Best Running Shoes For Soccer Players

In recent times, clubs pay attention to the speed of a soccer player during recruitment. Some players like Lionel Messi are daredevils for short sprints while others like Park Heung-min can run from one end of the pitch to the other—and score.

In a game between Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley on 7 December 2019, Heung-min received the ball close to his 18-yard box and ran all the way to score in Burnley’s net. The goal got the FIFA Puskas Award.

It is estimated that soccer players cover as much as 7 to 10 miles per game. Therefore, it is not surprising that soccer players always have some form of running included in their routine drills.

However, the distance covered by soccer players will usually vary depending on the role they play. For example, while every other outfield player covers 7 to 10 miles per game, goalkeepers usually cover only 2 miles.

When it comes to running, having the right pair of shoes can make a lot of difference. If a shoe is too bulky, it will slow you down.

On the other hand, if a shoe is not the right fit, it may cause pain in some areas of your foot and eventually limit the distance you can cover. Have you been struggling to find the right pair of running shoes?

We will tell you the obvious mistakes that you have been making as well as give you useful suggestions on the best running shoes for soccer players.

How to choose running shoes for soccer players

If you have been following our posts for a while, you would have discovered that using soccer cleats on just any surface will hasten their deterioration. So, if your running drills take you to paved concrete or dirt roads, you need to have a pair of dedicated running shoes to wear.

While some brands are famous for creating stunning and high-quality running shoes, the best running shoes go beyond just brand name. It encompasses the material, weight, and how your feet feel in the shoes.

Also, you need to take a close look at your environment to know if your potential choice will outlast its cost when exposed to your prevailing environment. Based on these premises, here are the key features to consider when shopping for running shoes for soccer players.

Size

Inasmuch as there is a universal size code used by shoe manufacturers, every brand is slightly different in the way they interpret size—depending on the country. It is always good to test out the shoes whenever you can rather than make assumptions.

On no account should you compromise on size when it comes to picking the best running shoes for soccer players. Make sure the cleats you purchase fit snugly and wrap around your feet in a cozy way.

Also, when picking a pair of running shoes, consider the fact that some of the shoes can stretch—more than soccer cleats will ever stretch. Therefore, we recommend going a half-size down.

For example, if your feet are a size 8, you will likely be better off with a size 7.5. If you go with your actual size, the moment your shoes begin to stretch, you will have too much room that may make your feet slide in your boots.

Apart from making you lose your balance, sliding feet inside your boots is one of the causes of foot blisters, particularly around the heels. When sizing your new running shoes, double-check the following;

• Toe length: your toes should not be mangled in the front of the shoes. There should be enough wiggle room for your toes.
• Shoe width: If you have wide feet, make sure you choose a product with a wide toe area. After lacing your shoe, there should be no pressure on the widest parts of the feet.

Shape and traction of outsoles

The shape of the outsoles as well as their traction are important factors you should consider when choosing running shoes for soccer players.

For example, it will feel awkwardly odd and uncomfortable to run on a cement floor with shoes that have studs. This is partly the reason why indoor soccer players like futsal don’t wear cleats with studs.

It is important to consider the nature of the surface you will be running on when choosing your shoes. When your running drills take you through rough rocky terrain, the soles of your shoes need good padding so that you won’t feel the impact of every step.

For flat surfaces like concrete roads or wooden floors, choose shoes with thinner soles. Also, the lugs on the shoes can be shallow. Shoes with deeper lugs are more suited for mud and wet surfaces.

We deliberately decided not to talk so much about the insoles. This is because most running shoes come with removable insoles. So, when necessary, purchase specialized running insoles along with your new shoes and swap them.

Weight

Weight is another important factor to consider when choosing running shoes. The heavier the shoes, the more difficult it would be for you to run in them.

Also, running with heavy shoes will strain the muscles of your calves and that can lead to muscle pull.

For a shoe to be considered lightweight, it has to weigh less than 8 ounces. According to podiatrists, any shoe that weighs above 10.5 ounces is heavy—and you should avoid them for running.

The weight of the shoes will largely depend on the type of material used in making them. For example, shoes made of full grain leather are usually heavier than those made of synthetic material.

Inasmuch as running shoes need good padding on the inside, particularly around the heels, the padding should not significantly increase the weight of the shoes.

Durability is crucial

Let’s face it, the economy is biting hard and quality running shoes don’t always come cheap. Therefore, it is always important to make sure that the running shoes you invest in would outlast the price.

We told you that soccer players run 7 to 12 miles per game and some running drills may last that long and come as frequently as 2 to 3 times per week. So, the right running shoes should be able to take that amount of beating for an upward of a year or at least for 500 miles—whichever comes first.

When it comes to durability, the three key features that you should pay attention to are the soles, the material and the shape of the shoe. When you buy shoes that are not the shape of your feet, you will be forcing the shoes to conform to your feet which may eventually lead to their collapse.

For example, if you have wide feet and buy narrow shoes, your feet will stretch the shoes on the sides until you eventually end up with gaping holes on the side.

Leather stretches more than other materials and can take more beating than other materials. In terms of soles, rubber soles strike a balance between lightweight and durability.

While leather soles are durable too, they will increase the weight and the cost of the shoes. Most importantly, always go for shoes with soles that can be easily replaced considering the fact that every sole will eventually wear out.

Special foot needs

Everyone is not created equal. Therefore, if you have a special foot requirement, we strongly advise that you consider that when making your choice.

For example, if you have brittle bones, are recovering or prone to ankle injuries, or are simply cautious about twisting your ankle, getting a pair of running shoes with ankle support can make all the difference.

It would be hard to complete 10 miles if your shoes don’t fit the shape of your feet properly. There are times you may have to use special inserts to achieve the level of comfort that your feet need—and you should.

