adidas Football Boots Explained
The brand with the three stripes is a pioneer of the football world, known for iconic designs and industry-leading innovation. Whether you are looking for the latest technology or a classic leather touch, adidas has a boot tailored for your needs. This guide breaks down the different models, price points, and surface types to help you find the perfect pair for your game.
Style of Play
adidas categorises its boots into three main silos, each designed to enhance a specific set of skills on the pitch.
adidas Predator
The Predator enhances your every touch on the ball, from passing to crossing to shooting. Its mix of support, comfort, and precision has made adidas Predator a top choice for players worldwide. Simply put, if you want to take control of the game, this is the boot for you. Predators are available with or without laces, as well as with a fold-over tongue.
adidas F50
The F50 (formerly X) is designed for pure, explosive speed. It is the go-to choice for wingers and strikers, as well as fast full-backs, who rely on acceleration to beat their opponents – and ultimately help the ball find the back of the net. The F50 is available in laced and laceless versions. To ensure this lightweight boot and explosive speed is accessible to everyone, the Sparkfusion edition of F50 is adapted to the unique ergonomic needs of women and players with narrow feet.
adidas Copa
The Copa is adidas' boot, prioritising a cushioned, anatomical fit and a soft upper for an unparalleled natural feel on the ball. This boot is ideal for playmakers, midfielders, and technical defenders who value comfort and a soft, dampened touch, and it comes in both laced and laceless designs.
Price categories
adidas uses a specific naming convention, often called tiers, to indicate the quality and technology level of their boots. The images below show the adidas F50 Coral Blaze across the different tiers: Elite, Pro, League, and Club, in that order.
Elite
The Elite tier is designed for players who compete at the highest level or aspire to do so. Elite boots feature the exact same technology worn by professional players, using premium materials and the latest innovations, often making them the lightest and most responsive options available.
Pro
The Pro tier offers a "best of both worlds" approach. It retains many of the aesthetic and performance features of the Elite model, but uses slightly heavier and less expensive materials to keep the price down for serious competitive players.
League
The League tier is designed for the regular club player. It focuses on durability and comfort while maintaining the look of the top-tier boots. It is the most popular choice for amateur league players.
Club
The Club tier is the entry-level option. These boots are built for durability and ease of use, making them perfect for beginners, casual weekend games, or young players who are quickly outgrowing their sizes.
Surface
Choosing the right soleplate is essential for performance and safety. adidas offers specific configurations for every type of pitch. The images below show the different soleplate types in the following order: FG, AG, SG, MG, Turf, Indoor.
Firm ground (FG)
Designed for natural grass pitches, this is the most commonly used type of football boots. Longer studs help deliver reliable traction and stability on outdoor fields with some natural give.
Artificial grass (AG)
Created for synthetic surfaces, that is widely used during winter and cold times, the stud pattern is shorter and more numerous to spread pressure evenly. This setup improves comfort and mobility while reducing stress on joints.
Soft ground (SG)
Best suited for wet and muddy grass fields, these shoes focus on maximum penetration for grip. Fewer, longer metal-tipped studs allow players to stay stable in very soft conditions.
Multi ground (MG)
Ideal for switching between different outdoor surfaces, this option balances traction across natural and artificial grass. A mixed stud layout provides versatility without specialising in one surface.
Turf (TF)
Built for hard, abrasive artificial turf floor, the outsole features dense rubber studs for consistent grip. Extra cushioning helps absorb impact and improves comfort during play.
Indoor (IC)
Made for smooth indoor courts, the flat rubber sole delivers traction without marking the surface. The focus is on close control, flexibility, and all-day comfort.