Under Armour 10K Force Pro II Review

With each new release, it seems like Under Armour are becoming more accustomed to the soccer footwear market. Take for example this latest release, the UA 10K Force Pro II. This is one of the latest power boots on the market, or what UA describe as a power boot. I’m not so sure they fall into that category, especially considering their lightweight 7.7oz status, but that is not a negative toward the boot. In fact, it only serves as a reminder to the potential the company has to produce high performing hybrid style boots.

UA sent a pair of the over in this White/Midnight Navy/Yellow colorway for testing. I had the opportunity to wear them here in the US and during my recent trip to Ireland, so they have seen plenty of different playing conditions! For those interested in a pair, they currently retail for $179.99.

What is 10K Force?
You might be wondering what this boot has been named after. Well, both parts of the name have their own meaning. Force stands for “Power”, while 10k stands for the amount of running an average soccer player does in a game (generally sits between 6-12k).

Breaking In
There is not a great deal of stretch in these boots, so from first wear you need to ensure they are comfortable! If they are comfortable, you will only encounter positives but if they are tight, it is time to move to a different boot! I found they fit pretty comfortably for me, even with my medium to wide fit. They would ultimately suit a medium width best but there is some give. From first wear, they offer plenty of flexibility in the upper and soleplate, with the 4D Foam insert ensuring you get well cushioned all around boot. Taking it out of the boot, the insole is thicker than normal insoles and offers a very spongy and responsive feel. It is definitely one of the best inserts that you will find in any soccer cleat right now.

In-Game Performance
Based off previous releases, there is plenty of room for UA to find improvements when it comes to performance. The company has built a strong reputation in other US sporting markets, so improving is something you would expect they continue to do with each new editions. I can tell you that this is definitely the case with the 10K Force Pro with the new CoreSpeed soleplate playing the most significant role. Its improved flexibility properties matched with a newly developed and extremely effective blade line-up makes them a great boot to wear. I’m a fan of the blades and found they provided a high level of traction in-game on natural surfaces, a little less on artificial turf – but they still offered positive results and the ability to stay upright when cutting and changing direction quickly.

The upper is also pretty soft, but being that it is a synthetic and designed with what I deem to be a minimal control element on the front, it can prove to be slightly slick in wet conditions. You do get what UA has labelled “Match Control” but it is little less than some imprinting through the pass and control zone. On a leather boot, it would probably be more effective, on this boot its role is minimal. Finally, at 7.7oz, this is the lightest boot we have seen UA produce and you have to give them props on a well finished final product that also offers plenty of protection and a comfortable fit!

CompFit Ankle Construction
This in one of the highlights of these boots. UA has produced an innovative new ankle design that in a sense revolutionizes how a boot fits. We really haven’t seen any company take an approach like this, and where the Lotto Zhero Gravity fails in creating a snug fit, these boots pass with flying pillows (or colors!) A stretch fabric sits right around the ankle and thanks to two lacing holes on either side, you get the opportunity to really create a secured fit. But, because the material does stretch, its not a locked in place fit, but rather a compressive, well held in place feel. In reality, this is one of the better new additions I have seen on ANY boot in a while. Would it work on other boots or for other brands? I’m not really sure and I’d rather not see other brands try to adopt this design – it is UA’s to perfect!

Corespeed Soleplate and Stud Configuration
Gotta love the futuristic looking soleplate on these boots – it looks like something you would see in Star Wars! The CoreSpeed plate is designed to enhances the foot’s natural ability to accelerate from a planted position, in any direction. Check the performance section above for details on how it performs, but in terms of visuals it is one attractive soleplate!

Design
I can’t say that I’m a true fan of the design. There is only so much you can do with a synthetic upper, but it is the unusual quilted pattern the encompasses the heal that leaves a slightly sour taste with this one. The front of the boot is much more streamlined and offers a great look – at least UA has a positive direction to head in. This White/Midnight Navy/High-Vis Yellow version is actually a sharp colorway and offers probably the least visually highlighted look in the range – check out the Capri/Blaze Orange if you need a comparison!

How do they Fit?
In similar fashion to the UA Hydrastrike, these boots have an overall true-to-size fit. But where the Hydrasrtike is designed to be wide fitting, the 10K Force Pro offers a more narrow fit through the forefoot. The important point to take here is that players who need a wide fit won’t find this boot to be a suitable option. instead they fit a comfortable medium width and stay consistent over time.

Negatives
First, I’m not a big fan of the overall design, but it is a better look compared to other UA releases on the market. They are a little slick in wet conditions, with the microfiber not offering any real touch/control benefits. There is not a great deal else to report in terms of negatives. but being that they are a UA release, they do get slightly less media attention than they deserve.

The Skinny Summary
Highlight: Under Armour’s lightest boot to date, features a very effective CompFit lacing system that provides a comfortable ankle fit. CoreSpeed soleplate offers solid traction.
Category: Force in the title stands for Power – I see these as more of a Speed boot. If anything, they are a hybrid of both.
Weight: 7.7oz, the lightest UA boot release to date.
Would I Buy Them: The price is a little off setting, but for what they offer and having had the opportunity to test them, I’d have to consider them.
Player Position: I see these as being the ideal of option for any pacey players on the field. The upper is actually thick enough to withstand heavy challenges, while the addition of CompFit creates a glove-like fit.