Players with narrow feet may feel that a lot of soccer cleats fit a little too wide. And let’s be honest – cleats that don’t fit you right won’t do you any favors when on the soccer pitch. So what are the best soccer cleats for narrow feet?
Read on.
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At a Glance: The Best Soccer Shoes for Narrow Feet
The Right Fit Translates to Better Games
Soccer players, including those with skinny feet, are always on the lookout for that “one-to-one” fit in soccer cleats. Simply put, a one-to-one fit means that the boot fits the wearer like a glove.
To achieve this one-to-one fit, it may be pretty obvious that the best football boots for players with narrow feet are soccer cleats specifically made for narrow feet. (And, shockingly, players with wide feet will appreciate the best soccer cleats for wide feet.)
You will appreciate a soccer shoe that is made for your foot type because of a myriad of reasons, namely comfort and better performance. Wearing a proper-fitting boot will make you feel more in control and have more confidence – translating to better games.
Additionally, wearing wide shoes despite having narrow feet will lead to discomfort and injuries. You avoid blisters, sprained ankles, and other more serious injuries when you choose to wear cleats for narrow feet.
Should soccer cleats be tight or loose?
The right cleats for narrow feet will not have your feet shifting in your shoes, around the heel and toe box areas.
This shifting results in hindered movement, bad touches on the ball, difficulty passing, and poor shooting. Wearing boots for medium or wide feet, rather than football boots for narrow feet, can cause injuries, as well.
Unfortunately, soccer shoe sizes don’t always translate to your regular shoe size. For example, you can wear an 8 for your running shoes, but you could have needed to reduce it to 7.5 for the soccer cleat. Check out our helpful guide to soccer shoe sizes.
How Can You Tell if a Cleat is Good for Narrow Feet?
Like with any soccer gear, you can tell cleats are good for you when you try them out. Trying out cleats at a store before buying them will give you a general idea of how they fit.
You want cleats that have a snug fit – you don’t want them to come off during a game. Anything less than this will affect your ball control and movement negatively.
These days, though, we do a lot of our shopping online and trying on a soccer boot before purchase isn’t an option. Reliable reviews of the best soccer cleats are your best bet in choosing the best cleats for narrow feet.
3 Tips for Finding the Perfect Fit
Soccer cleats are not exactly the cheapest purchases in our sport so it would be great if the cleats you purchase are the right ones for you. I have compiled some helpful tips and tricks you can apply to always find the best-fitting cleats for your narrow feet.
1. Know Your True Size
This may sound like common sense. But sadly, buying a pair of cleats that are the wrong size is one of the most common mistakes soccer players make.
If your feet are still growing, then measure your foot’s length every 3-4 months to update your shoe size accordingly.
But, if you’re past the age of growing feet, it’s worth it to know what size that is.
Measure your foot length and width and check what shoe size corresponds to it. Get a shoe size chart to see your true cleat size.
2. Understand that Hype is (sometimes) Overrated
It feels like Nike, Adidas, and Puma churn out new cutting-edge soccer cleats every month. Their tech, colorways, and endorsements by your favorite soccer stars make you want to have these cleats for yourself.
I don’t blame you if you fall victim to this irresistible soccer cleat hype train. I’ve been there before. Besides, I wouldn’t consider it a bad thing to have every pro model cleat if they fit my foot size and type perfectly!
The reality, though, is that not every new cleat of Mbappe, Neymar, Messi, or Ronaldo will be a good fit for your narrow feet.
Do some research and be objective about the cleats you buy. At the end of the day, the cleat that fits perfectly – hyped or not – will be the cleat for you.
3. Try Sizing Down
If you’re not having luck in finding narrow soccer shoes, then you can also try to size down by half a size. If, say, your usual US size 9 does not feel locked in and the cleat still feels loose and sloppy on your feet, then try on an 8.5 US and see if it offers a better fit.
Why Don’t Brands Tell You Which Cleats Fit Your Foot Type?
Brands don’t market cleats as cleats for specific foot types because this will immediately narrow down the number of people who will buy the cleats they sell.
If cleats were marketed as cleats for narrow feet, then these will only be bought by people with narrow feet. Brands don’t want that. Brands want every cleat model they sell to be an option of each kind of buyer – narrow, regular, or wide-footed.
We have you covered here on Soccer Shoe Guide. I will tell you what cleats are good for your narrow feet so you don’t waste your money on ill-fitting cleats.
Top 6 Cleats for Narrow Feet
In no particular order, here are 6 of the best current soccer cleats for narrow feet you could get for yourself today.
Adidas Copa 20+ Soccer Shoe
We consider this the best laceless boot for narrow feet on the market, since its narrow width provides above-average lockdown for a laceless cleat.
