Built for Skill-position players / players who prioritize speed and multi-directional quickness.
A low-cut, speed-focused cleat that fits snugly and feels comfortable, offers dependable traction, but has only moderate durability and average lockdown.
| Released | 2026 | Brand | New Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Rev IQ | Type | American Football · Cleat |
| Level | Elite | Upper | Stretch-woven TPU and stretch woven upper design (stretch woven + TPU) |
| Soleplate | Flexible nylon soleplate with molded T-stud configuration | Surface | Natural grass and turf (retailer/product descriptions list both) |
| Who it's for | Skill-position players / players who prioritize speed and multi-directional quickness | Weight | 372 g |
| Fit | Snug, lock-in fit (stretch-woven upper described as 'hugs the foot'); offered in multiple | MSRP | $129 |
Synthesised from 3 independent reviews, every claim traces to a quote in the breakdown. We don't test products ourselves.
The New Balance Rev IQ is a low-cut, elite-level American-football cleat from 2026. It uses a stretch-woven TPU upper called FitWeave that stretches around the foot. The soleplate is a flexible nylon piece. Reviewers say it fits snugly and feels locked in for skill players. They also note the cleat is comfortable. The main downsides are only moderate durability and lockdown that is good but not class-leading.
Released in 2026 as an elite-tier New Balance cleat, the Rev IQ weighs 372 g per shoe and has an MSRP of 129.
Upper: stretch-woven construction with TPU overlays, marketed under the FitWeave name; the stretch-woven TPU is described as hugging the foot and producing a snug, lock-in fit.
Soleplate and studs: flexible nylon soleplate with a molded T-stud configuration intended for natural grass and turf; studs are molded, not detachable.
Positioning and lineage: introduced as a new Rev iQ model in 2026 and positioned for skill-position players who prioritize speed and multi-directional quickness.
The Rev IQ targets low-cut, speed-focused roles: wide receivers, cornerbacks, running backs and safeties. Its weight of 372 g, the stretch-woven FitWeave upper and the flexible nylon plate match those needs. Reviewers also said it can be comfortable for long sessions.
Reviewers reported it fits standard widths and has extra room in the toe box. Players with average or slightly wider feet should fit fine. Very wide feet may need a different last or a different size. The molded T-stud plate is meant for natural grass and turf.
This cleat is not aimed at players who need extra ankle or side support. Linebackers, tight ends who want mid-cut support, and offensive or defensive linemen should choose higher-cut, more reinforced cleats.
Reviewers agree the Rev IQ delivers a secure, snug fit driven by the stretch-woven upper and low-cut collar. Sports Illustrated described a 'lock-in feel' produced by the low-cut collar and gusseted tongue, ShoesTrace called the sizing true to size, and Hunter Reynolds reported a perfect fit.
Practically, that means players who prefer a close, glove-like feel, particularly skill-position players, are likely to find the Rev IQ stable without needing aggressive lacing adjustments.
'The lock-in feel of a low-cut collar and gusseted tongue provides a secure, reliable fit.'. Sports Illustrated (Kicks On SI)
Comfort scores were high across reviewers: Sports Illustrated called them 'extremely comfortable' and specifically noted extra width in the toe box, ShoesTrace highlighted suitability for all-day wearability, and Hunter Reynolds rated comfort a 9 out of 10.
In use, the combination of the stretch-woven upper and the cleat’s internal fit profile produced consistent comfort for extended sessions according to the reviewers.
'They feel fantastic. Extremely comfortable. Especially, the extra width in the toe box.'. Sports Illustrated (Kicks On SI)
Support ratings averaged around an 8 out of 10. Sports Illustrated framed the Rev IQ as providing support for the speed demands of skill players, ShoesTrace called the fit 'supportive,' and Hunter Reynolds rated support highly.
That evidence indicates the cleat balances a close fit with enough structure to hold the foot during quick accelerations and direction changes, as described by the reviewers.
'so, for support, I gave my nine out of 10.'. Hunter Reynolds
Lockdown earned consistent but not outstanding scores (7 out of 10 from Sports Illustrated and ShoesTrace). Both outlets referenced the low-cut collar and gusseted tongue as contributors to the secure feel.
The practical takeaway is a reliable, everyday lockdown that should satisfy most skill players but does not stand out as elite in the reviewer sample.
'Prioritizes all-day wearability with a comfortable, secure fit for daily wear.'. ShoesTrace
Durability ratings centered on a 7 out of 10. ShoesTrace said the construction is built to withstand everyday wear, and Hunter Reynolds also scored durability a 7.
Reviewers view the construction as competent for regular use, but not notably more durable than comparable synthetic, lightweight cleats.
'Built to withstand everyday wear with quality construction supporting long-term use.'. ShoesTrace
At 372 g per shoe, the Rev IQ sits in a lightweight range for elite cleats. Hunter Reynolds rated the weight positively (8.5 out of 10).
The weight aligns with the cleat’s positioning for speed and multi-directional quickness.
'for these right here, I went with an 8.5 out of 10 for the weight.'. Hunter Reynolds
Traction was reported favorably by Hunter Reynolds, who gave it an 8.3 and noted New Balance 'kept the same exact traction plate.'
Because the soleplate is a flexible nylon piece with a molded T-stud configuration, reviewers imply traction performance is consistent with prior plates used by New Balance in comparable models.
'They kept the same exact traction plate. I got an 8.3 last year.'. Hunter Reynolds
ShoesTrace rated value as an 8 out of 10, describing the Rev IQ as offering superior comfort and a sporty edge without sacrificing wearability at its price point.
With an MSRP of 129 and the reported comfort and fit, at least one reviewer judged the cleat to be a solid proposition relative to its cost.
'Excellent value offering superior comfort and sporty edge without sacrificing wearability.'. ShoesTrace
Reviewers report the Rev IQ runs true to size. ShoesTrace explicitly called it 'true to size' and other reviewers reported a snug, secure fit when ordered in their normal size.
Sports Illustrated noted 'the extra width in the toe box,' and ShoesTrace said it accommodates standard widths, so players with average to slightly wider forefeet should find them reasonable; very wide feet may still need to try a size up.
The soleplate is a flexible nylon plate with a molded T-stud configuration; the product and retailer descriptions list both natural grass and turf as intended surfaces.
They use a molded T-stud setup on a flexible nylon plate, so the studs are molded and not removable.
Durability scores clustered around a 7 out of 10 across reviewers; ShoesTrace described the construction as built to withstand everyday wear and Hunter Reynolds gave durability a 7 out of 10.
The Rev IQ is aimed at skill-position players: wide receivers, cornerbacks, running backs and safeties. Its low-cut fit, 372 g weight and positioning in New Balance’s speed-focused tier make it best for those roles rather than linemen.
Bottom line, The Rev IQ is a low-cut, elite-tier cleat aimed at skill players who want a snug, supportive ride for grass and turf; linemen and power players should look for a higher-cut, more reinforced model.
The Cleats Hub Score is a weighted aggregate of these independent reviews, normalised to 0–10 and weighted by source authority, recency and sample size. We don't sell or physically test products. Read the full methodology.
Put the New Balance Rev IQ head-to-head against another cleat on every aggregated characteristic.
