Best Football Boots in Ireland Review: Nike, Adidas, Puma

When it comes to picking the best football boots for you, there are a lot of aspects to consider. Style, brand, weight, studs – all these come into play. Which is why we’ve put together this Ultimate Best Football Boots in Ireland Review ahead of the 2024 season.

Whether you’re a parent buying boots for your child, or a GAA, soccer or rugby player, understanding what makes a football boot good is crucial.

Because we all know how picky footballers can be about their boots!

We all have different tastes, foot types and requirements that are needed for the best pair of football boots if you’re playing field sports in Ireland this year.

This Best Football Boots Review Guide for Ireland will tell you everything you need to know.

Because Gaelic football, hurling, soccer and rugby all have different movements and skills, so a good boot for one may not be a good boot for another.

Let’s check them out.

Choosing the Right Football Boots in Ireland: Review for 2024

Choosing the perfect football boots can make a significant difference, particularly in sports such as Gaelic football, hurling, soccer and rugby where the margins are so fine.

Understanding the specific requirements of different sports is crucial when selecting the right footwear.

It’s important to find boots that not only provide comfort but also enhance performance, this Ultimate Guide to Football Boots will share some great tips and insights.

Below is a quick taste of factors to take into account.

1. Fit and Comfort: The boot should snugly fit your foot, providing stability without causing discomfort. Remember, a well-fitting boot improves control and reduces the risk of injuries. You don’t want it too loose, but equally not too tight that you’re limping off the pitch after every game! Got weak ankles, this blog on the best football boots specifically for them will help you massively!
2. Material: Leather boots offer flexibility and comfort, molding to your foot over time, while synthetic materials provide durability and resistance to water and mud. A lot of the classic boots go for the soft leather, while the newer modules are more synthetic.
3. Studs: The type of pitch you play on largely determines the studs you use. For firm ground, like we have in the summer in Ireland molded studs (FG) offer better grip and maneuverability, while metal (SG) studs provide more traction on soft ground like the wet winter months.
4. Playing Position: Consider your role on the field. For example, midfielders and forwards might prefer lightweight boots for agility, while defenders may opt for something more robust for protection during tackles. Likewise with rugby players, the wingers often go for a lighter boot; the forwards ones with larger studs and more durable body.
5. Style: There are lots to choose these days. Are you a lover of a the classic adidas boot with tongue strap? Or the ankle sock on the Nike Mercurials? Or a simple Puma Kings to the adidas Copas stalwart that are no frills quality.

Football Boots Review: Nike Football Boots

Nike Phantom GX Pro Dynamic

Price: €125

Overview: Nike’s Phantom GX Pro Dynamic combines comfort, durability, and precision in football footwear. Designed for players who require a boot that adapts to fast-paced and precise playing styles, the Phantom GX Pro stands out in the mid-tier boot category.

Certainly a favourite with soccer players, with the extra ankle protection collar and lacecover design, this boot is built for speed and a soft touch.

Man City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden all wear Nike Phantoms.

Key Features:

• Fit and Feel: This boot offers a snug fit, ideal for players with medium to wide feet. The raised edge around the forefoot in the soleplate not only adds durability but also enhances the boot’s lifespan, especially for players frequently on astro-turf.
• Performance: Nike say this boot is engineered for players who excel in precision and control, the Phantom GX Pro is perfect for those who want to dominate the game through accurate passes and intricate dribbling.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: The boot scores high on comfort, offering a smooth surface area in the forefoot and adequate heel padding. The durability aspect is enhanced with a well-thought-out soleplate design.
• Cons: The boot runs slightly long, and some players might find adjusting the laces a bit challenging due to the ghost lace cover.

Suitability for Sports: While the Phantom GX Pro is well-suited for Gaelic football and soccer, offering the required balance of agility and control, it might fall short in providing the additional protection and bulk needed for rugby.

Nike Tiempo Legend10 Elite

Price: €200-€250

Overview: The iconic Nike Tiempos have been around the block for a while now – remember Ronaldinho’s amazing white and gold stunners from back in the day? The newest version are embracing sythetic materials and really challenging the traditional leather designs.

The Nike Tiempos are a great all-rounder – stylish but also minamalist enough for traditionals as its available in black and white options. And certainly transferable across Gaelic, hurling, soccer and rugby.

Virgil van Dijk is a big fan, so they must be impressive, whilst Kerry’s David Clifford and Dublin’s Brian Fention do their  magic in them too.

