15 Best Cleats For Paintball: A Comprehensive Guide

When playing paintball, every bit of equipment is important, even your shoes matter in this game, and that’s why we’re reviewing the best cleats for paintball. You could find paintballing very challenging without the right pair of cleats.

Luckily, there are many different types of cleats that are perfect for paintball that will help you succeed and stay comfortable while doing so.

With the markets flooded with many paintball cleats, choosing which is best for your needs can be difficult.

However, we’ve researched and made this article just for you! Let’s take a look at some of them…

What Is The Best Cleat For Paintball?

The best paintball cleat in our list is the Under Armour Men’s Highlight M.C, and for good reasons.

It features a UA clutch fit upper that wraps your feet, providing ankle support and protection. Additionally, the 3D molded tongue conforms to your feet for added protection.

Comparison Table

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Products

Under Armour Men's Highlight M.C. Lacrosse Shoe, White (161)/Red, 12

Exalt Paintball TRX Cleats - Black / Lime - Size 13

HK Army Shredder 2.0 Paintball Cleats - Black/Black - Size 13

Manufacturer

Under Armour

Exalt

HK Army

Fabric Type

100% synthetic

Thermoplastic

hermoplastic Elastomers, Thermoplastic Polyurethane

Sole Material

Synthetic

Synthetic

N/A

Shaft Height

High top

Low top

Low top

Closure Type

Lace-up

Lace-up

Lace-up

Price

Buy on Amazon

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OUR BEST PICK

Preview

Products

Under Armour Men's Highlight M.C. Lacrosse Shoe, White (161)/Red, 12

Manufacturer

Under Armour

Fabric Type

100% synthetic

Sole Material

Synthetic

Shaft Height

High top

Closure Type

Lace-up

Price

Buy on Amazon

ANOTHER GOOD PICK

Preview

Products

Exalt Paintball TRX Cleats - Black / Lime - Size 13

Manufacturer

Exalt

Fabric Type

Thermoplastic

Sole Material

Synthetic

Shaft Height

Low top

Closure Type

Lace-up

Price

Buy on Amazon

OUR BUDGET PICK

Preview

Products

HK Army Shredder 2.0 Paintball Cleats - Black/Black - Size 13

Manufacturer

HK Army

Fabric Type

hermoplastic Elastomers, Thermoplastic Polyurethane

Sole Material

N/A

Shaft Height

Low top

Closure Type

Lace-up

Price

Buy on Amazon

Its lightweight nature means you can freely run up and down without the weight of the cleats slowing you down.

You get the ultimate grip and traction on any playing field when it comes to spikes. Most importantly, these cleats are breathable. This means that your feet will remain cool, dry, and fresh even after a long period of play.

The Best Cleat For Paintball You Can Buy Today

1. Under Armour Men’s Highlight M.C. Shoe

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(Editor’s choice)

If you want traction, these under Amour M.C shoes are for you; they have superb traction and grip, which will help you with your agility and maneuverability.

While they are primarily designed for lacrosse, they can also be used for paintball. The clutch fit upper wraps your foot for support and won’t loosen up while playing.

Furthermore, they are incredibly comfortable and lightweight, allowing you to play for hours without any pain or discomfort. The moisture-wicking synthetic and mesh fabric is breathable and keeps your feet cool.

Thanks to the comfort, these cleats are great for any paintball game, whether woodsball or speedball.

The Under Armour Men’s Highlight M.C. shoe is also very stylish and comes in many different colors, so you can choose the one that best fits you.

One thing to note about the shoes is that the laces might be loose, but this often happens when you choose the wrong size.

2. Exalt Paintball TRX Cleats

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(Best for traction)

The Exalt TRX cleats are all about versatility! If you are a paintball player looking for cleats that you can play with in different field conditions, this is the right one.

You can change the cleats depending on the type of field you are playing on. It comes with 22 turf spikes and 22 mud & dirt spikes. This level of customization is something you don’t easily get in other products of the same caliber.

These cleats are specifically designed for paintball and are made of an extremely durable synthetic material that will last a long time.

They are very lightweight and easy to clean, which you will appreciate after a battle in a muddy field.  

The Exalt Paintball TRX cleats are also very breathable, so your feet will stay comfortable even after hours of play.

More so, they come in both men’s and women’s sizes, so you can choose the one that fits you the best. While this product line was discontinued, you can still get your pair from those already in the market.

3. HK Army Shredder 2.0 Paintball Cleats

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(Best looking cleats)

The HK Army Shredder 2.0 Paintball Cleats are another pair of paintball dedicated cleats that are great for any type of paintball sport you might play.

Thanks to their traction and grip, these are great for any field surface type and keep you in place while playing.

