Soccer referees are an integral part of a football match and they do the same amount of running as the players on the pitch, the only difference is that they don’t kick the ball.
They have to be everywhere the ball is in a field to get a clear view of every move to make good decisions while officiating. In this regard, they have to put on quality boots just as soccer players to help them walk, turn and sprint without issues.
To help you choose the right footwear for your refereeing duties, we have selected the best shoes that fit these categories stated above which you can choose from. Let’s get right into it.
Top 14 Soccer Referee Shoes
| Soccer Referee shoes | Unique Features |
| Adidas Men’s Copa Mundial Soccer Shoe | Built for tough surfaces |
| Umbro Speciali 98 Maxim FG Soccer Cleat | Offers supreme comfort for feet |
| Mizuno Morelia Neo 3 Pro Soccer Boot | Extremely lightweight |
| DREAM PAIRS Men’s Cleats Football Soccer Boots | Sturdy and well-cushioned |
| Nike Men’s Soccer Boots | Great for referees with wide feet |
| Adidas Predator 20.2 Firm Ground Boots | Provides adequate traction for feet |
| Puma Men’s Football Boots | Best durable soccer referee boots |
| Adidas Men’s World Cup Soccer Cleat | Eva insole for comfort |
| Adidas Copa Gloro 19.2 Soccer Boots | High-quality traditional boots with a retro look |
| PUMA Unisex King Pro soccer boots | Best unisex soccer boots for referees |
| New Balance Furon V4 Pro Soccer boots | Best referee boots for flexibility |
| Dream Pairs Soccer Cleats | Best top performance referee boots |
| Adidas Copa Gloro 20.2 Soccer Boots | Lace-up closure for fit customization |
| Adidas Mundial Soccer Cleat | Best referee soccer boots for multipurpose use |
According to soccer’s governing body FIFA rules, referees are to wear less colorful sporty footwear which has black as its main color.
FIFA also allows referees to put on trainers, running shoes, or cleats during a football match. So, if you are officiating a football match on a soft surface or in an indoor environment you can use a trainer or running shoe.
But due to the slippery effects that natural or synthetic grass might have on these trainers which could lead to injuries, it is advisable that you put on boots with studs or cleats.
Adidas Men’s Copa Mundial Soccer Shoe
Adidas Men’s Copa Mundial Soccer Shoe is a well-made sturdy old-school boot that is built with improved features to match the modern-day standard.
It has a stylish and classy look which is coupled with a stable and firm construction. It also offers maximum comfortability and a great feel when worn.
Its upper is made with super soft kangaroo leather for flexibility of your feet and extra comfort. It is also built to endure tough surfaces and weather conditions so you don’t have to worry about you using them in the winter, rainy, or summer season.
It provides adequate support in the right spots and also has a firm grip on your feet which allows you to run around in them for a long while comfortably and without pain. Its stiff laces also help you customize its fit.
There is no break-in required as they are true to size. They are also stretchable and fit comfortably in no time, which makes them great for those who have wide and flat feet.
Made in Germany by renowned sportswear company Adidas, these boots have a thick rubber sole and a dense outsole. They are also long-lasting and durable even when worn on a regular basis.
It comes as no surprise that this masterpiece has received thousands of positive reviews and a whopping 84% 5-star review from its users.
However, despite its amazing features, one thing it lacks is adequate arch support which could be an issue for people who are above 40 years of age.
Umbro Speciali 98 Maxim FG Soccer Cleat
Umbro Speciali 98 Maxim FG Soccer Cleat is a unisex boot that is inspired by its 1998 edition. Its old-school style has been enhanced with a classic look and modern features.
Its construction is sturdy, lightweight, and offers supreme comfort. It has a great tongue design and also enhances the flexibility of the feet.
Its upper is made with premium quality kangaroo leather which is extremely durable and offers maximum support to the feet.
Its outsole is built with a thermostatic polyurethane material and advanced Wishbone technology while Its midsole is built with a commendable memory-flex foam for extra comfort.
Its soles are made with rubber-like damage-resistant and pliable neoprene material to help your feet twist, turn and run between both halves of the soccer field with ease.
Mizuno Morelia Neo 3 Pro Soccer Boot
If the Mizuno Morelia Neo 3 Pro Soccer Boot isn’t one of the best boots for referees then I don’t know what is.
This footwear helps boost your confidence on the pitch with each step you take and each sprint you make.
It is well-constructed with an eye-catching design and a sturdy and stable buildup that keeps your feet secure.
It is extremely lightweight and offers premium comfort. It fits perfectly and has a tongue and sporty laces which allows you to customize its fit.
In addition, it offers a firm grip which will help you attain maximum speed on the field with ease and maximum traction.
It also has an upper which is made from high-quality kangaroo leather-made and a dense outsole that is built with Japanese expertise.
Furthermore, it has a toe box which gives enough space for the feet to relax and move and gives your feet a barefoot feeling which can make you forget that you even have them on.
It is true to size and has a rubber sole that is built to withstand any weather condition or surface.