Key Features:

• Upper Design: The boot showcases a textured pattern using FlyTouch Plus material, giving an appearance similar to natural leather. Micro dots on the upper enhance ball traction, essential for precise dribbling and passing.
• Comfort and Fit: The boot cradles the foot well, offering a good amount of lockdown. The forefoot features a lightly padded lining, while the midfoot has a mesh weave liner for added support.
• Performance on the Pitch: The thinner synthetic upper provides a distinct barefoot feel, diverging from the plush sensation typically offered by leather boots. The boot’s design facilitates a close ball feel, essential for controlled plays and accurate passes. It’s also ideal for hurling as it offers comfort, durability and speed.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros:
  • Improved heel shape for better lockdown.
  • Lightweight and comfortable.
  • Offers a rich, plush, and pliable k-leather experience.
• Cons:
  • The memory foam pods provide more of a cushioned feel rather than enhanced control.
  • The mesh tongue is not as premium as previous iterations.
  • Some players may experience minor stud pressure on the forefoot.

Suitability for Sports: The boot balances tradition and modern technology, appealing to both leather boot purists and players excited by new advancements. It stands out as a lightweight, comfortable option that delivers a secure, locked-in fit, redefining touch and control in football boots.

Popular across soccer and GAA, you’ll find the Nike Tiempos grace a lot of turf over the summer, in Ireland and England.

Nike Mercurial Superfly 9 Elite Football Boots Review

Price: €230-€280

Overview: The Nike Mercurial Superfly 9 Elite boots are Nike’s newest innovation in their very popular Mercurial range.

Designed with speed and agility in mind, these boots are a favorite among players who seek a lightweight yet responsive experience on the field. One Cristiano Ronaldo is a long-term wearer of these boots, while recetly Kylian Mbappe and Vinicus Junior are big fans.

You’ll also find them on some speedy rugby wingers like South Africa’s Duhan Van Der Merwe.

Key Features:

• Upper Design: The Vaporposite+ upper, inspired by the Superfly 7’s Flyknit, offers a snug yet not restrictive fit. The boot is designed to accommodate narrow feet, providing a roomier midfoot and a slightly higher toe box.
• Comfort and Performance: The Zoom Airbag technology in the soleplate offers a comfortable and cushioned feel, enhancing the player’s interaction with the ground. While it doesn’t provide an aggressive propulsion, it contributes to a balanced and responsive gameplay.
• Traction: The new Tri-star stud design delivers multidirectional traction, ensuring quick and confident direction changes. The studs are multi-directional and provide a firm grip on both firm ground and turf fields.
• Fit: These boots are very accommodating, making them suitable for a wider variety of foot types than ever before. They are recommended as a true to size option, fitting well for players with medium to wide feet.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros:
  • Snug but flexible fit, ideal for speed-focused players.
  • Lightweight and comfortable, with a barefoot touch feel.
  • Multi-directional stud pattern for superior traction.
  • Suitable for various foot widths.
• Cons:
  • The Zoom Airbag doesn’t provide as much energy return as some players might expect.
  • May not be the best choice for players who prefer a more conservative stud configuration.

Suitability for Sports: The Nike Mercurial Superfly 9 Elite is highly regarded for its technologically advanced features and performance on the field.

It represents a shift towards a more inclusive fit, catering to a broader range of players while maintaining the essence of speed and agility that the Mercurial line is known for.

These boots are a significant choice for players who prioritise speed, precision, and a close ball feel in their game. Not that popular with GAA players, however.

Football Boots in Ireland Review: adidas Football Boots

adidas Predator Elite

Price: €260

Overview:

The adidas Predator Elite Football Boots are the latest range in the famous Predator dynasty.

These boots are designed to accommodate a variety of foot shapes, providing a snug fit in the heel and midfoot with a roomier forefoot.

This boot is a throwback to classic Predator designs, balancing traditional boot features with modern innovations, and the latest version also comes with their tongue.

A staple with the greats in Gaelic football (David Clifford), soccer (Zidane, Jude Bellingham, David Beckham) and rugby (Dan Carter, Brian O’Driscoll. They really don’t come more iconic than Preds!

