The Reebok Lightning Clash Evo 15 is a low-mid level boot ($45) designed for hard to firm ground.  They have molded blades that have a variety of unique shapes.  The boot also has an extra cleat near the arch that may provide additional lateral grip and assist in quick stops and changes in direction.  The upper is a lightweight synthetic that provides great feel.

Our testers were a father/son team that raved about the grip and value of these boots.  Their review might seem a bit over the top, but I have known the family for years.  They have tested the cleats for the entire Varsity HS season and in an adult league.  The biggest advantage of these cleats is the second and third row cleats.  They have points  in several directions.  This spreads the load across multiple axes.  Jonathan commented “Speed and change of direction are a big part of my game. I have found that while wearing these cleats I have never slipped.”   

Having more cleats and more surface area allows the boot to distribute the forces across the surface.  On firm ground and hard ground, this is a big advantage.  “I have come the point that I know that if my leg muscles can handle it, so can my boots.”  The blades are also shallow to help prevent ice skate syndrome.  The down side of this pattern may be deep mud and wet weather.  The same physics that help with grip on firm ground work against these cleats in wet weather.  Distributing the weight prevents the cleat from sinking as far into the mud.  The shallow blades also work against these boots.  The final problem could be clogging.  The reason that soft ground boots have fewer cleats is to prevent mud build-up.

The man-made upper is a leather like material that is very soft and supple.  “The top is synthetic and allows a lot of feel through the shoe. I have toe poked the ball on occasion and felt like I may hurt my toe. Also if you get stepped on, it hurts more than when wearing other boots.”

We want to give a special thank you to our testors for their efforts and review.