I have received several emails from readers recently, looking for details on which boot is a better option; the Adidas F50 adiZero miCoach or the Pele Trinity 3E. Both boots offer their own individual set of positive characteristics to the market, so defining which one is “better” is simply unrealistic. Instead, here is our break down of how they compare in several different categories to help you decide which pair is right for you!

For full reviews, check out Adidas F50 adiZero miCoach or Pele Trinity – otherwise, keep reading below!

The Uppers – Plenty of choices
You have a choice when it comes to Adidas – either a synthetic or Galeo full-grain leather. Both have been used on previous releases, showing there is some consistency in how they perform. Pele Sports employ an all new Symbioskin upper that is touted to be very durable, with little to no scuffing. Because it is new, it is really untested through the market.

What does this mean in terms of touch? You will notice a great difference between all 3, but from testing both I can tell you that the Trinity feels a lot thinner and you can really feel the ball. This gives you more feel but less protection. My choice for most natural feel goes to the leather F50 adiZero, with the Galeo leather easily molding and shaping around the ball as you connect.

How much do they weigh?
Pele Trinity 5.6oz – Adidas F50 adiZero 6.0oz
The Pele Trinity “wins” in the weight category. I say “wins” because when you hit the lightweight levels seen in these releases, the difference becomes little less than a talking point! Both boots are built for ultimate speed and acceleration but don’t factor your decision solely on which boot is lighter.

How do they fit?
The Adidas F50 adiZero fits very much true to size lenght wise, whereas the Pele Trinity fits long. I normally wear a size 9US, my ideal size in these boots is a 9US in the adiZero and an 8.5US in the Trinity. In terms of width, they offer a very similar fit – medium/wide. For those that need a more narrow fit, Pele Sports has actually released an SL version specifically for you!

Technology Included
This is a category where Adidas win hands down thanks to the inclusion of miCoach performance tracking. The performance chip sits in a cavity in the soleplate and it is designed to track several aspects of you game, including your speed and distance run.

Everything to do with the Soleplate
Adidas stick with their triangular shaped studs on the same SprintFrame that is being used right across their ranges – this shows their confidence in the finished product. Because the miCoach chip sits in a cavity around the midfoot area, there was concerns around comfort. I am happy to report that there are no problems and they feel great from first wear.

But – the Pele Trinity wins out in terms of soleplate innovation! The stud configuration on these boots is absolutely extreme and is one of the focal points of the release. The idea of playing with 3 misaligned studs at the back goes against the norm, you grow up expecting at least 2-4 parallel studs to keep you stable in play. Pele Sports claim that “The extreme position of the rear tripod studs trigger earlier ground contact and stability with high velocity release and the forefoot studs permit excellent traction and explosive acceleration.” I found the configuration to be particularly effective, and my concerns of turning my ankle were unfounded. In fact, I felt more balanced in these shoes than many other pairs on the market.

Price Points
Both boots were released on the market with the same price point of $200 -  a number that seems to be consistent for super lightweight releases at the moment. The only difference is that you will need to fork out extra money to buy the miCoach SPEED_CELL technology, which is in the region of $60.

“So, which one should I buy?”
That depends on what you are in the market for. Most players will tend to drift toward the adiZero, simply because Adidas are such an established brand. But realistically, the Pele Trinity is a contender for players who are on the fence; you get a lightweight boot, a newly developed upper material and one of the most unusual stud configurations ever released on a boot! For players that want the ability to take things to the next level and track their game performance, then you will need to pay a little extra for miCoach technology, something that is definitely worth the money.

New + innovative = the Pele Trinity
Tested + Performance based = Adidas F50 adiZero

Grab yourself a pair of Pele Trinity or Adidas F50 adiZero right now!

I have been waiting to get my hands on these for a few weeks now, but finally the Adidas adiPure 11Pro has arrived for review! The newest heritage boot from Adidas features a Taurus leather upper, a ton of modifications and it comes in at a lightweight 8.2oz – the lightest adiPure ever released.

