A week before the end of 2009, there has been a new contender for soccer cleat of the year released:
the Adidas adiPURE III. If you have spoke to me about soccer cleats in the last few months, I am sure to have told you about how much I love the adiPURE II, and how I deem it to be one of the best cleats on the market right now. Well Adidas has taken the initiative to update the boot to a version III that boasts some new features without losing out on performance. Over the past month, I have had the opportunity to test the adiPURE III in 3.5 games and dozens of training sessions and here are my thoughts. I was testing a men’s size 9US in Black/Royal White/ Gold.
What you need to know:
- Kangaroo leather upper
Adidas has stuck to using a K-leather for the adiPURE III. People have been questioning why they transitioned to calf leather with the Predator X range, but with applause, I am happy to report that these cleats sport a super soft K-leather. - New redesigned tongue
Adidas has moved away from the wrap around tongue, and back to a more traditional loose tongue. On the adiPURE II, the tongue was attached to the cleat on the inside, while the outside was detached. The adiPURE III is detached on both sides. - Off centered lacing
Just like the adiPURE II, the adiPURE III sports asymmetrical lacing This results in a strike area with a larger sweet spot for clean strikes. - Firmer Insole
This version of the adiPURE boasts a firmer insole that is designed to cushion impact in a more dynamic way. The heel has extra cushioning to allow for softer landings.
First Thoughts
If you are a fan of flashy cleats that offer all the performance of a Formula One race car, then you are probably not going to want a pair of adiPURE III’s. But if you want a classic cleat, that offers the best performance and extreme durability at a reasonable cost, go buy a pair now! Straight out of the box, these cleats ooze class. The K-leather is super soft and extra shiny. They almost look like someone has covered them in dubbing (leather food).
Breaking In
Not the smartest thing in the world, but I took these cleats out of the box and straight to a match! After testing the adiPURE II, I had a feeling that these cleats would break in easily, and they did! Thankfully, the soft K-Leather moulds pretty easily to your foot, and the sole plate is flexible enough hat it didn’t cause any foot discomfort on day 1. After a
month of testing, I encountered absolutely no blisters, and didn’t experience any areas where the cleat was tight. For this review I was wearing a size 9US, and the boots fit true to size. If you are normally a size 9, then these are the right fit. Another aspect that really helps, and is something that Adidas also deployed in the Predator X design, is a ridged area on the inner heel of the cleat. I think this is a genius move, as it allows the cleat to grip to your heel and not move, thus lowering the opportunity for blisters to occur (as long as the boot is not too tight!). You can see what I am referring to in the image.
Performance and Durability
I found these to perform really well. They break in easily, molding to your foot from day one, and they last because of this. I have had a pair of adiPURE II’s for the past 5-6 months, and they are my go-to boot when I need a trusted pair. Right now, they are still as good as new (except for some scuffs on the white area) and the leather is softer than you can imagine! Although I have only had the adiPURE III for about a month, I can tell they are going to offer the same lifespan. And that is a key attribute to any new cleat! I also like the new tongue, even though I had no problem with the tongue on the adiPURE III. The new tongue makes you feel like you are wearing Copa Mundial or older classic cleats!
Design
Adidas has altered the design of the cleat. Most notable is the addition of three white strips on the inside of the cleat. On the adiPURE II, there are no white strips on the inside. For me, this is an upgrade in terms of looks. The sole of the boot has also been changed, but the only players that will see this are the ones you leave eating your dust (if you are a goalkeeper I doubt anyone will see it!!) Other minor changes include the area around the cleat opening, where the color design has been changed and a new gold version of the adiPURE signature placed on a black background instead of white.
adiPURE II vs adiPURE III
Negatives
Again with the laces! In the past few weeks, I have reviewed cleats with laces that I deem to be too short, what is this all about? When I tie my laces, I need enough to wrap around the bottom of my cleat, it seems that this might be going out of fashion, although I have no idea why! One other thing is the insole. I was a huge fan of the adiPURE II insole that offered a much spongier feel, which I found to be extremely comfortable. In saying this, the firmer insole in the adiPURE III is very effective around the heel area. Maybe a blend of both in future releases?
