Best laceless football boots 2025
They’ve only been around since 2006, but laceless football boots have really caught on since then.
Adidas stepped up to the plate in 2016 with their game-changing ACE 16+ model. That’s when things got serious for the laceless scene. Since then, adidas, New Balance, and now PUMA, have been the major brands battling it out to create the best laceless designs.
Laceless technology has advanced massively over the past decade, which means it’s now like nudging your feet into your favourite slippers for a game. Lace-free boots are an ideal choice for players who love to feel every mm of the ball and yes, those who can’t be bothered tying and untying laces.
I'm here to explore laceless football boot culture and pick the best ones available, so slip in and get comfortable!
Boot expert Enzo and I have put some of the best laceless boots to the test to see if they're actually as good as they claim to be...
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Best Laceless Boots 2025
What's the difference between laceless and laced football boots?
Ah, a nice simple one to start us off. ‘Laceless’ simply means there isn’t a lace fastening on the boot. None at all.
The entire design is made to fully cover the top and sides of the foot, removing the need to tie laces to adapt the lockdown.
What are the benefits of laceless football boots?
Clearly, the biggest benefit is not having to tie and untie your laces before, during or after you play.
Laceless boots are easy to slip in and out of, offering a sock-like fit which is both comfortable and secure.
If you want to stretch them or make them tighter, you can. Check out our step-by-step guide on how to break in football boots.
Are laceless football boots good?
Laceless boots are every bit as good as their laced counterparts. Secure and comfortable with a clean, stylish aesthetic.
You’ll see several fits and shapes from the latest silos, but you’re sure to find something to suit your foot shape and playing style.
Do any pros wear laceless boots?
Yes! All the stars from Lamine Yamal, to Gabriel Jesus and Paulo Dybala.
Top players are choosing to wear laceless models, which proves that they can be trusted to do the business on the pitch.
What was the first ever laceless football boot?
Image from Pro:Direct Sport
The first ever recognised laceless football boot is the ultralight Lotto Zhero Gravity (remake, pictured above), released in 2006. Cafu wore them. Cafu.
Although it wasn’t well received by players, it lit the fire for other designers to try their hand at going laceless.
Image from Unisport
The first adidas laceless design didn’t come until 2016, 10 years later. It was called the ACE 16+ (pictured above) and it sent shockwaves through the footballing world.
Now, the adidas Copa, Predator and F50 all have their own laceless ‘+’ versions, available in every new colourway.
How We Tested the Boots
We put the boots to the test across a range of drills, covering every key aspect of comfort and performance. First, we ran laps around the pitch to evaluate fit and long-term wearability, then pushed into high-intensity sprints to gauge responsiveness and traction. From there, we moved into shooting drills to assess striking power and accuracy, followed by close-control dribbling exercises to see how the boots handled sharp turns and tight ball control. Each drill offered valuable insights into how the boots would hold up in real match scenarios.
Best Laceless Football Boots 2025
adidas F50 Elite Laceless FG
Best Overall
I’ve loved F50s for years but never tried a laceless version—so I was buzzing to see how it performed. From the first sprint, I was blown away by how lightweight and flexible they felt—I genuinely forgot I had boots on at one point (and had to double-check). The Primeknit collar gave me that snug, locked-in feel, keeping my feet secure without laces flapping about or interfering with my shots.
The Sprintframe 360 soleplate kept me balanced while darting round the pitch, and the Sprintweb 3D texture gave me that crisp, grippy touch at high speeds—it even extends to the toe for added precision on shots. As a striker, I honestly couldn’t fault these boots. I'd happily wear them for 90 minutes... and extra time if needed.
What We Like:
- Two sockliners included – SL and Comfort
- Sprintframe 360 soleplate for quick movement
- Sprintweb 3D texturing for improved ball control
adidas Predator Elite Laceless FG
Best for Style
Predators have always been my go-to boots—there’s just something about them that feels right. The adidas Predator Elite Laceless boots look ridiculously good (as always—seriously, do they ever miss?), and even without the classic tongue detail, they’re still oozing style.
The HybridTouch upper gave me smooth control whether I was pinging passes or rifling shots, and don’t even get me started on the Strikeskin rubber fins—my shots had so much swerve, I think the keeper’s still looking for the ball. The touch grooves had the ball sticking to my feet like glue during dribbles, and the Primeknit collar kept me locked. Honestly, I’ll probably stick with the laced version (I miss that iconic tongue too much), but if you’re thinking about going laceless? These are absolutely worth it.
What We Like:
- ControlFrame 2.0 soleplate
- Strikeskin grip increases precision
- Lightweight
PUMA Future 8 Ultimate FG
Best for Wide Feet
Now, you might be thinking, “Wait a second… don’t these have laces?” Technically, yes — but thanks to Puma’s clever FUZIONFIT tech, you can ditch them entirely. Enzo put the PUMA Future 8 Ultimate to the test laceless style, and spoiler alert: he was seriously impressed.
The FUZIONFIT 3 upper hugged his foot like it was custom-made, while the 360 Agility soleplate let him glide, cut, and twist around the pitch. Add in the FUZIONSKIN support and GripControl Pro finish, and it’s no wonder the ball looked like it was glued to his boots. Verdict? Laces, who needs 'em. These boots passed every test — and looked slick doing it.
What We Like:
- 360 Agility soleplate for unrestricted movement
- GripControl Pro for unmatched control
- Boots can be worn with or without laces
New Balance Tekela V4+ Magia FG
Best Budget
I put the New Balance Teleka V4+ Magia to the test to prove that laceless boots don’t always have to make a dent in your bank balance. Designed to get you as close to the ball as possible, these boots seriously boosted my control and precision (my passes never looked so intentional). They're super lightweight too, so sprinting around the pitch felt like gliding on grass—no lead feet here.
I’m also a big fan of the sock-like ankle collar; it hugged my foot just right and kept me locked in without feeling tight. Oh, and those little cushioning pads on the sides? Game-changer for smooth, effortless first touches. All in all, for the price, these are a top-tier laceless choice for players of all styles.
What We Like:
- Forefoot texturing for improved control
- Cushioned pads on side improve touch
- Multidirectional traction on soleplate
Lotto Solista 100 VIII Gravity SG
Best for Speed
Enzo laced up—well, actually, didn’t lace up—the Lotto Solista 100 VIII Gravity to see if the original laceless pioneers still had their magic.
These boots promise pure speed, and Enzo was fully on board from the first sprint. The one-piece upper keeps things featherlight, letting him hit top gear without a second thought, while the textured finish gave him that extra bit of control when dancing through defenders. The PuntoFlex soleplate helped Enzo get off the mark fast, with quick reactions and sharp movement. Verdict? Lotto have still got it where laceless is concerned!
What We Like:
- Embossed upper enhances ball control
- PuntoFlex in soleplate for flexibility and reactivity
- Specific stud placement for reliable grip at high speeds
So there you have it—whether you're chasing speed, style, or just can't be bothered with tying laces before kickoff, the laceless world has something for everyone. From adidas icons to PUMA's lace-optional wonders, it’s clear the future is looking pretty snug (and knot-free).
Whether you're a seasoned pro or a Sunday league legend, slipping into a pair of laceless boots might just change your game—and your pre-match routine.
Now play freely, and let your feet do the talking. Laces? Never heard of them.