The pictured version is officially listed as a Black/White/Slime colorway, which is actually seen to be the more traditional style release in the series!

A few weeks back, we featured a comprehensive, in-depth breakdown on what the new adiPure has to offer. You are getting a completely redesigned upper, the option to use miCoach technology, a soleplate designed for additional flexibility, conical studs and an overall lighter weight.

Opinions have been mixed on the new release with some questioning why Adidas has strayed away from the more old-school, traditional boot that offered one of the highest levels of consistency in the game. With the changing climate of the market, I am sure Adidas sought to move progressively forward, ensuring they have the most advanced “heritage” release available for players, before anyone else. The upper on the pair I received feels slightly stiff, which I am hoping is hoping that will dispel after a session or two. The midfoot definitely feels like it has much more support than previous versions.

Stay tuned for a full breakdown and review in the next few weeks – until then, enjoy the images. For those looking to pick up a pair, they are retailing for $134.99 and are available at WeGotSoccer.

If you are a fan of the Adidas F50 adiZero range, but have not yet found the right colorway, Adidas has released a new Phantom/White/Electricity version that incorporates a recent release with very atypical colors. From what we have seen so far, this is one of the better looking releases in the adiZero range, and it will see added popularity since it includes miCoach technology. This version, as pictured above, comes compliments of a Goleo calf-leather upper.

As well as the recently released Slime/Silver/Black, we also saw a similar look in the original F50 adiZero Prime series, a Black/White/Electricity, so it definitely looks like Adidas has found a combo of colors that is popular with the market. I like this version more than what we have seen so far, with the minor modification in color choice offering a positive vibe.

At 6oz, there is no doubting this lightweight release is designed for speed. And adding the concept of performance tracking makes these a very appealing release. The miCoach chip does a good job of capturing your data through play and the benefits of seeing how you performed can help you improve your game. It sits very comfortably in the cavity of the boot and you will have no idea it is there through wear.

Something important to note is that this is just the boot – if you want to include miCoach tracking system, you need to purchase a sensor separately or look for a package deal. The F50 adiZero comes in at under $190 and is only currently available on WeGotSoccer, while the miCoach chip can be purchased for $70.

Eagle-eyed readers might have spotted Lionel Messi wearing a new Adidas F50 adizero colorway in El Clasico tonight, switching from his latest Ballon d’Or adiZero in order to avoid wearing a boot that resembled the Real Madrid colors! This new colorway is actually a pretty decent match for the Barcelona colors and they looked extremely sweet on the feet of the World’s best player.

The official colorway is listed as Prime Blue/White/Core Energy and they add a completely different look to the adiZero range that is sure to be popular.I am a huge fan of the Prime Blue color in general, but mixed with the Core Red detailing it makes for a great look, and I have to admit it is the first release in the series that looks good with the red strip around the toe!

This latest adiZero release features a slightly altered stud configuration compared to the original released adiZero. This results in better traction in game and a complete resolution to the breaking-stud issue. The upper also features SprintWeb, which is designed to add extra structure and support – resulting in a more protected boot for players. Through testing the F50 miCoach, I found that this new version has been updated in the right ways! At 6.0oz, there is no doubting this lightweight release is designed for speed. And adding the concept of performance tracking makes these a very appealing release. The miCoach chip does a good job of capturing your data through play and the benefits of seeing how you performed can help you improve your game. It sits very comfortably in the cavity of the boot and you will have no idea it is there through wear.

Something important to note is that this is just the boot – if you want to include miCoach tracking system, you need to purchase a sensor separately or look for a package deal. The F50 adiZero comes in at $199, while the miCoach chip can be purchased for $70.

Fans of the Synthetic version, there is also a boot for you priced at $199.

There is something very simplistic about this release that makes them look like your everyday, run-of-the-mill adidas boot. But, don’t be fooled – I have a feeling they will pack a pretty killer punch in action! The Adidas adiPure 11Pro SL has been released and it hits the market as the lowest weighing adiPure ever. If there were any doubts about the direction Adidas was headed, then this release answers those questions. At 6.4oz, these fall more into the lightweight category than the heritage, with Adidas trimming them down to the bare bones.

