Top AFL Boot Brands for Peak Performance on the Field

When it comes to excelling on the Australian Football League (AFL) field, the right pair of boots can make all the difference in performance and comfort. Footballers know that choosing a high-quality, durable pair of boots enhances their grip, agility, and speed during the game. Several renowned brands have been at the forefront of producing top-notch AFL boots, each offering unique features and technologies tailored to the needs of professional players. If you're keen to find out which brands stand out in the competitive world of AFL gear, check out the comprehensive list below.

Illustration of afl boots

Best brands of afl boots in 2025

Nike

Nike, a leading brand in athletic footwear, holds a significant position in the AFL boot market, with nearly 49% market share in football cleats globally as of September 2023, offering innovative designs like the Tiempo Legend 10, known for its lightweight FlyTouch Plus material, and the Mercurial series, favored by many AFL players for speed. In 2020, Nike supplied over half of the players in Europe's top 5 leagues showcasing their popularity among professional athletes and continues to release new models yearly, further solidifying its standing. Nike's commitment to performance and innovation makes them a top choice for AFL players seeking high-quality boots. You can explore their range at Rebel Sport's AFL boots collection.

Adidas

Adidas, a leading sportswear brand with a 37.7% football shoe revenue share in 2023, has been producing high-quality AFL boots since the 1990s, and their innovative designs like the Predator, originally launched in 1994, have revolutionized the industry. Adidas offers a range of boots, including the X, Copa, and Predator models, catering to different player styles, and constantly innovates, incorporating recycled materials into production. Their boots are designed for various playing surfaces, from soft to hard ground, ensuring optimal performance, and they continue to be a popular choice for both professional and amateur players worldwide. You can explore their range of products.

Puma

Puma, a prominent brand in the AFL market, has a rich history dating back to 1948, and their iconic "King" boots, first introduced in 1968, have been worn by football legends globally, including in the AFL by players such as Tony Lockett and Michael Voss. While Nike and Adidas dominate the market share, with Nike holding 48.5% and Adidas with 37.7% of the market share, Puma is still a strong contender and remains a popular choice, especially among older players, holding a 10.9% market share according to a 2023 study. Puma continues to innovate, offering various models like the ULTRA and Future series, focusing on performance and comfort, and they are available at many retailers. You can explore their range of football boots.

Asics

ASICS, a brand with a rich history in sports since 1949, is a prominent producer of AFL boots, recognized for their comfortable designs, integrating technologies such as Gel cushioning and HG10mm heel raise, which is designed to reduce stress on the lower limbs. Their boots are popular amongst players, with Australia making up 70% of their global boot market. Top models include the Lethal Testimonial, Menace, and Tigreor, all featuring unique attributes like FlyteFoam midsoles for enhanced durability and kangaroo leather for a superior feel, and they are often referred to as "career savers" due to their comfort and support. The 2024 ASICS football boot range is available online and in stores.

Under Armour

While Under Armour is a recognized brand in sports apparel, it does not have a significant market share in the AFL boots market, where brands like Nike, Adidas, and ASICS dominate, with Under Armour holding a very small 0.2% of the football shoe market in 2023; however, they do offer various models of football boots, like the Shadow Elite and Clone Magnetico, designed for performance on the field, and are considered to be one of the major football shoe service providers; despite not being a major player in the AFL market, Under Armour continues to innovate in sports footwear, including football boots, aiming for better performance for athletes; with a projected growth in the football shoe market of 5.5% CAGR from 2024 to 2031, Under Armour could see its share grow in the coming years; for more information and product details, you can visit: Under Armour football boots.

New Balance

While New Balance is a notable brand in the global football shoe market, with a projected 0.3% market share as of 2023 and is recognized for its Furon and Tekela models, they aren't typically highlighted as a top producer of Australian Football League (AFL) boots, as brands like ASICS and XBlades are more commonly associated with AFL due to their specific design features. New Balance offers a range of football boots, including the Furon and Tekela, designed for performance and comfort, with new colorways released in June 2022, but they primarily focus on soccer rather than Australian rules football, which requires different boot characteristics. Despite not being the leading brand for AFL boots, New Balance is a significant player in the broader football market, with a global market size valued at USD 18.16 billion in 2021, and an expected compound annual growth rate of 5.3% from 2022 to 2030. For more information about their products, visit the New Balance Australia website.

BLK

While BLK is a known brand for sports apparel and equipment, it's not widely recognized as a top producer of AFL boots, with brands like Nike, Adidas, and Asics being more prominent in that area. Asics, for instance, is often praised for comfort, with the Gel-Lethal series being a popular choice, recommended by the Physio Assoc. and SportsMed Aus and receiving a 4.9-star average rating based on 9 reviews. BLK, although it does produce football boots, does not have the same level of recognition or specific features commonly associated with top AFL boot brands and does not have as many reviews online as other brands. Additionally, there's no readily available data showing a significant market share or specific percentage related to BLK's AFL boot production. Despite many brands producing football boots, Nike and Adidas remain the most popular, with Asics also being favored. For a wide selection of football boots from top brands, you can explore the offerings online.

XBlades

XBlades, established in 1989, is an Australian sports equipment company that is recognized as a leading producer of high-quality AFL boots, with their innovative bladed sole design created to minimize injury. They have a strong presence in Australian football codes, with almost 20% of the All-Australian team and 30% of the NSW State-of-Origin team wearing their boots in 2017. XBlades focuses on creating specific designs for different player positions, acknowledging the diverse needs within AFL. Their commitment to innovation and technology includes working with biomechanists and podiatrists to create specialized footwear.

Concave

Concave, an Australian-owned brand, has been making waves in the AFL boot market, designing innovative footwear with a focus on performance; their boots, featuring unique power-generating technology, are scientifically designed to enhance kicking velocity and accuracy. While some reviews from 2020 mention stiffness, more recent feedback indicates improved comfort and wider fit options, making them a suitable choice for various foot types. Concave also reflects its Australian heritage with First Nations boot designs, further cementing its place as a key player in the sport.

Mizuno

Mizuno, established in 1906, has a reputation for producing high-quality AFL boots, with their Morelia line being particularly renowned for its craftsmanship and durability, though they hold a relatively small market share of 1.2% among football players. Despite not being as prominent as brands like Nike and Adidas, Mizuno is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with many athletes appreciating the brand's dedication to quality and traditional designs with modern innovation, making their boots a favorite for players valuing both comfort and performance. Their football boots are available in various colors and sizes. You can find their products online.