Nike Alpha Menace Elite 4 Review: Looks Fast, Feels Off
Introduction
I always wondered why so many NFL players stuck with the cheaper Alpha Menace Pro over the Elite. After testing the Nike Alpha Menace Elite 4 myself, I finally understand why. Despite its premium price tag, this cleat has some major comfort issues that hold it back. Let’s break it down.
Unboxing & First Impressions
The cleats look promising out of the box. You get Nike's premium packaging, the futuristic mid-cut design, and a colorway that makes a statement. But right away, the synthetic upper feels stiff to the touch, which had me a bit concerned.
Comfort
The Alpha Menace Elite 4 cleats have both highs and lows when it comes to comfort. On the plus side, there’s a thick foam section around the heel that feels great and a nicely padded insole that offers decent underfoot cushion. The stretch-knit cuff and tongue are soft and flexible, hugging your ankle with a nice feel.
But outside of those positives, the comfort falls apart quickly. The synthetic leather upper, which was added for durability, is stiff and doesn’t move naturally with your foot. It even makes an awkward popping noise every time the toe creases—a sound you can hear clearly during movement. Worse, the lower lace eyelets are placed too far down toward the toes, creating pressure and restriction when stepping. I also noticed a couple of pressure points along the sides of my foot, which added to the discomfort.
Fit
The fit is inconsistent. These cleats run true to size length-wise, but the plate width is problematic. The toe box is narrow and cramped, while the heel area feels too loose. There’s visible space around the heel, and yet your toes are squeezed at the front. It doesn’t look quite right from the side profile either. Compared to the Alpha Menace 2, which had the perfect width, the Elite 4’s fit is a step backward.
Protection
In terms of protection, the synthetic upper does help with durability, but the material is still thin enough that you’ll feel a cleat if someone steps on your toes. There are some external overlays on the side that add stability and structure, and might help a bit during glancing impacts, but don’t expect any tank-like protection from these.
Traction
Now here’s where the Elite 4 redeems itself—the traction is outstanding. The X-Frame traction plate that debuted last year returns, and it’s one of the best in the game. The triangle-shaped studs are sharp, grippy, and strategically placed on the edges of the foot for optimal lateral cutting. The plate is stiff and springy thanks to the built-in shank, providing explosive push-off. On wet grass and turf, I had no traction issues at all. Just be aware: these studs do grab hard, especially on turf, which could lead to sticking too much.
Stability
As far as stability goes, the Elite 4s are strong. The mid-cut design provides solid ankle support, and the external overlays and thick foam help lock your foot in. The laces can be pulled really tight, which adds to that secure, stable fit. Despite the comfort flaws, these do a good job keeping you grounded and balanced.
Style
I’ll be honest—I loved the look of the Elite 3s and had high expectations for the 4s. The older version had a low-cut appearance with mesh materials and a modern silhouette. The Elite 4 just doesn’t hit the same way for me. It’s not bad-looking by any means, but it lacks that wow factor. That said, I do think the design has been refined, especially with the updated overlay pattern.
There are a few colorways available: standard team colors (black, white, red, blue), a Travis Kelce edition (which got roasted online), a Saquon Barkley Kobe-inspired version (which I actually like), and an NRG colorway (which also got mixed reactions). Overall, a decent lineup but nothing mind-blowing.
Price
Here’s where the harsh part comes in. The Alpha Menace Elite 4 retails for $210 in team colorways, making it one of Nike’s most expensive football cleats. In Canada, I paid $270—which is wild. The Kelce and NRG versions are even pricier at $220. The Saquon pair is on sale for $175, which is slightly more reasonable.
But here’s the thing: the Alpha Menace Pro 4 costs $90 less and has the same traction plate, better comfort, and arguably a better fit. These just aren’t $90 better. If you’re paying a premium, you should get a premium experience—and that’s just not the case here.
Final Verdict
The Nike Alpha Menace Elite 4 cleats look elite, have one of the best traction plates in football, and offer solid stability. But they fall short where it matters most: comfort and fit. For a cleat that costs over $200, that’s a major letdown. Unless you’re buying strictly for style or brand loyalty, you’re better off saving your money and picking up the Alpha Menace Pro 4 instead. This one just isn’t worth the hype—or the price.
