9 Best Kangaroo Leather Soccer Cleats

Kangaroo Leather Soccer Cleats

When you are looking for a great pair of soccer cleats, you want the best kangaroo leather soccer cleats. This is the guide that will get you just what you need.

Kangaroo leather is stronger and lighter than cow leather. This makes it great for soccer cleats. Lighter cleats make it easier to move your feet and maintain optimal ball control. 

And you need the cleats to be strong and durable, so they don’t let you down on the pitch. Kangaroo leather, or k-leather is a popular material for cleats, and there are several great pairs out there for you to choose from.

The best kangaroo leather soccer cleats are the Nike Tiempo Legend 8 because they are made with All Conditions Control technology so you can play in both wet and dry conditions, it has a Flyknit tongue that wraps under your arch to give a snug and supportive feel, it has Quad-Fit mesh lining for enhanced fit, and the sole plate is lightweight but durable, so you get traction without a heavy foot.

With so many different options, this guide will make the shopping easier for you. Learn the benefits of kangaroo leather over other materials, how to take care of kangaroo leather soccer cleats, and which pair will work best for your game and your budget. 

The right soccer cleats can make a player into a pro and starting with a kangaroo leather pair is your first step to being a real MVP.

Why Is Kangaroo Leather Good For Soccer Shoes

Kangaroo leather has ten times the tensile strength as cow leather and is much lighter. It gets its strength from the unique composition of kangaroo hide. 

Where cattle hide has collagen bundles arranged in weaving patterns, kangaroo leather has a more uniform orientation to the collagen bundles. 

They run parallel to the skin surface. Kangaroo leather also does not contain sweat glands like cattle hides do.

This difference in collagen orientation is what gives kangaroo leather several advantages over cowhide. And these advantages make k-leather an ideal choice for soccer cleats.

  • Resistance: the energy from kicking the ball is evenly distributed around the impact area. This prevents micro-fractures that can crack the leather over time.
  • Strength and Lightness: Kangaroo leather is naturally strong and thin. It does not need to be shaved to reduce thickness the way other types of leather do.
  • Durability: The shield-like property to the kangaroo hide allows cleats to last longer. Your initial investment will go further, and you won’t have to buy several pairs time after time.
  • Zero-Interference: There is less material with kangaroo leather which means you and the ball are closer, giving you a more natural feel and optimal control.

Many professional players prefer kangaroo leather cleats over synthetic leather or other materials. They develop a custom fit quickly as the leather molds to your foot to provide optimal comfort. 

K-leather is perfect for that custom-fit, better ball control, and durability. It is the perfect choice for soccer cleats.

Kangaroo Leather vs Synthetic Soccer Cleats

Kangaroo leather is a softer and more supple material over synthetic leather. This not only gives you a closer touch to the ball but a more comfortable and snug fit. 

It is also more lightweight and durable as a result of the collagen matrix within the kangaroo hide. Synthetic leather is more affordable and offers many benefits too such as being easier to clean and more resistant to water.

When you are looking for a quality and long-lasting pair of soccer cleats, there are more advantages to kangaroo leather. It may be more expensive up front, but you save in the long term. 

They last longer which means you will not have to buy cleats as often. Below is a summary comparing kangaroo leather to synthetic leather, so you can see the advantages for yourself.

Kangaroo Leather AdvantagesSynthetic Leather Advantages
Weighs 3.4g per inchWeighs 4g per inch
Maintains 30-60% of original strength when thinnedWater resistant
Less than 1mm thickEasy to clean
Collagen bundles run parallelMore affordable
Molds to your feet for better fitUV fade resistant
10x tensile strength of cowhide
Abrasion resistant
Evenly distributed elastin for uniform stretchiness
Highly breathable
Kangaroo Leather DisadvantagesSynthetic Leather Disadvantages
Generally higher pricedLonger break-in time
Highly water absorbentMaintains only 1-4% of original strength when thinned
Can stretch too muchCollagen bundles lay at 90-degree angles
Can be 1.5 to 2mm thick
Cheaper materials will be heavy
Not breathable

How To Care For Kangaroo Leather Soccer Cleats

Over time, kangaroo leather molds to the shape of your foot, giving a custom-fit feeling that players love. The thinner and more supple material is ideal for soccer cleats but requires maintenance to maintain its strength and softness. They need to be cleaned more often and stored in specific ways to do this.

