Adidas has created something unique with their new F50 adizero range. If you had a chance to read the Synthetic review last week, you will be familiar with the fact that these are the lightest soccer cleats on the market. But there are several rather large differences between the Synthetic and Leather version that will leave you with a decision to make about which one is more suitable for you. Luckily, I had the opportunity to interchange between both versions while testing, allowing the best opportunity to feel what differences that exist in performance. I have used the Leather versions in 3 games and multiple trainings over the past few weeks testing a size 9US in the Chameleon Purple/White/Electricity version.
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
The leather version was a lot easier to break in than I anticipated. As with the Synthetic version, I used the comfort insert for the first few wears instead of the ultralight version. This helps a lot, and you can feel the extra comfort you get from the thicker insole. Because these have a leather front, they do take time to really mold to your front. From day 1 they have a tighter, more snug fit than the synthetic version, which is designed to be a little bigger. It takes plenty of dribbling and crossing to help them mold to your feet. Comfort wise, I have to admit that the heel bothered me a little more than it did in the synthetic version. Again this is due to the fact that the leather version fit a little more snug. But overall, I preferred how these fit and it didn’t take long until I had them moving in unison with my feet! My advice it to wear these in one or two trainings before putting them into action on the field!
Leather Upper
A lot of you have been asking how much of the boot is actually leather. Adidas use a full grain Galeo cow leather upper that is soft, but not quiet the quality of K-leather. You can tell where it starts by looking for the first line of stitching on either side of the boot. To be more specific, on the left boot it runs from the top lace on the inside of the cleat to the third lace on the outside of the cleat. I would say approximately 50% of the upper is leather, focused on the front of the boot, where you are going to need it most. Adidas also use stitching that runs right across the leather to create a pocketed cushioning. This aids in giving a controlled feel on the ball.
Sizing
In terms of size, you are going to want to order true to size with the leather version. I have stated a few times that there is a little more space in the synthetic version, which accompanies many comments about the F50 adizero running a half size to big. But the leather version has a snug fit that you will need to work with to really mold to your foot.
Design
I am a huge fan of how Adidas has designed the Leather version. The Chameleon version, as worn by Lionel Messi, has an extremely unique look that really can’t be explained in a post. You have to actually see them to understand the color patterns. The bright yellow (electricity) color that Adidas use in the detailing compliments the full look of the boot. One area that it is particularly evident is in the stitching used around the lip of the boot, about an inch above where the upper and soleplate meet. Adidas also use their signature 3 stripe logo in white on the outside of the boot to create a classic look. Flip the boot over, and you will find one of the most minimal soles ever! On the Chameleon version, the sole is entirely white except for the yellow tipped studs that makes them pop when you see them from behind.
One of the more unique aspects of the cleat lies on the heal, 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
Again, as with the synthetic version I have to admit that it is difficult to come up with any negatives for these. For once I am stumped! Adidas have created a very elegant looking, superlight boot that somehow manages to maintain comfort. Enough said!
Summary
You are going to ask , so I will give you an answer now: My preferred choice is the leather version. This is primarily due to the nature of the fit, and the fact that when these mold to your fit they are a terrific boot. But one thing you are giving up is the full superlight package, as these weigh in at 6oz, 0.2oz heavier than the synthetic. To be honest, the weight 
difference only equates to a “title” more than anything else. You will not notice a weight difference! In terms of position, just like with the synthetic version, if you feel like you need a lightweight boot then these are probably 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. Wingers and strikers will get the most out of them. Lionel Messi, who the Chameleon Leather version was specifically created for, has already worn them at this summers World Cup in South Africa (image to the right.)
*Boots supplied for review by soccer.com
Adli,
Your best bet is to compare the reviews side by side to see which compliments your game and what you need best.
bryan,which one did you like more, leather or synthetic.
Hey Bryan,
I was stuck between the synthetic and the leather, and I was wondering if the leather version absorbs a lot of water during rainy games and become heavy. I know that the synthetic version have some sort of coating to prevent that, but I wasn't sure about the leather ones.
Thanks.
Isak,
I didnt get an adequate opportunity to wear both in wet conditions. From my experience, I feel the leather will soak in water, but they dry very quickly due to how thin the material is.
I think the adidas f50 adizero in leather is the best. They have more feeling with the leather material. And the leather F50 adapts better to the foot
Bryan, I bought the adidas f50 adizeros about 4 months ago. They have been great, but just recently I noticed a hairline seperation between the stud and the boot. Seeing what happened to your adizero, i’m kinda worried, and i’m not sure if i should do anything about it…
Hi… I'm thinking in buy the adizero leather but the color i want i just see size 7 and i use normaly an 8 in adidas (adipure and predator) but i tried an adizero synthetic in size 7 and feel nice in the feet but in your review you say that it runs true to size …. what should i do? Buy in another color ? or take the risk and buy size 7…?