For those of you that were disappointed about the adiPure 11Pro not featuring a K-leather upper, Adidas has a response. This SL version features a soft K-leather upper with an ultra-thin layer of protection, called DuraCoating, providing an extra level of durability around the strike zone. Not what many players were expecting! As with all current release, Adidas employ their SprintFrame soleplate and the ability to use their miCoach performance tracking system. The chip sits in a cavity in the soleplate.

The official colorway for this release is Black/Running White/Core Energy and they offer a very classic feel. These are the traditional colors used in the Predator range, although the blending effect through the midfoot gives them a more unique look. I like how the classic black leather upper looks, but ultimately I am not a fan of the blending used and the adiPure IV SL release appeals to me far more than these. This is the type of boot I could absolutely see someone like Steven Gerrard wearing – the no-nonsense, hard working, center mid that likes to pop up all over the field, only these boots offer a lightweight feel also!

With that being said, I am eager to test these out and see what their performance is like in game. And of course, the question of comfort has to be addressed since they are lighter than any adiPure we have seen before. The ability to use miCoach is included, so you can track your performance through wear. Retail wise, they are currently available to pre-order and are listed around the $250 mark.

In light of winning the FIFA Ballon d’Or award for the third consecutive year, Adidas has created a personalized pair of F50 adiZero to celebrate Lionel Messi’s unique achievement! You might have caught our sneak peak yesterday, well here are released images of the Royal boot! There is no doubt Messi is a living legend and he thoroughly deserved to win the award once again. As many of you will agree, there are not many better there are not many better gifts than a personalized pair of boots – and this official Gold/White/Flash Red is all Messi!

There are plenty of details on this boot that represent Messi’s achievements starting with a leather upper, which is his preferred choice. On the inner side of the boot, you will find “FIFA Ballon d’Or player of the year” and “Gracias A Todos” imprinted just below the Adidas signature 3-stripes. The outer side of the boot features a very, very smart integration – there is a year listed on each of the 3-stripes, signifying the years Messi has won the award! And just below that, you will find Messi’s new logo. The heel features an Argentinian flag, representing the pride Messi has for his country.

For those of you that want to see the new boot in action, you won’t have to wait long – Messi will be sporting them this weekend as Barcelona take on Real Betis. For those that want to buy an exact replica pair, I am afraid you are out of luck – Adidas has created a one off for Messsi only (as it should be!) although you might be able to replicate a similar look using miAdidas.

There has been a lot of hype and speculation about this release for several weeks now, but finally the new Adidas adiPure 11Pro has hit the market. In recent past, Adidas has kept things pretty consistent with the adiPure release, but this version strays well away from the norm. Not only has Adidas dropped the weight, but they also re-engineered everything that we expect from the adiPure! On release, you get to choose between a Running White/Black/High Energy and Black/White/Slime colorways.

Reviewing all the changes is pretty extraordinary, and there is no doubting that players will have mixed feelings about the new boot. There is a lot to take in with this release, so it is worth breaking down piece-by-piece.

A completely redesigned upper.
A synthetic Taurus leather is used on the front, with a synthetic saddle employed through the 3 stripes on the midfoot for added support. We are familiar with seeing K-leather used on the adiPure series, but with the recent upgrades to their Taurus calf-skin upper, Adidas has changed its direction. I have pointed out on several occasions that Taurus leather has a downfall; durability. Well, Adidas has actually addressed that area and added an ultra thin layer of protection, called Duracoat, to areas of high abrasion. Well played Adidas!

Now featuring miCoach!
As with recent Adidas releases, you now get the benefit of a SprintFrame soleplate with miCoach technology included. This really doesn’t come as a shock and I expect to see all future Adidas releases featuring the performance tracking technology.