They are made out of ‎Thermoplastic elastomers & Thermoplastic polyurethane material, which makes them very durable and easy to clean.

The HK Army Shredder 2.0 cleats are also lightweight and have a very breathable material thanks to the mesh areas on the top that will keep your feet cool at all times.

Furthermore, they are very comfortable and have an ergonomic design that prevents pain or discomfort while playing.

4. M-Tac Tactical Combat Shoes for Men

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(Best multipurpose cleats)

If you’re looking for a pair of cleats that are also versatile, then you will love the M-Tac Tactical Combat Shoes for Men. These are excellent for paintball and other activities, such as hiking and trail running.

The double-layered outer sole is made of polyester material for maximum durability. To ensure your safety, the shoes feature non-slip sole cushioned heels for extra comfort.

The traction and grip on these cleats are excellent, so you don’t have to worry about slipping on the field surface and losing control of your movements.

Furthermore, you can wear these cleats in any weather condition, and they will still be comfortable.

The M-Tac Tactical Combat Shoes for Men are very lightweight, and one thing to note is that the shoes are meant for men.

5. Salomon Men’s Speedcross 4 Shoes

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(Best cleats for outlaw fields)

The Salomon Men’s Speedcross are a great choice for players who need a low-profile, high-performance paintball cleat.

The first thing you’ll notice about these shoes is that they are not bulky like most paintball shoes. This allows you to perform quick and agile maneuvers during a game.

The Salomon Speedcross 4 shoes are made of synthetic material with a rubber sole and a very lightweight material to allow easy movements. Furthermore, these are very comfortable and have a breathable design for air circulation.

The design of these cleats is perfect for any weather condition as they are water-repellent, so your feet will stay dry and warm even in the cold.

The EVA foam in the midsole offers great shock absorption properties that you need while running all over the paintball field.

Wearing the Salomon men’s Speedcross is quite easy, thanks to the one-pull tightening design that allows you to tighten the shoelace with just one pull. Additionally, removing the shoes is also easy.

6. HK Army LT Diggerz_1 Low Top Paintball Cleats

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(Best cleats for woodsball)

You need to keep your feet in top shape to stay in the game, so you can count on the new traction spikes to give you the extra stability you need to perform your best. 

The HK Army LT Diggerz_1 paintball cleat offers a low-top shaft height with an inbuilt compression ankle support.

The compression ankle support membrane provides cushioned ankle stability, while the low-top construction offers flexibility and mobility.

Comfort is key when you’re on the field, and you need to focus on your game, not your aching feet. These paintball cleats have been designed for maximum comfort on all playing terrain.

With the feet being the most critical and used body part on the field, the Memory Foam insole ensures you are comfortable while you run, jump, and dive.  

The high-performance adhesive joining the upper to the sole for maximum durability is the reason for the shoe’s high durability and stability.

However, you should note that these particular cleats are narrow and not the best for those with wide feet.

7. Jinta Unisex Shoes

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(Best cleats for speedball)

The Jinta shoes can be used for hiking, fishing, camping, and driving, among many other things, but most importantly, they are great for paintball.

They are ideal for speedball and are designed to keep you safe on slippery ice or muddy slopes.

The TPR anti-slip sole helps you stay upright and stable, while the lasting rubber and leather keep your feet warm, dry, and comfortable.

Features high performing waterproof membrane that does not allow water molecules to sip into the shoes but allows moisture inside the shoes to escape, thus keeping your feet dry.

The classical design of these cleats makes them an ideal addition to any paintball gear collection. With the artificial leather upper, the Jinta shoes will serve you for an extended period.

8. Ziitop Men’s Shoes

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(Best cleats for beginners)

Ziitop men’s shoe is designed for players looking for stylish cleats to turn necks on the battlefield. With the red sole and black upper with a mix of white lines to accentuate the dark color, you will be the center of attention!

Shuttle weaving technology has been incorporated in making the upper, with a breathable mesh providing high elasticity and breathability for proper air circulation.

With the multipurpose non-slip outsole, you get reliable traction and grip. Your performance is going to be remarkably high in all kinds of terrain.

Flexibility is another advantage Ziitop men’s shoe offer; this is crucial as it does not restrict your movements.

In addition, the shock absorption properties are excellent, and you will appreciate this when crawling and jumping all over the place in a rugged field.

9. Adidas Performance Mundial Team Turf Soccer Cleat

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(Best cleats for turf surfaces)

These innovative shoes are designed specifically with professional levels of play in mind, giving you an edge over other players.

The Adidas Mundial cleat is ideal for soft ground. Made with a suede and leather upper, this classic shoe offers style, comfort, and performance.

The lace closure ensures a snug fit, while the soft synthetic lining gives you a comfortable fit. Traxion outsole and molded EVA midsole provide maximum grip on wet and dry surfaces.