Key Features:

• Fit and Comfort: The boots offer a true-to-size fit with a decently wide forefoot cavity. The internal structure remains consistent over time, ensuring a predictable fit from the first wear.
• Performance: On firm ground (FG) and soft ground (SG), the Predator delivers a solid performance. The boot’s configuration is versatile, catering to different surfaces without being overly aggressive too.
• Design and Build: Packed with performance features, such as the Textile upper with Strikeskin grip elements, adidas PRIMEKNIT collar, Hybrid touch 2.0 on forefoot and the Control frame 2.0 firm ground outsole.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros:
  • Accommodates most feet shapes, offering a snug fit.
  • Decent wide fitting option.
  • The anatomical soleplate provides a firmly planted sensation.
  • Aggressive strike elements enhance ball control and spin.
• Cons:
  • The boot can feel heavy and less dynamic on the field.
  • The thickness of the upper and rubber elements might reduce the closeness of touch for some people compared to Nike designs, which are thinner.

Suitability for Sports: The Adidas Predator is a tank-like boot, built for players who don’t mind a slightly heavier, more substantial football boot.

It’s a fitting choice for those who value a robust and durable design, reminiscent of older Predator models.

The new Predator is especially suitable for players who prefer a boot that can endure intense physical play and still deliver excellent ball control and striking capabilities, so whether it’s GAA, soccer or rugby, the Predator is able for it all.

addias X Crazyfast.1

Price: €260

Overview: The Adidas X Crazyfast .1 Boots represent a significant advancement in the Adidas X series, focusing on speed and precision.

These boots are designed for players who prioritize agility and a close ball feel, combining innovative materials and design to deliver high-performance footwear.

So it’s not surprising to hear the likes of Lionel Messi and Mo Salah are wearers of the adidas X!

Key Features:

• Fit and Comfort: True to size with extra toe space. The boot provides a secure lockdown, combining a padded heel cup, laces, and knit for a snug fit.
• Upper Design: The upper has a rough texture, which is less grippy than the plus model but provides enough traction for ball control, especially in wet conditions.
• Touch and Control: The thin upper offers a sharp and direct touch on the ball, ensuring precise ball control and straightforward passing.
• Performance on the Pitch: The Adidas X Crazyfast 1 is known for its responsiveness and traction, facilitated by its Speedframe with edged triangular studs.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros:
  • Excellent lockdown and comfort, especially around the heel.
  • Accommodating toe box.
  • Good traction and responsiveness.
  • Direct touch on the ball.
  • Aesthetically pleasing design.
• Cons:
  • The upper feels somewhat plasticky and requires break-in time.
  • The fit may not accommodate very wide feet.
  • Priced at a premium.

Suitability for Sports: The Adidas X Crazyfast 1 FG Boots strike a balance between traditional speed boot properties and modern comfort enhancements.

While the heel padding is significant, it does not compromise the boot’s speed-focused design. With that in mind, it’s probably less suited to the robustness needed for Gaelic football, while hurlers will get away with it.

Likewise for rugby, the lack of protection may be an issue.

adidas Copa Pure 2 Elite

Price: €160-€230

Overview: The adidas Copa Pure 2s are a classic option that the adidas traditionalists love!

They are one of the comfiest boots available on the market, consistent in you know exactly what you get after a purchase, and give you all the feel and look of a traditional boot with modern technology.

PSG’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is a big fan, as is Barcelona’s Pedri, while you are guarenteed to find them scattered around every GAA ground in Ireland, such as on Mayo’s Aidan O’Shea.

Key Features:

• Upper Design: The forefoot of the Copa Pure 2 features a clean pattern that gives a nod to the classic adiPure, while the Fusionskin leather forefoot provides a snug, one-piece construction.
• Comfort and Fit: These boots are noted for their exceptional comfort, fitting true to size and providing a warm, snug embrace for the feet. The thick upper ensures a satisfying feel on a football and a really sturdy punch point on the ground.
• Performance: The soft leather make these boots ideal for footballers who appreciate feel. While the padding and comfort means covering high mileage in tough conditions a possibility too. However, they may feel slightly sluggish for some looking to be a bit more nimble.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros:
  • Superior comfort and fit.
  • Excellent touch and feel on the ball.
  • Protective and robust for tackling.
  • Versatile stud pattern for different ground types.
• Cons:
  • Lockdown might feel slightly less aggressive.
  • May not suit fast-paced wing play due to a bit of sluggishness.

Suitability for Sports: The Adidas Copa Pure 2 Elite is a delightful blend of tradition and innovation.

