Playing centre back is a position where you not only need to have great defensive awareness.
But you also need to be able to put in a strong challenge frequently to break up attacks.
Therefore having the right football boots that are going to hold up after multiple tackles.
As well as get through 90 minutes in a football match is quite key.
Obviously, you can go for a lightweight option, maybe something like the mercurials that Ronaldo wears.
However, ideally, you’re going to want robust and sturdy football boots that will help you go about your business on the pitch.
So in this post, I will take you through what are arguably the best football boots for centre-backs you can buy.
I will also show you the pros of them and where you can snap them up at a reasonable price.
Table of Contents
What Football Boots Are Best For Centre Backs?
Football has changed a lot over the few years, which has seen changes in positions such as centre-back.
There is more importance on a central defender to be great with the ball at his feet.
As opposed to several years ago where no-nonsense defenders who simply read the danger and cleared the ball were the way to go.
So, as a result, a defender not only needs to be able to tackle but also pass the ball.
This is why the best football boots for centre-backs are ones that are sturdy, with that physical aspect in the game still being there.
But also allows them to bring the ball down and play out from the back.
As in some games, its the centre-backs who get the most touches of anyone on the pitch.
That is due to the systems being played by coaches, where there is a lot of recycling and teams building attacks right from the backline.
So with this said, this list will include boots that fit both categories, of being built solid and great to pass the ball with.
1) Nike Tiempo Legend VII
You will see Nike Tiempo’s branded a lot around lists of boots.
Not just recommended defenders but for any position on the pitch, which is due to how well-rounded this footwear is.
Built with sturdy and soft kangaroo leather, they withstand a lot on the pitch.
That is key for any defender who finds themselves putting in many tackles during a game.
Due to the materials used, these are also really soft inside, something I have experienced from wearing them myself.
With the clue in the name, being ‘Tiempo,’ these boots are also brilliant when it comes to control and passing.
As with foam pods on the side of the boot, you can effortlessly get the ball under your wing and get it out of your feet efficiently.
Its no wonder some of the best centre backs in the world currently wear them, including Liverpool’s ever-reliable centre-back Virgil Van-Dijk.
2) Nike Premier II
Many footballers have the hard choice of finding a colour and design that they like for a pair of boots.
However, when it comes to playing centre-back, having the brightest boots maybe isn’t the way to go.
Since the position requires you to tackle and basically get dirty, you are only going to get boots mudded up.
This is why the Nike Premiers, which I have used on several occasions, present themselves as an excellent option for centre-backs.
In a solid black colour with the white Nike Swoosh, we have become accustomed to.
Therefore you don’t have to worry about these getting dirty as they are easy to clean.
Its not just the practicality that I have grown to like about these boots.
As just like the Nike Tiempos, these have a really comfortable but strong Kangaroo Leather, which is brilliant for a physical game of football.
These have a fold-over tongue, which gives a clean striking area.
This will come in handy when having to put your foot through the ball, something centre backs often have to do.
Overall a solid boot that will suit any centre back.
3) Puma Ultra 1.3
The Puma Ultra’s have become a go-to pair of boots for some of the top centre backs in the game.
With Giorgio Chiellini, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, and Kalidou Koulibaly being wearers of the latest 1.3 model.
There is good reason for this, as while boot sponsorships play a part, the boots are simply superb on the pitch.
Being lightweight and having a responsive outsole means you don’t have to worry about dragging your feet.
Especially when trying to keep tow to tow with speedy strikers and 1 on 1 battles.
The addition of GripControl Pro on a soft upper gives players that extra confidence due to the way the ball grips to the feet.
Having played centre back on occasion, there is nothing worse than making a touch that leaves the ball rolling away.
However, these help you get better control due to the way the ball cushions onto the boot.
4) Adidas Copa 20.1
Worn by players such as Sergio Ramos and Joe Gomez, the Adidas Copa is a well-put-together piece of footwear with a stylish design to go with it.
These boots have a super soft K-leather on the upper, which is one of the best aspects of the boots being silky and smooth.
As you can see from the image above, the boots also have good padding while also being nice tight along your feet with the adaptive fit.
To add to the comfort, you also have an Ortholite sock liner, which cushions the bottom of your feet.
Lastly, you have great traction due to injected layers to give you a consistent experience when running on the pitch.
Overall a top boot that has been tried and tested for many years.
There are two variations of the boots, one without laces that costs a bit more than the one with laces.
But if you want that extra stability while also saving in the process, the version with laces, which is shown in the photo above, is the one to go with.
5) Mizuno Morelia 3
On my website, I have often spoken about the brand Mizuno and their range of quality sturdy boots.
So its only fitting I included them in this list, as like the others, they suit a centre back.
What immediately appeals about these is how the brand has got both aspects of comfortability and durability spot on.
For a boot made out of leather, this isn’t exactly common, as you will likely find with most boots, one area suffers.
However, Mizuno has got each right, giving any centre back that nice feeling inside the boot while also being really durable.
If there is a downside to these boots is that they are quite expensive.
But when you consider the quality and what has been put into them to make them great, it offers value.
Related: Which Footballers Wear Mizuno Football Boots?
6) Adidas Copa Mundial
If you see yourself as a no-nonsense centre back, who isn’t abroad the different designed football boots train, then the Adidas Copa Munidals is worth considering.
These classic football boots might be years old and may not be the first choice for someone who likes to do skills.
However, these are still ever-reliable and, with the kangaroo leather being of the best quality, are also very comfortable.
So if you are a defender who likes to keep things simple, both in terms of playing style and design, these are a good pick-up.
Conclusion
Those are the best football boots for centre backs that you can buy on the market.
All of the boots have features and are made of materials that are tailored towards that position.
From helping you achieve better control to a nice and soft leather that can withstand a lot of wear.
So the fact that you have some of the best players currently playing that position wearing them makes a lot of sense.
What do you think of this list?
Is there any that you are gravitating towards?
Let me know by dropping a comment down below 🙂
These 4 Reasons Are Why Footballers Hug Each Other