This Morelia Neo Boot offers a lot of improved features as compared to its first releases in 2011, like the addition of synthetic leather in its heel and midsole.
Other added features include an anti-bacterial insole, a greater heel counter, and more support to your feet.
DREAM PAIRS Men’s Cleats Football Soccer Boots
If you are looking for a top-performance soccer boot for an affordable rat then look no further. The DREAM PAIRS Men’s Cleats Football Soccer Boots are decent boots that are lightweight, sturdy, and stylish looking.
They offer adequate comfort to your feet and also enhance their flexible movement. They are soft and have a perfect width which offers adequate room on your front foot hence preventing you from having blisters.
It fits perfectly and holds up properly making it great for people with wide and flat feet. It is also durable and lasts for a long period even when worn on a regular basis.
It has a fabric lining and well-constructed traction which can help you twist, turn and sprint around the field without issues. It also has a slip-resistant design which prevents you from slipping on natural and synthetic grasses.
It has a well-cushioned insole and a sole which is made with premium thermostatic polyurethane (TPU) material and coupled with molded plastic cleats.
However, its cons include its extremely long laces and its wrong sizing. It runs large so endeavor to order a size down.
Nike Men’s Soccer Boots
Nike Men’s Soccer Boots are cleats that give you feel control of the movement of your feet and also give your feet a great feel when worn.
They have a lightweight build-up and a very classy look. They offer extra padding, adequate comfort, and top-notch support to your feet.
This affordable pair has a fly knit tongue which is coupled with well-made laces. They fit perfectly and feature a fabric lining for a firm grip on your feet.
Meanwhile, its upper is built with thin and premium kangaroo leather and is built to hold your feet in place and help them turn and sprint with ease.
It also has a versatile soleplate that ensures traction on any kind of surface and can be worn on either artificial surfaces or natural grasses. It is also great for all-weather conditions no matter how tough it may be.
However, its cons include its narrow design with could hurt your feet, and even cause blisters. This narrow construction also makes this cleat bad for people with wide feet.
In regards to sizing, it runs small so you can order a size up. It also has inadequate cushioning so you can use additional insoles for extra cushioning.
Adidas Predator 20.2 Firm Ground Boots
The Adidas Predator 20.2 Firm Ground boots are high-quality and snug boots that make your time on the pitch a pleasant experience anytime you put them on. They are super comfortable and offer great support on your forefoot.
They fit like a glove and have a great look which has the Adidas traditional three stripes for extra beauty. In addition to this are its amazing sturdy heel design and the firm grip it has on your feet while worn.
It is built with a lace-up closure for the adjustment of the fit on your feet and a tongue that helps lock your feet down and holds them in place.
Its upper is made up of textile rubber material which is inspired by the spin of the Komodo dragon and made by the new Demoskin Technology.
This technology was built by a computer algorithm and helps you have full control of every move you make when you put on these boots.
Meanwhile, it has an outsole that is built with a featherweight thermostatic polyutherane material and a rubber sole.
It also provides adequate traction which can be attributed to the shoes’ studs.
Puma Men’s Football Boots
This boot from Puma is an old classic footwear that has been improved with more advanced features to fit the modern standard.
The footwear is durable, fits like a glove, and has a silicone backing. These comfortable cleats are affordable pairs with a stable build-up which gives you a firm stand on the ground and adequate space in its toe box which gives your feet enough room to relax and be properly positioned while you run around hence preventing you from getting blisters.
It has a lace-up closure for fit customization and velcro under the tongue which locks the feet down and keeps it in place. This tongue has a fold-over design that covers your laces.
In addition, its upper is built with kangaroo leather, its outsole is built with a featherweight thermostatic polyurethane material and a well-made rubber sole which makes it great for all surfaces and weather conditions.
Its sizing runs half a size down, so endeavor to get one that is a half size up for fit.
Adidas Men’s World Cup Soccer Cleat
Adidas Men’s World Cup Soccer Cleats are legendary cleats that have been around for a long time. However, they get better as each year passes with continuous advanced improvement from Adidas.
This pair is a stable and high-quality footwear with a stylish look and lightweight construction.
They fit perfectly and offer a soft feeling for your feet, in addition to the adequate traction and great response. In addition, they are made with a plush design, synthetic lining, a long tongue that covers the laces, and an EVA insole for extra comfort.
They also last for a long period even though you wear them frequently.
Made in Germany by renowned sportswear company Adidas, this masterpiece is built for usage in all surfaces and weather conditions, with its upper built with kangaroo leather and a further fully functional anti-slip construction on its sole and its adjustable and removable studs.
The sizing of this footwear runs small, so make sure you order half a size up.
Adidas Copa Gloro 19.2 Soccer Boots
Adidas Copa Gloro 19.2 Soccer Boots are high-quality traditional boots with a retro look and a perfect fit. They are solid boots that are comfortable and hold up well.
It has a great feel and touch and a construction that is perfect for people with wide and flat feet. It is also durable and long-lasting.
Its upper is made up of thick and premium synthetic leather material. It has long laces for adequate fit customization and a flip-over tongue that covers its laces and helps lock down your feet and hold them in place firmly.
