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Regardless of what sport you play, top athletic performance depends, above all, on stability and traction. Your feet need to be planted firmly beneath you before you can kick, throw, turn, twist, and push off when you need to sprint. In soccer, a pair of good cleats should give you the right amount of traction whether you are playing on compacted dirt, mud, grass, etc., and this traction can only be achieved if you have the right studs, made from the right material. The two main materials used in molding cleat studs are metal and plastic and, in this post, we will be assessing the difference between these two materials with a primary focus on metal studs and the best metal stud soccer cleats on the market.
Our Pick of Metal Stud Soccer Cleats
![Nike MercurialX Vapor X Ronaldo Firm Ground Cleats [DEEP Royal Blue] (7.5)](https://soccertraininglab.com/wp-content/plugins/aawp/public/assets/img/thumb-spacer.png)
***For a more detailed review of the best metal studded soccer cleats keep on reading the article below
But before we jump into that lets look at the difference between metallic and plastic studs…
Metal Studs
Cleats with metal studs are used in a number of sports including soccer, rugby, and golf. Depending on the sport you are playing, the studs will be of different lengths and will be arranged differently. Metallic studs are made with strength and durability in mind, and for mid and high-range cleats the studs are replaceable. Once they have been worn down in the field, you don’t have to replace the entire cleat, you can simply purchase a new set of studs.
Plastic Studs
Plastic stud cleats are almost always molded into the shoe, and the shape and arrangement of the studs depends on the sport they are to be used for. However, along with configuration, the length of plastic studs is generally shorter and has more surface area, which prevents premature breakage. Plastic studs are also a little elastic which allows them to withstand heavy pressure during sprints, slides, and pivots. Most plastic studs are not replaceable and are more prone to wear and tear in comparison to metal studs.
Comparison:
Metal cleats studs are generally more expensive compared to plastic stud cleats although the effectiveness and durability of metal stud cleats mitigates the additional cost.
On dirt, grass, and mud, metal studs dig deep into the surface while plastic studs tend to bend, adversely affecting the overall amount of traction. However, on any other surface, metal studs tend to be cumbersome, slippery, and loud while plastic studs are quiet and nondescript.
Note also, plastic studs perform better than metal studs on artificial turf; they hold on perfectly to the turf material, giving you better traction while metal studs tend to dig into the material and players may find themselves stuck every now and again, which limits their movement and performance.
Top 10 Soccer Cleats with Metal Studs
Nike Hypervenom Phantom II Lthr SG-Pro Mens Soccer Shoes Price not available
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This is undoubtedly one of the trendiest metal stud soccer cleats on the market right now. This unique soccer cleat has a waffle-textured skin that has been created with two mesh layers woven together into a polyurethane layer. The result is a flexible and breathable material that keeps the cleats aerated even after multiple hours of playing.
The Hypervenom Phantoms are also extremely light, weighing in at only 7.6 oz, which is 1 to 2 oz lighter than most soft ground soccer cleats. The six 11mm and 13mm metal studs are replaceable using the stud wrench that comes with the cleats, which makes the cleats a very durable option.
[one_half_first]
Pros
- Extremely comfortable.
- NikeSkin upper provides a unique feel/ball touch.
- They accommodate wider feet.
- Studs are replaceable.
- Short break in period[/one_half_first]
[one_half_last]Cons
- No additional studs come with the package.
- Can only be used on soft grounds.[/one_half_last]
Nike Mercurial Superfly V SG PRO Gray/Blue Price not available
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The super-cool Nike Mercurial Superfly SG Pro Superfly is designed to have a 6-stud (metal) configuration; 2 in the heel and 4 in the forefront. The metallic studs are then supported by carbon fiber blade studs, which provide you with additional support when you are changing direction at high speeds.
Like the Hypervenom Phantoms above, the Mercurial Superflys come with a stud tool kit that enables you to interchange and replace the 11mm, 13, and 15mm studs depending on the conditions you are playing in. This also makes the Mercurial Superfly V durable since you can simply replace the studs after a few uses rather than the entire cleat.
[one_half_first]
Pros
- Endorsed by top players such as CR7, Ibrahimovic, and Didier Drogba.
- Extremely light at 8.4 oz.
- Molded blade studs for extra support.
- [/one_half_first]
[one_half_last]Cons
- Durability is questionable; Drogba and Fabiano’s cleats have given in mid-game.
