ASICS DS Light X Fly 5 Review

by aglockhart

Impressive

The X Fly series has always been one of the major reasons why ASICS remains competitive with Mizuno in the Japanese market. Almost every team has at least a couple of players wearing the X Fly 4 (and to a lesser extent, the X Fly Pro). Popularity can be a double-edged sword since any changes made to a successful formula can receive blowback and less sales. So, with ASICS deciding to change the X Fly numbered series, there is a lot of potential for it to go wrong. Fortunately for ASICS, they know exactly what they are doing, since the X Fly 5 is nothing short of fantastic.

Fit and Feel

The first noticeable change when pulling the boots out of the box is that the leather feels softer and of a higher quality than the X Fly 4. It is ever so slightly more plush than the previous model but it feels much more premium and is probably the best non made in Japan leather I have come across. The forefoot is also more rounded than previously and allows for a better overall fit, with the change stitching lines making a little bit of a difference as well.

Another part of the ASICS DS Light X Fly 5 that has been upgraded is the insole. It is now topped with a softer suede-like material and while the cushioning itself has not changed, it feels very good on feet and there is no stud pressure, no matter the surface the boots are worn on.

The heel of the X Fly 5 is also improved with the shape putting less pressure on the Achilles and is more forgiving while wrapping the foot. This is not to say that the heel feels loose, in spite of the concerns that changing the heel shape could lead to less lockdown, it instead seems to have been ever so slightly improved. Part of this comes down to the fact that there is more cushioning in the heel versus previously, which adds to the feel of lockdown in this area as well as extra comfort.

One of the greatest strengths of the X Fly 5 is that it breaks in super quickly and with the first session the boots felt formed to the feet. Probably one of the greatest compliments that the boots can get is that you quickly forget that you are wearing new boots. The longer you wear them, the better they feel, which as many will know, adds a lot of confidence when playing.

ASICS also has a slight heel lift in their boots in order to aid the player when running and sprinting. In the past this has been more noticeable and occasionally might take a little bit of time getting used to. However, this is not the case in the X Fly 5 as you might forget that it is even there as it feels natural, as if every boot should have something similar (they should).

Overall lockdown is also excellent, with ASICS providing the always-appreciated extra lace hole in order to do the runner’s knot. The laces are also really nice and help with the awesome lockdown. The deep lacing system also means that it is easy to adjust the boot to your foot shape with few issues and means that the boots work for multiple foot shapes and types.

As far as sizing goes, I do find that the X Fly 5 fits ever so slightly tighter than the X Fly 4. In spite of this, I still felt comfortable going a half size down. Again, I should remind everyone that I prefer a tighter fit overall and the slight change of shape and the leather changes meant I felt comfortable going a half size down from normal. If you find that your normal size has space in the toes, I would argue you should go a half size down. Alternatively, if your normal size is tight, stick to true to size.

Touch and Dribbling

As one might expect from having a premium kangaroo leather upper, the ASICS DS Light X Fly 5 has an excellent touch on the ball. Part of this comes down to the softness of the leather but the great fit also means that the boot never feels sloppy when on the ball. ASICS has a MOIS TECT material that is supposed to act similar to other touch enhancing treatments. What is interesting is that there is a slight friction to touch when feeling this section of the boot. In wet weather, it is not necessarily noticeable, but there is definitely something there that has a slight feel on the ball.

Dribbling feels awesome in the boots and there are no negatives to speak of. Also, since the boot fit so well, there is a nice confidence to be found when dribbling the ball in the X Fly 5. There are not really any surprises, but it is nice when a boot focuses on the fit so much because things like dribbling come naturally.

Passing and Shooting

And so it goes for passing a shooting. It cannot be stated enough how an excellent fitting boot improves performance. There is also the added benefit of the soleplate, which does a superb job of keeping the foot anchored to the ground when hitting the ball with power. The X Fly 5 does have slightly cushioned leather, but it does not feel like the ball is deadened when hitting it. Thus, passing and crossing the ball feel really good and there is nothing to complain about here.

