Monday , March 18 2024

adidas GAMEMODE FG Knit Edition – Up Close Review

adidas GAMEMODE Knit Edition

The GAMEMODE series is adidas’ way of allowing players to express their love for the game of soccer through their own style. Made with a series of recycled materials, the knit upper on this colorway features at least 50% recycled content, and its colorway officially listed as Wonder Mauve.

Let me start by explaining how GAMEMODE is basically the reincarnation of the F30 adiZero series, but rather than synthetic this version features a knit upper! For those not familiar with the adiZero line-up, the F30 was the takedown or mid-tier model that retailed around the $120-$140 range during their life on the market. They were seen as a value for money option when a budget was in play. When we compare GAMEMODE and F30 side-by-side, they have a lot in common and that bodes well for their $99 price point.

adidas GAMEMODE Knit Upper Performance

GAMEMODE Knit Upper and Collar

In creating the silo, adidas focused on comfort and simple playability, looking to design a shoe that fits a wide range of foot shapes. Their is nothing overtly complicated about them, they feature a one-piece upper and a flat but versatile outsole. On foot, they do have a very basic feel. There are boots that offer extra padding or protection inside the boots, but the GAMEMODE doesn’t feature anything like that. They offer a very accommodating fit, wide through the forefoot with stretch thanks to the knit upper. In terms of length, they are true to size.

In terms of materials, the upper does feature a very thin overlay that keeps the knit bonded and in shape. Again, it does have some stretch to it but you don’t need to worry about it overstretching, and the overlay adds to the durability on offer. Around the ankle and through the lacing is where you can find the most open area of knit. It has some serious stretch through those areas since it doesn’t have the same thin synthetic overlay. So, if you want to see how much stretch is actually in the knit, this is where you can find out. It adds a high level of comfort since it conforms to your foot shape when you put them on.

adidas GAMEMODE FG review

adidas GAMEMODE on foot

Underfoot is the one area where I was underwhelmed when it came to performance. The one piece soleplate doesn’t have any natural bend when you take them out of the box, so it takes time to break them in. You can see in the images how it runs flat from toe to heel. I’d actually describe it as being somewhat cumbersome, a little bland and sluggish in play. Most of the weight seems to sit in the soleplate too, so they are bottom heavy. For some, that might prove useful to keep you balanced on the surface, but I personally prefer something lighter that compliments pace and acceleration.

In terms of the type of fields where they can be used, I actually rate them as best on turf surfaces. The low profile configuration provides adequate traction on artificial surfaces without any over bite, so you feel mobile in play. They are also solid on FG, making them a good option for players that regularly play on both types of surface.

adidas has definitely decided that GAMEMODE is going to be a creative playground, where they can make and release unique, small batch designs at a pricepoint that can reach a lot of fans. This knit version is currently available for $99.99.

Or you can find the entire GAMEMODE line-up available at SOCCER.com.

adidas GAMEMODE Knit Unboxing

GAMEMODE FG adidas Soccer

About Bryan Byrne

The mastermind behind the revolution that is SoccerCleats101. Bryan started this website back in 2008 and has been testing boots on a daily basis ever since. Check out our About Page for more details on Bryan and the website.

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