Cleaning

After a game, remove any mud from the studs and put them in a soccer bag, preferably one with mesh panels. To begin cleaning the kangaroo leather cleats, rub away any mud or dirt using a washcloth and warm water. 

Dirt can pull moisture front of the leather so needs to be removed quickly. Do not use soap as this can dry out the leather and cause cracks. 

Then you will rub the leather with a leather dressing using a new washcloth that has been dampened and wrung out. 

Next use a third cloth to wipe the leather dry. You can soften the leather with milk oil by applying it liberally and letting it dry overnight.

Storage

Stuff the cleats with wadded up newspaper. This helps to absorb any moisture left in the leather after cleaning. The cleats need to be stored away from heat and in a well-ventilated area. 

When dry, polish the leather before the next game to keep them protected. When storing the cleats, keep them in a container that allows air flow. 

Since kangaroo leather is highly absorbent, you do not want to store them in an airtight container. Any moisture retained can develop mold. If you must use a box for storage, poke holes in it, so the air can reach the leather.

How To Break In Kangaroo Leather Soccer Cleats

The nature of kangaroo leather allows it to easily conform to the shape of your foot. When you buy k-leather cleats, choose a size that is half a size to a full size smaller than what you normally have. 

Once they are broken in, they will hug the curves of your foot better giving you better touch with the ball.

Kangaroo leather has the advantage over synthetic leather in that it is a softer material. The breaking in time is much quicker for k-leather cleats. 

To get the best fit, all you need to do is wear them around the house. Make sure you have your soccer socks and the Best Soccer Shin Guards on when you are wearing in the cleats. This allows for them to mold to your feet just as they will be in a game.

As you feel the cleats begin to soften more, practice light dribbling and juggling exercises to allow the cleats to take on the shape of your foot. 

With proper cleaning, conditioning, and storage, your kangaroo leather soccer cleats will maintain the shape of your foot for longer.

Do Kangaroo Leather Soccer Cleats Stretch

Kangaroo leather does stretch easily. This has advantages and disadvantages. The ability to stretch means it can perfectly fit the contours of your feet. 

This is why buying a smaller size is recommended. You will get better and more snug fit. Kangaroo leather also stretches more when wet as it easily absorbs moisture.

For this reason, you need to properly dry cleats after they get wet and store them away from damper areas. As the kangaroo leather stretches it will feel less soft. 

You will notice that the material is not as tight to your feet and there will be a noticeable gap between your toe and the front of the shoe. 

You can minimize this by polishing the leather regularly and following the storage recommendations in this guide.

The ability to stretch is one of the many reasons that kangaroo leather is a better material for cleats, because you cannot get a truer fit with other materials. Just note that you need to care for this leather so it doesn’t lose its shape too quickly.

Kangaroo Leather Soccer Cleats Buyers Guide

Kangaroo leather soccer cleats definitely have the advantage and there are many styles and brands of cleats to choose from. 

Once you have identified that you are getting a pair of cleats made from kangaroo leather, there are a few other important features to shop for. 

The guide below will take you through these features, so you get the best pair of kangaroo soccer cleats and the best performance on the field.

How To Choose Kangaroo Leather Soccer Cleats

Grip

After material, grip is the next most important feature to consider. Grip is not something you can ignore if you want to play at your best. 

The brand and even the material will not matter if you get cleats with poor grip and end up slipping and sliding around the field. You need to pick studs and grip to match the surface you are playing on or you won’t be playing at all.

You can also cause yourself serious injuries if you are playing in cleats with poor grip. Ligament, tendon, and muscle strains and tears are all common when players slip on the field. When looking for cleats, there are codes assigned to them that designate which grip they have.

You can choose according to the surface you will be playing on.

  • Firm Ground: For firm grass with little moisture
  • Soft Ground: For grass that has some moisture that rounded studs can penetrate
  • Artificial Ground: For playing on ‘Astrograss’
  • Hard Ground: For playing on dry, solid surfaces like concrete
  • Turf: For playing on ‘Astroturf’
  • Indoor

Fit

Fit is important in soccer cleats. Kangaroo leather will naturally form to your feet, making it a top choice for cleat material. You want cleats that fit snugly to your feet to give you more closeness with the ball and better control. 