Even though the color selection is limited, the ones available are still stylish, and getting one would be a good choice.

10. HK Army Diggerz_X 1.5 Hightop Paintball Cleats 

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(Best cleats for pros)

Hk Army Diggerz X 1.5 are designed to take on the toughest outdoor surfaces and help you get the edge on your competition.

The HK Army Hightop Paintball Cleats is durable and comfortable, offers 15 integrated traction spikes and a high-top shaft for maximum ankle support.

The memory foam insole ensures superior comfort on all fields. The HK Army has taken durability to a whole new level with their adhesive connecting the upper to the sole for durability.

These cleats are equipped with four protective TPR points per shoe for added durability and come with a bag to store your cleats after the game.

The Diggerz_X 1.5 are made of a lightweight material that provides breathability without sacrificing support.

A toughened exoskeleton with four protective rubber locations per cleat offers maximum protection when you need it most.

11.  Under Armour Stellar Tactical Boot

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(Best cleats for intermediate players)

Get the UA Stellar Tac cleats and step up your game. It incorporates the Storm Technology to repel water while remaining breathable; the result is boots that are light, dry, cool, and ready to perform.

UA Stellar cleats have a minimalist design that features a quick-dry synthetic upper and an anti-odor lining for comfort.

The cleat’s aggressive outsole pattern offers traction in all directions with a protective composite polishable toe.

The upper is made of leather and 900D nylon textile that provides a soft, flexible fit. Combined with the UA ClutchFit technology in the midsole; they deliver an unmatched level of lockdown.

One thing you might not like about, these sets of boots is that they are only meant for men.

12. Salomon Outline Mid Gore-tex Boots

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(Best for all skill levels)

Stay dry and comfortable in any condition. The Salomon Outline Mid Gore-tex cleats are a paintball enthusiast’s dream come true.

Impressively lightweight, these boots are water resistant and guaranteed to keep you dry as you run through water-logged field and mud.

The sleek design and high quality of this shoe are sure to impress. You will be the envy of your friends with these boots.

You are fully equipped for any challenge on your next paintball game. The Salomon Gore-tex cleats are made with a rubber sole for superb grip and traction, which means you can conquer any terrain in your path.

The upper is made of a combination of mesh and leather that allows air to flow through and keep your feet cool.

13.  Xero TerraFlex Men’s Shoes

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(Best waterproof cleats)

You don’t have to give up style points or comfort just because you’re vegan. This shoe is made from vegan-friendly material and includes a lightweight, breathable upper and durable, grippy outsole. There is no animal material!

For added comfort, the TerraFlex is made of a 3 mm layer of BareFoam embedded inside the sole.

The Terraflex is a shoe that will help you move faster and easier when you’re in the paintball arena without any restrictions.

Thanks to its super flexibility, it allows you to bend and move your feet naturally. With the patented Zero Drop™, you can get the feel of barefoot running without the downsides.

14. Salomon Women’s X Ultra Pioneer Mid Climasalomon Boots 

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(Best cleats for women)

Salomon X Ultra Pioneer is a great cleat for women playing paintball. Its design of black, grey, and white color makes it look great on women.

To ensure complete protection from water, the cleats are made from water-resistant material, which makes them perfect for muddy fields.

The shoes feature traditional lacing systems with eyelets to ensure that tying up the shoe laces will be easy.

 If the grip is something you have been looking for, your search ends here! With an aggressive cleat pattern, the rubber sole offers maximum grip on a slippery surface.

15. New Balance Men’s M3000v3 Metal Shoe

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(Best cleats for men)

New Balance finally perfected the balance between performance and aesthetics! With the M3000 V3, you get metal cleats that give maximum grip and traction even on the most unforgiving grounds.

Additionally, the cleats are balanced on the sole for maximum performance, with three at the back and five at the front side. Such an arrangement also boosts stability.

For maximum air circulation, the upper is made of breathable mesh to ensure that after a long day of vigorous activities in the paintball field, your feet don’t smell or aren’t sweaty.

Another thing to note is the lightweight nature of these cleats, allowing you to move freely without tiring you down.

With many color options you can choose from, you can easily get yourself a shoe that matches your style.

Why You Need The Best Cleats For Paintball

When it comes to paintball, having the right equipment can make all the difference in your performance and comfort, that’s why investing in the best paintball cleats is important.

Investing in a good pair of cleats can improve your paintball game in a number of ways. You’ll be able to move more quickly and confidently around the playing field, and you’ll be less likely to get injured.

Traction and stability are also some of the benefits that come with the right set of cleats.

How To Choose The Best Cleats For Paintball

In any sport, preparation is everything, every piece of gear you bring to the field impacts your performance.

