There’s nothing quite like bagging a new pair of box-fresh football boots.
But choosing a new pair? That’s no joke.
It’s a serious investment, with elite-level boots nudging the £250 mark. Add with every brand shouting about their latest tech breakthrough – GripControl Pro, FLEXGILITY, Cyclone 360 traction plates, Nanostrike+ technology 🤷♀️ – suddenly that decision becomes a full-on research project.
At VERTA, our decision-making tree is… simple.
ICONIC BRAND + DESIGN.
That’s it. We know who we are.
Because however intelligent the leather claims to be, style still matters. We all want to look banging in our boots – even when we’re missing a sitter from five yards.
So we’ve done the hard work for you. From creativity-first silhouettes to heritage reworks and modern classics, here are our five favourite football boots released in 2026 so far. And while top-tier releases come with top-tier prices, there’s usually a cheaper sibling lurking further down the range – same look, similar tech, fewer bells and whistles.
1. PUMA FUTURE 9 ULTIMATE CREATIVITY FG
Price
- Elite: Adults £220, Kids N/A (PUMA)
- Cheaper: N/A
The marketing stuff
Creativity starts with confidence. FUTURE 9 wrap your foot with an engineered knit upper. The FLEXGILITY outsole is designed for agile movement, and a GripControl Pro finish helps every touch count. Get ready to move freely, change direction fast, and play your way.
Turf: Firm Natural Ground
Release date: January 2026
VERTA rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Iconic. Beautiful. Genuinely different. Eye-watering price and no cheaper option – but wow.
2. Nike Phantom 6 Low Elite ‘Alexia Putellas’
Price:
The marketing stuff
From Alexia’s throne, she can see it all. To ensure she can rule the field with precision, the Phantom 6 Elite is equipped with revolutionary Gripknit and a Cyclone 360 traction plate. The combination puts the elegant number 11 in control of every opportunity, because what’s a queen without control?
Turf: Firm Ground
Release date: Jan 2026
VERTA Rating: 🔥🔥🔥
Technically elite and beautifully finished – but the price makes this one a hard sell unless you’re fully committed.
3. Nike Tiempo Ligera Pro LE
Price:
The marketing stuff
Lose the weight without losing your touch. Designed to give you complete command over the ball, the Tiempo Ligera is crafted with all-new TechLeather and a traditional full-plate. This combination gives you a lightweight and familiar feel without sacrificing control.
Turf: Firm Ground
Release date: Jan 2026
VERTA Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥.
Classically modern (yes, that is a thing). Glossy, classy, and that fold-over tongue? Chef’s kiss.
4. Adidas PREDATOR ELITE Fold-Over Tongue
Price:
The marketing stuff
Designed for those who dare to dominate, the Predator Elite Fold-Over Tongue Football Boots are crafted with cutting-edge Nanostrike+ technology to enhance your game.
Turf: Firm Ground
Release date: Feb 2026
VERTA Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
We still miss the days when Predators came with a proper chunky rubber strike pad on the toe, but the fold-over tongue and bold colourways still hit hard. A proper modern classic and solid value lower down the range.
5. Adidas F50 LEAGUE Laceless
Price:
The marketing stuff
Laceless boots with Sprintplate 360 technology to aid traction and agility. Crafted with a Primeknit collar, these boots mould to the shape of the foot. The Fibertouch upper provides lightweight support and cushioning, while Sprintweb technology makes dribbling at high speeds a breeze.
Turf: Multi-ground
Release date: February 2026
VERTA Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Bright, sleek, dynamic and genuinely wearable. Cheaper versions from £85 make this one of the smartest buys on the list.
Boot tech will keep evolving. Prices will keep climbing. Marketing jargon will keep getting louder. But the truth remains the same: if the boot looks right, feels right and gives you confidence, the rest is noise. Choose well. Play your way. Look good doing it.
For more style-led features, culture pieces and off-pitch inspiration, head to our Lifestyle section.
