The definition of balance

A lot can happen in two years. Especially in the football boot market. Just think about what models were available two years ago versus now. Boots seem like they were released forever ago, and we have seen leather disappear from major brands as well as some huge market shake ups. Heck, the last World Cup started two years ago this month. Boot technology seems like it’s in a different place now, with some brands looking like they have seemingly successfully modernized older uppers and tech. Even Adler is in a different place now, with the brand being much more well known than before. All the while, the brand has remained constant and has had the same boots available since their relaunch in 2022. On the one hand, some people might have wished Adler to release new models already, but on the other, it is good to see a brand go at its own pace and work diligently on products they believe in.

So on to the boots themselves. I first highly recommend everyone read my original review from 2022 here for context. I gave and have continued to give a lot of praise to the Yatagarashu and the Adler models. The boots have been in constant rotation and are always the first boot in my boot bag. Even after all the use they have seen, they are still my go to boots. As one might expect, the leather and overall fit is perfect, and the touch continues to border on the ethereal. It just feels like a very balanced boot and especially the upper seems like the touch and the leather itself has been fine-tuned to perfection.

It is easy to heap praise on a boot I really enjoy, but as we all know, nothing exists in a bubble. The market is a super competitive place, especially in Japan and I have done a lot of reviews in-between the initial Yatagarashu review and now. In spite of this, there is only one other boot that I could possibly choose when I want a sublime leather touch on the ball. You know which one. Aside from those, the Yatagarashu competes with and surpasses a lot of classically styled boots on the market.

This does not mean that the Yatagarashu is perfect, and there are definitely some changes I would like to see. After a while, I wished that the heel was a bit taller and maybe some more padding added to it. Now, I have not personally had any lockdown issues or blistering in the boots, but I think it still can be even better. The other thing that can be improved is lateral stability. Again, I have not had any issues with rollover, but it would be nice if the boots had just a bit more of that “locked in” feeling. Lastly, the standard insole needs to be changed, though I am pretty sure this is something that Adler is working on.

However, if all of the things listed above were changed, it would make an incredible boot even better. A lot of things about the boot already make it still one of the best leather boots on the market. As previously mentioned, the touch is incredible. Adler deserves a lot of praise for making something so soft, so lovely on the ball and yet still really durable. There have also been no issues with overstretching. The addition of the KaRVO midsole continues to be a masterstroke that is a unique selling point that separates the Yatagarashu from the rest of the leather boots on the market. While the forefoot part of the midsole has softened up over time, there is still a surprising amount of springback for a boot that has been worn for two years. And it just feels so balanced, providing support where needed and still flexible enough to not strain the feet.

Some people could say I am biased as I still work closely with Adler, and sure, I can admit that. At the same time, I will say again and again, I love the product that much that I want to be associated with it.

While the design is definitely simple, there are some things that I continue to appreciate more and more as time goes on. An obvious example of this is the double stitching on the upper, which helps reinforce the leather and provides more durability. Speaking of stitching, having the soleplate stitched to the upper is always welcome for me, but especially with these, there has been no splitting between the upper and the soleplate. Working with Itogo for the laces was also a brilliant idea as they are probably my favourite laces on any boot, ever.

The ReaLine insole that comes with the boots might not be for everyone, but for me I have that I appreciate them more and more the longer I wear the boots. The support is excellent, and I feel more balanced overall, if that makes sense. The durability on the ReaLine insoles has been really good as well and I have only just felt the need to switch to a new pair.

Lastly, we should talk about the soleplate itself. It is simple and that is probably another area where they could look to make changes. But personally, I appreciate the way it is now. This is because I tend to play on a lot of artificial or hard ground surfaces and the soleplate provides a balanced and comfortable ride. It has performed well on nicer firm ground surfaces as well. Maybe in future Adler could make a more radical and aggressive soleplate, just as long as this soleplate or something similar is on offer, it would be fine by me.

The most noticeable thing about the Adler Yatagarashu that I keep coming back to is its balance. The upper is balanced, with just right amount of plushness without being too thick, but still enough to it that you feel safe going into tackles. The laces have a decent length to them without being absurdly long. The laceholes at the top are placed in a way to allow for a runner’s knot if you so prefer. The soleplate is fairly neutral but has a surprisingly good amount of bite too them when needed. Sure, maybe the heel could be a bit taller and more cushioned, but at the same time it is also easy to overdo it in the heel area. And the KaRVO midsole is just so good.

The Adler Yatagarashu is a bit of a sleeper boot in a way. It does not seem like it should be able to compete with more modern leather boots on the market and yet it manages to keep up and even surpass some of the more popular models in terms of leather, fit and overall quality. It is a boot that is perfect to either be the main boot or the go to boot or even if you just need an excellent leather boot in your collection. Even after two years, I can easily recommend the Adler Yatagarashu as a boot that is not to be missed.

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