Design makes the difference

There has recently been a rise in boots that perform at an elite level but for prices closer to what we expect from non-elite level models. This is a much needed change as a lot of the elite models continue to rise in price and put them out of the reach of a lot of players. These players still needed boots that have the quality and the performance of a top tier model, and the market seemed to be ignoring them, until recently. The Copa Icon II is a vindication of not only this recent change in strategy, but also of adidas’ Japan design team. They were in charge for the majority of the design and the fit of the adidas Copa Icon II. This team knew exactly what they needed to deliver to be successful. The boots have exploded in popularity in Japan, and it only seems a matter of time before the rest of the world realizes just what a great boot adidas has made here.

Fit and Feel

One of things that might surprise most people is just how soft the upper is out of the box. While it is not made of kangaroo leather, the calf leather used on the adidas Copa Icon II is of good quality and is on the thinner side. This helps keep the look of the boot to be more sleek and modern, while still keeping with expectations of what a softer, modern leather boot should be.

As one would want from a modern leather boot, the midfoot is more performance oriented, with a more stable synthetic material to not only keep the boot locked in place but also provide lateral stability when running. It also helps that this material feels premium and well thought out. Another positive with this material is that there is no noticeable transition from the leather to the synthetic. This is due mostly to the clever choice of a softer liner, which also helps with the overall comfort of the boot.

Of course, we have to talk about the heel. It’s a staple talking point for this blog and can greatly help or hurt a boot in reviews. And adidas has done good work here. There is good cushioning that is placed in smartly to properly support, lock in, and comfort the heel. We also have to praise adidas for the choice of suede that feels like it is from a much more premium boot than the price of the Icon II would suggest. It is another part of the boot that makes you feel like you are getting great value for money.

We could be super critical about the boot, and because it’s me, we will be. I personally prefer just a little bit more heel cushioning. That being said, it is still really good. I would also prefer a kangaroo leather, but that would make the boot more expensive overall. And again, the leather is really good for what it is.

It also has to be mentioned that adidas has added an extra lacehole to allow for a runner’s knot on the boot. This is such a small thing, but it makes such a difference to changing the overall fit of the boot for different foot shapes and I do not think this would have been included if the Japan design time team was not on board during the creation process. This is one of the simple things that every brand can do, but the majority do not.

Another positive that the Icon II has gained because of the design by the Japan team is that the overall fit of the boot is excellent. Adidas Japan brought in the legendary Japanese shoe craftsman, Toshiaki Omori, to help work on the fit and this collaboration is the reason why the fit of the Icon II is excellent.

From an overall comfort level, there are not a lot of boots on the market that can match it. Of course, there are the obvious candidates from me, like the Adler Yatagarashu or Horenso, but also left field choices like the Lanzera Professionale. That being said, outside of these leather options (or synthetic leather like options), the Copa Icon II is a very comfortable boot.

Oh, and a small aside, adidas should also add some rivets to increase the durability, as this is what they are going after with the Icon II.

For sizing, I followed what I normally do for adidas boots. This is half a size down from my normal size and the fit was excellent. There is also a slight bit of stretch to the upper, so if they feel a bit tight out of the box, they will stretch.

Touch, Passing, Shooting

One of the most difficult things for a lot of leather boots to nail is the touch on the ball. Obviously, you will not get the same feel on the ball as a synthetic, but there are also expectations of not only the hardcore leather bootheads, but also the people who might switch between both leather and synthetic. You cannot make the leather too thick, but you also do not want to lose the sensual touch on the ball that leather offers.

This is why it is pleasing to say that adidas Copa Icon II has a superb feel for the ball. It is definitely closer to a modern leather boot, rather than a more classic leather boot. Think more Mizuno Morelia than Copa Mundial. There is this lovely sensation when controlling the ball that is among the best in the market. Again, you have to remind yourself that these boots are closer to a budget option and easily better than the synthetic “touch” boots that Puma and Nike are offering at much higher prices.

Naturally, this also means that dribbling in the Copa Icon II is superb. It really is laughable when you think about how overly complicated the market makes boots these days and something as simple as these still manages to feel much better and more natural than a lot of boots out there. It is seriously impressive how well tuned the leather is. By this I mean that the leather seems to have a good balance between soft and plush and being thin enough for that ever so lovely touch on the ball.

There are really no surprises for passing and shooting, just more of that excellent leather that performs in every situation you need them in. It has to be said again and again that the design team has nailed the performance of the boot. That synthetic midfoot is great at stopping the foot from twisting in weird directions when hitting the ball with power and the hard ground soleplate that I have been using is great at anchoring the foot in the ground when planting.

Grip

This is not to say that your feet ever feel stuck in the ground when you do not want them to. I appreciate the adidas Japan team redesigning the soleplate as the previous hard ground soleplate could occasionally make the boots feel overly bulky and cumbersome, especially on artificial surfaces. The new design is a lot sleeker and feels far more multifunctional, with it performing well on a variety of surfaces.

The fact that the new HG plate is mostly rounded studs also means that when planting the foot does not feel stuck in the surfaces. At the same time, there is still more than enough grip available, even for quick dashes or cuts. It is more obvious on harder and artificial surfaces because the design of the studs themselves are rough on the surface rather than smooth and what this does is provide just a little bit more grip, though it is something you will only notice if you go looking for it. Then again, that rougher surface on the studs themselves means that dragging the ball around with the bottom of the foot is enjoyable.

Obviously, the most interesting part of the stud layout is the oblong shape studs on the ball of the foot. It is part of what makes the adidas Copa Icon II very comfortable to run and does an excellent job of distributing stud pressure and none has been felt throughout test. This is also down to the fact that the insole is nicer than would be expected from a product at this price point.

Conclusion

In a world where prices are ever increasing, it seems that some brands are finally figuring out that there is a part of the market that is underserved, and we are entering a new era when brands know how to service this market. Of the Big 3, only adidas has so far proven that they have figured out how to offer an excellent product without being overly expensive.

The fact that this happened because adidas used a design team outside of Global HQ also shows that there are a lot of people out there who understand what the market needs and how to provide for it. The adidas Copa Icon II is brilliant, and if I had my way, it would become a mainline adi boot. It is superb as a matchday boot, as a training boot, as a back up boot. It is perhaps the go to boot. I must get a second pair.

What do you think of the adidas Copa Icon II? Please share this with your friends and make sure to follow me on Instagram.

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