Conclusion
My opinion of this cleat is pretty obvious; I like them a lot! But, case in point is your taste and what you are looking for in a cleat. The adiPURE III might be more appealing to the old pros than the younger generation who crave the lighter more colorful cleats on the market. Either way, the adiPURE III can not be beaten in terms of quality and value for money. Adidas have used this release as more of a design upgrade than performance upgrade, simply because they know that in the adiPURE III they have a cleat that already offers the best on the market! Expect to see the likes of Kaka and Frank Lampard taking to the field in these over the coming weeks.
| Adidas adiPURE III | Rating (out of 10) |
| Style |
9
|
| Performance |
10
|
| Comfort |
10
|
| Technology |
8
|
| Responsiveness |
10
|
| Durability |
10
|
| Accuracy |
8
|
| Innovation |
7
|
| Support |
10
|
| Value |
10
|
| Overall Score: |
92
(out of 100)
|
(Boots supplied for review by soccer.com)
after looking at my very own adipure 3 pair.. what jeremy said about the seam which runs from lace to toe of boot.. hmmm its a possibility but i think dragged shots, kinda rare unless you’re mistimed the kick itself. thus far, i think most people will find it more comfortable to hit the ball with the instep. but this is just my opinion
i got these boots in the middle of may and the eyelets for the laces started ripping i had a puma v1.08 before the adipure III and i got them in may last year and there are still goin strong and i played football with them nearly everyday
do these boots run wide?
I just bought these cleats in the blackout colorway and I really like them, but I have a few questions. How often should I apply leather food to them? Also, can clear leather food be used on black cleats with out it affecting them? Thanks for your help.
Lucas,
Cleat leather food can be used on black boots, and I would apply it once a week after you play and have cleaned your boot. Keeping them clean and dry is more important than leather food!
In your opinion, what would be the best boot for a wide foot? would these or the adizero leathers be good for a wide fit?
Bryan,
What socks are you wearing in the last picture of the review. They look very high quality and am looking to switch socks after being unhappy with Nike’s Total 90 line of socks. I have found choice of socks to be critical in the fit of the boot. Thanks.
are these cleats waterproof? if not can you spray them with something to make them water proof?
Daniel,
I am medium to wide fit and these were comfortable. Under Armour Dominates are safest bet if you are looking for a wide fitting boot.
Busby,
I have Nike’s on, but the best option to wear is the Adidas Formotion, you can get them online and at most stores.
Eric,
They are not waterproof. Some leather food will help keep the leather soft, but ultimately you wont be able to weatherproof them.
Hey Bryan, was wondering, I want to get these boots , i usually play right back or right wing midfield. I dribble often and usually set up shots rather than take my own. I have thought of getting these boots for some time. I have been looking around, can you suggest to me any other alternatives for the same price range? I just looked up the mercurial miracles, i have to admit, i was never a fan of mercurials, but those boots are really growing on me. And are these much different from the adicores when broken in?
Shaun,
Both the adipures and Miracles are excellent options. Check out the Nike Maestri Trequartista, also a very good option for what your looking for.
One notable thing about these new adiPURE is the Traxion studs. I found these VERY effective compared to the adiPURE II’s, where I had the frequent problem of slipping. With the adiPURE III’s, I am performing cuts and quick changes of speed and direction alot better and efficiently than the adiPURE II’s, which is more than crucial in my defensive position.
Hi,
I bought a pair of adipure 3′s because the adipure 1′s and 2′s, I thought we’re amazing! The adipure 3′s lasted me about 2 months at very most. Sole plate was coming away from the front of the foot. I always have this problem, the sole plate either comes apart or the join begins to peel away and I’m left with a hole (This happened to me on Pred X’s). I was looking at the CTR’s and although an avid adidas buyer, seen that the sole plate comes up more than original sole plates. Does this give more protection to the ripping at the toe and to the sole plate peeling away? I’m using copa’s the now, which speak for themselves, bit season starts on Saturday and looking for new boots. I’ve also noticed that the copa’s and adipure 2′s seem to have a stud that attaches the sole plate to bottom of the boot, which the adipure 3′s don’t have. Any ideas or comments?
Hey Bryan, i was wondering whether you would recommend the adipure 2′s, adipure 3′s, or puma powercats. I really can’t decide, and i was wondering if you could give me some advice. I play defensive midfield, if that makes 1 of the cleats more preferable.
Hey Brian, I’m just wondering of the adiPure’s have any differance in terms of performance, comfort, fict touch and support when broken in than the adiCore’s. I bought adiCore’s in July, and the kangaroo leather is great. but thesole plate is a little bit sstiff, and it seem like the studs are placed in more awkward positions. over all I really love them, but are the adi Pure’s like them in any way?
Selam,
Both the Adipure II and III are great options. They have very similar properties, so if it comes down to money go with the best deal, you are getting a great boot either way.