A tighter fit will give you more support and stability which is essential in a fast-paced game like soccer. For the best performance, pair your kangaroo leather cleats with the Coolest Soccer Balls.

A snug fit means very little space between the end of the cleat and your big toe. Ideally, you want no more than ¼ to ½ inch here. 

For adult players, you can get cleats with no toe space since your feet are done growing. Soccer cleats generally run small so you will likely choose a size that is up to one size smaller than your normal shoe size. This allows for any stretching without compromising your fit.

Budget

Budget is another important feature, and everyone has a different budget. You need to consider how much you are willing to pay. Consider the cleats you want to buy, the quality of the materials, and the longevity. 

With kangaroo leather soccer cleats, you pay more initially, but they last much longer than synthetic leather or plastic cleats. You will save over time when you don’t have to keep buying cheaper, less durable pairs.

Cheaper pairs of cleats may also be less comfortable and require more break-in time. Higher end cleats typically include foam inserts that help mold the cleats to your foot shape which gives you better ball control and improved touch. 

That being said, there are many affordable kangaroo leather cleats out there, so you don’t always have to spend your life’s savings.

Durability

Having the Lightest Soccer Cleats is preferred but many think this compromises durability. The lighter a shoe is, the less materials are used. For many soccer cleats, this does change the durability. 

You want to choose a material that is both lightweight and long-lasting. For a more durable upper on your cleats, kangaroo leather is proven to be tough without compromising softness or fit. 

Make sure you get cleats that are lightweight for better play, but also durable to last you several seasons. You do not want to have to keep buying cleats over and over.

Weight

The weight of the cleats is another important feature. Too much weight in a cleat can weigh the foot down. In the game of soccer, this can be a real handicap. 

With the trend towards light shoes growing, there has been a decline in the average weight of cleats. The average weight a few years ago was 9.4 oz and today it is closer to 8 oz. 

There are also extremely lightweight cleats out their weighing as low as 5 oz. The heaviest cleats on the market are around 11 oz for comparison.

Top 9 Kangaroo Leather Soccer Cleats

Now that you know what to look for and are ready for a great pair of kangaroo leather soccer cleats, these are the best ones that you can buy. 

Taking hundreds of reviews and collecting research, this list of top kangaroo leather soccer cleats will help you find the perfect pair for the best performance.

Nike Tiempo Legend 8 Soccer Cleats Nike – Kangaroo Leather Soccer Cleats

The Nike Tiempo Legend 8 are pro-range cleats made from top-quality kangaroo leather, to make sure you stay at the head of your game. 

The mold allows for a comfortable fit for both wide and narrow feet. The unstitched leather gives you greater control and touch and you get a traditional fit with a Quad-Fit mesh lining hugging the contours of your feet.

The Tiempo Legends are made with All Conditions Control technology so you can play in both wet and dry conditions. The Flyknit tongue adds to the traditional style whilst wrapping under your arch to give a snug and supportive feel. 

The sole plate is lightweight but durable, so you get traction without a heavy foot. This is an innovative mix of kangaroo leather and mesh designed to give you a great performance, and you don’t want to miss out.

What I like:

  • K-leather upper for perfect touch and control
  • Quad-Fit mesh lining for enhanced fit
  • Lightweight sole
  • Fits both wide and narrow feet

What I don’t like:

  • A little pricey

Adidas Copa Mundial FG Soccer Cleats – Adidas Kangaroo Leather Soccer Cleats

You hear the word ‘legend’ a lot in the world of soccer and these Copa Mundial cleats from Adidas have frequently been referred to as legendary. 

This style has been a favorite amongst amateurs and professionals since 1979. It can be said that this is the soccer legend that has been on the field the longest.

Made from kangaroo leather, the upper of these cleats are soft, durable, and fit perfectly to your feet. You get improved touch and optimal ball control. 

There are four unique lines of stitches over the tow section to add contours to this important area for enhanced ball control. The k-leather is also durable and gives a lightweight and comfortable feel.

The sole of the Copa Mundial is made from dual density polyurethane to give a solid playing platform and excellent flexibility. 

