Finally, the review you have been waiting for, the Adidas adizero! First off, I have to tell you that I was extremely skeptical going into this review. After testing several other speed boots (Nike Superfly and Puma V1.10), there was one question on my mind: “How bad are these going to blister my feet considering how light they are?” The one thing I have learned is that taking away materials produces a less comfortable boot, primarily because whats left behind is a skeleton frame designed to rub against your heels and toes! But what you will be surprised to hear is that things are a little different when it comes to the adizero! Adidas have truly pulled out all the stops in creating a boot that just downright destroys it competitors in terms of lightweight releases!
The following review is for the synthetic firm ground version in the range, with the Leather and Hybrid reviews also available. For testing, I wore a size 9US in the Sea of Yellow, Black/Sun/Metallic Silver colorway.
Does the adizero actually feel lighter?
Without having to think about it the answer is “YES.” When I took these out of the box for the first time they blew my mind! It is absolutely astounding how light these feel. I have to admit that I am normally skeptical of lightweight boots, and have stated that I never really notice a difference in terms of weight, but the adizero completely changed my opinion. They are light in your hands and light on your feet!
Breaking In
One of the most surprising things about the adizero is actually the ease with which they break in. The boot comes with 2 different inserts, a lightweight and a comfort. My first piece of advice is to start off by using the comfort version. There is only a slight difference weight wise in both versions, and the comfort version will offer more protection for your fit as you try to break these in. I only had to wear these in one training session before they were ready to be used in a game, exactly what I did not expect! So far I have used them in 3 games, and they have performed extremely well. I did start to feel some slight discomfort on my heels, but after simply applying a band-aid, it never became an issue. All-in-all, I have worn them in 3-4 training sessions and 3 games with very positive results.
To recap: If you have the right size (like I did) you should not experience too many problems breaking these in. Make sure to start out using the comfort insert.
Sizing
Sizing is an area that I usually stay away from, but I think it will be particularly effective to compare my sizing to the F50i and Superfly ranges for comparison. I have read several comments from people who state the adizero fits a half size bigger. My opinion is not such. I normally wear a size 9, and for testing the adizero I wore a size 9 that fit absolutely true to size length wise. Now, the one area that these are a little different is in width. Compared to the F50i (which I am currently reviewing) or the Nike Superfly II, the adizero fits a little wider and it has a lot more give. One of the biggest contributing factors to this is the fact that the materials used in the boot are so much thinner, giving you that extra bit of space for maneuverability.
My advice: If you fit pretty close to the tip of the toe in a size, go with that exact size. But if you normally have a decent amount of room in a size (about the width of one finger) order a half size down.
Technology
What makes this boot super light is the use of Sprintskin, a single layer synthetic that allows Adidas to dramatically reduce the weight. The material is literally as thin as a few sheets of paper! Adidas also use innovative internal TPU support bands inside the Sprintframe (the gray ladder design inside the boot.) It is basically designed to provide additional support and strength to the walls of the cleat. Another area where Adidas have placed additional research is in the stud configuration. The design is completely different to anything else on the market, especially since the studs are a triangular shape! Adidas state that the design helps improve speed when you push off the ground.
Design
A few months back when I saw the prototypes of the adizero range I was not impressed. They seemed to look very square and minimalist. I was particularly put off by the designs used. But after having these for a few weeks, my reaction is completely different. Actually having the boots in your hands gives them a very different look, especially the Messi Chameleon version. No picture actually does the design justice. The soleplate of each version looks very minimal, especially since the only change is
the stud color. I personally like this aspect as it shows Adidas have placed higher value on performance instead of how the boot looks. One of the more unique aspects of the cleat lies on the heel, where Adidas have replaced the regular wide grooved heel with a much smaller, yet extremely comfortable, thumb heel design. By thumb heel design I mean it literally is a thumb width in size and it extends slightly higher on your heel than it normally would. I like this part of the design as it gives that extra bit of material to keep the boot close to your foot, without adding any extra pressure in the region.
Negatives
This is one of the few reviews where I have limited negatives to report. I found the adizero lives up to expectations. For a lightweight boot, they offer great comfort and support. In saying this, there is no doubt that like any other lightweight boot out there these will not suit certain players and will cause certain discomfort. This is just part and parcel of what you can expect from a speed boot that has less material/paddding, and of course it all really depends on the player. If I do notice any negatives over the coming weeks I will update this section.
