Soccer Cleats 101 Soccer Cleats News and Reviews
In terms of the “least talked about adidas boots” in recent times, for some reason the X17+ Purespeed FG actually sits near the top of the list. For some reason, they really haven’t grasped the attention of fans like other high profile releases, although the list of players wearing them is pretty impressive. Luis Suarez, Karim Benzema, Marcelo, David de Gea and Davis Alaba are among the players that call them their boot of choice!
We have had this Dust Storm version on hand for a few weeks, and wanted to offer a quick update on what they have on offer in case you were considering picking up a pair. Right now, they are available on sale at soccer.com.
Design Notes
In terms of visuals, the Dust Storm X17+ Purespeed is officially listed as a White/Energy Blue/Clear Grey, yet I’d be more inclined to label it as a pretty striking Light Grey upper with Turquoise detailing through the branding. The upper has the appearance of being perforated, but it actually isn’t. adidas has placed an additional NON STOP GRIP (NSG) layer across the upper to enhance and optimize ball control. Built for speed, the X17 features a slight collar in the form of a PURECUT SOCK SYSTEM, hidden laces underneath an upper layer and a SPRINTFRAME outsole to create stability during high-speed changes of direction. This a seriously slick looking boot!!
Performance
For a boot that is built primarily for speed, the upper (although not cushioned) has a nice natural feel when controlling the ball. Since the laces are hidden underneath the upper layer, the flatness and smoothness doesn’t allow much room for excuses when failing to control a pass, something I sometimes greatly depend on! The sprintframe outsole along with the stud configuration allows you to change direction quickly, and with the right sizing should be adequate to stop you from sliding inside the boot or rolling your ankle!
How do they fit?
Unfortunately this is a case of companies having different sizes when you compare UK to US shoe sizes. I am usually a US 9 (UK 8) however, with this cleat the US 9 is actually a UK 8.5. It is quite noticeable for me looking down on, and going into a training session the last thing you want to have doubts about is the sizing of your footwear. It might have been a case of the placebo effect but I was aware at all times that these cleats were too big for me. The cleat does cater to players with wider feet, I would be an average foot size when it comes to width so I did notice a bit of slipping inside them from side to side. It is a personal choice but I prefer my cleats to be nice and snug, even going to take a 0.5 size smaller on some occasions.
I will give Adidas this, for a cleat that is built for speed, they are surprisingly comfortable. There was no breaking in period, I did not have to put them in a hydrocollator initially, which is usually the case with new cleats, and there were no blisters even with the sliding inside and wearing the incorrect shoe size. The pure cut sock in this boot greatly adds to the comfort. Having a tongue at the back allows you to easily maneuver in and out of the cleat.
Durability
I have worn these cleats for training every day for the last 3 weeks in approximately 5-6 sessions every week. Although wear and tear on cleats is normal, it can happen that after a short while you start to see the signs of their demise. I was concerned initially with the material that the upper is used with, whether it could stand the tests of high temperature and high intensity training, not to mention a few wild tackles from certain teammates without there being signs of deterioration. I have been impressed that there isn’t a single scuffle on them.
Retail Details
To date, there have been three key colorways released in the series, all of which have a super sharp look. Original retail for top tier X17+ Purespeed silo is set at $300, with this colorway being the first (and only) colorway currently on sale.
You can see the entire line-up of boots available at soccer.com.
