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Football is one of the most progressive sports out there in the way it promotes integration. Everyone deserves the opportunity to take to the field to play this great game.
These are the best footballs that can help turn dreams into reality.
Also read our tips about it buying the right soccer goal
The best rated balls you can find right now, in different price ranges:
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Best Outdoor Training Ball: adidas MLS Glider Soccer Ball |
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Best cheap outdoor ball: Wilson Traditional Soccer Ball |
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Best match ball for outdoor: Erima Senzor Match Evo |
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Best football under 25 euros: adidas Star Lancer |
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Budget match ball: Jacob Performance |
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Best futsal: Mikasa |
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Best outdoor football under 40 euros: adidas Conext Capitano |
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Most striking colors: Nike Pitch EPL |
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Best cheap futsal: Derby star indoor |
What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
- 1 Our reviews of the best soccer balls
- 1.1 Best Outdoor Training Ball: adidas MLS Glider Soccer Ball
- 1.2 Best Cheap Outdoor Ball: Wilson Traditional Soccer Ball
- 1.3 Best football under 25 euros: Adidas Starlancer
- 1.4 Best futsal: Mikasa
- 1.5 Best outdoor football under 40 euros: adidas Conext Capitano
- 1.6 Most Notable Colors: Nike Pitch
- 1.7 Best cheap futsal: Derbystar indoor
- 2 How much should you spend on a new ball?
- 3 What are the different types of soccer balls?
- 4 How are the best soccer balls constructed?
- 5 Indoor football
- 6 Conclusion
Our reviews of the best soccer balls
Best Outdoor Training Ball: adidas MLS Glider Soccer Ball
Over time, many footballs tend to go out of business, especially if used properly.
The ball is designed to keep its shape without losing air thanks to the firmness and consistency of the butyl bladder.
With regular use, we found the air pressure was consistent enough that we didn't need to add any more air to the ball.
When playing in organized football, consistency from practice ball to match ball is very important for skill development.
The machine-stitched panels provide that experience for most players, even though the ball has the standard panel design.
Best Cheap Outdoor Ball: Wilson Traditional Soccer Ball
This football offers the traditional look and design of the pentagon panels in alternating black and white, allowing players to learn foot placement for a good turn.
There is enough weight to accurately cross and pass the ball, while there is enough rebound for dribbling and shooting.
If you are serious about your game and want to improve your home, this is one of the best and most affordable options to consider.
Multiple sizes are available with this traditional design.
Best football under 25 euros: Adidas Starlancer
Whether it was a size 3, 4 or 5, we found that the Adidas Starlancer performed as it should. This allows novice players of any age to get a feel for what it's like to have the ball at their feet.
There are also two color options that come with the Starlancer, each of which performs as it should. For normal passing, crossing and shooting drills, we found this soccer ball to form faithfully.
The machine stitching is strong and offers a fairly long lasting performance.
Best futsal: Mikasa
This is my first recommendation for anyone looking for an indoor ball. Mikasa Indoor is a football specifically built for indoor use.
It is a hand-sewn ball with a soft outer layer that gives it a great feel under the feet. This ball only comes in size 5. In addition, it comes with a 1 year warranty.
When you're working on headers, your forehead won't feel like it's being hit repeatedly with a meat tenderizer thanks to the design of this ball.
That soft touch also translates into a fairly authentic movement when working on crosses or shots, and made specifically for futsal.
There is a reasonable bend that allows players to wrap a lead ball around a defensive line, circle a shot around a wall, or work on accurate passes.
Chest or knee control skills also feel close to authentic. It is the best rated indoor football on Bol.com for futsal.
Best outdoor football under 40 euros: adidas Conext Capitano
We found the feel of this ball to be a little harder than other footballs at this price.
This does not affect the performance of the ball as the movements were accurate and authentic when struck.
The weight tends to affect the foot and ankle over time causing a little soreness after continuous play.
It also features a machine stitched construction which is joined by an internal nylon wrapped carcass so the ball has improved durability over other footballs at this price point.
Click here to bol.com for the most recent price
Most Notable Colors: Nike Pitch
This was one of the few footballs that came our way that didn't come out of the box. How well the ball is inflated depends on the long-term viability of the butyl bladder in this ball.
If the air is properly inflated with the right needle, the air can be held for weeks, or even months, at a time.
Compared to latex bladders, which on average need to be inflated about once a week, this Nike football offers a minimal maintenance experience.
As a practice and play ball, the Nike Pitch Premier League Soccer Ball offers players a number of options that can help them improve their skills.
Best cheap futsal: Derbystar indoor
Derbystar is known for the amazing balls they produce. It's a great ball designed specifically for indoor activities on hardwood surfaces.
It is a light ball that comes with a soft felt outer cover that is essentially built for kids. As always, this ball comes with a one year warranty, proving that the makers believe in the durability of this ball.
