basketball players, and streetwear fanatics, continually churning out models each goes wild for, like their NB550 collaboration with Aime Leon Dore. It was only a matter of time before New Balance turned its attention toward soccer. The Furon v7 Pro FG model finds its place among the competition with its streamlined fit and sturdy construction.

© Sneaker Guru Testing Lab.

Features

The shoe features a lightweight Hypoknit upper that promotes both comfort and maneuverability. A quick look at the vamp area reveals a distinct side lacing system offering a stylishly snug fit. One standout feature of the Furon v7 Pro FG is its signature soleplate. Its unique stud configuration leads to improved traction and prolonged stability.  

Best Fit

New Balance succeeds in engineering a shoe for forwards and attackers who rely on quick movements to outmaneuver opponents. The shoe's lightweight design and innovative soleplate are great for players who emphasize rapid directional changes and sprints.

Adidas Predator Accuracy.1 Firm Ground

Adidas' status as a mainstay in the world of soccer comes as no surprise. The Three Stripes brand continues to be a force within the sport, teaming up with star athletes like Lionel Messi and Mohamed. Its impact extends far beyond the field, as seen in the collaborative 2023 Adidas soccer shoe collection with Prada or its long-term partnership with Kanye West's YEEZY brand. The Adidas Predator Accuracy.1 Firm Ground shoe perfectly balances cutting-edge technology and performance. With this striking achievement, Adidas catapults its Predator line to new heights.

Features

Adidas places its cutting-edge HYBRIDTOUCH technology along the shoe's upper, providing a molded fit with optimal cushioning for maximum comfort. The reimagined Demonskin technology, a signature Predator element, swathes the top side of the shoe, offering increased grip when striking the ball. Meanwhile, the split outsole below enables rapid acceleration and sudden directional pivots.

Best Fit

Although the Adidas Predator Accuracy.1 Firm Ground is a multifaceted shoe ideal for many players; it benefits aggressive strikers who like to push the pace. The HYBRIDTOUCH upper keeps the foot securely in place and provides extra grip and control. Combining this with the FACETFRAME split tooling innovation, designed to optimize power transfer when striking, you get a shoe destined to create game-defining moments.

© Sneaker Guru Testing Lab.

Nike Mercurial Superfly 9 Elite

Nike is one of the most dominant forces in sportswear and continues to be since its debut in the 60s. The brand's top-tier ability to drive innovation, performance, and style significantly contributes to its unrivaled success. The Swoosh hits its stride with the release of the Mercurial Superfly 9 Elite. Using Nike's proprietary Zoom technology, this soccer shoe is a striking piece sure to snag attention on the field, something not lost on other Nike silhouettes. 

Features

Like Nike's tennis, running, and basketball sneaker lineup, the Mercurial Superfly 9 Elite contains a Zoom Air unit ideal for comfort and mobility. The form-fitting Flyknit weave up top spotlights a grippy texture to help with ball control when zipping around defenders on the attack. A lightweight soleplate perfect for traction and mobility offsets the shoe's eye-catching upper.

© Sneaker Guru Testing Lab.

Best Fit

The Nike Mercurial Superfly 9 Elite is an excellent weapon for Midfield-type players. Players who orchestrate their team's offense while thwarting opposing attacks need shoes that promote ball control, allowing them to change directions on a dime.

PUMA Neymar Jr FUTURE 2.4 FG

It's hard to broach any topic on modern-day soccer without naming the one and only Neymar. The Brazilian soccer legend is a bonafide internet star many look to for style inspiration; his shoes need to match his electric persona. PUMA emphasizes style and performance as key metrics for design, especially with a talent like Neymar as its muse.

Features

The PUMA Neymar Jr FUTURE 2.4 FG soft-engineered upper is a lightweight Peba base material containing Advanced Creator Zones for game-changing touch and dribbling. Meanwhile, the Dynamic Motion System outsole below offers adequate foot support while maximizing motion and maneuverability. 

© Sneaker Guru Testing Lab.

Best Fit

Aggressive, quick-striking forwards like Neymar excel in these shoes. Neymar applies constant pressure on offense with quick cuts and forward momentum to keep defenses on their heels. The PUMA Neymar Jr FUTURE 2.4 FG allows the freedom to blow past defenders with moves that keep everyone guessing.

Unisex UA Shadow Pro FG 

Under Armour is a sportswear powerhouse that continues to fly under the radar, even with athletes like Stephen Curry cosigning its services. Those who look for no-frills sports gear know where UA stands on quality; its Unisex UA Shadow Pro FG is no different. A standout feature of this shoe is its unisex design. The brand's inclusive approach underlines its devotion to promoting equality in sports.

Features

The engineered knit upper boasts a sock-like fit around the foot and ankle for security and comfort. Combined with the responsive Charged Cushioning footbed and durable TPU outsole, you get a shoe that absorbs impact while quickly responding to changes in a player's movement and direction.

Best Fit

Under Armour's Unisex UA Shadow Pro FG is a practical multipurpose shoe that works well anywhere on the field. It is a great introductory shoe for someone new to the sport, as well as an excellent option for seasoned soccer pros.

© Sneaker Guru Testing Lab.

Unleash Your Game

Whatever your playing style, these top soccer shoes offer cutting-edge technologies to help elevate your game. Embrace the power of innovation, style, and performance with a shoe that provides a dynamic fit, comfortable cushioning, and a durable sole. Regardless of your position, considering functions such as ball control, ground traction, and maneuverability is essential. Your journey to greatness begins with the proper footwear.

Subscribe to Sneaker Guru for the latest sneaker news and reviews.