After a complete revamp, the 11Pro is not only a boot which pays respect to the heritage of classic adidas silos but is also on trend with modern technologies. However, in an age where the hype surrounding boots is about how light they are or striking colourways the 11Pro boot range has a habit of flying under the radar. So what's it all about? We laced up to find out.
Because it isn't super-light and backed by huge numbers of pros many players assume the 11Pro doesn't meet the requirements of a modern boot – “it looks too heavy” and “ it's referee’s boot” are phrases we often hear. What we found whilst wearing this boot was that adidas doesn’t worry for the cynical comments made about this product, because it’s not until you actually wear the boot that you realise its true potential.
There hasn’t been much that captures the imagination with previous 11Pro models; in essence they have been quite a standard boot which have been worn by a few players but haven't seen the success of the likes of the F50 or Predator boot ranges. This could be down to the fact that they aren't as well marketed as the aforementioned adidas models, leaving them unable to compete with their competitors on the market, almost like the forgotten silo.
The first thing that's key to mention is that the third generation 11Pro is the first of this range of boot to feature a K-Leather upper, something which has not been seen since the adiPure line (all previous models of the 11Pro were manufactured using a Taurus leather). The benefits of the K-Leather upper are noticeable immediately: It makes the boot a lot softer to touch allowing the material to flex easily in motions that replicate the stress the leather will be under during a game.
Another feature that's important to take note of is adidas’ use of what they are calling an ‘Engineered Support Skeleton’ within in the upper. It’s what gives the boot the honeycomb like pattern in the fore-foot and towards the rear of the boot.
The reason for adidas developing this feature is simple; with the majority of predominately leather boots you'll find that there's a lot of stitching incorporated into them to ensure that the structure of the boot remains intact. What we find on the 11Pro is a K-leather boot with minimal stitching, the ‘Engineered Support Skeleton,’ provides the upper with a strong structural base as well as preventing the leather from stretching too much. The benefit of the Support Skeleton is that it adds stability by holding the foot in place when twisting and turning because it gives the feeling that your foot is a kept a lot closer to the sole plate.
The 11Pro is all about comfort and adidas have looked to maximise this throughout the boot without compromising the weight or the general aesthetics of the silo. The tongue may be thinner than its predecessor but it's been loaded with foam dampeners that run from the top to the bottom not only supplying the wearer with a bit of protection but also adding to the comfort when receiving, passing and especially striking the ball. It has also been given slightly more width to give the foot the feel of being hugged by the tongue.
Adidas have also raised the heel cup, an issue which was prominent within the older models, ensuring the foot feels a lot more secure in the 11Pro and does not feel as if it is going to slip out. Another small but beneficial change made to the 11Pro boot is the memory foam pad in heel of the insole, running around the back of the boot and below the ankle; this soft feature provides protection and takes the pressure off of the heel whilst playing, again adding to the overall comfort of the boot.
As mentioned before, most boots that have a leather upper need a lot of stitching to hold the structure of the boot. For example: boots such as the Copa Mundial or the Nike Tiempo, feature structural stitching to keep the leather in place, however adidas have produced what looks like a seamless boot where the whole upper looks as if it's just the one material, it’s not. The designers of the 11Pro have cleverly hidden the panels behind the trademark stripes and also along the middle of the boot underneath the graphic.
One feature that remains the same as the previous models is the sole plate. Adidas have stuck with the comfort frame and featured a wider sole plate than other boots on the market at the moment - perfect for those who do have wide feet – but equally comfortable and wearable if you don’t. The sole plate does well to distribute the pressure exerted across the foot when you have to twist and turn, and the short, slightly rounded studs allow for smoother movements on the pitch whilst keeping the wearer closer to the ground.
Playing in the 11Pro was a joy: From the touches on the ball to the general movement of the silo, the support skeleton keeps the foot well in place and the thin K-Leather upper allows the wearer to get closer to the ball. It almost feels like a synthetic boot but with a soft padded feel.
We thought initially, due to the honeycomb structure, the upper would cause some sort of friction between the ball and the boot however there wasn’t any problems there at all. Though the 11Pro is classified as a heritage boot, it didn't feel as heavy as we first expected and our only criticism of the boot is of the tongue, it tends to slide away from centre which can be slightly annoying but nonetheless, it's an issue that can be over looked. In terms of sizing we would suggest going true to size, however if you were looking for a snug fit go half a size down bearing in mind that the leather will expand slightly and mould to your foot.
It is clear to see that adidas have gone the extra mile to update the 11Pro with some key technologies and subtle touches making the 11Pro one of the most well rounded pair of boots on the market at the moment. Any player, any position, a proper football boot if you like, all you actually need... despite what aggressive marketing will tell you otherwise.
Are you wearing the new adidas 11Pro? Let us know how you're getting on with them.
