High Value

Something that I have not done enough over the years is reviewing the non-Japan Elite models of Mizuno boots. There are some exceptions, like the Monarcida Elites, but for the most part I have stayed away. Part of this is financial, but also because we often do not have the Elite models on offer in Japan. This is not true for the Alpha series however, with the Alpha Elite always being available in Japan. With the launch of the Alpha 3, I figured it was a good time to give the Elite models a shot.

As many people have said in the past, the Alpha Elites seem to have often one of the best value for money propositions on the market. While the Japan model is often prohibitively expensive outside of Japan, the Elite models have often been far cheaper than other Elite boots from other brands, the quality has also been just as good, if not better than a lot of other, more expensive boots. This trend continues with the Mizuno Alpha 3 Elite to the point where, it feels as if the Japan model is wholly unnecessary. Obviously, this review will reference the more expensive Mizuno Alpha 3 Japan as comparison, but I will do a dedicated section for that below.

Fit and Feel

One of the things I like most about the newest models in the Alpha line up is that the upper is much softer out of the box when compared to previous models. The Alpha 3 Elite is no different. The new thinner knit upper feels malleable in hands, and it is obvious how quickly the material will break in. When compared to other speed boots on the market, it is on the thinner side. It even feels thinner than some knit speed boots like the Mercurial Vapor 16, though admittedly the knit does not feel as premium.

However, this does not mean that the knit is not good quality. This is something that does not get enough attention, but Mizuno’s non-Japan models have great quality, and the durability is often top tier. In spite of the thin upper, it feels like you can either give or receive tough tackles without having to worry about the impact on the boots. I also have to say that the overall fit and feel of the upper is one of my favourite uppers (outside of leather, obviously) that Mizuno has put on their boots.

As mentioned before, it is striking how nice the boots are in hand and initial impressions on feet, especially given the price. I especially like that the boots do indeed break in quickly, and the upper feels ready to go within an hour of the first wear. The boots are slightly narrower than the made in Japan models, but they still have some width to them. Unfortunately, because Mizuno ditched the U-throat tongue the boots do not have as much as an adjustable fit as they did before.

Much like the Japan model, the Elite model also suffers fromm lockdown issues because the lacing system does not run high enough up the foot in order to offer the lockdown that is expected of a speed boot. It really could have done with another set of laceholes. The other thing is that, again, Mizuno overcorrected by taking away so much of the ZeroGlide material, meaning that while the lockdown in the midfoot is good, it is lacking in the heel. And once more, it is baffling that they did not even offer the ZeroGlide insole this time either as that would at least help the foot stay in place.

It is a shame, because a ZeroGlide insole would at least help keep the foot in place and also help somewhat with the excellent midfoot stability that the Alpha 3 series has. The midlayer of the three layers has structured support that while still pliable enough to break in, is still strong enough to keep the foot from rolling over when making sharp cuts and turns.

While I never personally had any issues with the ZeroGlide heels of the previous models, the new suede-lined is comfortable and locks onto the back of the foot nicely. It is one of the nicest heels on a speed boot. There is good cushioning without there being too much, and it wraps the back of the heel nicely. I really like it. I understand that this is one of the changes Mizuno made to please their domestic customers but, the Alpha series is popular outside of Japan as well and it is weird to think that that fact seems to have been ignored. Yes, the majority of Mizuno’s boot sales are in Japan, but the international market has become increasingly important. Food for thought.

Oh, and the laces are still terrible.

For sizing, just like the previous model is the Alpha series, I went half a size down, which works for me. This means I got the Alpha 3 Elite in an US 8/UK 7/EU 40.5/JP 26. If you have tried the Alpha before, use the same size as you did in previous models, if you haven’t, I recommend you go with your normal size.

On the Ball

One of the things I really appreciate about the new knit upper is the feel on the ball. The soft and thin material means there is a super close touch on the ball, and I appreciate the direct feel on the ball that has instant feedback.

The upper itself has an ever so slight stickiness to it, but it is slightly noticeable when conditions get rougher but obviously do not go expecting any crazy grip on the upper. This means that the touch on the ball and ball manipulation is much more on the shoulders of the wearer rather than any extra things the boot does. However, I do appreciate the simpler execution of the upper, I do not like having too much extra on the upper of any speed boots I wear.

