There can only be one! Or maybe two.

Adidas have been done an excellent job on their boot releases this year and the adidas F50 has been no exception. The launch colourway of the boot was not just a callback colourway but signaled a return of the F50 name as well. An excellent performer, and currently in the running for my blog’s boot of the year, it seems hard to top. Until the release of the F50 Messi Elite. The Messi variation features the excellent Hybridtouch 1.0, which was made famous for being on the 2014 adidas F50, and being well regarded as one of the best synthetic uppers of all time. It seems silly that a slightly updated ten-year-old upper could be so impressive, but here we are.

The other thing about the adidas F50 Messi Elite is that in some ways it is a more simple take on the newest F50, as it does not feature tech like the Compression bands or the Sprintweb texturing on the upper, instead featuring some slight horizontal texturing on the upper. We also get the burrito tongue that Messi himself has used for years. But while the boot has less tech overall, it is absolutely fantastic. I personally did not expect anything better synthetic wise than the Fibertouch upper this year, but the Hypbridtouch 1.0 is very soft and breaks in so quickly, it is awesome.

Having a different upper also means that the Messi variation has a slightly different fit than the normal adidas F50 Elite. The adidas F50 Messi has a somewhat more relaxed fit and does not squeeze the foot as much. What is impressive is that the lockdown does not necessarily suffer because of this either. While the regular F50 Elite does have better lockdown thanks to the Compression Band tunnel incorporated into the tongue, the F50 Messi still has great lockdown. The lacing setup is done in such a way that there is some adjustability, though it needs to be noted that the burrito tongue does mean that there is less adjustability versus the other variations of the F50.

Another difference between the boots is that naturally the touch on the ball is different. Again, this is expected. The Fibertouch upper and the Sprintweb do provide a thinner a sharper touch on the ball and provides a pingy sensation when hitting the ball with power. The F50 Messi Hybridtouch 1.0 upper seems slightly thicker when it comes to the touch on the ball, but because the upper is so soft, it feels more natural. While there is not as much grip on the Messi model, it is still excellent in wet conditions as well, though again, not as grippy as the regular F50 Elite.

As far sizing goes, fit in the length is almost exactly the same but the Messi model does have a bit of a taller toe box overall.

Both boots are excellent in their own right but the Messi model does feel more comfortable because of the softer Hybridtouch 1.0 upper. And for me, the adidas F50 Messi Elite is the way to go. That being said, there are times when I still break out my regular adidas F50 Elite. It just comes down to what you are looking for in a boot. If you want a more sleek and cutting fit and feel, go with normal F50 Elite. But if you want a more comfortable fit without sacrificing much performance, get the F50 Messi.

Which do you prefer between the adidas F50 Elite and the adidas F50 Messi Elite? Please share this with your friends and make sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook!

Also, make sure to check out BootWizard’s and my podcast, the Football Boot Hour!

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