The rounded studs are molded to the sole, perfect for stable play on most dry and firm surfaces. You also get additional comfort from the inner sock and extended leather heel tab.

What I like:

  • High-quality k-leather upper for comfort and control
  • Excellent durability
  • High heel tab for additional protection
  • Fits narrow and wide feet
  • Dual density sole provides stability
  • Classic and legendary style

What I don’t like:

  • Lack of protection within inner sock
  • Old-fashioned thicker laces

Puma King Soccer Cleats – Puma Kangaroo Leather Soccer Cleats

Puma King Soccer Cleats are made with kangaroo leather giving you a soft, high-quality shoe. The King is the most popular of the Puma cleats, made from the best materials, and delivering a great performance every time. 

The EverFit cage perfectly cradles your feet so you never have to adjust them. And the knitted tongue gives a sleek look while also providing a compression fit.

The supple leather upper allows for perfect touch with the ball giving you more control in dribbling and attacking. The high level of stitching in the toe area delivers additional support and control. 

The external heel enhances protection and comfort with the external heel counter. You get a secure fit that is comfortable and lightweight, so you can focus on the ball.

What I like:

  • Lightweight and durable
  • Improved softness and ball touch
  • Comfortable
  • Improved fit and stability

What I don’t like:

  • Stitching of the very tip of the boot tends to get damaged

Diadora Soccer Men’s Brasil Classic MD PU Soccer Cleats – Diadora Kangaroo Leather Soccer Cleats

For a durable, comfortable, and affordable kangaroo leather cleat, the Diadora Soccer Men’s Brasil Classic MD PU Soccer Cleats are the way to go. As one of their high-end boots, these Diadora cleats are made from the best materials and is soft and ready to wear right out of the box. 

With a few times around the house, the cleats will start to mold to your foot, giving you comfort, improved touch, and better ball handling. This is one of the most comfortable pairs of cleats out there and is unmatched in its price range.

Using the best quality k-leather these cleats are soft yet highly durable. The heel is lined with mesh-like cotton to deliver additional comfort and to keep your foot locked in tight. 

The unique lacing system makes the cleats stand out too. The 5-lace holes are slightly off-center but when pulled tight, you get an amazing fit as the leather perfectly wraps around your foot.

What I like:

  • Wider shoe fits all feet
  • Extremely durable
  • Axeler technology for enhanced traction
  • High quality k-leather

What I don’t like:

  • Not as light as some players prefer

Umbro Speciali Pro FG Soccer Cleats – Umbro Kangaroo Leather Soccer Cleats

Umbro is a favorite name in the soccer world and for players that want a traditional cleat, the Umbro Speciali Pro FG Soccer cleats are for you. 

Simple colors and designs may not catch the eye, but your enhanced performance will. The kangaroo leather upper gives a perfect fit, comfort, and improved ball control. Not forgetting that the stitching gives the toe panel also provides additional ball control.

Comfort is a given with the soft and supple leather, custom-fit feeling, and light padding around the collar. There is a heel tab as well for extra comfort and protection. 

The extra cushions and perforated side sections at the sides of the cleats gives even more control and better handling. The TPU outsole gives stability and the flexibility you need for quick maneuvers on the field.

What I like:

  • Blade and stud combo for grip on firm grass
  • Snug fit for optimal comfort
  • Flexible TPU for quick turns
  • Improved ball control

What I don’t like:

  • Low heel tab

Kelme Star 360 Mens Michelin Leather Mesh Insert Soccer Shoes – Kelme Kangaroo Leather Soccer Shoes

Kelme Star 360 Mens Michelin Leather Mesh Inset Soccer Shoes are made from kangaroo leather and mesh, intertwined to give you a flexible but firm fit. 

The shoe fits tighter at the toes so it can stretch to fit your foot shape perfectly. The padded mesh heel provides comfort and a secure hold. 

The soles also have a great deal of padding for additional comfort when playing on solid surfaces. Kelme only makes soccer shoes for indoor play.

As with all indoor shoes, lightweight feel is not common, but these shoes are 10.4oz which is a little heavier than most. However, this additional weight comes from the high-quality rubber sole that will last for many seasons. 

This rubber sole also features a unique star pattern for grip that will last. The upper is thin so the shoe hugs tight to your foot, giving you better touch and ball control.