As many who read this blog will know, I am a big fan of uppers that a consistent touch and feel on the ball, so is respect, the Alpha 3 Elite is positive. It is nice that the upper has a reliable touch on the ball. Again, this is probably my favourite upper that Mizuno has put on the Alpha.

Grip

Nothing is different from any of boots previously available in the Alpha series. Obviously, since the Elite is not the Japan model, that means that it does not come with KaRVO in the forefoot. However, there is still a good amount of snapback in the forefoot, and you still get a nice feeling of forward propulsion when running in the boots.

Another thing I have always appreciated about the Alpha is the stud layout is surprisingly multifunctional. I still say that there are better options for AG but, the Alpha 3 Elite can work well in a pinch. And while I personally have no issues with wearing them on AG, if you are worried, it is better safe than sorry and to pick a different boot or stud layout.

Versus the Mizuno Alpha 3 Japan

While in Japan there is not much of a difference in terms of price between the Alpha 3 Elite and the Alpha 3 Japan (only about $35ish), the fact that there is such a massive difference overseas (around $140 difference in the US, for example) means that Mizuno has to convince people that it is worth extra money for the Japan model. The thing is, I think the Japan model should not exist. Now, the Japan model is nicer. The knit feels a bit softer and less plasticky than the Elite and the fit is slightly wider overall and has a more rounded toebox. The toe box on the Japan model is also a bit taller.

This is probably due to the fact that the Japan models sit on the last for 24 hours versus the normal 20 mins for the Elite models. This means that the boot is able to stretch and form around the last better. The Japan model also has the KaRVO insert in the forefoot, which makes the Japan model more springy. However, KaRVO is not that expensive of a material to use, and I would argue that Mizuno could put it on the Elite model without having to raise the price too much.

The other thing is that even on the Alpha 3 Elite, there is still some nice springback. This means that if you have never tried the Japan models, you are not missing out too much. The other issue with the Japan model is that unlike the other models in Mizuno’s lineup, you are not paying for a more premium natural leather. The difference in the knit is not so great that a more than 100-dollar difference is justified. In fact, given that the upper of the Elite is slightly thinner than the Japan model means that some people might prefer the Elite model anyways.

Overall, for some of the differences between the two models you really have to go looking for it. It also does not help the Japan model the Elite model is such great relative value for money. For me, it is easy to choose the Japan model because the price difference is not so high here. But if you’re just someone wanting a thin speed boot with a knit upper, it is almost pointless to go for the Japan model. I realised during testing that if the Japan model did not exist, or they stopped making it with the release of the Alpha 3, I would not miss it. So, get the Elite. Unless of course you order from someplace like TokyoFootball, where the Japan model is closer to the price of the Elite model.

The other issue

The Alpha 3 Elite is a great value for money speed boot. Yet, it is not the only value for money speed boot on the market, and its main competitor is far better.

Yeah, so the Sokito Scudetta blows the Alpha 3 Elite out of the water in a lot of ways, The lockdown is far better, the springback is much more aggressive, as is the soleplate. And when it comes to AG, the Scudetta AG soleplate has stability and snapback whereas the Alpha 3 Elite AG plate feels as stiff as melted better in comparison. There is also much more stability in the heel cup. The only reason you might want the Alpha 3 Elite is if you prefer knit and want a taller toebox.

Conclusion

There are a lot of great things about the Mizuno Alpha 3 Elite. The price, as well as the quality of the boot itself, means that they are relatively great value for money. So much so that it can be easily argued that the Japan model is almost pointless. The improvements to the upper and the overall fit means that this third generation has the best fit and feel out of the entire Alpha series. It would get even more praise if it actually had better lockdown overall. I would also have been nice if at the very least the boots had a ZeroGlide insole. In spite of these issues, it is still a pretty easy boot to recommend, and if there is a fourth generation, hopefully these issues can be fixed the Alpha 3 Elite has the potential to be one of the very best speed boots on the market.

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