What Soccer Cleats Do Pros Wear? A Complete Guide

Ever wonder which cleats your favorite pros slip into? Stars like Lionel Messi and Alex Morgan pick boots that boost their speed, sharpen their precision, and keep them comfortable all match long.

These aren’t just fancy shoes, they're tools designed with performance in mind to give every player that winning edge.

At DMK Sports, we not only showcase the latest cleats but also guide you in choosing the best fit for your game. In this article, we’ll explore the cleats worn by top professionals, explain why they select them, and show you how to pick the right pair for yourself.

Why Do Soccer Players Wear Cleats

Cleats grip the grass and turf so you never slip. The studs dig in, letting you pivot on a dime and strike the ball with confidence. Without cleats, you lose your footing, slow down, and miss your mark.

Different cleats are designed for different surfaces. Some of the most common cleats are Firm ground cleats, while turf cleats and soft ground models are used depending on the conditions. Professional players always select the right pair for the field to maximize performance.

Do Professional Soccer Players Wear Metal Cleats

The question of whether professional soccer players wear metal cleats often comes up. The answer is yes, but this applies to specific situations. For example: On very soft or muddy grass, some pros use metal studs for extra grip. However, molded studs are more common because they are versatile and safe.

Metal cleats are not worn on turf or artificial surfaces. They are reserved for matches played on natural grass where extra traction is needed.

What Soccer Cleats Does Alex Morgan Wear

Soccer star Alex Morgan prefers Nike Phantom GX cleats. These cleats, which are well-known for their accuracy and support, are perfect for forwards who require comfort and accuracy in front of goal.

They are lightweight and crafted for quick moves, making them a great example of how pros select cleats that complement their roles.

If you are looking for cleats with supportive fit like Morgan’s, explore what soccer cleats have the best support.

Do Soccer Players Wear New Cleats Every Game

Another question that has been asked frequently is do soccer players wear new cleats every game? The truth is, no. While some stars switch to new colorways or special editions, most players wear the same cleats for several matches until they feel worn out.

Pros always break in their cleats during training before wearing them in matches. This ensures comfort and prevents blisters. For tips on keeping your cleats game-ready, see our guide on cleaning football cleats.

Popular Cleats Worn by Pros

Lionel Messi – Adidas X Speedportal
Alex Morgan – Nike Phantom GX
Neymar Jr. – Puma Future Z
Paul Pogba – Adidas Predator
Megan Rapinoe – Nike Mercurial

Each player’s cleat choice reflects their style. Strikers often prefer lightweight cleats for speed, while midfielders may choose models with stronger grip and stability.

Do Soccer Players Always Wear Cleats

Yes, professional players wear cleats in every official match played outdoors. They are necessary for grip, balance, and safety. Only in futsal or indoor games are different shoes required, such as flat-soled indoor soccer shoes.

If you play indoors, check our guide. Can I wear running shoes for indoor soccer.

Choosing the Right Cleats for You

Knowing what soccer cleats pros wear is helpful, but the best pair for you depends on your needs.

Playing position – Strikers prefer lightweight boots, while midfielders may prefer more stable options.
Surface – Choose firm ground cleats for natural grass or turf cleats for artificial pitches.
Comfort and fit – Many players now choose laceless cleats for convenience. See the benefits of laceless soccer cleats.
Youth players – Young athletes need cleats that are supportive yet durable. See what size soccer ball for 8-year-old for related youth gear.

Recommended Guides from DMK Sports

Conclusion

So, which cleats do the pros lace up? It depends on each player’s role and style Messi opts for Adidas to maximize agility, while Alex Morgan picks Nike for its blend of comfort and precision. Other stars choose boots tailored to their unique game.

For everyday players, the best cleats fit your feet, suit your position, and perform on your playing surface.

At dmksports.com, you can find expert guides and top-quality gear to help you choose the perfect pair.

