Should defenders wear special cleats?
The simple answer is Yes! In the modern soccer game the various positions on the field have become more specialized and all the leading manufacturers of soccer shoes have responded with different styles of cleats for the different specific needs of players. If you are playing a defensive role then it is definitely a good idea to look for the best soccer cleats for defenders available.
Strikers and attacking midfielders will require lightweight cleats for greater speed and manoeuvrability. Defenders, on the other hand, depend on the ability to make (and take) tackles and tend to opt for a stronger, heavier boot with added protection on the sides and, more specifically, on the top of their cleats. In almost all cases, this added protection and padding is provided by leather boots.
Six of the Top Defender Soccer Cleats Table
| Picture | Name | Upper/ Sole | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Nike Men's Hypervenom Phatal FG Soccer Cleat | Synthetic Leather/ Rubber | $$ | 4.4 |
 | 2. Nike Tiempo Legend V Fg Sz Soccer Shoes Black New In Box | Leather/ Rubber | $$$$ | 4.2 |
 | 3. adidas Performance Nitrocharge 3.0 Firm-Ground Soccer Cleat | Synthetic Leather/ Rubber | $ | 4.1 |
 | 4. PUMA Men's King FG Firm Ground Soccer Cleat | Leather/ Rubber | $ | 4.1 |
 | 5. Diadora Forza MD Soccer Cleat | Leather and PU/ Rubber | $ | 3.9 |
 | 6. Nike Men's Magista Opus FG | Synthetic and Leather Mesh/ Polyurethane | $$$ | 3.9 |
Choosing the Right Defenders’ Cleats
Playing in defence means you can expect to receive, and give, a few hard tackles and kicks. Whatever the case may be, protecting the top of your foot is vital. Most top defenders these days tend to stick with tried and proven leather uppers but there is a growing trend towards synthetic leather and polyurethane (PU).
- Leather Uppers. For a comfortable, secure fit and the extra protection leather offers this is still the most popular choice for many defenders.
- Synthetic Leather. With advances in technology, synthetic leather is becoming more common in the manufacture of soccer boots and is nowadays almost indistinguishable from real leather while costing considerably less.
- Polyurethane (PU or TPU). Due to the relative stiffness of polyurethane, there can be a decrease in the sense of touch when controlling or kicking the ball. PU boots are the least expensive option and more than adequate for lower-level players or for friendly kickabouts.
Three of the Best Soccer Cleats for Defenders
1. Nike Hypervenom Phatal
Although plain leather is the norm in manufacturing defenders’ cleats for its strength, NIKE have come up with a synthetic leather mix that has the same toughness but yet feels somewhat softer in terms of ball touch and control. Somewhat lighter than leather, the synthetic used is still tough enough to withstand normal impact from cleats in a tackle and solid enough to have confidence in those last-ditch, fifty-fifty challenges.
Apart from the lightweight, yet sturdy uppers, the Hypervenom Phatal’s best feature has to be the mix of round and bladed cleats on the sole. All made of rubber, the round cleats provide a firm foothold even in slightly wet conditions while the blades prevent slipping no matter how sharp a turn you make.
The Hypervenom Phatals are the choice of many of today’s top defenders and who am I to question their judgement. Wearing these Phatal shoes, you can have confidence in both your ball control and your footing which are vital necessities in a defensive role. For all-round comfort, strength and grip the NIKE Hypervenom Phatals are my personal choice of the best soccer cleats for defenders on the market today.
2. Nike Tiempo Legend V
The Tiempo Legend V is another quality soccer cleat from NIKE. In keeping with tradition, the upper boot is made from kangaroo leather for extra durability but has also been waterproofed to maintain its lightness in wet conditions. The leather construction of the boot means they fit comfortably but also provide the toughness needed for defensive blocks and clearances while giving protection in tackling. The bladed cleats on the rubber sole have been widened to give better contact while rounded studs at the front of the boot help with traction during sharp turns.
These cleats are ideal are suitable for both dry and wet conditions and are extremely comfortable to wear. I like the authentic leather uppers and the waterproofing means they don’t become sodden or leaden even on wet pitches. While I prefer the leather construction of the Tiempo Legend shoes, I slightly prefer the NIKE Phatals because of the slightly better traction offered by the bladed cleats but it is a very marginal decision between the two.
3. adidas Performance Nitrocharge 3.0
Although the Adidas Performance Nitrocharge 3.0 soccer cleats have a leather finish on the boots’ uppers, they are still mainly made of synthetic leather which, personally, I find a bit off-putting. That said, the Nitrocharge 3.0’s are well made and perform very well on dry grass pitches.
An all-rubber sole features bladed cleats which give you more speed but the lack of any rounded studs mean that you sacrifice some grip especially on damp or wet grass. The shoes work extremely well in dry conditions but I have some reservations about using them in the wet.
Despite not being leather, the cleats are strong and supple and are a reasonably-priced alternative to their leather cousins. I would prefer it if the Nitrocharge shoes had some rounded cleats for damp conditions but, that small complaint aside, the Adidas Nitrocharge are a good choice for defenders and good value for the money.