Arden,
Only thing you can do is return them to the store or to Adidas before it fully splits (as long as they are in good condition). Sorry to hear you are having problems with them!
Joao,
If you tried it on and it feels comfortable (enough room at the top of the boot to wiggle your toes freely) then go for that size.
bryan did these come with a cardboard bootliner
bryan,
I play left mid and center attacking mid and I was wondering if these are a good choice,and are these cleats good for turf.
[...] Bale’s personalized Adidas F50 adizero in a green colorway – very interesting choice from the left winger who has been on fire in the [...]
Bryan,
Im thinking about buying the leather adizeros… But what happened to Arden kind of worries me about how well they'll hold up…
Brett,
It is a concern and could pose a problem – it really depends on how much you want them! They are a great boot if you manage to get a pair that don't cause any problems.
I've tried on the leather adizeros about 5 times and absolutely love them. The only reason I hesitate to buy them is because I'm one of those hard-hitting midfielders who probably could do with more protection in a cleat. I'm totally in love with these, though, so I'm thinking of indulging anyways. Do you think I'll regret it?
Bryan I am a rugby player who plays on the wing, very fast, but am also looking for comfort when running but am also looking to boost my kicking game with accuracy/power whilst moving at fast pace. I am a current vapour wearer but considering a move to adizero (leather), predator x, or nike tiempo legends. what would you reccomend?
Bryan,
What surface do you normally play on? As for me, I typically play on artificial grass, which seems to take a huge toll on lightweight boots.
I have been playing in the leather Adizero's for approx 2-3 months, and after my last session I noticed that the stitching at the front of the boot (around my big toe) had come loose, causing the leather to detach.
What I am essentially trying to ask you is, which of the versions do you believe are best suited for playing on artificial grass?
Michael
In terms of speed the adiZero's would be a very natural option – it depends on the protection level you want. If you need more protection then the Preds are a better option.
Deeks
I play on mixed surfaces, some weeks artificial, others natural. For artificial the synthetic FG version are going to be your best option – although they still are not the best option (that would be the turf version of the release)
Thanks, I have also had a look at the nike maestri CTR's? and Im still torn between nike and adidas?
Very cool shoes.Rating would be 7/10. I had them for my outdoor season but some of the studs fell off. Then i got nike superfly 1, black on yellow with nike red laces. The only reason why i got the 2 expensive shoes is because i play in elite level for Saltfleet.
What is better for the average centre midfielder? adizero's or nike ctrs?
I just got these shoes about 2 1/2 weeks ago and have played maybe 12 (2 hr.) training sessions in them, i tired to use them in a match a couple of days ago and got a couple of huge blood blisters on account of my foot sliding around a bit in the shoe. I would say the shoes fit well with a little room in the front (about 1/2 an inch because my feet are still growing). Is this too much room? I don't know if the shoes will break in better eventually or if i should try a different pair of shoes? If i continue to wear them will they eventually mold to my feet better?
@Matt,
Very tough to say – definitely not a good sign that you blistered. While you are healing make sure to wear different boots that are more comfortable. These boots do break in nicely, and should ultimately be comfortable pending they are the right shape and size for your foot. If they continue to cause discomfort now, it might be worth holding off wearing them until you grow into them.
Hey Bryan,
My friend recommended synthetic over leather for the adizero, I still can't decide.
I play wing mid/forward and I really need help deciding. Also, is adizero a better
choice over nike mercurial vapors?
BarcaBoy
@barcaboy,
Check out the Synthetic versus Leather post to see more about each boot head to head – should help with selecting!
you have 9us camaleon leather for buy
Hi bryan
i want to know about sizing. I have the adipure ii in US 8.5 and it is a snug fit, very little room in toe but comfy. should i order the same size in the leather version? btw do synthetic and leather feel the same in the same size? there are synthetics in local stores where i can try out, how much does the leather stretch?
@mat
adipure and leather version of the adiZero fit very similar so they should also give you a snug fit. The synthetic version fit just a tad bit longer.
Bryan,
I am between these leather adizeros, the new adipure iv, and the new ctr ii's and i was wondering from your experience which you would recommend… Also I am also a size 9US but my foot is a bit wider than normal…i know you say that your fit is also a bit wide but would you still recommend getting a 9 in the adizero rather than going a half size up? Cheers.
@Mitch,
It depends if you are looking at the Synthetic or Leather version. For Synthetic, stick with a size 9US – they have a little extra room to start and don't stretch. The leather version might be where you consider going a half size up. I stuck with a size 9 and over a week or two of wearing them they stretched perfectly to the fit and shape of my foot, but if you are worried about the fit you should try testing out a pair in store.
I am thinking of getting these. Do the synthetic ones have a good touch?