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Can You Wear Soccer Cleats for Football? Pros and Cons Explained

By Don Falcone Jr • September 10, 2025

Ever wonder which cleats your favorite pros slip into? Stars like Lionel Messi and Alex Morgan pick boots that boost their speed, sharpen their precision, and keep them comfortable all match long. These aren’t just fancy shoes, they're tools designed with performance in mind to give every player that winning edge. At DMK Sports , we not only showcase the latest cleats but also guide you in choosing the best fit for your game. In this article, we’ll explore the cleats worn by top professionals, explain why they select them, and show you how to pick the right pair for yourself. Why Do Soccer Players Wear Cleats Cleats grip the grass and turf so you never slip. The studs dig in, letting you pivot on a dime and strike the ball with confidence. Without cleats, you lose your footing, slow down, and miss your mark. Different cleats are designed for different surfaces. Some of the most common cleats are Firm ground cleats, while turf cleats and soft ground models are used depending on the conditions. Professional players always select the right pair for the field to maximize performance. Do Professional Soccer Players Wear Metal Cleats The question of whether professional soccer players wear metal cleats often comes up. The answer is yes, but this applies to specific situations. For example: On very soft or muddy grass, some pros use metal studs for extra grip. However, molded studs are more common because they are versatile and safe. Metal cleats are not worn on turf or artificial surfaces. They are reserved for matches played on natural grass where extra traction is needed. What Soccer Cleats Does Alex Morgan Wear Soccer star Alex Morgan prefers Nike Phantom GX cleats. These cleats, which are well-known for their accuracy and support, are perfect for forwards who require comfort and accuracy in front of goal. They are lightweight and crafted for quick moves, making them a great example of how pros select cleats that complement their roles. If you are looking for cleats with supportive fit like Morgan’s, explore what soccer cleats have the best support . Do Soccer Players Wear New Cleats Every Game Another question that has been asked frequently is do soccer players wear new cleats every game? The truth is, no. While some stars switch to new colorways or special editions, most players wear the same cleats for several matches until they feel worn out. Pros always break in their cleats during training before wearing them in matches. This ensures comfort and prevents blisters. For tips on keeping your cleats game-ready, see our guide on cleaning football cleats . Popular Cleats Worn by Pros Lionel Messi – Adidas X Speedportal Alex Morgan – Nike Phantom GX Neymar Jr. – Puma Future Z Paul Pogba – Adidas Predator Megan Rapinoe – Nike Mercurial Each player’s cleat choice reflects their style. Strikers often prefer lightweight cleats for speed, while midfielders may choose models with stronger grip and stability. Do Soccer Players Always Wear Cleats Yes, professional players wear cleats in every official match played outdoors. They are necessary for grip, balance, and safety. Only in futsal or indoor games are different shoes required, such as flat-soled indoor soccer shoes. If you play indoors, check our guide. Can I wear running shoes for indoor soccer . Choosing the Right Cleats for You Knowing what soccer cleats pros wear is helpful, but the best pair for you depends on your needs. Playing position – Strikers prefer lightweight boots, while midfielders may prefer more stable options. Surface – Choose firm ground cleats for natural grass or turf cleats for artificial pitches. Comfort and fit – Many players now choose laceless cleats for convenience. See the benefits of laceless soccer cleats . Youth players – Young athletes need cleats that are supportive yet durable. See what size soccer ball for 8-year-old for related youth gear. Recommended Guides from DMK Sports What Soccer Cleats Have the Best Support Clean Football Cleats Soccer Cleats vs Football Cleats The Benefits of Laceless Soccer Cleats Can I Wear Running Shoes for Indoor Soccer Best Futsal Shoes 2025 What Size Soccer Ball for 8-Year-Old Conclusion So, which cleats do the pros lace up? It depends on each player’s role and style Messi opts for Adidas to maximize agility, while Alex Morgan picks Nike for its blend of comfort and precision. Other stars choose boots tailored to their unique game. For everyday players, the best cleats fit your feet, suit your position, and perform on your playing surface. At dmksports.com , you can find expert guides and top-quality gear to help you choose the perfect pair.