With a wide variety of manufacturers to choose from, finding the best football cleats under 100 pounds or dollars can be a little tricky at times. However, cleats are an essential item for football, so it's worth taking the time to select the right ones for you.
Fortunately, we're here to help with our list of the best football cleats on a budget based on price, of course, reviews, and any advanced technology featured in these cleats that are designed to take your football game to the next level.
We've made sure to include both high-tops, like these Under Armour Spotlight Franchise RMs, which offer more support around the ankles during contact situations, plus low-cut cleats, like the Nike Vapor Edge Shark 2s, for less restriction and speed as a wide receiver or running back.
We've also answered some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding football cleats to help you work out what it is you need to take your game to the next level. Before that though, let's dive into our list...
Best football cleats under 100
- Nike Vapor Edge Shark 2 - best budget all-rounders
- Under Armour Spotlight Franchise RM - a great option for beginners
- Nike Vapor Edge Speed 360 - top pick for speed
- adidas Freak X Carbon Mid - best option for support
- Nike Force Savage Pro 2 - an excellent choice for linemen
1. Nike Vapor Edge Shark 2
Best football cleats under 100 overall
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If you're looking to smoke your competition on pace and power, but you don't want to break the bank to do so, consider these Nike Vapor Edge Shark 2 cleats.
There's a lot to like here, namely the revamped upper with moulded elements and texture which are designed to both reinforce and provide more stability around the heel. The cleats also feature Nike's Fastflex technology to allow some "give" in them for greater freedom during fast cuts and quick changes of pace.
Perforations can also be found down the sides to improve ventilation, plus, underneath, you'll find rubber studs strategically placed to maximise grip and traction on the field.
We could go on for days talking about just how good these cleats are for the price, so make sure you check them out if you need to refresh your footwear this season.
2. Under Armour Spotlight Franchise RM
Best football cleats under 100 for beginners
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If you're just getting into American football and you're looking for something relatively inexpensive to get you started, then the Under Armour Spotlight Franchise RM could be the cleat for you.
Firstly, Under Armour boasts that the 5/8th collar height provides the perfect blend of speed and support, which is ideal for a beginner when you're trying to find your feet and are unsure of where your strengths lie.
Furthermore, you get a full-length EVA midsole for improved underfoot cushioning which should, therefore, enhance comfort during a game as the extra padding absorbs any shock from high-impact collisions.
All in all, we feel this is a great cleat to consider if you're just beginning your American football journey.
3. Nike Vapor Edge Speed 360
Best football cleats under 100 for speed
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Back to Nike and its Vapor Edge Speed 360 football cleat which, as its name suggests, is built for explosive all-around speed.
Nike achieves this by manufacturing these boots out of a lightweight fabric across the upper, and then covering them in a NikeSkin overlay for added durability and comfort.
Underfoot, you get a separate internal plate that sits closer to your foot for more flexible support, plus a wide stud placement, designed to help you make quick cuts and darting runs.
So, if you're game is based around speed, then we feel these adidas cleats are definitely worth considering.
4. adidas Freak X Carbon Mid
Best football cleats under 100 for support
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adidas is one of the biggest sporting brands in the world, and its Freak X Carbon football cleat looks to be a great example of its expertise.
What we like about this boot, in particular, is that it comes with a breathable mesh upper which has the added benefit of being flexible to accommodate wider feet.
On top of that, you get adidas' IronSkin plus RazorFrame across the shoe's body to stiffen the Freak X Carbon for added protection and pressure resistance.
It's also worth pointing out you get internal cushion pods on the tongue to help ensure a secure lockdown, which is another reason why we think these cleats are worth considering.
5. Nike Force Savage Pro 2
Best football cleats under 100 for linemen
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Linemen are typically known for their bursts of speed and quick, twisting moves so require a boot that offers fantastic traction with some extra ankle stability.
Fortunately, the Nike Force Savage Pro 2 ticks those boxes with Nike's FastFlex outsole for speed and comfort, which then teams up with the ankle strap for added support and secure lock-in.
Additionally, the Pro 2 comes with a TPU-injected, lightweight plate with a 19-teeth cleat plate on the sole, designed to give you more traction and grip.
All in all, these cleats are engineered for the front line and are made by one of the leading manufacturers in sports equipment, hence why we think they're well worth considering to take your game to new heights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you have questions about football cleats amidst the wide range of options available, we're here to provide the answers. Check out the most frequently asked queries about football cleats below.
What's the difference between American football cleats and soccer boots?
There are huge differences between various sports which is why the footwear you wear changes for each of them. This is the same with football boots and American football cleats.
If you look at our list of the best football boots, you'll probably notice that they tend to be low-cut and don't include a midsole to help maximise ball control and speed.
By comparison, American football cleats can be low, medium, or high and tend to have thicker outsoles and a stud near the big toe for added traction when you accelerate from a static position.
Do football cleats come with different studs?
Much like soccer boots, football cleats come with a variety of studs depending on the surface you play on. For example, you can often choose between detachable studs or moulds depending on your preference if you normally play on grass fields.
Detachable studs are normally slightly longer, provide better traction, and are easier to clean, however, moulds often require less maintenance and are normally associated with increased speed.
You can also find football cleats for artificial surfaces. These tend to come with rubber soles with the outdents providing the grip instead of the studs.
What size football cleats should you get?
Cleats are designed to fit snuggly around your feet to reduce slipping, but shouldn't be so tight that you can't feel your toes in them.
We'd recommend leaving about a finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of your cleat to ensure the ideal lock-in.
With that being said, football cleats should fit true-to-size, but it may be worth measuring your foot's dimensions and comparing your results to a size guide or chart for added peace of mind.