This price of this ball is a bit higher than the average indoor balls. However, we hope this is for a good reason. This ball was recently added to Bol.com, which explains why there are no reviews yet, but you you can view them here at Bol.com
How much should you spend on a new ball?
Here's some good news: the best cheap soccer balls can be just as effective with skill development as the most expensive soccer balls.
When it comes to specific skills or gameplay routines, investing in a three-figure soccer ball can help a player at any level.
Most organized leagues at the high school level and above use premium footballs for games, meaning a player would benefit from being able to practice with a similar ball.
So if you're looking for the best football to suit your needs, you can now choose the right ball for your game and playing style.
What are the different types of soccer balls?
You will find that there are different types of soccer balls that are available. Each type of football has some unique features that can be turned into a player advantage.
Here are the different options available right now.
- Turf Balls: This football is specially designed to work on artificial surfaces that mimic grass. They are durable and fairly affordable, but tend to bounce lower when used on a natural pitch.
- Training balls: These footballs are designed for the ultimate level of durability. They can be used on almost any field. You can even kick them on the street or a playground without them wearing out quickly. They are designed for basic skill development and can be used by players at any level.
- Match balls: These footballs cost more than grass or training balls, but they have a superior level of quality. The outer casing is made of leather or an approved plastic and it is usually water resistant as well. All sizing requirements as determined by the laws of the game must also be followed.
- Premium match balls: These are the most expensive soccer balls you will find on the market today. They are FIFA approved balls, so they meet all the standards required for international play. Air retention, water resistance and performance are much better than an exercise ball. Virtually every professional league uses a ball of this quality for playing matches.
- Futsal: Another type of football that some players find useful is the futsal. Indoor balls are designed to have less bounce and bounce back, making it possible to control the ball on a tighter course or field. An indoor ball's cover is also the strongest of each category, so it can withstand play on the hard surfaces of the venue and impact with walls.
There are also miniature soccer balls and beach soccer balls all available if you are looking for the best soccer balls to suit your needs, but we won't talk about that here.
What people can't do when you give them a good football:
What are the different sizes of football and what do they mean?
Footballs come in five different sizes.
- Size 1. This tiny soccer ball is extremely small and is used to hone a player's footwork. They are often sold more for fun or as a baby ball than a serious soccer ball.
- Size 2. This size is about half the size of a regulation size soccer ball. It is a good option to play in a small space. It is also a recommended ball size for children in U4 level organized football competitions.
- Size 3. This football size is recommended for younger children. It has the same weight ratio to a youth foot as the regulation ball for an adult foot.
- Size 4. This football is intended for children at U12 level or below. It's not quite the full size of a regular ball, but it will help improve the skills of younger players.
- Size 5. This is the normal size for a football. Both men and women use this size for all organized play at the high school, amateur and professional levels.
What sets each football apart from another is the quality of the materials used in its construction.
The liner, bladder, coverage and the quality of the overall craftsmanship will all affect the final cost of the football you are watching.
Higher quality balls are usually bonded together to provide superior shape retention and a more faithful flight through the air.
Cheaper footballs can offer a certain level of unpredictability during use, but they also tend to have better overall durability.
This is especially true when it comes to playing on rougher surfaces or on artificial grass.
How are the best soccer balls constructed?
The quality of craftsmanship and construction that goes into a soccer ball has a direct impact on how it floats through the air.
This is true no matter how much the football cost you at the end of the day. Good panels, whether fused or sewn, provide a good touch on the ball.
For the modern football, there are three options of construction used by each brand:
- Thermal Adhesion
- Hand-stitching
- Machine stitching
Depending on the quality of the work to put the shell together, a football can be incredibly water resistant or it can absorb water like a dry paper towel.
Additional water absorption will make the ball heavier on the foot, increase the risk of personal injury and prematurely wear and release the materials of the ball itself.
Search for strong water resistance to get the best possible value from your new football.
There is no specific number of panels used for the construction of today's football.
The most common design includes 32 panels, but 18 and 26 panel designs are also good enough to buy.
Some thermally bonded footballs with modern panel designs may only have 8 panels, just like the first footballs made in the past.
Overall, the 32 panel design provides a similar flying experience for the ball no matter what brand made it.
Unique designs offered, particularly by Adidas, may lead to changes in the flying experience and overall performance of the ball.
The bottom line is this: Fewer panels means fewer seams to seal. This means that the ball is able to maintain its shape with greater regularity and withstand water better.
Also read our post about good tracksuits that you can pay afterwards with Afterpay
What materials go into modern football?
While leather footballs are often approved for use according to the rules of the game, it is incredibly rare to actually use one.
The vast majority of footballs on the market today have an outer shell made of PVC or polyurethane.
If price is the most important factor in buying the best football to meet your needs, then you want a PVC ball.
PVC can be used for most indoor balls and is cheaper than polyurethane, so you'll spend less to get a ball that's more durable.
