Soccer Cleats 101 Soccer Cleats News and Reviews
When we talk about boots, we usually categorize pairs into different tiers. This usually has a lot to do with their original retail price, but it also closely related to the performance traits they have to offer, dictated by the types of technology they feature.
In the past we used to break it everything down as follows:
- $150 and above – ELITE LEVEL; Pro level performance, but quite often durability is compromised.
- $80 to $150 – MID TIER; Performance in this range often outperforms the elite level and there is the benefit of more durability in the shoes.
- $40 to $80 – ECONOMY TIER; The final boot in a silo. Best for new players or those playing at a non-competitive level.
- Below $40 – EVERYTHING ELSE; Lets keep this simple, I really don’t recommend you look to buy boots in this range, unless there is a great sale going on!
But the market has drastically changed over the past few years and we are badly in need of an updated re-categorization. So, we have worked on creating a new guide to soccer cleat pricing that should prove useful when or if you are researching a new pair of boots!
- $250 and above – ELITE LEVEL
A mix of limited edition, special edition, and pro level boots that usually feature some very unique tech specs. Examples include most laceless boots and anything released as part of a player pack.
Check out boots in this category HERE.
- $180 to $250 – TOP TIER
The most important releases for brands, the boots that feature competitive level tech specs. You are more likely to see these boots being worn by pro players on pitch than any other.
Check out boots in this category HERE.
- $100 to $180 – MID TIER
These boots mimic the pro level versions, with materials that are usually a little thicker and as a result, more durable. So, weight is usually slightly higher and the boot can be a little more bulky. But, you are getting a boot that will last longer and naturally more comfortable on foot.
Check out boots in this category HERE.
- $60 to $100 – ECONOMY TIER
The final boot in a silo, designed to allow players the opportunity to wear something that somewhat looks like the top tier version. The weight and materials used are much thicker. They are pretty ideal for entry level players or anyone who needs a boot for fun.
Check out boots in this category HERE.
- Below $60 – EVERYTHING ELSE
Lets keep this simple, I really don’t recommend you look to buy boots in this range, unless there is a great sale going on!
Check out boots in this category HERE.
The important thing to note here is that we are looking at the original retail price of a boot, or what brands number brands put them at when they are released to market. Their actual price will drop over time, so a $250 boot now might drop to $150 after a few months, but it is still deemed to be an elite level boot.