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We consider this the best laceless boot for narrow feet on the market, since its narrow width provides above-average lockdown for a laceless cleat.
Laceless cleats are all the rave these days and the Adidas Copa 20 FG is a cleat that can back up all its hype. The Copa Line of Adidas has always been about comfort and performance which the Adidas Copa 20 FG inherits.
This is the best laceless boot for narrow feet on the market. Previously, laceless cleats were mostly a no-no for narrow-footed players. The Copa 20 changes all that with a narrow width providing above-average lockdown for a laceless cleat.
Players also appreciate the fusion skin kangaroo leather upper, which is super thin and gives the wearer an intuitive touch on the ball. On the flip side, the soft K leather upper may peel after a few months of use. (You can counter this by applying leather conditioner after cleaning your soccer shoes.)
As for the interior of the boot, these have a synthetic suede heel liner that delivers a premium feel, and no blisters. Internal foam pads mold to the shape of your feet, making these leather shoes an awesome pick.
Pros:
- Lace-less cleats for narrow feet
- Fusionskin kangaroo leather upper
- Soft heel liner made of suede synthetic materials
- Internal foam padding
Cons:
- Durability issues with the K-leather
- As expected from any lace-less cleat, the Copa 20 will have less lockdown compared to any cleat with laces.
If laceless soccer cleats are your thing, check out our article on the best laceless soccer cleats.
adidas Predator Freak.1
The combination of the Primeknit upper, lacing system and elasticated collar provides for a snug, yet nonrestrictive kind of fit.
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The combination of the Primeknit upper, lacing system and elasticated collar provides for a snug, yet nonrestrictive kind of fit.
Everybody who’s into soccer recently has encountered the new Adidas Predators. This Adidas Predator Freak .1 iteration is a stunning boot that has everyone talking because of its freakishly cool looks and features.
The Predator Freak’s construction is tighter where it matters. Something narrow-footed players will appreciate.
The Predator Freak has 210 ridiculously cool spikes on the areas where you make ball contact. These spikes are not a gimmick like most striking elements on other cleats.
This boot’s predecessor, the Predator 20.1, had a textile-based upper. The Predator Freak .1 thin Primeknit is a more premium material that will feel much more comfortable and give a more immersive touch on the ball.
In looking at the soleplate, this iteration from Adidas has good traction with a heel counter for added support and will perform well on most pitch surfaces.
Pros:
- Tight around the mid-foot
- Demonskin spikes are incredible for more grip and spin on the ball
- Full premium primeknit upper
- Control frame soleplate
- Head-turning style
Cons:
- Sadly, those cool demon spikes fall off. After a while, the demon spikes fall off one by one. This isn’t a real durability issue as you will be left with a normal pair of cleats once all the spikes fall off.
- Not the most affordable option out there
Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly IV
A popular model with an anatomically crafted soleplate makes this a top consideration for narrow-footed players.
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A popular model with an anatomically crafted soleplate makes this a top consideration for narrow-footed players.
This line of cleats from Nike has been their most popular model for a reason. The Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly IV is one of Nike’s most marketed and hyped. But, what are they really like?
A Vaporsite upper, silhouette and anatomically-shaped soleplate make for a very connected feel. The Vaporposite upper is a less pliable more rigid material compared to other synthetic uppers of the same price point. I personally go for softer uppers. But, if you don’t mind a tiny amount of stiffness, then you will want to consider these football boots.
The anatomically-shaped soleplate will “hug” your soles as it doesn’t lie completely flat. This makes for a deeper toe area feel, giving you an on-your-toes stance. Trying them out, they make you feel quicker and ready for bursts of speed and fast lateral movement.
Personally, I also appreciate that these shoes are at just 205 grams in my usual 9.5 US. The cleat’s feel and connection make it seem like you’re wearing close to nothing on your feet.
Pros:
- Overall quality construction
- Anatomical soleplate cradles your feet
- Super lightweight
- Great speed boots
Cons:
- Quality comes with a price, and this isn’t the cheapest on the market either
- Vaporposite upper is a little stiff, which may put off some players
Adidas X Ghosted+ Soccer Shoe
Nothing compares to the level of touch you get with the Adidas X Ghosted+’s barefoot feel.
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Nothing compares to the level of touch you get with the Adidas X Ghosted+’s barefoot feel.
The Adidas X Ghosted may sound like a funny name, but fear not. With these, you are getting a cutting-edge cleat with the latest tech in soccer cleats.
A lot of cleats claim to give a barefoot touch on the ball. But, nothing compares to the level of touch of the Adidas X Ghosted+’s barefoot feel. The Adidas X Ghosted+ uses a Mirageskin upper. Translated to normal English, this means that the upper material is a polyurethane material sitting on a synthetic mesh material, and it makes the Mirageskin comparable to a thin silicone sheet. It is extremely lightweight and is responsible for the cleat’s barefoot feel.
