Soccer Cleat Tiers Explained

Nike cleat tiers are illustrated with an Elite model on top, and its takedown versions are below. The Elite cleat (top) boasts a premium design and materials, while the Pro and Academy versions (bottom) offer a similar look at lower price points.

Nike is one of the biggest names in soccer, and they separate their cleats into four main tiers in their flagship silos (Mercurial, Phantom, Tiempo, etc.).

Here’s the breakdown:

• Nike Elite (1st Tier):

1. Elite models are the top-of-the-line Nike cleats designed for professional and highly competitive players.

2. These are the exact or similar versions of Premier League and World Cup pitches.

3. Elites use the highest quality materials and latest innovations, including ultra-light Flyknit  Superfly 10 KM Elite  uppers like All Conditions Control (ACC) coating, carbon-fiber soleplates, and more.

4. They offer the best performance money can buy, and accordingly, they come with the highest price tag (often around $250-$300 or more for the newest releases).

If you’re an advanced player or simply want the absolute best and are willing to invest, Elite is the way to go.

• Nike Pro (2nd Tier):

1. Nike’s Pro tier, like the Nike Zoom Vapor 16 Pro, offers high performance at a more moderate price.

2. Pro cleats often closely mimic the Elites' design and feel but use slightly different materials or minor tech tweaks to save cost.

3. A Pro version might use a standard soleplate instead of a lighter carbon-fiber one or a slightly thicker upper material.

4. These are excellent for competitive amateur players or anyone on a medium budget who still wants a premium feel. Nike Pro cleats usually range around $130-$180, delivering an excellent bang for your buck without sacrificing too many cutting-edge features.

• Nike Academy (3rd Tier):

1. Academy models like JR Mercurial Superfly 10 Academy FG are mid-tier cleats intended for recreational players, beginners, or those on a tighter budget.

2. They maintain the general look and silhouette of their Elite/Pro big brothers so that you can sport the style without the steep cost.

3. Academies use more basic materials – for instance, an Academy cleat might have a thicker synthetic upper instead of a knit and a simpler foam insole. They may be heavier and less plush, but they are durable and wallet-friendly.

4. Priced around the $60-$100 mark, Nike Academy cleats are perfect for youth players still growing or adults playing pickup games who need reliable soccer footwear without breaking the bank.

• Nike Club (4th Tier):

1. Club (sometimes just referred to by the model name without a tier label) is often the lowest tier, primarily targeted at entry-level and youth.

2. These cleats are the most affordable in Nike’s range, often under $50 for adult sizes and even cheaper for kids.

3. They are heavier and use basic synthetic materials. Not all Nike silos have a distinct “Club” name, but when you see multiple variants beyond Academy, Club is the no-frills option.

4. They’re great for someone just starting soccer or needing a practice pair. While clubs don’t have advanced technology, they still get the job done for casual play. 

Adidas cleat tiers, for example, Addidas F50 PRO showing a top-tier laceless Predator+ (left, priced around $275) down to the 20.3 tier (right, around $80). Each step down retains the style but uses less expensive materials.

Adidas, another giant in soccer, approaches tiers differently from Nike. Rather than distinct names like Elite or Academy, Adidas typically uses numbers to designate tiers. For instance, you’ll see models like Predator Accuracy+, Predator .1, Predator .2, Predator .3, etc., or in the X lineup: X Crazyfast.1, .2, .3, and so on.

Here’s how to decode Adidas cleat tiers:

• “+” or .1 (Top Tier):

1. When you see a “+” (plus) in an Adidas cleat name (e.g., X Ghosted+ or Predator Freak+), that indicates the elite laceless version, which is usually the pinnacle model.

2. Likewise, a “.1” (such as Copa 20.1 or X Speedportal.1) generally denotes the top-tier laced version. These cleats are what Adidas-sponsored pros wear.

3. Top-tier Adidas boots boast premium materials (knit textiles, high-grade leather in Copa, etc.), often include special features like Carbon Fiber inserts or revolutionary soleplates, and carry the highest price, usually around $225-$275 for current models, slightly less for leather ones. They provide professional-level performance.

Choosing between “+” and “.1” often comes down to personal preference: laceless (+) models offer a clean strike zone and modern feel. One model gives you traditional laces for an adjustable fit.

• .2 (Second Tier):

1. Adidas “point 2” cleats are the next step down. They maintain much of the look and technology of the top tier but usually swap out some materials.

2. For example, the X .2 might use a more standard mesh instead of the elite woven upper, or the Predator .2 might have a less intricate rubber strike element.

3. These high-quality, mid-priced cleats are ideal for serious players who want excellent performance but are okay without every bell and whistle. The price for .2 models typically ranges from $120 to $150.

• .3 (Third Tier):

1. The .3 line is Adidas’s take on an entry-level adult cleat and often the highest tier available for youth sizes.

2. These boots come at a budget-friendly price (usually around $60-$100) and often are available in takedown versions like .3 Laceless or .3 Laced.

