12 best Adidas Ace soccer cleats

In 2015, Adidas shocked the soccer world when they decided to scrap all their cleat lineups to make way for two new soccer cleats, namely the Adidas Ace soccer cleat for Total Control and Adidas X soccer cleat for Complete Chaos. They worked with top soccer coaches in designing these new silos. According to the brand, this move was part of their effort to adapt to the ever-changing game of soccer.

Back then, this seemed like an outrageous decision for the soccer cleat manufacturing giant from Germany. Fast forward today, the Adidas Ace soccer cleats proved to be one of the strongest and most popular soccer cleat series for the brand. Below are some of the most notable technologies and features of this well-known soccer cleat series.

Key features of Adidas Ace soccer cleats

• Laceless Adidas Ace soccer cleats - The most distinguishing feature of this series is its laceless soccer cleat, the Adidas Ace 17+ Purecontrol. By using a compression knit material, this Adidas Ace soccer cleat is effective in keeping the foot locked in despite the absence of laces.
• External heel counter - A noticeable feature of the Adidas Ace soccer cleat, specifically the Adidas Ace 15.1, is the external heel counter. For the first time, Adidas created a soccer cleat that has its heel counter on the outside for exceptional stability on the pitch.
• FG/AG stud pattern - Another first time for this German sportswear manufacturing giant is the external heel counter found in one of the 2015 Adidas Ace soccer cleats. It has a stud pattern that was made for both firm ground (FG) and artificial grass (AG)
• One-piece construction upper - Some Adidas Ace soccer cleats feature a one-piece upper. With a non-existent tongue, this upper design makes way for a larger striking surface and a cleaner touch on the ball.
• Mid-cut collar - The first Adidas Ace soccer cleat to have a Primeknit collar is the Adidas Ace 16.1. With it, the company has made its way into the collared soccer shoe market taking on some high-top soccer cleats from Nike head on.

Notable technologies of Adidas Ace soccer cleats

TotalSkin

This state-of-the-art material is a three-layer synthetic compound that has a grippy EVA. The inclusion of this technology provides players with a more barefoot feel of the ball. The TotalSkin is used in Adidas Ace 15.1

3D Control Web

It is a revolutionary technology included in top-end Adidas Ace soccer cleats designed to provide ultimate ball control. It is composed of three layers of engineered materials and has a distinct honeycomb appearance in the forefoot area.

Non Stop Grip (NSG)

The NSG is made up of 3D dots that enable consistent control in both wet and dry weather conditions similar to Nike’s All Conditions Control (ACC). It is found in Adidas Ace 15.1, Adidas Ace 15.2, Adidas Ace 16.2 Primemesh, and other high-end Adidas Ace soccer cleats.

ControlSkin

This innovative material covers the Primeknit of some Adidas Ace soccer cleats. It adds texture and extra strength to some parts of the upper.

TotalControl

This is the first ever soccer stud pattern made for both FG and AG surfaces.  The mixed FG/AG configuration features ten conical studs and 36 lowered studs for total control and better traction on both grounds. The smaller studs also allow the player to have an enhanced underfoot control of the ball.

PrimeKnit

Some of the top-end Adidas Ace soccer cleats feature a Primeknit upper. It is made up of a soft and form-fitting material with a light-ridged layering across the forefoot. It also adds to the quality and durability of the Adidas Ace soccer cleat.

This cutting-edge technology was introduced in the Adidas Ace 15+ Primeknit model. Succeeding high-end Adidas Ace soccer cleats, such as the Adidas Ace 16.1 Primeknit FG/AG, Adidas Ace 17+ Purecontrol, and Adidas Ace 17.1 Primeknit also have it on the upper.

Primemesh

This technology is made up of synthetic fabric materials that are knitted in the upper of some Adidas Ace soccer cleats. The purposes of the Primemesh is to provide excellent comfort and precise control, as well as eliminate or decrease break-in time.

This mesh-based material is found in some of the lower-end Adidas Ace soccer cleats like the Adidas Ace 16.2 Primemesh, Adidas Ace 16.3 Primemesh, Adidas Ace 17.2 Primemesh, Adidas Ace 17.3 Primemesh, and Adidas Ace 17.4 Primemesh.

SprintFrame

This lightweight chassis took inspiration from bridge designs and its ability to support huge amounts of weight. It creates a low-to-the-ground profile allowing the player to have more stability when making quick changes of direction and taking off for a sprint.

Ground CTRL 2.0

A redesigned soleplate is featured in the 2016 Adidas Ace soccer cleats. In comparison to its original version, the Ground CTRL 2.0 soleplate now has conical studs. They are useful in providing excellent traction and balance when making quick cuts and changes of direction. It also significantly reduced the weight of the soccer shoes. It is used in Adidas Ace 16.1 Synthetic, Adidas Ace 16.2 Primemesh, and Adidas Ace 16.3 Primemesh.

Ground Control 3.0

For the 2017 Adidas Ace soccer cleats, the brand used a more upgraded soleplate - Ground Control 3.0. Aside from providing excellent traction on both FG and AG playing surfaces, it also creates the perfect blend of ball control and lightweight performance.

Boost

Adidas also added 6mm of Boost into the midsole and sockliner of the top-tier 2017 Adidas Ace soccer cleat. This innovative technology allows more energy return as the foot strikes the surface.

