The best soccer balls [futbols] to buy depends on what you specifically want. Some of you might want good quality, while others want a better price. Below I’ll explain how you can get both. With a little knowledge you can get a good ball for a low price, which is a win win. However you don’t want to get a cheap quality ball. Some brands won’t last 1 year. More experienced youth or adult players need a better ball because it helps with performance. Note: This post contains affiliate links from which I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you should you choose to make a purchase.
Soccer ball shopping for beginners and experienced players
Whether you are a parent with a beginner or a player who’s experienced, you can get a good ball for a low price.
Although, if you want a really good ball go ahead and pay the extra cash.
Below I have ranked the TOP 5 BRANDS + MY 3 FAVORITS.
Paying $50+ should guarantee you a good one… Some go all the way up to $160+. You usually won’t find balls at an Academy for over $50, so if you’re looking for a $100 ball either go online or to a soccer store.
Obviously a new soccer player or parent doesn’t know the difference from a good or bad ball.
You’ll see a new players with a ball that’s lighter than a volleyball… If the ball is this light it’s not good.
Although, one thing I kind of like about light balls is it can boost a kid confidence. The reason is because they’ll be able to kick it further and easier. Besides this, I’m not a fan.
I’d prefer you get a better quality ball and just don’t pump it up as much.
Once your kid learns how to lock their ankle when kicking you can air it up more.
How to shop for soccer balls
The video in this blog – you’ll see me explaining the difference of several balls on the shelf.
What I’ve come to realize is the sports stores and manufacture companies don’t really know what’s good…
This is why I want to show you how to shop for the best soccer balls for you.
You can get a really good ball for a low price or you can get a bad ball for a high price.
LEARN how to shop for the best soccer balls by watching me in THIS VIDEO.
Best soccer balls by brand
Looking for high quality soccer balls?
Top 5 Brands:
↓ MY 3 FAVORITE BALLS – Yes, they’re Worth the money!
All waterproof, seamless and feel great to kick…
First 2 are very similar…
- The Best due to the synthetic elite leather.
- This Neon Winter ball is Great – Especially in the Winter because it’s easy to see at night under the lights. It also doesn’t get hard when the temps are freezing.
- Green Seamless Thermo – Easier to manipulate with your sole when wet due to the texture. Of these 3 this one is best if you’re going to use on concrete or kick against a wall because the skin is tough.
Not worried about money? ⇑ Click the last 3 links
Explaining the difference in material
The skin of the ball makes a big difference and is how I can immediately tell if it’s a good or bad ball.
Two ways you can tell is by simply looking at it and second is by feeling it.
The glossy / shiny balls are not good.
Of course when they are new some will have a little shine, but try to avoid the super glossy ones. They are usually very light balls and don’t last long due to easy tears in the skin.
Balls can get torn up by being kicked on a brick wall, concrete ground, sticks, trees or chain fence. If you keep the ball on the grass only, it will last longer.
Stitching:
- Machine stich [lower]
- Hand stich [better
- Seamless [best]
Balls for concrete
You will really benefit by kicking the ball against a brick wall and train on concrete. Although, you need the right ball for this!
Just the other day a soccer dad emailed asking which balls can handle playing on the driveway kicking against a rebounder…
Immediately I thought of one like this Nike or This SI Street Ball for $45 … The skin is tough and durable.
There are $75 balls that are very good, BUT I wouldn’t use them on concrete because the skin isn’t rough enough.
Super high quality expensive balls are usually match balls meant for only for grass.
A good lower price for soccer balls
You can get decent balls for $20, but then you can get trash for $30.
For $39 this is a good durable ball vs a Nike Academy, WC or Champions League for $30-$40 that will go flat or lose it’s patches within a year.
Don’t get the balls that are regularly $10-15… If on sale for that price – go for it.
Below (under the next subtitle) I share how to shop for balls on sale.
Getting a ball less than $15 can be risky because most at this price are not good – unless it’s on sale.
The Wilson brand soccer ball I would Not get. Not even worth $5. You can sometimes get some good Adidas balls on sale for $9.99 and $12.99.
For learning what size soccer ball by age – click here.
More expensive route
$35 – $40 balls are USUALLY pretty good, but Not all.
I’ve had $40 balls that start coming apart after 4 months… That shouldn’t happen… The World Cup and Champions League balls don’t last long… They’re good to kick, but not durable.
The very best cost up to $80 – $180. You can tell the difference, but I sure would hate to lose that ball…
Here’s an official UEFA CL for $149.
It’s worth it if you have the money.
MY FAVORITES ↓
- Neon waterproof winter ball for $75
- This one – waterproof – is the best for $99
- Waterproof – seamless and good grip $75
- Mid range price get this one is $39.
I’d rater have these top 3 over a $160 MLS ball because they are awesome to kick and are durable.
Just don’t take it to a big camp or practice with tons of other kids or you will lose it (I mean someone will steal it).
Only the good or new balls end up missing. The old beat up looking balls miraculously stick around:)
Best soccer balls for sale
At the big sports stores you can find sales every 3-4 months.
Another thing these stores do is put the balls on sale towards the end of the aisle. These will be priced at $10-12 and then the SAME ball in the front of the aisle for $20-$30!
SO make sure you walk to the end of the aisle:) Maybe you’ll get lucky.
Academy sports will do this… When new shipments come in, they need to get rid of the older (last season) ones.
The local (smaller) soccer stores, which I do recommend because I love small business will sometimes sell locals $20 and $25 balls for $15. Get to know the store owners and employees. Treat them good by spreading the word and shopping there and they’ll treat you good in return.
You can also Shop Online Here for some of the Best Soccer Balls and find what you like – without leaving the house.
Balls not to buy for older players
Like the picture below, balls that are gold or plastic looking are probably not good.
Hey – I’m sure there are a few gold balls that are good.
Don’t forget a bag that will carry them too. 🙂
Again, the balls that are super light similar to a volleyball are not good – UNLESS your kiddo is age 4-7. Younger ages it doesn’t matter and many will benefit from having a lighter ball because it’s easier to kick.
Age 8+ is when you should invest in a better ball. At these younger ages 4-7 you can let a little air out. This will also help them kick the ball better and give them more confidence.
A ball that is aired up all the way is more difficult to pass and shoot for this younger age.
Once the players are age 8-9+ is when they need to be introduced to the best ways to kick a ball.
“Plastic looking balls like this ⇑ are no bueno”
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