Concord Techno Kangaroo Review

We haven’t featured Concord much on SoccerCleats101, in fact they have only come up once before, but that is an inaccurate depiction of what this company has to offer. In fact, there has been quite the buzz surrounding this Techno Kangaroo release, primarily driven by its sleek blackout design. The boot is one big mesh of quality materials and considering they fall below the $100, it makes them at least worth placing into consideration. Of course, testing is where the real story lies and I’ve been wearing a size 9US for the past few weeks – below is the most detailed breakdown of how they perform that you will find anywhere on the net!

In terms of retail, there are some great deals on these boots right now; case-in-point, they are available at Soccer.com for $77.99.

Breaking In
There is a slightly stiff feel about the upper on these boots starting out, primarily around the heal region. I actually had to change out of them during the first two sessions as blisters were on the horizon. Concord use a synthetic that has a plastic feel and no grip, and it leads to some extra movement. Having had a few weeks with them, it is something that subsides but some mesh in the region would be a big bonus. When it comes to the forefoot and the K-leather, Concord produce a real winner. Loving the very traditional cross stitching that produces some real shape. The one other unique aspect to this boot is obviously a textured control panel that sits along the strike zone. In terms of comfort, it doesn’t cause any problems and is positioned appropriately so it doesn’t cause any discomfort over the first few wears.

In-Game Performance
Consistency is the key to this release, with everything performing as expected. You get great feel on the ball thanks to the specifically positioned stitching across the forefoot and it has its benefits while hitting long balls. And thankfully thus far, I’ve encountered no durability issues with the stitching. Next is the stud configuration, which is slightly different to other boots on the market. Through the center of the forefoot, you get a 1-2-1 setup that falls into a 3-4-3 when you add the outer blades in. Not only is it a great attacking line-up, but it is also a comfortable ride. You get very even weight dispersion and very little stud pressure. It also acts pretty well when turning, although more studs means more drag while accelerating away.

The last thing is the textured control panel, and that gets its own section!

Textured Control Panel – Swerve and Grip
The title is actually a little misleading, you really don’t get a whole lot of benefits from Concords strike zone. It probably adds something extra in terms of rebound, but overall it is more of a selling point than anything else. The region is covered in honeycomb panels and plenty of grooves. The problem is that the area is stiff and it doesn’t provide enough texture to add swerve. You need to remember that this is a mid-tier release and as such the technology is not on par with something like the Nike T90 Laser IV. In saying that, it doesn’t hurt to have it there and I’m sure there will be players who swear by its added shooting properties!

Blackout Design
They are officially listed as a Black/Black and other than the highlighted Concord logo on the instep of the boot, that is exactly what they are – a Blackout! I really like that Concord has kept things simple with this one and gone for more than just a highly visual shoe. You get to focus on the actual performance of the boot and they make you look like a more serious-grafting player on the field.

A Decade Old Release?
Odd title for a section, but there is something about these that reminds me of a boot released 10 years ago. That is not necessarily a bad thing, in-fact it actually plays in favor of what Concord has done. They weigh in at 10.2oz, so they are not on the light side and everything from the upper to the stud configuration has a boot of the past feel. Again, this is not at all a negative and it is an aspect of the boot that puts it in its own unique bracket when so many boots are fighting it out to create the next big thing. As an example of what I mean, they fall into the Lotto Stadio category!

How do they Fit?
Very much true to size. Think Adidas adiPure or Nike Tiempo. It is a standard fit that matches most of the top brands. This is a definite positive and something that other new companies on the US market have failed to achieve. I’d rate them as a medium/wide fit but probably not a great options for those of you who need a true wide fit.

Negatives
This is a mid-tier release and as such, there is nothing overly dynamic about what they have to offer. Don’t expect greatness when you wear them and you will get a consistent performer that is worth the money you pay for them. A pair of Kevlar laces would do these boots the world of good – not a fan of the thick pair included.

The Skinny Summary
Highlight: A solid mid-tier release that offers players a consistent level of performance and a equally efficient K-leather upper for great control on the ball.
Category: Almost a Heritage/Power hybrid, but I think Concord would place them solely in the Power category.
Weight: 10.2oz, which is on the higher side of current releases, but right in-line with what Concord are trying to achieve with them.
Would I Buy Them: At their current price, they make for an excellent back-up boot. So I’d give these a “Yes!”
Player Position: One of those boots that can easily do the rounds right across the pitch, but I see them more as a defender/midfielders boot. Not a great option for speed players.