Soccer cleats come in both plastic and metal, but the general fit is the same. A well-fitted soccer cleat has to stay on your feet through some intense running and kicking, so they tend to fit very snugly, which can feel weird if you’re not used to it.
Picking the correct size is essential to a good, safe game. Do soccer cleats run small?
Each brand of soccer cleats can run smaller or larger than your normal shoe size, but it’s a good idea to buy them in a tight-fitting size. Many soccer players and experts recommend picking cleats that are ½ to 1 size smaller than what you would normally wear to get the correct fit.
Table of Contents
Do Soccer Cleats Fit True To Size
Soccer cleats often do not fit true to size because players are recommended to size down a half size.
So, for example, if you wear a size 9, you will want an 8 1/2 to get the best fit. A regular shoe would be looser, so it’s made to fit slightly larger.
Soccer cleats need to be snug because soccer is an incredibly energetic game that is all running and kicking.
Soccer is tough on your feet, but it also impacts how your shoes should fit. A shoe with ‘wiggle room’ will come loose and eventually wiggle right off your foot, typically at an inopportune moment.
Rather than risking a lost shoe, the tight cleats stay in place.
Anytime you lose a shoe, it’s inconvenient. However, on a soccer field, it can be dangerous.
The bottoms of soccer cleats have texture underneath that is either a plastic or metal, depending on the surface where they play.
Kicking a shoe, especially one with metal on the bottom, into another player can cause significant injury.
Are Soccer Cleats The Same Size As Regular Shoes
Soccer cleats are not usually the same size as regular shoes. You’ll notice the difference even more if you typically wear loose-fitting sneakers.
Sizing down by a half size is normal. Moreover, some players go down a full size.
Some brands work hard to create cleats that are labeled like your regular shoes. In these cases, a same-size soccer cleat might be the right choice.
However, the fit is everything, and it should be tight, so most brands mean you need a soccer shoe (cleat) that is smaller than your normal size.
Technically, this means they run ‘large’ because putting on your usual shoe size can result in an oversized, loose cleat.
How Do You Know If Soccer Cleats Are Too Small
The most obvious sign that your cleats are too small is when they are causing pain or numbness.
While soccer shoes are made to fit securely, they shouldn’t be crushing the bones in your feet. If your toes are going numb, your cleats are too small.
Ideally, your soccer cleats should feel like an extension of your foot rather than a buffer for it.
Getting the proper fit for your soccer cleats is relatively easy. You need to measure your feet in centimeters.
While there is some variation between brands, you should be able to find information about the sizes based on your foot size.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to customer service with questions since it will tell you what you need to know and show you how reliable that brand’s customer service is.
Soccer Cleat Size Chart
Although shoe sizes are somewhat standardized, there’s no perfect universal sizing.
Every company creates its shoes using unique templates and designs. As a result, you may discover that two pairs of cleats ordered in the same size will not fit the same.
Even within some brands, there can be a lot of variances between the size of different models. However, most big-name sportswear companies that make shoes are relatively consistent.
The chart below has 5 top brands with one of their most popular current styles. You’ll find information on the ankle or top height, cleat style, and recommendations for getting the right fit.
Soccer Cleat Size Chart
| Brand | Popular Model | Top Height | Cleat | Fit/Recommendation |
| Adidas | Copa Sense | Low | Firm Ground | True to size or large/Order same as your regular shoes or 1/2 size smaller |
| Mizuno | Morelia Neo III Pro KL | Mid | Firm Ground | One full size small/Order 1/2 to 1 full size up |
| New Balance | Tekla V3 + Magia | High | Firm Ground | True To Size/Order correct size |
| Nike | Tiempo Legend 9 | Mid | FG or MG | Small/Order same size or 1/2 size up |
| Puma | Ultra 3.3 | Low | FG or AG | True to size/Order your regular shoe size |
I’ve also created this handy shoe size conversion chart for men’s and women’s shoes based on the generally accepted foot length.
There will still be variations between brands, but this should give you a good general idea of what size or sizes to look at.
