It seemed adidas took a very large and controversial step away from the tried and tested heritage benchmark associated with the adiPure range with the release of the adiPure 11Pro, and while we are late with the review (apologies for the delay), we had the opportunity to see how adidas’ latest foray into the classic boot market fared. Thanks to adidas for supplying the boots for review, and Madeline Kim for the images.
Design (2.5/5 Mediocre design)
One of the aspects that made the adiPure range so appealing was the fact that it was one of the few ‘true’ classic boots that still remained on the market, but with the release of the adiPure 11Pro, I feel adidas erred by straying from that ethos. Obviously I’m not alone in thinking that way as many of the top adiPure endorsers, such as Bastian Schweinsteiger and Xabi Alonso to name a few, either never made the switch into the latest incarnation of the heritage silo or if they did, switched back to older models of the adiPure or to a whole new boot line altogether. This lack of representation by top players after being one of the most worn adidas ranges reflects poorly on the boot, and as an extension of that, its design.
As for the design itself, I feel that adidas did a fairly good job of combing heritage and modernity into one upper and soleplate. One qualm that I’ve heard regarding the boots is the ‘paint drip’ that runs from the toebox to the top of the laces. However, I’m not against it as I feel adidas can produce some nice colorways for this design.
I had the opportunity of testing the launch White/Radiant Orange colorway, but I have to admit I’m not the biggest fan of this particular color scheme. With that said, it’s not a disaster by any means, it’s just I preferred the alternate launch colorway in Black/Slime/White.
Comfort (3.5/5 A little stiff at first, but no blisters occur, and after a session or two they are quite comfortable)
While the comfort offered by the adidas adiPure 11Pro surpasses that of many other boots currently on the market, this is probably the area in which the boot most let me down. The reason I say this is down to the lack of kangaroo leather used in the upper, in fact, bar one area about the size of a thumb, which I should note is supremely more comfortable than the Taurus leather used in the rest of the boot, there is no kangaroo leather at all, which is borderline insane considering the adiPure range built its reputation around a super soft and supple kangaroo leather upper. While the Taurus leather does provide for a ‘smooth ride,’ there’s just nothing like the feel of a kangaroo leather upper hugging your foot.
The boots were stiff at first, however after one or two training sessions, they broke in well and softened up sufficiently to play a match in. Aside from my rambling on about the lack of kangaroo leather used in the upper, one thing I do like regarding the build of the boot is the 360° Support Saddle which akin to Umbro’s A-Frame Cradle, grips your foot at the midfoot, preventing your foot from sliding around while playing and offering a nice snug fit.
Sizing- The adidas adiPure 11Pro fits a little big at first, and when you consider that the boots will further expand after use, I would most probably recommend ordering down half a size.
Performance (3.5/5 There are some performance enhancers that will help some part of your game)
By sacrificing the orthodox heritage boot feel (aka a no-nonsense kangaroo leather upper with no extra bells and whistles), adidas did put extra impetus into providing a high performing boot and so they have done with the adiPure 11Pro. For a classic boot, or even for any boot for that matter, the 11Pro is packed with technology. The Taurus leather is meant to decrease weight, something that it does extremely well, and when combined with the Traxion SprintFrame, the weight is further decreased and adidas have almost found the perfect balance between stability and weight. New studs not too dissimilar to the adiZero have also been given their debut on the adiPure 11pro. The new Traxion 2.0 stud configuration is different from the speed boot’s soleplate though in both shape and flexibility, two attributes I think that have been improved on with the adiPure 11Pro. All in all, tipping the scales at 8.2 ounces is no mean feat, and credit should be given where due, so well done adidas in that sense.
Striking the ball in the adidas adiPure 11Pro is one of the best things about using the boots as the upper with centered lacing provides a nice platform to make solid contact with the ball. Passing though isn’t such a piece of cake as the instep where the ball is passed with most is a synthetic material (non-Taurus) and simply put, doesn’t come close to matching the joyous and giddy elation of passing a ball with a kangaroo leather boot!
Surprisingly, the protection offered by the adidas adiPure 11Pro is very high. The reason I say surprisingly is that typically leather uppers are soft and don’t often hold up all to well against studs, but I can gladly say the 11Pro does an admirable job of keeping your feet safe.
One thing that shouldn’t be forgotten is that the adiPure 11Pro is also MiCoach compatible, a very good extra if you are looking to track almost all the statistics you would need about your in-game or in-training performance.
Value (3.5/5- Quite a good value cleat where you get your money’s worth and it will last at least two seasons)
For a relatively meager $150 USD, and oft times less than that MSRP, you are purchasing a solid boot that will definitely last you a season if not longer. The Taurus leather not only provides good protection but is a very durable material that bar scuff marks, which is more down to the white upper rather than the leather itself, shows little to no sign of wear. While I am not claiming the boot to be the best on the market, considering that it’s almost cut price compared to other boots currently available, the adiPure 11Pro does provide a viable option for someone looking to purchase a new pair of boots.
Buy Now- adidas adiPure 11Pro Soccer Shoes (SoccerLoco)
Conclusion:
Design: 2.5/5
Comfort: 3.5/5
Performance: 3.5/5
Value: 3.5/5
Total: 13/20 or 65%
Positives:
1. Performance: By sacrificing the traditional classic feel, adidas were able to focus more on the performance offered by the 11Pro and have delivered in that department.
2. Value: Retailing at a good $50 USD less than the average top model football boot, the durability offered by the adiPure 11Pro definitely makes for a good value purchase.
Negatives:
1. Modernity: I’m not discriminating against modern boots, but I personally feel it was a disastrous move by adidas moving from the classic blueprint that has been tried and tested. The point of a heritage boot is exactly that; and I just felt that this wasn’t a good move by adidas.
A high performing boot for sure, but due to the lack of kangaroo leather, it’s easy to see why adidas has lost endorsement for the adiPure 11Pro because you’re simply missing that ‘something’ that is a must for a heritage boot. Then again, it should be noted that I am a classic football boot sentimentalist and appreciate a kangaroo leather upper more than most! All in all, a fairly disappointing release from adidas and I feel that this is supported by and reflected by the lack of player support for the adiPure 11Pro. Hopefully though, this will be a one off and will be offset with the release of the adidas Predator LZ.
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