Granted, barefoot lightweight soccer shoes mean that you have minimal protection. Getting stepped on in-game could cause some injuries because of the lack of any thickness on these cleats. And that lightweight construction doesn’t make for the most durable narrow soccer cleats. A friend who bought these only got to use them for around 3-5 months. He says those were great months. But, if you are someone who values longevity in the cleats you buy, then the Adidas X Ghosted+ just might not be for you.
If you’re just dying to put on laceless soccer cleats despite having narrow feet, the Adidas X Ghosted+ could just be the way to go. These cleats will have the closest wrap-around narrow feet compared to any other laceless cleat out there. Though, it’s worth noting that the construction of these football boots and their lace-ess nature make putting them on a chore.
Visually, these cleats are translucent and see-through in some parts. I think that’s cool and unique—definitely not something you see on the soccer field every week.
Pros:
- Most barefoot touch ever
- Mirageskin upper material
- A great laceless cleat for a narrow foot
- Unique style
Cons:
- No protection for feet
- Durability issues
- Not the easiest to put on
Mizuno Morelia Neo III Beta MIJ
An unparalleled experience - every inch of this cleat feels premium and you immediately feel like you’ve added a few levels of mastery to your game.
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An unparalleled experience - every inch of this cleat feels premium and you immediately feel like you’ve added a few levels of mastery to your game.
Cleats on offer from Mizuno always get high praise from soccer reviews for good reason. The Japanese brand may not be as highly marketed as their western counterparts, but based on personal experience, Mizuno cleats often outperform bigger brands on the pitch.
Mizuno makes cleats with a “quality first” approach. Unlike big brands where somewhat irrelevant tech and hype come first before quality. I really appreciate the honesty of Mizuno’s principles.
The Mizuna Morella Neo III is made with the most premium kangaroo leather on the market – making them excellent leather cleats. The brand prioritizes quality and most people find that each pair will last you at least a couple to several years. (That is way long in lifetimes for soccer shoes!)
And while sizing systems differ by brand and by country of origin and these cleats are an example of that. My personal experience encourages you to consider sizing one half size down.
On a personal note, I’ve tried the Mizuno Morelia Neo III Beta MIJ’s and the experience is unparalleled. Every inch of the cleat feels premium and you immediately feel like you’ve added a few levels of mastery to your game.
If you love a more traditional classic look with modern touches, then definitely check these out. The Morella line of cleats has barely changed over the years in the looks department. If it isn’t broken, then don’t fix it, they say, and these cleats just prove that.
Pros:
- Premium kangaroo leather
- Durable construction
- Unparalleled fit for narrow feet
- Neo-classic looks
Cons:
- Really expensive – this one is really an investment
- Sizing can be confusing – you may want to go with a half-size down from your normal football boots
Puma Future Z 1.2 FG
Just one look and you’ll know the Puma Future Z 1.2 FG is a trailblazer in soccer cleat innovations. Never have we seen a cleat bisected by an elasticated band along the midfoot.
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Just one look and you’ll know the Puma Future Z 1.2 FG is a trailblazer in soccer cleat innovations. Never have we seen a cleat bisected by an elasticated band along the midfoot.
Narrow-footed players who most often play on firm ground surfaces will appreciate the FuzionFit. This piece of tech provides a unique fit and feel that secures the midfoot area in a one-to-one wrap exactly to the shape of your foot.
A synthetic finish on the upper provides some grip on the ball. It’s not too noticeable but the grip is there. A wider toe box is a helpful feature for players who prefer a little wiggle room for their toes. If you want cleats to be snug all the way, then other options might be better.
Overall, the Puma Future Z 1.2 Firm Ground offers a good balance of comfort, support, and performance.
Pros:
- FuzionFit provides real compression
- Grip Control Pro upper
- Great durability
Cons:
- Wider toe box area may not be ideal for all narrow-footed players
Don’t Let Your Feet Narrow Your Choices: Final Thoughts on the Best Soccer Cleats for Narrow Feet
(See what I did there?)
Among the cleats we reviewed here, I present the best cleats for narrow feet to be a tie between the Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly IV and the Mizuno Morelia Neo III Beta MIJ.
When deciding between these narrow fitting boots, I think it comes down to personal preference and budget. If you were to choose just one among them, I recommend the Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly IVs if a newer, trendier cleat is your style. Choose the Morella Neo’s if you prefer a traditional, comfortable, and masterful cleat.
In all honesty, you can’t go wrong either way, as both boots are made with a narrow foot shape in mind, and provide a dynamic fit that makes them the best narrow soccer cleats on the market today.
