We pick the perfect boots for the maestros in midfield.
Last updated on 11 September 2023 to reflect latest releases and reviews.
As someone who’s affectionately teased as a “football manager” on the pitch for explaining football tactics, positioning and shapes, it’d be really remiss of me to categorise midfielders into a single homogenous group – even if they play in the same position technically. Jordan Henderson, for example, takes on a more destructive role, while Jorginho starts and facilitates Chelsea’s attack.
We’re therefore not going to recommend boots strictly by position, but instead by playstyle and preference. Whether you’re expecting a lot of touches on the ball as your team’s central pivot, the designated long-range shot taker or just a jack of all trades, we’ve got recommendations for everyone.
Here are our best boots for midfielders.
The Set-Piece Specialist
If you’re one who makes a difference from a set piece, perhaps the adidas Predator Accuracy.1 could work in your favour.
The Set-Piece Specialist
adidas Predator Accuracy .1
Multiple stores
From supplying weighted balls into the box to curling the ball away from the ‘keeper outside the box, the rubber elements do a great job of adding spin to your strike especially if you’ve got your technique right.
And if you love those Pogba-esque outer foot passes, look no further than the Predator Edge.1.
The Master of the First Touch
Comfort and touch
Nike Tiempo Legend 10 Elite
Multiple stores
If you see yourself as the “Link Man” in your team’s midfield play, always looking to receive and move the ball quickly, the Nike Tiempo Legend 10 might just be the perfect boot for you.
As the connecting point of the entire team, you’d expect to have a lot of touches on the ball. The ribbed leather upper flexes and contours around the curves of your feet more closely, allowing the contact with the ball to feel even closer than before.
A great first touch buys you time and space to make your next move, especially in a crowded midfield.
The Modern No. 6
Perhaps the clearest tactical evolution over the past two decades has been the role of the defensive midfielder. Not merely a shield in front of the defence, they’re now also expected to drop into the defensive line to begin attacks with precise passes or relieve pressure from the team with quick switches of play. They defend through anticipation and interceptions instead of purely just tackling. To dictate the game and tempo for the team, they value comfort but more importantly a great touch on the ball to work their magic, modelling after players like Toni Kroos and Jorginho.
The modern midfielder
Mizuno Rebula Cup Japan
Multiple stores
For a midfielder who needs to tackle, distribute and run the game from deep, the Mizuno Rebula Cup Japan should be your boot of choice. The boot requires no break in time for you to clock all that mileage in the centre of the park. The FT Foam pods help to take the sting off sharp passes and cushions the ball nicely to give you confidence in control and passing. Those very pods also provide ample protection for you when going in for those one-on-one challenges.
And if you do get the rare opportunity to shoot from distance, you get a nice punchy feel when hitting your screamers into the top corner.
Box to Box
Two words – Steven Gerrard. The box-to-box midfielder is what every 90s kid grew up wanting to be. Thanks to his brilliance, every team I played for had at least one player in a number 8 jersey, taking pot shots from ambitious areas while being the workhorse of the team.
The box to box midfielder
Puma Future Ultimate
Multiple stores
The Puma Future Ultimate is perfect for the all-rounded box to box midfielder. It’s got probably the best fit on the market, thanks to the knitted compression upper that keeps you locked in as you pivot from each end of the field.
Its grippy textures also aid a little with your touches on the ball as you pass and receive as the hub of the team.
The Line-Breaking Midfielder
Another tactical trend that’s come to the forefront in recent years, is the importance of being “press-resistant”. With teams adopting a high-press, midfielders who can bypass that press with a dribble like Frenkie de Jong.
The line-breaking midfielder
Adler Yatagarashu
Direct
The Adler Yatagarashu provides not just comfort but a close and elegant touch of the ball with its thin leather upper for those dribbles.
What separates it from other leather boots is its exceptional KaRVO midsole. The carbon fibre-esque midsole feels incredibly responsive, with an added touch in rigidity for that extra spring in your step to help you accelerate past your opponents.
Have a boot you feel is perfect for midfielders that’s not on the list? Let us know in the comments below.
[…] A boot made for the twinkle toed player that is all about manoeuvrability. Expect a barefoot touch for those mazy dribbles though we also think the Nemeziz could make a damn fine boot for the box-to-box midfielder. […]