Its comfort, coupled with a modern design, makes it a strong choice for players who appreciate the legacy of leather boots but desire modern features.

It might not be the flashiest boot out there, but in terms of performance and reliability, it’s as good as you can get. GAA, rugby, soccer – it is capable of performing in all three.

Football Boots in Ireland Review: Puma Boots

Puma Future 7 Ultimate

Price: €230

Overview: The Puma Future 7 Ultimate Football Boots are Puma’s most innovative boot yet.

The re-engineered upper combines PWRPRINT, PWRTAPE, extra stretchy knit, and soft dual mesh for a next-generation adaptive fit.

The Dynamic Motion System provides traction and agility for quick cuts and changes of pace.

Man City’s Jack Grealish sports these on a weekly basis., while Brazil star Neymar does too. On the hurling pitch, Limerick’s Gearoid Hegarty has won his numerous Celtic Crosses sporting Futures.

Key Features:

• Design and Fit: The Future 7 Ultimate features a revamped FUZIONFIT360 system with revised PWRTAPE and PWRPRINT positioning, ensuring a locked-in fit like never before. The mesh-based upper and knitted collar enhance the boot’s overall comfort.
• Performance: The 3D PWRPRINT textures add friction for better ball control, and the Dynamic Motion System FG/AG soleplate ensures agility and responsiveness on firm ground.
• Soleplate: The FG soleplate is designed to be aggressive, ideal for natural grass. However, it may be too clingy for artificial grounds, necessitating a switch to MG or turf variants for such surfaces.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros:
  • Excellent fit and lockdown.
  • Comfortable due to the softness of the knit and mesh upper.
  • 3D textures provide balanced ball touch.
• Cons:
  • FG studs may not be suitable for artificial ground.
  • High-arched foot types might find discomfort with PWRTAPE.
  • The soleplate might be too aggressive for some playing styles.

Suitability for Sports: The Puma Future 7 Ultimate is an exceptional football boot, offering comfort, excellent fit, and innovative grip textures.

While it stands out in performance, particularly on natural grass, players should consider the right soleplate for their playing surface.

This boot is an excellent choice for players who value comfort and agility in their game. It’s more popular for soccer than GAA and rugby, but we don’t see why it can’t adapt well to the others and can see them getting more popular.

Puma King Ultimate

Price: €125-€210

Overview: The Puma King Ultimate White is a modern interpretation of the iconic Puma King, offering a blend of traditional aesthetics and advanced technology.

This boot is designed for players who seek a balance between classic style and contemporary performance, and this version of the Puma King does just that.

The classic Puma Kings were a staple of the GAA world in the 90s and noughties and while they aren’t as popular anymore, the new version are bringing them back into the scene.

Key Features:

• Upper Material: The King Ultimate moves away from traditional K-leather to a synthetic leather called K-BETTER, comprising 60% recycled nylon from post-industrial waste. This eco-friendly material also provides a soft, form-fitting experience similar to leather.
• Fit: It features a more narrow fit compared to traditional Puma King models, making it the slimmest boot in Puma’s lineup. The boot incorporates a lightweight design, weighing around 205g, which makes it the lightest King ever.
• Performance: The boot offers a barefoot touch on the ball, and its thin upper allows sharp dribbling. The absence of additional padding typical in modern leather boots contributes to this sensation.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros:
  • Improved from previous King models.
  • Requires minimal break-in time.
  • Offers a close, comfortable fit.
  • Better water repellency and less overstretching than traditional leather.
• Cons:
  • The shift to synthetic leather might not appeal to purists.
  • Some players may find the heel lockdown lacking.
  • Narrow fit may not suit all players.

Suitability for Sports: The Puma King Ultimate FG is an innovative approach to a classic, catering to players who prefer speed boots with a narrower fit.

While it retains some features reminiscent of the King series, such as the classic conical studs, the move to synthetic material marks a significant departure from tradition.

Ideal for players looking for a streamlined, modern boot with a nod to its heritage roots, the Puma King Ultimate is will work across all the major grass sports in Ireland.

Conclusion

Hopefully at this stage you’ve learned something new from this review to help find the best football boots in Ireland for you.

Nike, Puma and adidas are really leading the game right now, and we’re sure you’ll find something you like in the above list.

Whatever your level of ability or if you’re buying boots for someone else, understanding the nuances is key to making a right decision.

If you’re ready to make a purchase right now, check out our full range of football boots HERE..