Shooting is also outstanding and given the slight stiffer nature of the soleplate, it feels as if the ball is able to be hit with more power because the soleplate provides a more solid base for the foot to sit on. Another way that the soleplate helps is that it feels very balanced in that no matter the position, the soleplate always feels stable enough to attempt to take a shot without feel awkward.

Grip

If it seems like there is a lot of praise being heaped on the soleplate, it is because it is absolutely brilliant. The grip is fantastic on multiple surfaces without feeling like the feet are “stuck” in the ground. The slight curve of the soleplate means that it is easy to “rock” into position to sprint. Even though it is not necessarily designed to be as such, it does somewhat feel like a speed boot soleplate in the there is a lot of support when sprinting. Part of this comes down to the fact that the soleplate has been slightly reinforced to be stiffer. This not only allows the soleplate and boot overall to feel more responsive, but also means that there is more support for the foot itself which leads to decreased fatigue.

It probably is one of the best soleplates on the market. It really is that good. It is a high performance soleplate and makes a mockery of soleplates that cannot handle different surfaces with ease. The boot feels like it is almost willing you to sprint for every ball and there is no point in which the foot feels tired or sore after a session. Recently, my team has been doing long sprints after practice and at no point have my feet felt tired as has been the case before. The shape of the studs also helps enhance the grip while still allowing you to pivot quickly and easily. Top marks.

Comparing with other boots

While something like the Morelia Neo 3 Japan has more premium leather and also an exceptional fit, the soleplate wildcard means that the ASICS DS Light X Fly 5 is a better boot overall in my opinion. What ASICS has done is set a new standard for leather/synthetic mix boots. A brilliant fit, combined with great leather and comfort means that other brands should be looking to ASICS for what their boots can be. This is not to say other brands should copy ASICS but rather should see what ASICS has done right.

Conclusion

It is easy to assume that ASICS would make a good boot, it is surprising to see how good the X Fly 5 is. ASICS have made some quality of life improvements that have elevated the series to a new level. The leather used on the X Fly 5 should be used on all ASICS models. The stiffer soleplate shows that you can still have a responsive soleplate without giving up comfort or stability. The amount of cushioning in heel means that the back of the foot is always comfortable. ASICS have created a superb boot and it is one that is easy to recommend to pretty much everyone.

What do you think of the ASICS DS Light X Fly 5? Make sure to share this with your friends and please follow me on Instagram and Facebook!

じゃあね！

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50 thoughts on “ASICS DS Light X Fly 5 Review”

  1. How does the increased stud length feel in terms of stability? I have ankle issues so smaller studs are generally safer for me but would love to try them out. Any noticable difference compared to something like the Morelia neo 3? Thanks 🙏

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    1. Stability was good, no issues for me. The Morelia Neo 3 has narrower studs but tbf they’re also slightly shorter. I don’t have ankle issues though. If you worried about the stud length, I’d say you should skip them.

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  3. Thanks for this review.
    Do you know where and how to order Asics ssoccer boots for delivery in Europe?
    I usually wear Mizuno but I will be curious to test the other great Japanese brand !

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    1. Thanks for reading! Your best bet is to contact Tokyo Football SG on Instagram. The other alternative is to use a forwarding service like Buyee to order from Japan

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  4. How wide-feet friendly are these boots? Predator Accuracy.1 HG are too narrow on the midfoot for me.

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      1. Thanks, I enjoy your blog regularly. Also, one more little question, as someone whose feet are too wide for the accuracy.1 true to size – is it safe to say that I go true to size for these Asics X-Fly 5s?

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  6. I have the X Fly 4 MIJ, not sure if you have tried that. Wonder how you would rate the leather upper between these 2? Also agree on the sole plate. We train on both natural and artificial turf and this is the only pair that works well on both

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  7. Thanks for the reviews of so many X-Fly models! In your X-Fly Pro Limited review you said they should kill off the leather version since the synthetic was so good. Have you gotten a chance to try the X-Fly 5 Limited and compare it to the normal 5? If not, do you think the upper from the Pro Limited will improve the 5?

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    1. Thanks for reading! I haven’t but I do think the the Limited is an improvement. My friend Noah Cavanaugh reviewed the X Fly 5 Limited on his YouTube channel. You should check it out!