More soleplate changes.
On this version of the SprintFrame, you get a new Flexzone (improves flexibility and enhances lateral movement) and PlusFlex (outsole is split below the toes for higher energy efficiency through movements)

Conical studs – goodbye blades.
This could be one of the shock features of the boot. Adidas has re-engineered its traction by introducing dual cushioning conical studs that feature internal anti-shock tubes. They are designed to be more abrasion resistant, while improving surface penetration – improving traction and speed.

Weight
Trimmed down to an ultra competitive 8.2oz. The adiPure IV weighed in at 9.8oz.

How much will it all cost?
The boots are scheduled to hit the US market on February 1st, with a retail price of around $150.

Soak it all in – because there is a lot of newness to take in on this release! Opinions are sure to be mixed – there will be a large audience questioning why Adidas has strayed away from the more old-school, traditional boot that offered one of the highest levels of consistency in the game. With the changing climate of the market, I am sure Adidas sought to move progressively forward, ensuring they have the most advanced “heritage” release available for players, before anyone else.

I am personally very intrigued by the release, and although there is a huge feeling of disappointment about losing the more traditional feel of the silo, I am excited to see how the new technology meshes together – and if the conical studs and soleplate stand the test of both artificial and natural grass! Stay tuned for more details on the boot as we get them, and a full review once they are released on the market.

For those of you that want to pre-order the adiPure 11Pro, they are both available on soccer.com – retail price of $149.99.

For the third consecutive year, Lionel Messi has been named the FIFA World Player of the Year – and deservedly so. The Barcelona and Argentinian forward continued to mesmerize throughout 2011 and continues to be an idol for aspiring soccer players around the world. We extend our congrats and hope to see more of his wonderful skills in 2012!

2011 was another very busy year for Messi. On the field he inspired Barca to five trophies, including the Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup and a third consecutive La Liga title. He was also the first player to wear the truly advanced Adidas F50 adiZero miCoach in the High Energy/Electricity/White colorway. Off the field he was involved in the creation and release of his new logo a few months back!

If you want to wear the same boots as Messi wears, you need to get your hands on a pair of Adidas F50 adiZero with the current miCoach performance system. This system allows you to track your in-game data and review what and how you did it after you play. Although Messi wears a personalized version (as you would expect the best player in the world to do), the system on the market is ideal for allowing aspiring players the opportunity to follow their performance and visually see their progress over time. Having tested the miCoach system, I will admit that is offers something that is quite unique to the market and although it has a high price tag, it is well worth getting your hands on!

Below is a “thank you” message released by Messi to his fans after he was named the FIFA Ballon d’Or winner.

I’ll be honest – every time I hit up the Pirma website, I am tempted to pick up a new pair! Their boot designs are pretty impressive and always catch my attention. Having tested the Pink Monaco III, I have a general idea of how their boots test and although they don’t match the quality you get from bigger brands, they do offer good value. On a disappointing note, we have tried contacting Pirma on several occasions to get more information about their boots – sadly, we have never received a response.

What are your impressions of the similar releases?

With the introduction of miCoach technology a few weeks back, it was only a matter of time until we started seeing new colorway’s in the Adidas F50 adiZero hitting the market. I haven’t been overly impressed with the releases thus far, but this Slime/Black/Chrome could catch a decent following. It is a combo of colors that clashes well together and the Chrome detailing that produce a boot sure to stand out in game!

Compared to it predecessor, this new release features a slightly altered stud configuration, resulting in better traction in game and a complete resolution to the breaking-stud issue. The upper also features SprintWeb, which is designed to add extra structure and support – resulting in a more protected boot for players. Through testing the F50 miCoach, I found that this new version has been updated in the right ways!

At 60z, there is no doubting this lightweight release is designed for speed. And adding the concept of performance tracking makes these a very appealing release. The miCoach chip does a good job of capturing your data through play and the benefits of seeing how you performed can help you improve your game. It sits very comfortably in the cavity of the boot and you will have no idea it is there through wear.

Something important to note is that this is just the boot – if you want to include miCoach tracking system, you need to purchase a sensor separately or look for a package deal. The F50 adiZero comes in at $199, while the miCoach chip can be purchased for $70.