Adidas F50 Adizero Synthetic Review

Over the past few months, we have been astounded with all the ultra-lightweight boots being released on the market. One of those boots is the Adidas F50 adiZero series – at 5.8oz one of the lightest soccer cleats you will ever get our hands on. A few months back I had the opportunity to test both the synthetic and leather original releases in the range, but recently Adidas changed things up with an update to the overall look and feel of boot.

In order to test out how the new and old compared, and to see if there were any enhancements to the newest release, I grabbed a pair of the new Warning/Black/White colorway in a size 9US.

Find the latest colorways available at soccer.com.

Breaking In
Contrary to popular belief, lightweight boots can actually break-in in a pretty quick time period. Because this version of the F50 adiZero is made with a synthetic upper, you are going to have more room at the top of the boot for your toes to move. I did find them slightly uncomfortable for the first few wears, but because I had the right size to begin, it didn’t take long for them to feel pretty well suited to the fit and shape of my foot. My advice is to make sure you have the right size before taking these on a proper workout. If they feel a little tight take the time to loosen them up in a few jogging sessions. The area around the heel is nicely padded, but it is still thin and is prone to causing blisters if they are too tight. The pair I tested were a size 9US and I found that they fit true to size.

The New Design
The differences between the new and the old design are pretty minimal. Other than a redesigned tongue and a change to the look and feel of the upper you are getting the same boot with the same performance. The tongue now features a higher midpoint compared to the previous release. This allows it to sit slightly higher just above your ankle. It is more aesthetic than anything, but if you found the old version was uncomfortable where it met your ankle this new feature was designed for you!

The overall look of the upper has been modified, with the F50 logo moving to the lower outside region of the boot and Adidas have added a sort of ladder design that runs from the laces down where the upper and soleplate meet at the front of the boot. It adds a uniquely new look to the boot and I have to say I like it. Adidas have also swapped out the Grip’n Groove feel for a new streamline tiered design. Again, this has less to do with performance and more to do with the look of the boot.

Synthetic upper
Adidas use their technologically advanced Sprintskin to drastically reduce the weight of the adizero. Sprintskin is a very thin, single layer microfiber upper that features subtle texture. Synthetic is not designed to stretch much, and for this reason the size you order is pretty much going to be the size you want to play in. One of the most common questions I get is “leather or synthetic” – my personal answer is leather simply for the touch, but with synthetic you are getting a more manageable boot that has better weatherproof properties. Worth checking out is our post that compares the Leather versus Synthetic upper.

Performance
Again, I definitely enjoyed wearing the synthetic F50 adiZero. When you take these out of the box for the first time the weight will blow your mind! It is absolutely astounding how light they feel, and the same is true when you get them on the field. Adding to that, they offer a very competitive level of touch and control. The soleplate offers a very minimal look, but bends in the right ways to allow for adequate traction on firm ground. Do these boots make you faster? It is unlikely that any boot actually makes you faster, but it does offer the right mix to give you every advantage possible. I found that while wearing them, I psychologically felt faster, whether I actually was or not is up for debate! Overall, you will enjoy the performance of the boot.

Negatives
The obvious negative is protection. Because the upper is so light you are increasing the opportunity for injury to the front of the boot. But guess what, they are a speed boot so you should definitely be aware of this when buying a pair. For a lightweight boot, the F50 adiZero offer great comfort and support. In saying that, there is no doubt that like any other lightweight boot out there these will not suit certain players and will cause certain discomfort. But again, this is just part and parcel of what you can expect from a speed boot that has less material/padding.

Summary
Again, what a boot these are! We are now pretty familiar with the list of lightweight boots that are on the market, but I still find myself questioning how companies like Adidas are able to do it! Add lightweight and the fact that you are getting a decently comfortable boot and the package is very appealing. Ensuring you have the right size is critical to getting the most of the F50 adiZero, if you can get it right you will be very happy with them. They are going to suit wingers and quick forwards the most, but if you can get past the issue of protection then they are a good option for all positions. As a heads up, there is also a leather version currently available in the same colorway!

*Boots supplied for review by Adidas