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  8. after a few match wore this boot, i found out that there’s a bit opening between the soleplate and the upper, just a tiny glue like not attached together, do you think this is normal , or do i need to stitch the boot or put some glue to the hole?

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  9. Nike superfly 8 elite in size 9 us fits me pretty perfectly. Morelia Neo 3 in 8.5 us is a little tight in the toebox (length is exact, but my outer toes are squeezed too tight for my liking). Would you say do 8.5 in the x-fly 5? (or 9 to match my superfly size?). Thanks!

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  11. After reading a bunch of reviews for the x fly 5, I bought the x fly 5 pro. Right out of the box the 11.5 fits true to size for me and the touch is fantastic. I have the Ultrezza 2 in 11.5 and it took some time to break this model in.
    Thanks for your reviews.

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  12. I noticed the sizing in ASICS is a bit different from nike. I’m a size 6.5 us in nike which is a 24.5 in japan. A 6 in asics is also 24.5 so should i go for the 5.5 (24) or stick with the 6?

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      1. Thanks for the reply, is it worth spending the extra money to get the mij neo 4 over these? I play on ag and I also want to know which ones are better on ag

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      2. Thank you for your reply, I have the money to get the Neo 4, but is it worth spending the extra money instead of getting these? I mostly play on ag and I also want to know if the ds light x fly 5 or the neo 4 is better on ag

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      3. The X Fly 5 should be cheaper than the Morelia Neo, if not, you should order from @tokyofootball.sg on Instagram. They ship worldwide. Hmmm, from a performance standpoint, I prefer the X Fly 5. The Neo 4 might be slightly safer because the studs are more rounded…

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  13. After reading your reviews I’m torn between the X fly 5 or the X Fly Pro 2. Did the X Fly pro 2 take the 1st spot? Is there any difference in stud lengths – wondering if one is better than the other for AG? Fit and comfort is nr 1 for me. I´m in Europe and can´t just go out and try them on 🙂 Thanks again.

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      1. Great reply, thanks. I use 26,5 in Nike tiempo 9 elite & NB 442 pro, based on your reviews I should go for 26 cm in Asics? I also tried the Mizuno Morelia Neo 4 MIJ in 26 but too tight in the toe box, the 26,5 felt a lot bigger, loose and a bit too long. Thanks again

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      3. Hi, short feedback. So I ordered the Asics in 26 cm, half size down from my normal 26,5. However the 26 were undoubtedly too tight in the toe box and pinched toes. But they feel wider in the toe box than the Mizuno Morelia Neo 4 Beta MIJ which are more pointy. Now waiting to get the Asics in 26,5 which I think will fit perfectly. Also I went ahead and ordered the Adler Yatagarashu in size 26, hope I got it right this time 🙂

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  15. Hi i have a 29cm (10 Uk) in the MIZUNO ALPHA which are pretty tight lengthwise. Would you go with a 28.5cm or a 29cm in these?

    Greetings from Germany

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  16. Pingback: ASICS Ultrezza 3 Review – Lockhart Boot Blog

  17. I would love to buy a pair after reading this review. I wear a 7.5 US in a copa mundial. What size would you suggest for these asics? Another boot I am wearing right now is the predator LL elite and I wear them in a 8 US.

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    1. Hmmm, probably an 8? For me, the Copa Mundial runs a whole size big. These run about a half size long and I almost always wear the same size in both adidas and ASICS.

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      1. yeah copa runs a full size for me. Usually an 8.5 in most boots. Size down to the 8 for the asics? Will do. Thank you. Love the blog. (First time commenter lol)

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  18. I bought these and theyre great except they are too narrow for my little toe as it rubs the skin off it. Any similar models youd suggest that are just a bit wider at the front? I have a 8UK with 26.4 cm so i have 0.6 cm extra space which is nice but i have no width left at all as i have 3E feet.

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  19. Thank you for your review as always! So insightful and well written! 2 questions for you:

    1. How do these compare sizing-wise to the X Fly Pro 3?2. Which do you think are better and prefer, and why – these or the aforementioned X Fly Pro 3?

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