Famous Adidas Ace soccer shoes based on design and performance

When it comes to performance, the Adidas Ace soccer cleat is built for the playmakers; those who take the initiative on the pitch and control the game. It comes with the tagline, “Enforce Perfection”. Adidas Ace soccer cleats are known to provide unbeatable ball control, touch, and fit. Below is a quick discussion of some of the best Adidas Ace soccer cleats.

Adidas Ace 16+ Purecontrol Ultra Boost

This is a laceless Adidas Ace soccer cleat that combines the control aspect of a Purecontrol soccer cleat with the comfort of an Ultra Boost running shoe.  With its Primeknit upper, it looks like a Purecontrol soccer cleat on the outside. However internally, it’s an entirely different story.

Although the Primeknit material efficiently wraps the foot for that sock-like fit and feel, it lacks the internal support cage and the NSG on the surface. The bottom half of this shoe has the standard Ultra Boost outsole with the same Continental rubber.

This mid-top soccer cleat design is maintained in this limited-edition Adidas Ace soccer cleat. It also has two pull tabs to help you get your foot in the shoe easily.

Adidas Ace 17+ Purecontrol Firm Ground

The second generation laceless cleat from the Adidas Ace 17 series is yet another treasure trove of innovation. Where the Adidas Ace 16+ Purecontrol lacked in terms of lockdown, the Adidas Ace 17+ Purecontrol made up with a better upper construction.

The soft and pliable PrimeKnit upper together with an internal compression tongue do a good job of keeping the foot locked in place. The PureCut collar of the 2017 version is slightly higher than its predecessor.

Adidas also added 6mm of Boost into the midsole and sockliner of this soccer cleat. This allows more energy return as your foot strikes the surface. The upgraded GroundCTRL 3.0 soleplate maintains the FG/AG category by using low profile conical studs.

With its altered fit and feel, this soccer cleat is definitely an improvement from the previous one.

Adidas Ace 17.1 Firm Ground

This soccer cleat is the laced version of the Adidas Ace 17 series. Its upper is made of Primeknit material covered by ControlSkin. With the addition of the laces, this shoe provides a more customized fit.

This Adidas Ace soccer cleat uses the Total Control outsole which has an all-conical stud pattern. This soccer cleat also features an external heel counter which is helpful in keeping the heel locked in place.

Pro soccer players like Mats Hummels and Manuel Neuer are seen wearing the Adidas Ace 17.1 Primeknit.

Adidas Ace 17.3 Firm Ground

This takedown Adidas Ace soccer cleat features a Primemesh upper sans the Non Stop Grip dots. However, upon closer look, you will notice that there is an added texture on the surface.

The outsole is made of standard TPU plastic. It has the same FG/AG stud pattern as the other Adidas Ace soccer cleats.

Despite its price point, this budget-friendly Adidas Ace soccer cleat is still a cool looking shoe. Plus, it allows players to experience a mid-top soccer cleat without breaking the bank.

Adidas Ace Tango 17.3 Turf

This Adidas Ace soccer cleat features a stretchy mid-top collar that provides a sock-like feel on the ankle. The forefoot area of the upper has a textured detailing for that extra ball control while kicking and dribbling.

The Total Control outsole is featured in this Adidas Ace soccer cleat. It offers the player plenty of power and speed on turf field (TF) surfaces.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Adidas Ace series a successor of the Adidas Predator Instinct?

No. It is not a successor of the Adidas Predator Instinct, but it is designed to fill in the space between the old and the new. It has the control aspect of the Adidas Predator as well as the lockdown of the Adidas Nitrocharge.

What is an Adidas Ace soccer cleat model that can fit wide feet?

The Adidas Ace 15.1 soccer cleats are generally built for wide feet. The fit is similar to Nike CTR360 and Adidas Predator.

Which playing positions are recommended to use the Adidas Ace 15.1?

The Adidas Ace 15.1 soccer cleat is best for midfielders and defenders. Players like Mesut Özil, James Rodríguez, Oscar, Manuel Neuer and Ivan Rakitić are among those who were seen using this soccer cleat.

How to clean the Adidas Ace 15.1 when dirt gets stuck on the bottom?

You may use a jet of water from a hose and then air dry.

What is the difference between the standard Adidas Ace 15.1 and Adidas Ace 16.1?

• The 3D Control Web, which covers most of the Adidas Ace 16.1 upper, has been redesigned.
• The lacing system is moved a little bit to the center creating more surface area on the soccer shoe’s strike zones.
• The Adidas Ace 16.1 has a new soleplate while still maintaining the FG/AG category. With the change to the updated GroundCNTRL 2.0 soleplate, the weight also dropped by 1.5 oz.

What is new with the Adidas Ace 17 series?

• Adidas has made the collar of the Adidas Ace 17+ Purecontrol to be slightly higher than its predecessor.
• The Adidas Ace 17+ Purecontrol also has Boost technology sitting in the insole.
• This soccer cleat also has an improved locked down sensation because of its internal compression tongue.

How do you get your foot on the laceless soccer cleats?

The laceless Adidas Ace soccer cleats come with built-in pull tabs. Angle your foot and slide it into the shoe. They also have shoe horns that will help you in squeezing your ankle into the soccer cleat.

What soccer cleats from Nike and Puma are comparable to Adidas Ace soccer cleats?

Nike and Puma are two big names in the soccer cleat arena. The Adidas Ace soccer cleats can be compared to Nike Hypervenom, Nike Magista, and Puma evoPOWER soccer cleats.