They are true to size and also built with usage on different surfaces. These boots are a great match for your all-black referee attire or black and lemon green attire.
You don’t have to worry about its quality because you are given a 2-year warranty when you buy this pair.
PUMA Unisex King Pro soccer boots
PUMA Unisex King Pro soccer boots are an improvement to the shoes’ old-school edition which was worn by football legends like Pele and Maradona.
This classic is durable and extremely comfortable and has a perfect snug fit. The customization of its fit and the lockdown of your feet in them is made possible by its lace-up closure and elastic tongue.
In addition, its faux leather back area enhances its stability and its buildup provides adequate cushioning and solidity on its heel.
Its collar is designed for easy slip-on and off while its toebox provides adequate room for your toes to stay in place.
It is built with a soft and sturdy upper made with kangaroo leather and studs which help you walk, turn and sprint speedily with ease.
The lightweight nature of its soleplate which enhances the flexibility of your feet when running can be attributed to the thermostatic polyurethane material which it is made up of. It is true to size and great for people with wide and flat feet.
New Balance Furon V4 Pro Soccer boots
These cleats without a doubt have great features that make it worth each penny you spend on them.
They offer a great feel for your feet and have a stretchable design which makes it great for people with wide feet in addition to an easy slip-in build-up.
They are super comfortable and have a liner that’s built with lightweight mesh and a commendable heel collar.
They are built to adequately support the ankle and enhance the flexible movement of your feet while you sprint. It also has a lace-up closure for fit customization and an
Its soles are great for indoor and outdoor matches and can be used on wet grasses without you slipping. They are also built with a FantomFit frame technology which makes them fit perfectly and as light as a feather.
This footwear’s only setback is the lack of adequate durability of its sole.
Dream Pairs Soccer Cleats
DREAM PAIRS soccer Cleats are decent, lightweight, and solid boots that are built for top performance and perfection. The comfortable and soft buildup of this high-quality shoe is complemented with a stylish look.
This buildup makes it hold up well, hug your feet firmly and fit like a glove, enhancing the flexible movement of your feet.
It has a large toe box that gives your toes enough room to relax and also has commendable toe protection. It also has long laces which will help you customize its fit properly.
It has a supple upper and a properly cushioned insole for the provision of extra comfort. It is also stretchy making it great for people with wide and flat feet.
The rotational traction buildup on its molded plastic cleats helps you twist and turn with ease while its slip-resistant design helps run on wet grasses without slipping hence preventing you from sustaining injuries.
They have a flexible and soft sole which helps you sprint at maximum speed on both natural and synthetic surfaces but has questionable durability and falls apart after a short period. In sizing, they run large so endeavor to order half a size down.
Adidas Copa Gloro 20.2 Soccer Boots
Adidas Copa Gloro 20.2 Soccer Boots are high-quality Copa boots made with a sturdy and comfortable design. It fits perfectly and has a ridged leather vamp and a feet-hugging knit collar.
It has a lace-up closure for fit customization and a leather fold-over tongue that covers your laces and locks your feet down and holds them in place.
In addition, it has a leather upper and a rubber sole. It also has a slim and narrow construction which makes it inadvisable for people with wide feet.
Adidas Mundial Soccer Cleat
If you officiate indoor football then this should include this cleat amongst your kits. It is very comfortable and has molded studs to fit tough surfaces like the floors used in indoor football. It is also well-cushioned, lightweight, and has a classic look.
These Mundial cleats are stable, fit like a glove and have a decent price tag as compared to the level of quality it offers.
However, it is a bad option for you if you officiate matches in fields that use grasses because its soleplate will make you slip repeatedly and that could lead to injuries and even obstructions in the match you are in charge of.
This footwear can also be used for fitness training.
But despite possessing a lot of amazing features and a lot of positive reviews, the durability of its sole has also been a reason for concern as there have been several complaints about it falling off after a short period.
These cleats are true to size even for those with wide feet but ordering half a size larger will be a good idea hence they stretch.
Important features a referee’s boots must-have?
Features you must look out for before selecting a shoe for refereeing a football match include its sole, grip, color, traction, and shock absorption.
- Sole: As a referee, one of the major characteristics you must check before choosing a boot is its sole and soleplate hence it has a major effect on how you sprint. You must also ensure that these boots are firm ground boots that could be used on both artificial and natural surfaces.
- Colour: In accordance with FIFA’s regulations, you must endeavor to choose a less flashy boot with black as its primary color.
- Grip: You must ensure that your boot hugs your feet firmly to help you sprint properly.
- Traction: Your boot must also have adequate traction to help you change direction and pace while sprinting and give your feet a fantastic feel while you run around the football field.
- Shock Absorption: While sprinting, your feet get shock waves on each step you take, so you need a boot that is well cushioned to absorb that shock.
- Anti-Slip Design: If you officiate games that are played in fields with grasses then you also must sure your cleats have an anti-slip design to prevent them from slipping while sprinting.
To help you choose the right footwear for your refereeing duties, we have selected the best shoes that fit these categories stated above which you can choose from. Let’s get right into it.
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