Hey Bryan . I hope you dont mind answering me
I have a size US 10 UK 9 1/2 for my adidas predator X
does the leather adizeros have the same sizing as the predator X
if so what size do you think i should get?
thanks for your time
do they fit the same as the predator X ?
@Jules and @Michael,
They fit slightly differently inside the boot (because of the type of leather used) but in both I wore a size 9US that felt true to size. The actual feel on the ball also differs for the same reason – you are going to get better protection with the Preds better more feel with the adiPures.
Hi bryan,
White/black/pink leather f50 adizero's or Black/black/met gold adipure 3???
Hey Bryan,
Which shoe do you think is better adipure 4 or leather adizeros?
With mine, the front outside stud on the right boot fell off within the first training session (breaking in sesh.) I was using them on FG (grass field) as they are meant to be played on, and brought them home to find one of the studs missing. They're are really great boot, but I would recommend the new Black and Warning version of the adizeros, as a call to the manufacturers informed me of a new design/configuration of the studs to keep them from falling out while playing.
Hi everyone
I go the adizero leather boots and the synthetic boots as well. It was very hard to choice what boot was better, but i would have to say the synthetics because it was a little lighter but did not get any heavier. I do like the style of the leathers more but they got heavy after a couple of rain games. But the what i didn’t like about both of them is that the studs feel off…… it was weird. only negative i have and there was not much protection and being a defender you need that protection.
[Originally posted on your facebook] So I decided to look at my new Adizeros (the last color scheme Green/Pink) and noticed that the studs now have three (3) holes where the studs now connect instead of that one hole in the center of the stud on the first generation Adizeros. This must be Adidas's fix to enhance the strength of the stud foundation. With a connection point on each point of the triangle this will help with distributing the stress from digging in the studs to help stop or the dragging when you shoot. I would say that anyone looking to buy the chameleon or black and yellow versions that were first released on sale should be warned that these will have the soleplate that has the issue above. The newer versions will have the updated soleplate and should not give you these issues
So I purchased a pair of adizero leather cleats, haven't actually tested them out yet. But usually I apply "waterproofing and conditioner for leather" treatment to my leather cleats before anything. Under a list of "Do's" on a list that came from inside the box it states, "The boots do not require waterproofing". Do you know if this treatment will negatively effect the cleats?
Bryan, I've been looking at the adizero f50 synthetic version. And I was wondering if they had good touch. Right now I currently have the mercurial vapor vi
Bryan, I was also wondering if you knew if there was a difference between the adizero f50 and the adizero f50 2 other than the color way.
Hey Bryan
How do you think these leather adizeros compare to ctr360 1 elites in durability? i play mid/forward and play on artificial turf maybe 25% of the time.
Thanks very much
hi bryan,
i am looking for some new boots and found these. i play left back but i am very attacking, do you think these boots will be suited to that sort of play?
cheers
@Jack
Just the actual boots aesthetic design.
@Robert
Because of the lighweight and thin properties of the materials used in boot cleats they even out in terms of durability.
@Joe
If you are not concerned about getting injured in tackles, then yes they are a decent option!
Didn't reinforce the strength of the studs in the newer versions? So the F50 2's studs should be more reliable. Also the synthetic version of the primes look like the pattern of little raised bumps on the material is different. I don't know if this was strategic or not but I thought i read somewhere the sprintskin material was updated somehow.
Also, the touch on the synthetics is probably similar to the vapors, you need to get the leathers if you want to see a big improvement there.
Bryan, i have a new pair of f50 adizeros in leather. For the first "brreaking in" session, I used the Comfort insoles as recommended, then switched to the Ultralight ones for a practice my third times using the boots. That practice, I began experiencing low back pain and it has gotten bad enough that I'm writing this in bed, barely able to walk or stand for any period of time. It should be healed in a few days, or at least my chiropractor says so. Any suggestions on how to make these boots more comfortable? Because i really do love evey other aspect of them. Maybe leaving the Comfort soles in would help?
@Adan
Sorry to hear about your back problems! I used the comfort insole for most of the time I wore them. Lets be honest, they is minimal weight difference between the comfort and ultra light – and if it means you get to wear them as a result it is worth a shot!
Hey Bryan,
I am a striker and looking for new cleats. I like to shoot from free kicks. So what is better the Adizero in Black/Black/Warning or the T90 Laser Elite World Cup Edition?
Check out this post for strikers – http://www.soccercleats101.com/2011/03/27/best-cl…
Hi bryan
What do you think about adizero first and adizero second versions. Wich of these boots are better. I heard about that first version has got synthetic leather and second natural leather. Diference in cost is 10-20 dolars. Is good to buy second version or the first version of Adizeros??
Hi there Brian
1. your awesome
2. I was thinking of buying a pair of these boots but regarding the sizing, would you recommend I go a half a size up if I felt that the synthetic version were to short for my feet?