We're back on the SoccerBible play test ground to put one of adidas' leading Euro 2012 football boots through their paces. The adiPure 11Pro is the latest addition to the popular heritage line and will be worn by the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger in Poland and Ukraine. So let's see how the new boot fared in our series of challenges...
The adidas adiPure 11Pro football boots are certainly striking as far as heritage boots come. The adiPure typically remains as adidas' classic boot silo so this new colourway may put off the traditionalists, but if you're after a modern looking boot with heritage characteristics, then you're in luck.
Blue and Infrared are not exactly colours you'd immediately associate with a vintage boot, so fans that have followed the series since the first adiPure may, understandably, feel slightly sceptical about slipping into this new colour combination.
The appearance of the boot may have swayed away from tradition but the comfort factor remains much the same. The Taurus leather is soft resulting in zero breaking-in issues. The foot sits comfortably inside the boot with the synthetic material surrounding the mid-foot pulling the boot closer for improved feel. The adidas adiPure 11Pro is a true fit so we'd recommend going for your usual size.
The Taurus leather on the 11Pro is thinner and lighter in comparison to the K-leather found on the adiPure IV. In terms of weight-reducing tactics adidas have not let the 11Pro fall behind; they've added a SprintFrame and a synthetic midfoot to the 11Pro which generates more of a speed boot vibe, making you feel as if you're wearing a stronger but heavier adiZero.
The thinner upper allows for increased ball feel when dribbling. The adidas adiPure 11Pro football boots are light as far as heritage boots are concerned but still offer that unrivalled leather touch making you feel nimble with the ball at your feet.
During our slalom challenge the circular studs on the adidas adiPure 11Pro soleplate occasionally slipped on the firm surface, which didn't fill us with the confidence to try and complete the course in minimum time as we were wary of losing our footing when changing direction. It's worth taking into consideration that the pitch was very dry and this may not be an issue on a more watered playing surface.
The adidas adiPure 11Pro football boots deliver on control, something we've come to expect from the adiPure range. The Taurus leather cushions the ball and produces the support you need to master your first touch and play a pass. This is a boot that will not let you down when it comes to ball control, if your second touch is a tackle then you've only got yourself to blame!
The adidas adiPure11Pro football boots may not have the necessary technology to increase your shooting accuracy, that's better left to the Predator LZ, but the 11Pro provides a clean connection when striking the ball.
Repetitive striking in the 11Pro is benefited by the padded tongue which offers protection as well as added comfort when shooting. The 11Pro didn't disappoint in our shooting challenge but it's obvious that the boot lacks that added venom you can produce when striking a ball wearing a Predator or T90.
It's fair to say adidas have given the adiPure 11Pro the innovative upgrades that allow it to compete in the modern game. But whether miCoach technology, a lightweight upper and a SprintFrame is exactly what heritage boot fans were looking for is entirely down to player opinion.
If your a hardcore fan of the adiPure range then you'll be forgiven for looking at alternative colourways but the adidas adiPure 11Pro delivers excellent comfort and touch in the way that the adidas heritage collection is renown for. The miCoach element, along with added technology gives this classic football boot a modern and innovative twist. A good performance from the 11Pro with no serious causes for concern.