3. They look very similar to their higher-tier cousins, which is a plus if you want the pro look. However, they use more basic synthetic uppers (thicker and less pliable) and simpler outsoles.

4. For instance, a Predator 20.3 will have the aggressive look of the Predator line but will feel stiffer and a bit heavier than a 20.1. These are perfect for casual play, training, or newer players. They’re also popular as a durable practice cleat – you can save the expensive ones for game day and use the .3 for muddy practice sessions.

• .4 and Other Tiers:

1. In some cases, Adidas has a “.4” for specific models (especially in youth or budget ranges).

2. These are inexpensive (sometimes $40-$50) and essential boots for beginners. They might not last as long or feel as comfortable, but they lower the barrier to entry for new players.

3. Always check the product description: the fewer features listed, the lower the tier.

If an Adidas cleat just has the model name with no number, it’s likely a takedown model from a previous generation or a special edition outside the standard tier structure.

PUMA cleat tiers example and here showing the Ultra silo in three tiers: 1.1 (Ultimate) at the top, 1.2 (Pro), and 1.3 (likely Match) below. The top-tier Ultra 1.1 in orange boasts the lightest materials, while lower tiers retain the style with a slightly heavier build.

PUMA has been making big waves in the boot world with cleats like COPA PURE 2KT ELITE FG, and like its competitors, it offers cleats in tiered versions to suit pros and beginners alike. Recently, PUMA updated their tier naming to make it easier to recognize. You’ll typically see PUMA cleats labeled as Ultimate, Pro, Match, or Play (or sometimes with numbers like 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 corresponding to those tiers.

Here’s the play-by-play on PUMA’s tiers:

• PUMA Ultimate (Top Tier):

1. Formerly sometimes just numbered 1.1, the Ultimate is PUMA’s premium offering in a given silo (such as the Ultra Ultimate or Future Ultimate).

2. These boots are pro-level quality and worn by many of PUMA’s sponsored athletes. Ultimates use the best tech; PUMA has the Ultra Ultimate features an ultra-lightweight woven upper and cutting-edge soleplate for explosive speed. They’re designed for competitive play and come at a high-end price , often around $200-$275, depending on the model.

3. The fit, finish, and features (like PUMA’s GripControl Pro texture or adaptive FUZIONFIT compression in the Future line) are all top-notch in the Ultimate tier. If you want what Neymar or Antoine Griezmann might be wearing (and want to feel like a speed demon or playmaker yourself), this is your tier.

• PUMA Pro (2nd Tier):

1. The Pro tier offers many of the Ultimate’s benefits but at a more moderate cost. PUMA Pro cleats are usually the second-best in the line, and they keep key performance features but might use slightly different materials.

2. The Future Pro might use a standard knit instead of premium evo-knit, or the Ultra Pro could have a less enhanced outsole.

3. These boots are built for speed, agility, and comfort, catering to budget-conscious competitive players. They are lighter and more high-tech than average cleats but cheaper than the Ultimate. Expect to pay roughly $130-$180 for the Pro tier. Many high school and college players find PUMA Pro boots give them almost elite-level performance.

4. Pro is smart if you’re serious about your game but don’t need the latest innovation.

• PUMA Match (3rd Tier):

1. The Match tier (sometimes numbered 1.3 or similar) is PUMA’s version of a quality takedown model at a friendly price. Match cleats are often considered the best low-cost version of PUMA’s top boots.

2. . They maintain the general design and shape of the higher models but use more economical materials and simplified construction.

3. For example, the Ultra Match might have a standard synthetic upper rather than the woven ultralight upper and a more basic outsole. The result is a heavier, less feature-rich cleat, but significantly cheaper and usually around the $80-$100 range.

4. They are great for recreational play, training, or players who love PUMA’s style but have a limited budget. You still get reliable traction and a comfortable fit without the fancy extras.

• PUMA Play (4th Tier):

1. Play is the entry-level tier in PUMA’s lineup. These are often the most affordable soccer cleats you’ll find from PUMA, and they tend to be available primarily in youth sizes (though some adult models exist for under $60).

2. PUMA Play cleats are the heaviest and simplest in design.

3. They’re made for casual play or beginners.

4. While they don’t offer the touch or weight of higher tiers, they provide a comfortable, durable shoe for getting started.

For parents, buying a PUMA Play cleat for a fast-growing child makes sense: you get the look of the latest PUMA boots for your kid, and you won’t feel the pinch in your wallet when they outgrow them in a year. For adult rec players, a PUMA Play can serve as a backup pair or a shoe for muddy conditions where you don’t want to ruin your nice ones.

New Balance may be best known for running shoes, but their soccer cleats have gained a substantial following in recent years. Brands like NB have their tiers a bit different as well. Rather than a universal naming across all models, New Balance often identifies each cleat by style (silo), tier name, and version number. Generally, however, the structure can be understood as follows:

• New Balance Pro / Elite (Top Tier):

1. New Balance’s top-tier cleats usually carry the name “Pro” or “Elite” depending on the silo.

2. For example, the top version of the classic-style NB 442 leather cleat is the 442 Pro FG. In the speed-focused Furon line, you’ll see Furon Elite V7 or V8 as the flagship.