Summary
Adidas really have stepped it up with this release. I was highly skeptical going into testing, but all I have are positives to report about the adizero. The look good on, and feel pretty good to wear. It amazes me how Adidas are able to produce 
something that weighs under 6oz. Even after you read this, you will be astounded at how light they are. And the best part about it is that Adidas have priced these at a pretty decent $200! Considering the market, and what you are getting with these, that is a reasonable price. In terms of position, if you feel like you need a lightweight boot then these might be the best option out there! To be honest, they might not be suitable for defenders who like to get stuck in as they really don’t offer a great deal of protection. This also goes for hard-hitting midfielders. When you are creating a boot for a player of the caliber of Lionel Messi you really have to get it right, and fulfill their exact needs. In my opinion, that is exactly what Adidas have done with these.
(*boots supplied for review by soccer.com)
Zabeek,
They are the same length, but because the adiZeros are made of a much thinner material they seem to fit a little bigger.
thanks for the review. im a regular midfielder do you think i could get these?
is the leather one or the synthetic one more durable and how long do you think the synthetic one will last?
Bryan I tried on the synthetics at the store and dropped a half size. The length (and width in the midfoot) seemed fine, but in the forfoot it was a bit too wide. Do you think if I drop another half size it would take care of that forefoot width problem without killing me in the midfoot (I think length would be fine)? Also I have heard that the synthetic bunch and crease a lot. Did you notice this or find it annoying?
Jack,
If you think length would be fine dropping an extra half size then go with it, shouldn't cause any issues in the midfoot area. I personally didn't encounter any creasing, I would expect over time it might crease but to me that would indicate they were truly broken in!
@jack
i have both the leather and synthetic and dropped a half-size in the synthetic. my synthetics do crease where the foot bends, but you don't feel the creases or any folds when they are on. if you feel folds or bunches then you're probably sized too big.
i would buy the synthetics at a perfect tight fit but not uncomfortably tight. people told me even synthetic materials stretch a little, but even after about 15 hrs of wear these feel the same as day 1.
Bryan, I really enjoy your reviews. FYI: The part at the back of your foot is your heel. The corresponding part of the shoe is also called the heel. Heal is what happens after you ditch poor fitting boots!
Hi Brian,
I was wondering , what are the pros and cons of the leather version in this boot?
Also, what would the pros and cons be of the synthetic version of this boot?
Cheers from Canada,
Richard
[...] is a Lightning White/Black/Radiant Pink with pink detailing the tongue, lacing and stud region. In recent reviews, the new F50 adizero has rated very highly, especially considering they weigh in at a superlight [...]
i dont know why but my adizero are ripping and one of the studs broke… not cool
hi bryan, just wondering if these boots run wide?
Hey,
I am wondering if these boots give you blisters? I have heard from people that they do and haven't heard anything about them not….
Get back to me ASAP!
Jacin,
I have a medium-wide fit and they worked out really well for me!
Trevor,
During my time testing I didn't encounter any blisters. It is really dependent on how you fit, bottom line is to ensure you get a pair that are not too tight (this is the main reason people encounter blisters)
Thanks bryan
hey bryan,
great review it has answered a lot of my questions, but i still have one:
What would you recommend to me as i play centre back and centre mid/ attacking centre mid? i am looking at the vapor vi or the f50 adizero but if you have any other suggestions they would be mostly appreciated.
thanks in advance.
Just bought myself a pair of these, they're ridiculously light and comfortable. Adidas did a great job
hey bryan i had a questikon did addidas use kangarou leather or is it sumthin else and which one has a better touch, feel and control the leather version or synthetic???
Manveer,
Check out the Leather versus Synthetic adiZero post for more details.
Christ, I got so many blisters using these for the first time today. First time using the cleats, but it was a practice…
great feel, quite weird how light they are at first, they take some getting used to. shooting seems awesome also.
my problem was i ended up with nasty blisters on left heel mainly.
maybe next time i will try a couple of socks, but then this defeats the purpose if im after less weight.
my nike tiempo legend fitted like a glove, so i might have to go back to them if the blisters continue.
Hello! I would like to know how long Adizero Holds? Please answer me….:D
Hi!
I want to know for how long do adizeros holds if you play like 4 times a week?
and do they break easily??
Thanks!!!
[...] what I could spot, each player wore the synthetic version of the boot, as displayed by Adidas in the boot images released below before the weekend. As [...]
