The lightest football boots you can buy in 2022
Catch these before they float away. We’re taking a look at the lightest football boots around this year.
It’s fair to say that football boots have changed a bit.
By hopping in your time machine and travelling back to the 1990s, you’d find Baggio, Beckham and all your other heroes lining up in leather Diadora and adidas.
However, in the late ‘90s brands began to play around with synthetic and sock materials, serving up boots which were lighter than ever before.
Ronaldo Nazario (wearing the first all-synthetic Nike Mercurials) was almost unstoppable at the ‘98 World Cup, showcasing just how effective these new lightweight boots could be.
Traditional leather boots from that era could often feel a little bulky, whereas modern synthetic boots allowed players to make the most of their explosive pace and have defenders spitting dust.
Now, almost 25 years on from that incredible tournament, boots have improved massively and we’re here to take a look at the lightest football boots in the world right now.
Does the weight of your football boots matter?
Let’s get one thing straight: buying a pair of lightweight football boots isn’t going to transform you into the next Kylian Mbappé overnight.
However, what they will do is let pacey players move comfortably and freely, without hindering their movement or slowing them down. Basically, they make you feel confident enough to sprint on demand.
Your choice of football boot will still depend on what’s most important to you. Whether you prefer comfort, durability, shape or something else entirely.
Lightweight football boots are ideal for wingers or strikers who don’t feel comfortable in heavier boots, but they won’t miraculously turn you into a speed demon next time you step over the white line.
Faster players typically focus their performance around that part of their game, so it’s only fair that they’ll want boots which fully optimise their acceleration and pace.
What are the lightest football boots ever made?
The Puma Ultra SL Tech which was released in 2021 is officially the lightest football boot ever made, weighing in at a measly 90 grams! It stripped 2015’s adidas f50 adizero 99GRAM of its title, but the adizero 99GRAM will forever remain the first boot to go sub-100g.
The lightest football boots available right now
There have been plenty of other insanely lightweight football boots down the years, with adidas and Puma seemingly locked in an endless battle to produce the lightest boots on the planet.
But, we’re here to look at the boots that are currently commercially available, since there’s no point in telling you about a load of awesome boots if you can’t actually get hold of them.
So, without further ado, here are the lightest football boots in the world right now, and each one is absolutely perfect for the speedsters out there…
Note: All boot weights are based on an FG soleplate in a men’s UK size 8.
10. New Balance Tekela V3+ Pro (216g)
In the bottom position (although still fairly light) is NB’s Tekela V3+ Pro model. A laceless one-piece construction made from synthetic materials lends itself perfectly to less bulk.
The looks may not be to everyone’s taste, but if you’re after something a little off the beaten track, the Tekela could be the one for you.
9. Puma Future Z 1.3 (215g)
At the lower end of the lightweights in this list, the Puma Future Z is still a quality boot for any fleet-footed forwards out there.
It’s fair to say that when he’s wearing a pair of these, Neymar has been known to dash and shimmy his way into the opposition penalty area with ease.
8. Nike Phantom GT2 Elite (215g)
At the same weight, we’re enjoying the quality of the Nike Phantom GT2. Not as quick as other Nike models but it still partners well with sharp, reactive players like City’s trio of De Bruyne, Foden and Grealish.
The Elite model uses Nike’s lightweight Flyknit yarns to take any unwanted bulk out of the design with amazing sock-like results. This one is lighter than it looks.
7. Puma King Platinum 21 (205g)
Somewhat of a surprise entry here. When you think of the King, you probably think of heavy leather. Well, this modern vegan-friendly construction is much lighter than the OG King model.
At the same weight as Nike’s Mercurial Vapor 14 (yes, really), this could be a sound alternative for those more traditional players who still want to be lighter on their feet.
6. Nike Mercurial Vapor 14 Elite (205g)
Marketed around speed, but only landing half way through our list is the Mercurial Vapor 14 from Nike. Don’t get us wrong though, it’s still dainty enough for top speedsters like Ansu Fati, Vini Jr. and Erling Haaland.
With its breathability and slimline shaping, Flyknit tech keeps the upper super lightweight. It’s available in lots of airy and vibrant colours to complement your pace too.
5. adidas X Speedflow.1 (201g)
Now we slip into one of the most notable boots of the year, the adidas X Speedflow.1. A certain Premier League legend in the shape of Mo Salah proves weekly just how quick you can be in a pair of these. Oh, and his pals Jota and Díaz trust it too.
Also available in a laceless ‘+’ version, adidas’ lightest football boot tips in at slightly over 200g. A winger’s dream partner, the adidas X could be the tool you need to leave defenders in your wake every weekend.
4. Nike Mercurial Superfly 8 Elite (200g)
Now it’s time to hear about some of your favourite leg-it-proper-fast forwards. Fit for the likes of Sancho, Mbappé and Mahrez, the Mercurial Superfly 8 is the lightest Nike football boot and every bit as good as the Vapor model from earlier.
All the same tech is used and the performance is outstanding. You only have to glance at the scoring records of the players who wear them (ahem, CR7) to understand, this is going to be a solid purchase for your boot bag.
3. Mizuno Morelia Neo 3 Beta MIJ (190g)
Surprised? So were we. Really, it should be no shock that Japanese tech has advanced to give us a premium boot with true nimbleness. The Morelia Neo 3 is a rare sight around Europe, but it’s a beautiful one nonetheless.
This is the lightest leather football boot you’ll find, made with ultra thin k-leather uppers, a knitted collar and mesh windows adding to the airy feel. Weighing in lighter than the Superfly 8, this Mizuno still packs an enormous punch on the pitch.
2. New Balance Furon V6+ Pro (182g)
New Balance have romped into second place with their fine Furon V6+ release. Weighing only 182g, the Furon should be underrated at everyone’s peril. This boot works effortlessly for silky wingers Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka and Sadio Mané.
Using NB’s data-to-design model, these are optimised to within an inch of their life. Stylish and sleek, you’ll glide over the surface in the Furon’s Fit Weave sock-like uppers.
Puma Ultra 1.4 (160g)
Far and away our number one, it’s the Puma Ultra 1.4. 160g? That’s insane. Don’t be fooled though, as what Puma’s lightest football boot lacks in weight, it makes up for in advanced technology. And they’re trusted by speed merchants like Griezmann, Coman and Pulisic.
Sounding like something off the Starship Enterprise, the MATRYXEVO carbon yarn upper and microfibre SPEEDCAGE in this boot are made from some of the lightest materials known to humanity. All combined, it still makes for a durable and comfortable model which is one of the best boots of the year.
You can compare prices on a huge range of lightweight (and even heavy) football boots right here at FOOTY.COM. Whether you want the lightest boots money can buy or something to smash top bins, you can always bag the best deals with us.