Shoe Size Conversion Chart
| Foot Length Inches | Foot Length Centimeters | Men’s Shoe | Women’s Size | EU size | India Size |
| 9.69 | 24.6 | 6 | 7.5 | 38 | 6 |
| 10 | 25.4 | 7 | 8.5 | 39.5 | 7 |
| 10.31 | 26.2 | 8 | 9.5 | 40.5 | 8 |
| 10.67 | 27.1 | 9 | 10.5 | 41.5 | 9 |
| 10.98 | 27.9 | 10 | 11.5 | 43.5 | 10 |
| 11.34 | 28.8 | 11 | 12.5 | 44.5 | 11 |
| 11.65 | 29.6 | 12 | 13.5 | 46 | 12 |
Do Soccer Cleat Sizes Run Small
Soccer cleat sizes can run small. However, it wouldn’t be fair to say that ‘all’ soccer cleats are small, true to size, or large.
There are no laws or universal checks in place to ensure exact sizing from one manufacturer to the next. Use the chart above to determine if your new cleats will be the right fit.
Do Nike Soccer Cleats Run Small
Most Nike shoes are known for being big and roomy. However, Nike soccer cleats tend to run a little bit small.
Luckily, this can be an advantage when ordering from this brand as it will ensure your shoes fit tightly, as they should.
If the fit is too uncomfortable, look into a half size up or a broad style.
You’ll find Nike’s foot measurement guide here.
Do Puma Cleats Run Big or Small
Puma cleats do not run big or small. This brand tends to be true to size.
However, Puma is known for a more fitted, tight mid-foot area, so those with wide feet or very roomy shoes may find these slightly restricting.
That can be a benefit for soccer, but it’s still best to try them on in person first.
Do Mizuno Soccer Cleats Run Small
Mizuno soccer cleats run small, but they use a stretchy material that flexes well with your foot.
Typically, these are a full size smaller than your everyday shoes, so you may need to go up half to a full size to get the right fit for you.
The smaller size might be related to the fact that these shoes are manufactured and popular in Japan, where the average height and foot size tends to run smaller than here in the US.
Do New Balance Soccer Cleats Run Small
New Balance prides itself on two things. First, you can wear these shoes, even the soccer cleats, right out of the box with no need to break them in.
Second, New Balance soccer cleats do not run small. They are true to size.
If you need help finding the correct size from this brand, I strongly recommend checking out the shoe sizing page here.
Not only do they offer size conversions in easy-to-understand terms for men’s, women’s, and children’s shoes, but it also explains the various shoe widths.
Helpful Tips To Know About If Soccer Cleats Run Small
Soccer cleats don’t necessarily run small, but you may often want to buy small to get a firm, tight fit on your foot.
Unlike most shoes, these are made for kicking a ball all day, so you need that extra hold to keep your shoes on your feet.
Here are more helpful tips to know about if soccer cleats run small.
- Professional players often wear metal cleats, especially when the ground is soft. A ‘safe’ cleat is one that stays in place on your foot. It’s imperative during a pro game where the players train to kick harder than most hobbyists. As Authority Soccer states, “Metal cleats are allowed in soccer as long as the referee doesn’t consider them dangerous. Metal cleats, also known as soft ground cleats, are considered legal by FIFA, and players can use them freely.”
- Running in soccer cleats can cause pain because all your weight is balanced on smaller points. Players with high arches or flat feet may find this even more noticeable.
- Not all soccer players wear their cleats the same. There should never be air between your foot and your shoe and no actual wiggle room to speak of. Beyond that, it is up to you. So long as your shoes stay on your feet, you will be able to play.
Final Thoughts
It is easy to mistake an intentionally snug fit for a too-small shoe. If you’ve never worn soccer cleats before, especially if you like roomy shoes, you will be surprised.
You may even be a little uncomfortable at first. Soccer cleats do not run small, but you may want to buy small in order to avoid shoe loss during play.
Keeping your cleats on your feet is essential to avoid injuring other players. That goes double for metal or soft-ground cleats. When buying your next pair, make sure you get the right, close fit.