They really run true to size – and i have narrow, flat feet and they fit perfectly
wont reccommend anyone buying the at smaller sizes – that could be painful
[...] version weighs in as the lightest of the range at 5.8oz. I was highly skeptical going into testing them, but all I have are positives to report about the adizero. The look good on, and feel pretty good [...]
bryan, what are the advantages of the leather compared to these
Duncan,
Check out the Leather vs Synthetic post for more details on the differences.
hey bryan,
i tried on both an 8 and an 8.5 in the synthetic. They both fit fine but when i tried on the 8.5 where the boot would crease would feel weird. The 8 was an exact fit but i had like 3cm of space between my toes and the tip and im worried if i getthe size 8 it would rip if i stopped to hard. which size do you think i should get??
Marcos,
True to size is always the best way to go! I would be more worried about blisters, if that is something that concerns you with the tighter fit then go for a half size up.
Adizero or vapor vi?? I don't really care about weight just which Is easier to control shots and passes with??
So your saying go with the smaller size?? Because im not quite sure becuase im usualy an 8.5 but the 8 was like the exact size of my feet and my feet are wide so do you they would have a greater chance of ripping with a smaller size? and wuldnt i get blisters with the larger size??
Brian , great website how long should a pair of cleats last ?? Play twice a week maybe 3 x
Barry,
Playing 2-3 times per week, you should get a solid season out of a pair. This of course depends on how well you take care of the boots!
These boots are the best I used, very much like the Nike vapor II.
Before Nike killed the vapor's off!
The only prob I have is these boots don't last longer then 2months!!!!
Not that happy spending £120 every 2months, sort it out adidas!!!!!!!!
Great review Bryan! Do you think that these boots would be suitable for a fullback and centre mid? If not these any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thankyou in advance.
hi bryan my normal boot size is 8 will i need to go a whole size down?
Jia,
No – they fit true to size length wise, the issue sizing wise is with width.
I guess I have pretty wide feet. I usually get a size bigger than my feet (10) but this time I went with just half a size down (9.5) with these. I can't wear them with the comfort insole but they fit without it…Should I return these and get my regular size 10? Haven't had a chance to play in them but I feel like my pinky toe will blister…
Thomas,
I would def say send them back if you think there is a chance you will blister – play it safe! Nothing is worse than trying to play when recovering from blisters!
Hahaha… I didn't know the ultralight insole could come out. I was wearing them with both insole when using the comfort insole, which was the reason the boots did not fit. I removed the unltralight insoles and replaced them with the comfort. Now the fitting isn't bad but still need to break them in
I've had mixed feelings with these. Have probably played about 10 practice games and still get blisters but now I wear a big band aid to prevent it from blistering.
These probably are the least protective but have people really felt the "pain" from tough tackles.
Im still adjusting to these and hoping i stop getting blisters. I've got a 9us and thought they were ok as i wear these in the copas.. and previously worn the 50.9s in the same size..
ok i have $175
should i get the purple adizeros for $77 so that i can get more soccer stuff
OR
should i get the cooler looking green adizeros for 175 but if i get the green one's i have no money
Hi,
I am a left wing and used to shoot freekicks and corners. Do you think Adizero suit me? Or should I pick up Predator as it provides a better shooting pads?
Thanks in advance!
Ha mine lasted an hour and 20 mins because one off my blades fell off but im getting a free pair 4 inconvenience
@Ryan W,
adiZero's are better suited to players who like to dribble past, particularly at speed – the Preds are better for the Beckham type mold, players who don't necessarily look to beat the last defender but like to cross and take set pieces.
@bryan
Are there any major differences between the F50 Adizero and the F50 Adizero Hybrids? I play for highschool and league games are coming up, so I thought it would be suitable for me to play in a SG/FG shoe. Are the differences in weight noticeable? Do you recommend the hybrids over the regular adizeros? Do the hybrids come with the comfort insole as well?
Thanks
Hi,
I was wondering if u had a chance to wear the f30s??
Mum is being real tight and so i cant buy the f50s..
How are the f30s? Are they worth buying or is there another alternative such as the nike miracles?
Thanks!
@Roque
F30 are quality for the price, you are getting something a little different to the F50s but in term of value for money they are worth it!
i tried on a pair of 9 and a pair of 9.5, the 9 was an exact fit, but they felt a little too tight for my liking, and my normal size is 9.5. i bought the 9.5, and find them a little too big, i tried using both soles (light and comfort) and they fit really well. Do you think i can use both soles at the same time Bryan? thanks
Bryan,
I am getting the adizeros in a few weeks. The problem is I can't go to any shops to try them on. I have none near me. I'm size 8.5 – 9 but don't know which size to get. I tried on my friends F30s (size 8.5) but they were kinda small. Plus I am still growing. Don't know if I should get 8.5 or 9.