Football boots continue to evolve year after year, and we always see innovations and improvements in the top-of-the-range models. However, these improvements also trickle down to the various mid-range models, giving us boots that, in many respects, are on a par with or even better than the top-of-the-range models from just four or five years ago. Today, we’re looking at five models that perfectly exemplify this progress.
Puma Future Z 2.1
Football Boots Future Z 2.1 FG/AG White-Red Blast
This boot is a real winner because, in terms of comfort, it is undoubtedly one of the most comfortable boots on the market, regardless of the version. The construction is very similar to that of Neymar Jr’s top-of-the-range football boots, retaining the adaptive strap and featuring an upper that is exceptionally soft for this price range.
What’s more, the outsole replicates the style of the studs and maintains the high-end performance in terms of torsion and traction. The Puma collar remains, making this a sensational boot in terms of feel and performance—even more so when you consider its price.
Mizuno Morelia Neo III Pro
We wanted to include this boot because, although it feels slightly different from the top-of-the-range models, the build quality is outstanding for this price range. It features the same top-quality natural leather as the elite range, yet is remarkably lightweight, and combines this with a synthetic microfibre that, whilst not quite as soft as in the top-of-the-range models, is still very comfortable.
Furthermore, the sole reduces the level of responsiveness slightly, although it features the same plate configuration, with a slightly wider last and rivet reinforcements at the front and back – a feature that will significantly increase the durability of this sturdy boot, making it ideal for use on both artificial and natural grass pitches.
Nike Tiempo Legend 8 Pro
As we’ve been saying for some time now, Nike’s mid-range is currently one of the best on the market, and the Nike Tiempo football boots are a prime example of this. The use of genuine leather, along with the retention of the sole and silhouette of a boot that everyone loves, has proved to be a real success.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find boots at this price point that offer such high-quality craftsmanship, genuine top-quality leather and such an incredibly light weight – a feeling of lightness rarely found in genuine leather boots. A flawless choice.
Nike Mercurial Vapor 14 Pro
With the new Nike Mercurial DragonFly, the Flyknit upper has been revamped, bringing us a mid-range boot that captures the feel of the top-of-the-range model and makes the Mercurial accessible to everyone. Although the construction isn’t exactly the same, the truth is that the feel when you put this boot on is extremely similar to the top-of-the-range model – a fact that speaks volumes about Nike’s work.
The sole is no longer anatomically shaped and the last is slightly wider, but in terms of stud placement and responsiveness, the feel is simply sensational. Honestly, this boot could easily have been a top-of-the-range model just four or five years ago – a real gem.
New Balance Furon V6 Pro
Football Boots Furon V6 Pro FG Blue
€209.99
In both the V6 and V6+ versions, NB has done a brilliant job; this boot is one of the best boots for speed football. The mid-range model features virtually the same materials as the top-of-the-range model, with slight variations in the upper and the sole.
The NB knit used throughout the boot is incredibly soft and features a highly responsive soleplate, which will aid acceleration and changes of direction at top speed. Consequently, the use of high-quality materials, combined with a construction that is almost identical to that of the top-of-the-range models, makes these New Balance Furon boots one of the best mid-range options currently available.
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