- Questionable accuracy when it comes to shooting the ball[/one_half_last]
![Nike MercurialX Vapor X Ronaldo Firm Ground Cleats [DEEP Royal Blue] (7.5)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41-baDwYXvL.jpg)
Nike Men's Mercurial CR7 Vapor X FG Price not available
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Also, from the Nike Mercurial Series, the Mercurial Vapor X CR7 cleat features a classic black silhouette, a blue soleplate, and an iconic CR7 branding. This pair has reverted to a four-metal stud configuration at the heel as opposed to the two-stud configuration of its predecessors.
The two-stud configuration performs exceptionally well when it comes to soft ground traction but fails dismally when it comes to balance and stability. Going back to a four-stud configuration provides less grip but allows you significantly better stability, which makes it perfect for midfielders and strikers who need the extra stability manoeuvring past their opponents.
[one_half_first]
Pros
- Durable and extremely comfortable.
- Inspired and designed by/for Cr7.
- Has a compressed, lightweight, nylon plate that takes the shape of your foot.
- Computer modeled stud configuration that provides for maximum torque and comfortability.[/one_half_first]
[one_half_last]Cons
- Considerably expensive.[/one_half_last]
adidas Performance Men's Gloro 16.1 FG Soccer Shoe Price not available
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If you are looking to snag a pair of high-quality metal stud soccer cleats without having to break the bank, then the Gloro is just what you need. The Gloro has a simplistic design but its quality is top tier; the computer configured studs provide for perfect traction on soft grounds and you will never find yourself slipping and sliding, making it a highly dependable cleat.
The toe section is also made of k-leather which will provide you with the best ball feel-touch and the cushioned leather provides some much-needed relief from stud pressure, making the Grogo very comfortable, even after playing for hours on end.
[one_half_first]
Pros
- Extremely comfortable.
- Has a large padded tongue that protects the front section of your foot.
- The rear section is made from synthetic leather for extra stability.
- Has rounded metallic studs, meaning you can use it on multiple surfaces.[/one_half_first]
[one_half_last]Cons
- Lacks durability due to soft leather exterior.
- Not ideal in wet conditions.[/one_half_last]
adidas Nitrocharge 1.0 SG Mens Soccer Boots/Cleats-Black-9 Price not available
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The Nitrocharge is one of the most comfortable metal stud cleats in the market. The upper is a combination of three materials (HybridTouch) that come together to give you, not only a comfortable, but solid feel and ball touch. The studs have a triangular shape that allows you a mix of manoeuvrability and grip when planted on the ground.
In the forefoot, three studs run along both the medial and lateral sides of the cleat with a single stud in the middle, along with two studs on each side of the heel section.
However, the studs have a large surface area that do not allow for maximum penetration in comparison to other soft ground cleats. The upside, however, is that you will be happy with the Nitrocharge’s performance on firm grounds, making it a dependable multipurpose boot.
[one_half_first]
Pros
- Has a thick HybridTouch pad on the upper that protects your feet.
- Triangular studs offer great stability during fast turns.
- Can be used on multiple surfaces.[/one_half_first]
[one_half_last]Cons
- Heel counter and heel tab materials aren’t HybridTouch but soft mesh material meaning the boot slips off at inopportune moments.[/one_half_last]
Nike Mercurial Vapor IX SG PRO Price not available
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Yet another instalment from the Mercurial series. This boot has a retro color scheme that is very appealing, which is the first thing that catches your eye. But besides its attractive design, the Mercurial Vapor has a detachable and fixed studs combination that allows you custom traction depending on the ground you will be playing on, making it a multipurpose boot as well.
The forefront grip zone has been inspired by race-track spikes, which provide toe-off traction for that extra burst of speed. Additionally, the midfoot stud boosts acceleration and provides extra support and balance whenever you need to change direction rapidly. The Mercurial Vapor is also fitted with a glass-fiber composite that aids in the distribution of pressure from the studs while providing additional support and stability.
[one_half_first]
Pros
- Extremely light.
- Fairly cost-effective considering quality.
- Easy to clean.[/one_half_first]
[one_half_last]Cons
- Not comfortable for wider feet.
- Takes time to break in.
- Provides minimal ball touch and feel.[/one_half_last]
adidas Performance Mens Nemeziz 17+ 360AGILIGTY SG Soccer Boots - 7.5 Orange Price not available
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The Adidas Nemeziz 17+ has a Torsion Tape upper that is influenced by athletic tape, which provides stable lockdown and high mobility. The cutting edge sole plate known as ‘Torsionframe’ also allows you optimum explosiveness when you need to sprint. The soleplate also allows for greater flexibility at the forefront while simultaneously providing a stiff midfoot region for better lockdown.