Breathability

Soccer lasts for a maximum of 120 minutes (if you add extra time when the sides are par on goals). However, in training, soccer players can run even more.

Therefore, choosing a pair of highly breathable running shoes will do you a lot of good, especially if your running drill lasts for more than 2 hours. For runs less than 1 hour, breathability may not be a big issue of concern.

Breathable shoes are made of materials that allow air and water vapor out of the shoes. Fabric shoes are usually highly breathable but less durable than leather and synthetic shoes.

Some manufacturers are finding the balance by making shoes that use a combination of leather and fabric materials on the upper to improve their breathability without sacrificing durability.

When choosing shoes made of synthetic materials, make sure they are made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) marketed commercially as GORE-TEX membrane. This membrane allows water vapor out of the shoes but prevents water from coming in.

Highly breathable shoes during long runs will help to keep your feet dry and prevent foot fungus and other issues that may arise from sweaty or hot feet.

Best running shoes for soccer players

Now that you know what to look out for, picking the best running shoes for soccer players should be easier. However, we would like to take our assistance a step further by recommending some of the best running shoes on the market.

In addition to analyzing all the factors we mentioned in our buying guide, we also compared prices as well as looked at what other users had to say about the products before settling for the best.

Although there is no perfect shoe out there, the products that we recommend always have the pros exceeding the cons. Without further chitchats, here are the products we highly recommend.

Best overall: Adidas Men’s Samba Classic

Last update on 2023-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

On the top of our list of the best running shoes for soccer players is Adidas Men’s Samba Classic. Firstly, it was designed like soccer cleats to bring that on-the-pitch experience to your regular outdoor running drills.

In terms of material, it is made from full-grain leather upper with a suede overlay which enhances its aesthetic appeal. It is not a secret that leather is usually more durable than synthetic materials.

In addition to that, leather is stretchable and molds better around the feet making it easier for you to achieve a snug fit with this pair of running shoes.

Adidas Men’s Samba Classic also comes with embossed EVA midsoles for improved comfort as well as to prevent foot pain—but it doesn’t end there. If you have flat feet, the arch support should take the strain away when jumping.

Also, the longer tongue on the shoe should protect your ankle. The outsoles are made of non-marking gum rubber for improved traction on most surfaces—no surprise it is often used by futsal players.

If you want to buy this running shoe, we strongly recommend that you go for half-size down your original size because they run large. For example, if you normally wear 10, go for 9.5 for a snug fit.

Features:

• Provides ankle support and is suitable for soccer players with bunions and wide feet
• Highly durable, even with heavy use
• Made of 100% leather with suede overlay
• The soles are made of rubber
• Comes with embossed EVA midsole

Cons

• Breathability is low which may cause sweat and stink
• Arch support is too high and uncomfortable

Most breathable running shoes: TSIODFO Men Athletic Running Shoes

Last update on 2023-11-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

In addition to being comfortable, soccer players that take long distance running drills need breathable shoes. TSIODFO ticks the boxes for a good running shoe in the right places.

The upper material is made of hexagonal mesh textile that has high air permeability. This allows your feet to stay cool and dry, regardless of your running distance.

The soles are made with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) which is supposed to bend with your feet to provide cushion—particularly on irregular surfaces. The shock absorption property of the shoe is further enhanced by the honeycomb design of the outsoles.

Also, the bottom of the shoe has a grip sole for improved traction on concrete and wood floors. Due to the fabric and synthetic material used in manufacturing this shoe, they are lightweight and will not stress your leg muscles.

Another thing that will definitely catch your attention is the unique design of the shoes which makes it easy to style the shoes with jeans or tracksuit.

On the downside, the lugs on the soles are not sufficient and wearing this on a wet floor can be dangerous. Also, the shoe opening seems a bit narrow which can be problematic for those with big legs.

Features:

• Hexagonal mesh textile upper increases breathability
• Midsoles are made of thermoplastic polyurethane soles
• Non-slip rubber outsoles
• Honeycomb cushioned insoles
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Opening is a bit too small
• Soles detach from upper easily

Best lightweight running shoes: MEHOTO Men’s Air Running Sneakers

Last update on 2023-11-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The importance of running with lightweight shoes cannot be overemphasized. Mehoto men’s air running shoes deliver just that—but there is more to it than just being lightweight.

It was designed with a breathable knit mesh fabric upper which helps to keep your feet cool and dry during long runs.

Another interesting feature that comes in handy for runners is the thick foam paddings around the ankle which provides adequate protection from spraining your ankles while on the run.

With this pair of running shoes, you will get soft non-slip rubber outsoles. The cushioned rubber soles are also flexible and will bend with your feet to provide support.

Regardless of the nature of your running surface, the memory foam insoles will work with the outsoles to absorb the vibration from the ground with every step.

The only thing that may feel like a setback with this product is the narrow design. If you have wide feet, it may be a good idea to look elsewhere.

Features:

• Lightweight design
• Thick padding around the ankle for support
• Upper is made with breathable knit mesh fabric
• Has flexible rubber outsoles
• Specialized memory foam insoles
• Non-slip rubber outsoles

Cons:

• Runs narrow
• Outsoles crack easily

Conclusion

The most successful soccer players usually have incredible pace and cover long distances on the pitch. From Cristiano Ronaldo to Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, this trait is obvious.

To get the level of consistency that will make you stand out, it is important to create a personalized running drill that is different from group training. To succeed in this, you will need a pair of really good running shoes.

We have recommended three of the best and most affordable running shoes on the market. Furthermore, we provided a detailed guide on what to look out for when shopping for running shoes.

Whether you buy our recommended product or decide to do your research we have given you all the information you need to make it a worthwhile purchase.