adidas Nemeziz 19.1 Boot Review

When it comes to picking a new boot, you should never base your decision on pro players that wear that particular boot. But when that boot is worn by the GOAT, Leo Messi, you just have to take notice. We are talking about a release geared toward agility and the specific playing style of the Barcelona talisman, and if he can gracefully traverse the Camp Nou while wearing them, they might be a proper option for your Sunday league pitch!

Realistically, there is so much more to the Nemeziz 19.1 than just an attached name. They provide players with a simple yet ultra effective speed themed fit and feel on foot, ready to help players explode out of tight situations. We have already talked our way through the Nemeziz 19+, and although their are a lot of direct similarities, the Nemeziz 19 has its own modern vibe.

Find the latest Nemeziz 19.1 colorways at soccer.com. 

Initial Reaction

I’m always interested to see how different levels of boot in one silo perform against each other, in this situation it is the 19+ vs the 19.1. Laces can make such a dramatic difference on a boot, and considering how well the laceless version performed, it makes me pretty excited to see what the laced modern Nemeziz has on offer. And that low cut ankle collar also produces some intrigue, with the fit and feel of the V style providing something very different.

Breaking In and Comfort

What a boot to jump into right out of the box. I’m super impressed with the general feel of the Nemeziz on foot for the first time. Because of the closed design, they are intended to fit super snug. But not like the X19, where the upper is constrictive. Here the knit material through the collar has a lot more give, stretching around your ankle to give you a lightly secured fit. Inside the boot, from the heel and through the forefoot, everything just comes together in impressive fashion. You get that nice cushioned feel around the heel, reducing any chance of blisters. Through the midfoot, the Tensiontape provides a proficient level of security. While through the forefoot, the inner layer of the boot is ultra smooth and spacious.

Underfoot, the soleplate is slightly rigid to start, but not in the fashion that causes problems. Once you get them out on to the pitch and into a good sprint, it immediately feels flexible enough to provide support while insuring you get a little sprint back through quick sprint motions.

Again, these are solid right out of the box pending you have the right side. I enjoyed them right through testing without any discomfort.

Laced Design

I have some bias here as I much prefer a boot with laces. Being able to dictate your fit makes such a difference, especially when it comes to a boot that is designed for speed. The last thing you need to worry about is your foot moving around inside the boot. Even though they are not laceless, you still get to experience the new upper that utilizes an adaptive construction through the use of Tensiontape. These tapes wrap around the collar and act as the inner skin of the boot, providing the adaptive fit across your foot.

As part of this design, adidas has incorporated a new low cut v-shaped collar that allows for an easier entry into the boot along with a uniform fit and rotational freedom around the ankle.

Speed or Agility?

A common question that surrounds the Nemeziz is what makes them an agility boot? We see brands continually target their boots to a certain category or style, and for the Nemeziz 19+ it is all about agility; the ability to move quickly and easily. But, the Nemeziz 19.1 is slightly different, with a more streamlined design providing what I would determine to be more of an Speed/Agility performance combo. It is a sleek and dynamic boot that doesn’t limit any ankle torque through play.

Touch, Control, Shooting

Nemeziz is all about those that want to excite on the offensive side of the pitch. You only have to look at the fact Messi chooses the laced Nemeziz and it’s V ankle cut to know that there is something special about them. His game is based on light touches on the ball while accelerating around the pitch at speed. How does that correlate to the performance of Nemeziz 19.1?

Well, when it comes to touch and control, there isn’t any added element to enhance feel on the ball. The upper material around the forefoot is more rigid than you might expect, it definitely doesn’t have that knit like feel that was found on previous versions of Nemeziz. Maybe that is to shore up protection and reduce the feel on impact with ball or other players studs. So, you definitely get a reduced level of natural touch on the ball. Their is still a pliable feel about the material, with plenty of natural movement across the surface. But, it also feels slightly thicker than really needed.

What they have going for them is that added level of protection compared to previous generations of Nemeziz, while also jumping them more into a natural strikers boot. When striking the ball, there is a definite reduction in the amount of impact your foot has to endure, so you can put your foot fully through strikes. They are also ideal as an option for wingers, or players that like to move at speed naturally.

Traction and Soleplate

Underfoot, adidas has gone with a split soleplate design. Where have we seen this before? The latest Nike Mercurial releases! So, there is definitely some inspiration taken from another brands boot design. I gotta say, it adds a new dimension to the Nemeziz as your foot does feel a lot more balanced across the surface. And as you flex through sprints, the plate easily mimics your movement, a lot more responsive than some stiffer one-piece designs

Something I really appreciated is how accommodating they are across multiple surfaces. adidas use a mix of low-profile conical and oval studs that just feel right on pitch. You are grounded with excellent traction on offer whether you play on natural of artificial pitches. I’d have no problem recommending them as the type of boot that easily transitions from one to the other.

How do they Fit?

Surprisingly, this is a pretty accommodating boot to wear. I definitely didn’t expect to be saying that going into testing. When you take them out of the box for the first time, they have the appearance of being small and extremely sleek. But, as you slip your foot into them you can appreciate the extra room they have inside. And it actually only takes a second to slip in through the snug collar, way easier than it is with the Nemeziz 19+. Once your foot is in, you can lace them up like a normal boot and get them into play. I’d rate them as a very suitable medium/wide fit with a true-to-size length.

Critics Notes

The only thing holding me up from rating these as the best Nemeziz to date is the actual upper material. It just isn’t as soft as you’d want. Even if that proves to improve durability, it doesn’t give that pure, natural feel on the ball like previous knit models. But they are still a very solid boot that evokes positive memories of the retired F50 adiZero silo. How we have longed for a return of lightweight speed, and I can tell you that these are a close alternate for players.

Retail Details

If this is the type of boot that appeals to you, then the price will make things even better. As of posting, this particular colorway is available for an absolutely awesome $159.99. That in itself will prove to be value for money. The original retail of the silo is $225, with several other fresh colorways available on sale right now.

The Skinny Summary

Highlight: The latest generation of Nemeziz combines positive agility with dynamic speed, providing a quality and completely unique type of fit on foot.
Category: Agility/Speed
Weight: 7.8oz
Would I Buy Them: Absolutely. I think these are close to being one of the best Nemeziz boots we have seen released to date, with a great fit and balance between agility and speed on offer.
Player Position: Although they do offer some versatility, I’d label them as a more appropriate option for attacking players including wingers and strikers.