Particularly in paintball, which is a dynamic game that forces its participants to react quickly to avoid getting shot, having the right cleats can be the difference between staying safe and getting shot.

Whether you’re brand new to paintball or have been playing for years, it’s important to know what features make certain cleats more suitable for a specific game than another.

In this section, we’ll take an in-depth look at all things related to choosing the best cleats for paintball.

1. Design & style of cleats

There are a few different types of cleats available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Let’s look at the various styles available and what they offer. –

Molded cleats are mostly made of plastic with rubber studs and are versatile and durable.

Metal cleats – these are built for maximum protection and are often used by players who love to play aggressively.

One thing about metal cleats is that they are not allowed in some tournaments. These are typically the least flexible of the available styles and not great for playing on turf or indoors.

Turf cleats are designed to be as comfortable as possible while still providing the traction necessary to play paintball. They are perfect for training sessions.

Interchangeable cleats are versatile options; the cleats are normally screwed and can be removed and replaced with the appropriate cleats depending on the field or rules of the game.

2. Ankle support

Ankle support is an important consideration for many people, especially those who are aggressive or have a history of ankle injuries.

Some ankle supports provide more support than others. For maximum support, you should try out cleats with high-top shafts. When tightened up, they tend to provide firm support preventing ankle twisting.

One thing to note about high-top shafts is that, while they protect your ankle by immobilizing certain movements, some of your movements are restricted too, which can affect your performance.

3. Material

Whether it’s paintball gloves or cleats, the material used is a big factor in their overall flexibility, breathability, and comfort.

Different materials like synthetic or natural leather will impact how easy and comfortable a pair of cleats is to break in as well as how quickly they’ll break down over time.

Blended materials like synthetic leather are typically durable and require less maintenance. Cotton material is very breathable, and polyester materials are the most flexible.

When choosing paintball cleats, go for meshed ones, as they are very breathable and comfortable to wear for long periods.

4. Breathability & comfort

Cotton and polyester material is the way to go if you’re looking for comfortable and breathable cleats.

Natural leather can be comfortable and durable but is often less breathable; additionally, it can easily get too hot to be comfortable while playing in hot environments.

While some cleats work well in all weather conditions, most are optimized for either hot or cold environments.

You’ll probably experience both hot and cold days when playing paintball, so it’s important to find cleats that work well in all conditions.

If you tend to play in hot conditions, you’ll probably want to invest in a pair of cleats with a breathable mesh upper. Doing so will keep your feet cool and dry while also allowing them to breathe.

5. Flexibility

The flexibility of the shoe is another thing you should keep in mind. In most cases, you want to go with a low-top cleat that allows you to move freely.

This is because paintball requires a lot of lateral and horizontal ankle movement, and a high-top shoe can make this difficult.

While you want to make sure your cleats are sturdy enough to protect your ankle, you don’t want them to be so stiff that they hamper your movement.

6. Fitting and size

When choosing the best paintball cleats, ensure they fit you properly and are the right size. Your cleats must fit well because a bad fit can hinder your performance in several ways.

A shoe that is too big will make it difficult to walk as it will likely become loose and slide around on your foot.

On the other hand, a shoe that is too small will make you uncomfortable, affecting your performance.

7. Aesthetics

This is a secondary consideration when it comes to choosing the best cleats for paintball. 

Does your cleat appeal to your sense of aesthetics? Do you like them? Do you want to match them with your paintball jersey? While most paintball fields have a dress code, others have strict policies regarding footwear.

If you have to wear a certain type of shoes, you’ll want to choose a pair that matches the rest of your outfit.

For example, if you’re playing woodsball, you’ll want to wear something that suits the forest, like camouflage.

8. Reliability

How reliable are your shoes? One of the best ways to tell how reliable a pair of cleats is, is to look at reviews for them online.

This will give you an idea of how long people have been using the cleats and what they think of them.

Most reputable brands will have reviews showing their products consistently receive positive feedback.

If you’re unsure about a certain pair of cleats, you can also ask around and see what other people say about them.

By looking at the reliability of a certain pair of cleats, you can better decide if they’re right for you.

9. Traction

Why is traction important for paintball players? Using the wrong cleats can cause you to trip and fall.

When this happens, you’re an easy target for getting hit. Even worse, you could sustain an injury that keeps you from playing again for a long time.

You’ll want to make sure the paintball cleats you choose offer a good grip. After all, that’s the main function of cleats, to provide you with traction in all fields.

Bottom Line

At the end of the day, choosing the best cleats for paintball is about finding a pair that meets your specific needs.

The best way to do that is to identify what you want from a pair of cleats and then find a pair that meets those needs.

Once you’ve done that, all that’s left to do is lace ‘em up and get out on the field! We hope that you will get your dream paintball cleats in this review.