Soccer cleats, also called futbol or football boots, are not only an essential piece of equipment for the players but a way to express their style and attitude. The average price of a brand new pair of soccer cleats is about $125, but you can pay a whole lot more (if you want!).
The most expensive soccer cleats you can buy will likely knock you over in shock. The most expensive ones are often rare collectibles, like anniversary editions or celebrity limited edition designs.
If you’re wondering about the most expensive soccer cleats in the world right now, you can read about the top priciest boots here!
1. Nike Mercurial Vapor IX XV Anniversary R9 Chrome – $44,000
Kicking off the list as the most expensive soccer cleat is Nike’s Mercurial Vapor IX XV Anniversary R9 Chrome cleat. Nike released this cleat to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the popular original 1998 R9 Mercurial version. These cleats never even went on sale, but you can buy them from hardcore soccer memorabilia collectors.
At $44,000 these cleats cost more than many people’s cars. However, when we say these are rare, we mean it. Supposedly only fifteen pairs were made, five of which went to Nike executives, four to Manchester United soccer player Christiano Ronaldo, and the rest to various sports retailers who held special giveaways.
Funny enough, these cleats will likely never be worn or see the likes of a soccer pitch since they’re considered merely a collectible.
2. Nike Mercurial Vapor III Brasil FG – $2,000
Another pair of Nike Mercurial Vapors? Yes, as this list exemplifies, Nike Mercurials sits at the top of the cleat price spectrum, mostly thanks to the original 1998 version that so many famous footballers wore.
This pair of expensive cleats were worn by Ronaldo in the 2006 World Cup. He scored his 15th World Cup goal wearing the Nike Mercurial Vapor II Brasil. At $2,000, these boots will also likely never be worn for an actual game or to kick a soccer ball around. But they do exhibit some impressive design elements that revolutionized soccer cleats.
This soccer shoe is extremely lightweight because of the uniqueTeijin synthetic material and uses brilliant color blocking that made them extremely popular.
3. Nike Mercurial GS 360 FG – $1,550
Yes, another Nike Mercurial. Inspired by the 2012 Nike GS, one of the most iconic and loved football boots ever made, this Mercurial was the lightest boot in the world when first manufactured.
It’s the first cleat to ever use Nike’s All Conditions Control technology. This genius design allowed more ball control using the upper foot in both wet and dry conditions, giving players an edge over their competition when the weather wasn’t ideal.
Once again, these cleats were sold as limited edition, so you can only find pairs via private sellers. At $1,550 being the average sale price, this boot just barely grabs fourth place on this list.
4. Nike Mercurial Vapor 360 – $1,500
This is the last Nike Mercurial on the list, we promise. And this version is much easier to come by but will cost you a pretty penny of $1,500. This is another reimagination of the famous Mercurial cleat.
It was designed by Virgil Abloh using micro-textured Flyknit upper stitching in a vibrant orange that is eye-catching on and off the field. This boot is lightweight and the distinct knit pattern makes for flexible wear that’s still sturdy while on grass or turf.
Most people acquire these as a stellar collectible, but there’s a slight chance someone might throw these on to feel like a star footballer and maybe score a goal or two.
5. Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Elite SE FG – $1,000
Finally, a boot other than the Mercurial lands on the list! These Nike Tiempo Legends are an elegant departure from the classic football boot look of bright colors and bold designs. These are a sharp white with intricate geometrical accents along the front of the boot.
The bottom of the cleat is the most impressive part of the design. The sole of the boot has a thick plastic that cushions the foot while still allowing agility and traction (not to mention comfort!).
At $1,000, the price still implies collectible, but these are much more likely to be worn by a soccer fanatic who wants to step into these iconic cleats and kick a ball around.
6. Adidas X Speedflow Messi.1 – $1,000
Number six on our list finally takes the spotlight away from Nike collectibles. Although the average sale price for the Adidas X Speedflow Messi 1s is about the same as the Nike Tiempo, this soccer boot often sells slightly under the asking price, making them number six instead of five on the list of most expensive soccer cleats.
These cleats were endorsed and designed for the impeccable and famous soccer player Lionel Messi, and have a distinct design that some players love while others do not. The high quality light rubber sole and low-cut knit design make them super lightweight and flexible, ideal for fast and offensive playing.
Released in 2021, these cleats quickly became highly sought after and a point of pride for both players and fans to own in their collection.
7. Nike HyperVenom Phantom II FG NJR x Jordan – $700
And back to Nike cleats, these Nike HyperVenom Phantom II cleats were a collaboration with Jordan, grabbing the attention of both soccer and basketball fanatics.
With a design inspired by high basketball shoes, these cleats do more to protect players’ ankles, but in the end, are still more of a collectible than an actual piece of equipment. At an average sale price of $700, many people want these cleats in their possession.
Looking at these unique boots you can see the crossover between traditional football cleats and basketball shoes, with elastic lacing and a high cut that stands apart from other cleats.
8. Nike Phantom GT2 Elite FG – $600
The Phantom cleat series from Nike is another popular model that has been reimagined a few times and is loved by many famous players.
The name Phantom came from the cleat’s ability to spin the ball to the player’s will, almost as if a phantom had come in and kicked the bowl in a different direction, catching opponents and fans off guard with extra flair.
With a lightweight knit and rubber design, these super high quality shoes are sold for hundreds of dollars thanks to their impressive and surprising impact on the game.
Even though these are eighth place on the list of the world’s most expensive soccer cleats, they will still cost a few hundred dollars to get your hands on.
9. Adidas Predator Archive FG – $500
The Adidas Predator Archive FG is another limited edition shoe that many people want to add to their collection. This cleat design takes a different approach, opting for hard rubber and a thick outer design that can send the ball rocketing into the net.
These are ideal for hard shots at the goal, increasing the speed of the ball. The side laces and subtle bumps on the top of the boot make it easy for players to manipulate the ball in different directions and send it flying across the soccer field with a swift and accurate kick.
The cleat was most popular among goalies but now is an archived shoe, never to be manufactured again. And that’s why people pay an average of $500 to add this to their collection of iconic football boots.
10. Tru Tenaci FG – $325
Last but certainly not least are the Tru Tenaci FG boots. Unlike the others on this list, these are likely to be worn and get scuffed in some intense soccer matches, rather than just sit behind a glass case to show off to guests.
But at a minimum price of $325, these are one of the most costly pairs. Players love the incredible traction offered by the patented insole technology which works by applying nano-fiber materials that can hold the foot in place, allowing players to turn on a dime.
Tru Tenaci cleats offer unparalleled stability and exceptional grip while still being lightweight and flexible. For wearable cleats, not collectibles, these are the best of the best and are sure to become a collectible one day after it's retired from manufacturing.
Final Note
Almost every football boot on this list is sold as a collectible, not a piece of sports equipment. If you’re looking for a high-end pair of cleats to play soccer, you likely don’t need to spend more than $100-$200.
But for those that want to own iconic cleats that are tough to get, there are plenty of sellers ready to take thousands of dollars in exchange for legendary boots. So instead of that new Nissan, you can have a revolutionary pair of shoes!
