A handcrafted dream
Many thinks to Adler, who provided the boots for review
With the relaunch of the brand, Adler is leaning heavier on its handcrafted platform. The brand is showing that every detail matters while being tech-packed does not always mean good. Unlike other classically styled boots however, this does not mean that there is no tech in the boots at all. The KaRVO midsole is a game changer in more ways than one and a few things here and there make the Yatagarashu a must try boot.
Fit

One of the first things that is noticeable when the Yatagarashu is pulled out of the box is just how soft and supple the leather is. It is on another level and is softer than even the Morelia II from the first wear. Equally as impressive is the quick break in time. The boots only required one session to feel ready to go for a match. The leather takes the form of the foot well, but at the same time, there has not been any overstretching. There are plenty of stitch lines to help reinforce the upper and help prevent overstretching from happening.
Another plus point for the Yatagarashu is the lockdown. The laceholes are made in a zigzag pattern which is helps improve the lockdown, as does the additional lacehole located next to the top of the tongue, which allows for the use of a runner’s knot. This allows the boot to have more lockdown in the heel area as well. The laces also run deep which allows for plenty of adjustment throughout the boot and also means that the boots fit a majority of foot types, even if your feet are on the wider or the narrower side.

Speaking of the heel, it is cushioned seemingly the perfect amount. There is not too much cushion to where the boot feels bulky, nor is there too little to where the heel needs to get used to it. This is normally one of the problem spots for classically styled boots as there tends to be almost no cushioning in the heel at all. But the Yatagarashu does not suffer from these issues. The opening of the boot also has nice cushioning on the sides which means the entire opening of the boots feels welcoming to the top of the foot. This, in combination with the soft leather, means that the boot is extremely comfortable throughout the upper.
The KaRVO insole also has a function here which is to help provide support to the entire foot. Many pros use carbon fibre in their boots in order to achieve support and the KaRVO in these boots has the same role. Talking of the support, the heel cup is solid and does not flex about like many other classic boots, meaning there is a lot of stability and support in the heel.

There are two insoles that come with the boot as well. The insole that is in the boot when it comes out of the box is comfortable and has some good support without being overly thick. However, the real star of the show is the second insole that comes with the boots. They are made by a Japanese insole called ReaLine and are designed to provide more support to the foot and arch without adding additional bulk. There is a raised support section through the part of the insole where the midfoot rests and a small indentation for the heel. In theory, the insole is designed to work with the biomechanics of the foot and to help reduce stress not only on the feet, but on the joints in the legs as well. In practice, if you have weaker arches, they do take a little bit of getting used to but are excellent once you do. There seems to just the right amount of firm support without feeling too cushiony, as can happen with some types on support insoles.

As far as sizing goes, I went a half size down because the are a full leather boot and while they might be slightly snug for some, they do form to the feet quickly and they soon felt like the perfect size.
Touch and Dribbling

One of the great things about a soft, full kangaroo leather boot is that there are no gimmicks involved when it comes to the touch. The upper of the Yatagarashu is excellent in this regard. The leather is thin in the midfoot and just the right amount of cushioning in the forefoot. Thus, unlike a lot of classical leather boots, the upper does not feel bulky and is more in line with what one expects of a modern all leather boot. So, unlike other boots in this category, the Yatagarashu makes one feel fleet of foot and nimble with your touch, if that makes sense.
Dribbling is also a dream in the Yatagarashu and it can be argued that this boot is now top of the class in the leather boot category when it comes to it. The slightly cushioned forefoot means that there is just enough to provide a little bit of dampening when on the ball but not to the point that it feels deadening. While some boots do definitely get close to a barefoot sensation, the Yatagarashu probably feels the most natural of any boot tested.

In combination, both the touch and dribbling make the boot stand out from the crowd. These definitely are not an old school boot, in spite of the looks, because there is a real modern leather boot performance to be found in the Yatagarashu. The double stitched forefoot provides and uniform feel on the ball and means that no matter where you like to control or dribble the ball, the boot lets you do it with no surprises.
Passing and Shooting

However, there is a surprise when passing a shooting the ball. The inclusion of the KaRVO midfoot means that there is a solid base for the foot to use as backing when hitting the ball. This is not noticeable for quick, short passes, where the leather functions in the way that one would expect. But rather for those longer, cross field balls, the KaVRO provides the foot a solid platform to stop it from over flexing when hitting the ball.
This is also where the ReaLine insole has a contribution as it does feel as hit the ball can be hit with more oomph when using the insoles. Part of this seems to come down to the way the insole raises the midfoot, but this also seems to be an effect of the foot having proper support.

So, when it comes to shooting, it is another spot where the Yatagarashu stands above a lot of its competitors. Since the boot also weighs less than majority of classical boots, it does not feel like you have bricks on your feet that might slow down your reaction time with shooting and long passes. It is just an boot awesome for this. It performs beyond expectations and makes you feel like you have a secret weapon because a boot that looks like this on the surface does not seem like it would perform like that. The KaRVO really makes a difference.
Grip

Which brings us to the KaRVO midsole’s function when it comes to grip. Because there is a shank in the midfoot for additional support, it also provides a good amount of springback, which feels like it helps push the studs more into the ground, providing more grip. This may just be a mental thing but there did seem to be a difference versus previous Adler boots that have been tested as the soleplate itself is the same.
The soleplate was described as previously: “Again, solid performance without being anything groundbreaking. But like I have argued before, you don’t always need something to be mind-blowing in every way. The layout performs well and provides a decent amount of grip and good amount of stability. The before-mentioned extra performance you get from the studs in terms of dribbling and shoot does mean that I like this stud layout more than other ones I have used.”