3. No matter the naming, these are the highest quality NB offers.

4. They feature premium leather or advanced synthetic uppers and the latest NB technology for fit and traction (like Fit Weave uppers or directional stud patterns).

5. Interestingly, NB often prices its elite models a bit lower than Nike/Adidas and many top NB cleats are around $180-$220, making them a value pick for a high-end boot. Example: The New Balance Tekela V3+ Pro was about $210 on release, with the lower tiers being much cheaper. If you’re a player who wants excellent quality and perhaps a unique boot on the field, NB’s pro-level cleats are worth a look.

• New Balance Team (2nd Tier):

1. Mid-tier New Balance cleats often have the name “Team” or sometimes a silo-specific name (like “Magique” for a takedown Tekela in some generations).

2. The Team tier resembles an Academy/Pro in other brands – solid performance, slightly reduced features. For instance, the NB Furon Team V8 is a takedown of the Furon Elite, using a standard synthetic instead of the elite Fit Weave, priced around $90-$100.

3. NB Team cleats strike a nice balance: they usually carry the feel of the pro version but might lack some premium touches (like a less cushioned insole or a more straightforward tongue design).

4. These are great for competitive players on a budget or anyone who wants a reliable pair of boots for everyday training. They tend to be light, comfortable, and durable – NB has been praised for the comfort of even their takedown models.

• New Balance Academy (3rd Tier):

1. For entry-level, NB often uses the term “Academy” (especially in the 442 range and some others) to denote the most affordable tier.

2. For example, the 442 V2 Academy FG is listed at around $60-$75 for adult sizes. These boots are built for value: they might use durable but heavier materials (the 442 Academy, for instance, uses synthetic leather instead of genuine kangaroo leather and a standard outsole).

3. Academy cleats are perfect for new players, youth, or casual play. They let you experience the NB comfort and a similar look to the higher models without the cost.

A youth Academy cleat from NB will often have nearly the same design as the Pro, which is great for kids who want to look like the stars. Just manage expectations on weight and touch; they will be less refined than the pro-level.

With so many options for soccer cleats across these tiers, here are a few final pointers to help you choose the perfect pair:

1. Assess Your Level and Frequency: If you’re playing in an elite competition or college team, investing in top-tier men’s soccer cleats can elevate your game (that split-second quicker acceleration or more precise touch could make a difference). For weekend warriors or those training a couple of times a week, a mid-tier cleat often offers 90% of the performance at a fraction of the price. And entry-level is usually the smartest choice for beginners or kids until you need that upgrade.

2. Try Them On: Fit and comfort trump everything. A higher tier doesn’t help if the shoe doesn’t suit your foot shape. Different brands feel different – Nike might be snug, Adidas slightly wider, New Balance very accommodating, etc. When possible, visit a soccer store to try on the tiers. The ~$120 shoe fits you better than the $250 one! Remember, a comfortably fitting mid-tier cleat will serve you better than an uncomfortable elite cleat.
   
   

3. Budget Smartly: Set a budget and see what’s available in that range. If your budget is $150, you could aim for a new mid-tier or look for a last-season top-tier on sale. Many soccer retailers (including us) have fantastic deals. For example, you could find last year’s Adidas Predator .1 for $150 even though the new model is $275 – a savvy way to get an elite cleat without paying elite price. Always check for discount codes or bundle deals (like free shipping or a ball with purchase).
   
   

4. Longevity vs. Latest Tech: Higher-tier boots sometimes sacrifice longevity for performance (super thin materials may wear out faster). If you need a workhorse cleat to last multiple seasons, a second or third-tier might be more durable. Conversely, if you love trying the newest innovations and can replace boots more frequently, go ahead and grab that elite model each season.
   
   

5. Looks and Personal Preference: Finally, confidence is key. If wearing the top model makes you feel like a star player, that boost in mentality can help your game. On the other hand, some players take pride in being the “smart shopper” who dominates the field in $80 cleats. Do you prefer classic leather (look at Adidas Copa or NB 442 Pro) or ultra-light synthetics (Nike Mercurial, PUMA Ultra)? Each tier will feel different in each category, so factor in what makes you most comfortable and confident.

Conclusion 

Understanding soccer cleat tiers empowers you to choose your game and budget best. Whether you’re chasing championships in $300 elites or enjoying weekend pickup in $60 takedowns, there’s a perfect pair of boots. Ready to find your next cleats? Browse our men’s soccer cleats at our online soccer store; we carry all tiers from Nike, Adidas, PUMA, New Balance, and more. With detailed descriptions and customer reviews, you can easily compare soccer footwear options. Our site frequently offers deals on last season’s models, helping you score top-tier cleats at unbeatable prices.

Shop now to find the best soccer cleats for your needs and step onto the field with confidence and style!