Polyurethane is most commonly used for premium match balls, although some standard match balls can be made in the same way.
There is a noticeable difference in the softness of the football when made with a polyurethane cover. Look for a glossy finish to get the best possible water resistance with your new football.
The cover contains the inner pocket of the ball. Most of the premium balls have a natural latex bladder, which gives the player a softer touch and natural bounce while practicing or playing.
The only problem with a natural latex bladder is that it tends to lose air quickly, so it needs to be refilled often.
To avoid the air pressure maintenance problem, a butyl rubber bladder is an option to consider. They have a certain rigidity, which allows the ball to maintain its shape very well, without the need to refill the ball.
How to take care of your new football
A football can last a long time if it is properly cared for on a regular basis. Even if the ball is often used for practice and play, you can still get several seasons from a well-maintained ball.
Taking good care of your new football starts with maintaining an ideal inflation level. For most soccer balls, the right amount of inflation is between 9-10,5 pounds of air.
If you're not sure what your particular ball is called, there should be a manufacturer's recommendation for the ball (usually next to the inflation valve).
If a recommendation isn't available, look on the packaging and there should be one. If not, just follow the general recommendation above for convenience.
It's also a good idea to clean your football after you've used it. While cleaning a soccer ball regularly can be a time-consuming task, it will extend the life of the ball.
The grit, grime and debris that the ball can pick up on any playing field affects the panels and adheres after each rotation. So clean it thoroughly and let it dry for the best possible results.
Changes in temperature also affect the inflation level of the football.
Extreme heat or extreme cold will alter the shape of the bladder and affect the integrity of the football.
While it doesn't seem like you could reach an extreme temperature that could with a soccer ball, just leaving it in the trunk of your car on a hot summer's day could certainly be way, way too hot.
Still something to watch out for.
In youth soccer, you will also notice that children tend to grab a soccer ball and use it as a chair when you talk to them about something.
Try to discourage this practice as much as possible. The added weight placed on the ball can change its shape very quickly.
Prize Points for the best footballs
If you're looking for an affordable soccer ball or one that works for general use, you can find a decent one these days for around $20. These balls are fairly durable, but may not always hold their shape well.
For players looking to develop their personal skills and want a ball to be used at home, a good training ball is usually in the $30-$50 range.
These balls will last for several seasons if they are properly maintained and cared for.
Match quality balls are usually in the $50-$100 range. This is the best football you can buy if you play competitive, organized football.
High school or college players benefit greatly from having this level of quality in their ball, as do adult recreation or competitive players in local parks and amateur leagues.
High-quality match balls are generally $100-$150, but can sometimes be priced even higher. These balls usually have a glossy surface, are made with a polyurethane cover and natural latex bladder, and offer the best practice and playing experience.
You'll want to check air pressure regularly to maintain the integrity of this football.
Indoor football
The best soccer will help you have fun and improve your game.
Whether at home, on a local field, or taking the ball with you for practice, you'll find these are the most economical options available in the industry today.
The fact is, for indoor soccer you want a specific ball because of the way it bounces on the surface.
Most people consider all soccer balls to be the same. That's a big mistake.
It's why people complain about why a particular ball doesn't have a good curve or why it doesn't hold air.
It is crucial to understand that there are many types of footballs that are built differently.
Each type is made up of different materials, so each type must be used in a particular context.
Use the same ball in all kinds of activities: futsal, indoor, football matches and training can only damage your ball and worst of all make your playing experience horrible.
So, here I will also share with you my favorite list of futsal balls that I consider to be the best options available on the market today.
These balls below have been carefully chosen after much research and discussion with my friends. That's why I really believe in them and I think you won't regret it.
Read also our article about the best futsal shoes
Indoor Soccer Balls vs Futsal Balls
It is a common mistake to confuse indoor balls with futsal balls. The reason this error is very common is due to a misunderstanding of what an indoor soccer ball is for.
We all understand that a futsal ball is the ball people use in matches that take place in a smaller covered field with teams of five players each.
Indoor footballs are still a bit ambiguous though.
Indoor soccer balls are used in fields that are not necessarily built for soccer.
For example, you can use them at home, on a tennis court, on a basketball court or in your backyard.
However, the real difference between futsal and futsal is technical. Futsal balls are smaller (usually size 4) than indoor balls and they have a specific bladder filled with foam to make the ball heavier and bounce less.
Indoor balls on the other hand also have a less bouncing property than outdoor soccer balls. But the difference is that they have an outer shell constructed with materials similar to tennis balls.
So they are softer than futsal balls.
As you can see, there is a huge difference between the two types which makes the whole user experience incomparable.
That's why I dedicated an entire segment to solving this.
Now, I think you definitely know what kind of football you need. If futsal is still what you're looking for, check out my recommended list below.
Conclusion
I hope my tips have helped you on your way to choosing a good ball that suits your needs and lots of fun!
Want to play more indoor sports? Read also our post about the best table tennis bat