While it should be noted that the previous complaint of the midfoot being too flexible has been solved with the addition of the KaRVO midsole and the midfoot shank. Basically, Adler listened to what it’s customers had to say and made a very positive change.
One more thing

The laces are fantastic. They are made in Japan by a company called Itogo. They use the traditional craft of braided cording which allows for a tightly-bound lace that keeps it shape through play. This also means that the lockdown does not loosen up during as can sometimes happen with other classic and even some modern leather boots. A smart addition to the boot that makes it feel even more premium.
Conclusion

We might be looking at the best new leather boot in some time. At the very least, it is one of the best classically styled boots on the market and performs more like a modern leather boot, despite its looks. Some smart additions, like the KaRVO midsole, ReaLine insoles and Itogo laces make the entire package a more exceptional proposition than one might expect. It is a like a sleeper car. Looks like a normal classic boot but is hiding some great pieces of tech that not only help the Yatagarashu keep up with modern leather boots but surpass them. What a brilliant boot.
The boots are now available to buy directly from Adler by clicking the link here
What do you think of the Adler Yatagarashu? Please share this with your friends and make sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook!
じゃあね!
Buy it here: Adler Yatagarashu here and be sure to send me your order number.
What will you do with the order numbers?
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I’ve just working sales and I need to orders to show which sales are done through me. They’re just getting sent to Adler, that’s all
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Hi, thanks for the great review. I’m going to be ordering these online so am trying to identify the correct fit.
My current go to boots are the Diadora Basil (Made in Italy version) and I wear a 7.5UK for a perfect fit. Would you still recommend going down half a size in this model or stick with the 7.5UK? (Thinking both leather boots would have a similar fit)
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Cheers
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Hiya, thanks for reading!
So, mine are the same size as I wore in the Diadora Brasil, so sticking with your current size should work.
Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions
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Hi ,
Great Review from you 👏
I’m wearing Mizuno Morelia Neo 2 in 9 UK and fits perfect.. do you think I have to go half size down with Yatagarashu or 9 UK will be perfect..?!
Btw, I have a Wide feet 🦶
Thank you 🙏
Gazr from Egypt 🇪🇬
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Hey! Thanks for reading! Hmmm, I would go a half size down still with the Yatagarashu for you. Get a UK 8.5
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Thank you for your support 🙏
Appreciate it 🫶🖤
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You’re welcome! Happy to help!
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Nice writeup. Makes me really look forward to owning one pair of these. I am currently wearing a Mizuno Monarcida Neo 2 (24.5cm). Morelia 2 is a little tight at 24.5cm. Saw from Adler’s website that the smallest size available is 24.5cm. Will they be too big for me?
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Thanks for reading! Actually since you wear the Morelia II in an 24.5, you should be fine in the same size with the Yatagarashu, since the Morelia II runs a little long as well.
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Hi there, I’m looking at purchasing these boots but just unsure on sizing. My left foot is 8.5 but my right foot is 8, and i’m right footed. What sizing would be best for me?
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Personally, I always fit my kicking foot. So I’d go with the 8 personally.
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I use the ASICS 27.5 boots – should I also order 27.5 for Adler?
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Which ASICS boots? I wear a 26cm in the DS Light and the X Fly Pro and a 26 for Adler.
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Sorry should have mentioned! The DS X-Fly4
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The same size should be fine, the Adler boots tend to be a bit wider than the X Fly 4 and ever so slightly longer.
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If you want a tighter fit, go a half size down. The leather will stretch
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Hey, thanks for the great review.
Looking to get 2 pairs (one for myself and another for my brother)
Like to seek your advice on both of our sizing if we are wearing the below:
1) Mizuno Morelia II MIJ – 25.5
2) Nike Tiempo 9 Elite – 26.5
Also is the free bag only during this promotional period?
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You’re welcome! The Yatagarashu runs long. I wear the same size in both the Morelia II and the Yatagarashu, but the Yatagarashu fits a slightly longer and has a wider toebox. You could go half a size down if you want a tight fit.
For the Tiempo, I would definitely go a half a size down. A 26 in the Yatagarashu would be best.
Yeah, only for the promotional period.
Also, please email me your order number afterwards so that I can get credit.
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Thanks! Ordered and emailed you!
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Awesome, thanks! And you’re welcome!
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Biggest size seems to be a size 10 US. I’m a size 12 US so guess I am out of luck getting a pair of these!
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Ah yeah, sorry about that. It is something they’re working on
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Hi Gaijin, thanks for your blog. It is informative and has introduced many of us for the first time to Adler. I would like to ask a difficult question as i am quite new to football boots. My actual feet length is between 25.2 – 25.3 cm, normal width and i wear size 8 for nike running shoes. What size should i get for the Yatagarashu. Thank you.
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Hey! Thanks for reading. You’re best bet is probably a size 25 (7) because the shoes run long.
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Hi, Im currently using Mizuno Morelia DNA size 11 US. Will you recommend the fit of the shoe size 10 US for the Adler Yatagarashu?
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No, a 10.5 might be the best bet. You could try a 10 and they will stretch but initially they’ll be quite snug.
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