The stud pattern configuration provides you with great stability and maneuverability. The metal studs have a half crescent shape that allow for excellent manoeuvrability and impressive traction on soft grounds. However, the firm lockdown provided by the soleplate makes this boot just as effective on firm grounds.
[one_half_first]
Pros
- Has a soft upper.
- The soleplate provides a firm lockdown for a firm, snug fit and stability.
- Short break-in time.
- Aesthetically appealing.
- Extremely light.[/one_half_first]
[one_half_last]Cons
- Bands lose elasticity fast.[/one_half_last]
PUMA King XL SG Mens Leather Soccer Cleats Grass Winter Soccer Shoes-Gold-11.5 Price not available
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The King XL has a classic look with classic soccer boot lines running along the length of the cleat. However, they may look old school but they match up with any modern soft ground soccer cleat you will find in the market.
A TPU outsole acts as the chassis of this soccer cleat, which provides you with the necessary flexibility when you are making fast turns, twists, and sprints. The King XLs are also fitted with metallic screw round studs that are interchangeable depending on the type of ground you will be playing on.
As a bonus, the Puma XLs come with a separate packaging bag for you to store your boots in after each use.
[one_half_first]
Pros
- Has a flexible TPU core.
- Made from soft leather for better ball touch and control.
- Applies ‘AptoLast’ technology for better comfort and stability.
- Interchangeable studs for different conditions
- Comes with a free cleat storage bag.[/one_half_first]
[one_half_last]Cons
- Has a low heel tab that limits protection.
- The inner rim is insufficiently padded.[/one_half_last]
Nike Magista Obra II SG-Pro Mens Football Boots 844596 Soccer Cleats (9, Rio Teal Volt Obsidian 375) Price not available
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The Nike Magista Obra elicits mixed reactions from critics. Most users submit the Magista Obra provides you with great ball touch and outstanding comfort that is perfect, even for wider feet.
However, this cleat has received a lot of criticism when it comes to durability; the problem has been attributed to the low quality of the sole plate since it is separate from the upper. Regardless, the Magista Obra is an excellent performer on soft grounds, having for metal studs on the heel, as opposed to two, for extra stability and traction, especially when you need a sudden burst of speed or when you need to make sharp turns and twists.
[one_half_first]
Pros
- Accommodates players with wider feet.
- Has excellent ball touch.
- The cleat feels extremely comfortable.
- Quite easy to break in.
- Provides excellent ball contact and feel.[/one_half_first]
[one_half_last]Cons
- Sole separation makes it less durable.
- Sole plate provides minimal relief from stud pressure.[/one_half_last]
adidas Men's World Cup Soccer Cleat Price not available
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Our last entry is the classic World Cup soft ground soccer cleat. These cleats have been specifically designed to perform well on soft ground, including muddy surfaces. But they perform equally well on hard surfaces, which is quite impressive.
Most users have also submitted that the cleats are extremely light and take a short time to break-in in comparison to most soccer cleats. The only downside to these soccer cleats is durability; user reviews indicate that the bottom falls off after several uses.
Nevertheless, the cleats come with perfectly placed 13mm front metallic studs and 16mm heel studs that provide excellent traction. They are also exceptionally comfortable, with their EVA insert, a synthetic lining whose function is to provide you with a tight fit, an extended heel counter, and enhanced stability.
[one_half_first]
Pros
- Great accuracy while shooting the ball.
- Exceptionally comfortable.
- Stylish in a classic way.[/one_half_first]
[one_half_last]Cons
- Gives you sore feet.
- Not very durable.[/one_half_last]
To Sum Up
Don’t let soft or muddy fields stop you from playing at optimum performance or slow your game. Grab yourself a pair of high quality, metal stud, soccer cleats if you want to maintain your speed and agility. It can be difficult to decide on a single pair seeing as there are numerous options in the market, but our number one pick would be the Nike Men’s Mercurial CR7 Vapor X FG Soccer Cleats.
The Mercurial V comes from a long line of soft ground cleats that have been constantly improved, each better than the last. The Mercurial V is highly durable and has a stud configuration that, not only plants you firmly in the ground, but also allows you the flexibility to make sudden turns and twists and go into sudden bursts whenever you need to make radical moves.
Watch them put through their paces in the video below:
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