What I like:

  • Thin upper for enhanced ball control
  • High-quality materials for durability
  • Numerous grip points on the sole

What I don’t like:

  • Feels a little stiff brand new

Adidas Youth Soccer Copa 19.1 Firm Ground Cleats – Youth Kangaroo Leather Soccer Cleats

Adidas Youth Copa 19.1 FG Soccer Cleats comes in a awesome white and green color so it will match any team uniform perfectly. 

The Adidas Copa have a traditional look and a traditional fit that stands the test of time. Now made with kangaroo weather, these cleats are high-quality, durable, and give you the best in ball control.

The lace closure comes with a mono-tongue design and soft TPU inlay for better comfort and performance.

The inside padding is thick for additional comfort but without weighing the shoe down. The toe area features small stitching for better ball control, easy dribbling, and enhanced, effortless shooting.

What I like:

  • Great price
  • Fits wide and narrow feet well
  • Good ball control
  • High-quality construction

What I don’t like:

  • Basic in terms of features

Umbro Medusae III FG Cleats – Womens Kangaroo Leather Soccer Cleats

Umbro Medusae III Elite FG Cleats come from a top name in the soccer world and are one of the lightest soccer cleats you can get. The laceless, kangaroo leather upper provides you with speed and perfect touch for an enhanced performance. 

This version is the perfect combination of previous generations, only now it uses kangaroo leather for a softer, lighter, and more durable pair of cleats.

These cleats also feature an engineered knitted collar for a responsive fit, forming to your foot and easy foot entry. There are also padded zones within the collar and grip pods for comfort and additional stability. 

The lightweight outsole features stud shape for maximum grip and traction. These are the right mix of lightweight materials and comfortable fit for women.

What I like:

  • Lightweight Pebax outsole for optimal grip
  • Includes gestures of the previous generations
  • Perfect balance of style and substance
  • Enhanced fit and ball control

What I don’t like:

  • Some complaints about sides splitting

Nike Men’s Premier II Indoor Soccer Shoes – Kangaroo Leather Indoor Soccer Shoes

Nike Men’s Premier II Indoor Soccer Shoes are the favorites with their classic black and white design, durable construction, and optimal comfort. These shoes are designed with pure touch in mind to get you closer to the ball. 

With the properties of old-school inspiration and no-nonsense, these shoes give you style and performance. The kangaroo leather upper is soft and supple to fit your feet perfectly.

The grooves on the outsole provide traction on any indoor surface as a result of the multiple contact points. 

You get flexibility and quick maneuverability so you can play your best every time. The fold over tongue secures your laces for better support while giving you that classic soccer cleat look.

What I like:

  • High comfort levels
  • Great for wider feet
  • Older, classic design
  • Soft and supple for perfect fit

What I don’t like:

  • Basic coloring
  • Thicker sole

Helpful Tips To Find The Best Kangaroo Leather Soccer Cleats

No matter what you age, position you play, or whether you are playing indoor or outdoor, this guide has the kangaroo leather soccer cleats you need. 

Before you head to the store or online, there are a few helpful tips to remember when looking to buy the best kangaroo leather soccer cleats.

  • Think about the weather and how likely it is that you will be playing in wet conditions. Kangaroo leather absorbs water easily, so you need to know how to protect and dry them to prevent this.
  • Plan time to care for the cleats. Kangaroo leather will last forever if properly taken care of, so make sure you follow our guide for care and storage.
  • Buy smaller than your standard foot size. Kangaroo leather is designed to fit snug for a better performance, so you want to buy at least a half size smaller. It will stretch to perfectly fit the contours of your feet.

Final Thoughts

Kangaroo leather soccer cleats are the top performing shoes in the soccer world. There are several brands, styles, and designs but they all have something in common. 

They give a perfect, long-lasting fit and the performance of your life. Using this guide will get you the right pair so you can be the star of your next game and every game. 

Nothing will bring you closer to the soccer ball and closer to those goals than a quality pair of kangaroo leather soccer cleats.

Drew Thomas

My name is Drew Thomas and I’m the creator of Fun In the Yard, your one stop site for all your outdoor games, sports, party activities, outdoor gear, and lawn & gardening tips.

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