Football boots for defenders

We take a brief look at the boots most commonly worn by the world's best defenders.

14 November 2022 - Written by David del Río

We have said countless times that boots should not be associated with playing positions, but that does not mean that there are not some boots that remind us more of a particular position on the pitch than others. So, if you are a defender, take a look at this post and find out which football boots are most commonly used by defenders around the world.

Football boots for defenders

Nike Mercurial football boots

Although it may seem surprising, because it is one of the boots par excellence for forwards, it is also one of the most widely used by defenders around the world, although it should be noted that those who use this silo the most are full-backs, wing-backs and players looking to break away at full speed. 

post card post-botas-para-defensas-mercurial.webp

The new Flyknit and Airzoom casing provide extra comfort, making the American brand's fastest boot the perfect choice for wingers, full-backs and speedy players such as Davies, Cancelo and Balde from FC Barcelona, who choose Nike Mercurial as their boot of choice for defending. 

adidas Predator football boots

We continue with adidas and its most powerful silo, Predator. This boot is perfect for defenders, offering a powerful, secure and durable boot that also features ribs or ‘Predator elements’ for extra support with every kick, pass or clearance. 

post card post-botas-para-defensas-adidas-predator.webp

The adidas Primeknit adapts to the foot after several uses, and from there we have a sturdy boot that enhances striking above all else. In addition, the sole is very open as it adapts to different types of footfalls, being neither too aggressive nor too soft. A safe choice that we see on the feet of Alaba, Ferland Mendy, and Spanish national team centre-back Laporte

Puma Future Z football boots

We come to a boot that we see all over the pitch, but which takes on special importance at the back of the pitch because of the security it provides. It is a boot that is difficult to associate with a specific position, but it has that something that makes it the choice of many defenders. 

post card post-botas-para-defensas-puma-future-z.webp

The new Fusionfit+ ensures a perfect fit, which, combined with a sole with wide, semi-conical studs and a wide last, makes for a fabulously comfortable boot. It's no surprise that they are the choice of defenders such as Thiago Silva, Skriniar and Bastoni from Inter Milan. 


Puma Ultra Ultimate football boots

We're sticking with Puma, as another model sneaks in. This time we have a boot that, although made for speed and perhaps expected to be seen only at the front of the pitch, is actually worn by many defensive players due to its comfort, adaptability and fit. 

post card post-botas-para-defensas-puma-ultra-ultimate.webp

The fit of this boot is fantastic, as the new upper adapts perfectly after just a few uses, and the FG/AG sole provides fantastic traction in every direction. Another very comfortable boot from the outset, it is the choice of many defenders, from full-backs and wing-backs such as Cucurella, Walker and Zinchenko to centre-backs such as Maguire, Varane and Koulibaly, who all choose the Puma Ultra Ultimate. Puma has hit the nail on the head. 

Nike Tiempo football boots

It is possibly the model most used by all centre-backs around the world, as it seems that they prefer the comfort of traditional leather boots over synthetic boots or boots with a thread casing. 

post card post-botas-para-defensas-nike-tiempo.webp

Natural leather is perhaps the key to this choice, providing a level of confidence with every touch and pass that is very difficult to replicate, thereby elevating these boots to the Olympus of defensive boots. What's more, with its latest update, we have a truly lightweight boot that combines the structure and feel of natural leather with foam reinforcement. The choice of Kounde, Rudiger and, of course, Virgil Van Dijk is simply top notch. 

And that concludes our review of the boots most commonly used by defenders. Of course, there are others that we also see a lot on the pitch, but the real question is: which ones would you choose?


Related content

World Cup footballs

World Cup footballs

adidas is about to unveil the official ball for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the United States and Mexico. Shall we take a look back at the balls used in previous World Cups?
30 December 2025
Experience sport at its best: The grand Opening Party at Oasiz Torrejón

Experience sport at its best: The grand Opening Party at Oasiz Torrejón

The biggest sports opening party is coming to the Oasiz Torrejón de Ardoz Shopping Centre on 5 and 6 September. Three sports, three passions, one experience: football, basketball and running will be celebrated in style with activities, gifts, music and plenty of energy.
01 September 2025
New Nike “shadow pack”

New Nike “shadow pack”

Llegan por fin las botas de futbol negras de Nike para todos y todas, en un pack que siempre es un éxito. Amantes de las botas negras, vamos a conocerlo. 


01 August 2025
EXPERIENCE THE FINALS

EXPERIENCE THE FINALS

adidas takes you to the SM El Rey MAPFRE Cup Finals (Just for Spain)
16 April 2025

Questions & comments

Register or enter your account and participate actively in our large community of footballers
Be the first to leave a comment