Adidas Electric Cleats Review: Speed Meets Traction

Introduction 

Alright, let's dive into the Adidas Electric Cleats. These are Adidas' answer to the Nike Vapor Edge 360 Pro 2 and Under Armour Blur Smoke, both solid competitors. 

But does Adidas deliver with these cleats? I’ve had the chance to put them through their paces, and I’m here to share everything—from how they fit and feel to their performance on the field.

In this review, we’ll cover comfort, traction, weight, and more. So, if you’re curious about whether these cleats are worth the investment, stick around—you’ll want to hear this.

Unboxing and First Impressions

When I first unboxed the Adidas Electric Cleats, the presentation was clean and simple—just like you’d expect from a high-performance cleat. Right out of the box, they felt incredibly light, almost like you’re holding nothing.

The design is sleek, but a bit plain compared to last year's model. It has a bit of a soccer cleat vibe, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

The build quality is solid, with every element aimed at reducing weight. You can see where they’ve shaved off material to make these as light as possible. The standout feature? Definitely the traction plate—it’s got a unique, almost aggressive look that promises some serious grip.

Fit and Sizing

When it comes to fit, I decided to go a half size down from my usual 12.5 to 12, and it turned out to be the right move. These cleats are designed to be thin and light, so a snug fit is key.

Unlike some Adidas cleats that can feel too tight around the toe box, these fit perfectly—no pinching, no discomfort. The heel cup, made from a synthetic material, molds to your foot nicely, giving you that locked-in feel without being restrictive.

Comfort During Play

Now, let’s talk comfort. These cleats are built for maximum ground feel, meaning there’s not much between your foot and the traction plate. While the insole is thick enough, it’s not exactly cushy. The heel padding is a nice touch, and the sewn-in tongue practically disappears on your foot, which is great during play.

For the first two hours, these cleats are a dream. It feels like you’re just running with traction, almost like you’re barefoot. But here’s the catch—after two hours, that minimalistic design starts to show its downside. The lack of padding means your feet start to feel sore, especially if you’re on rougher surfaces like turf or uneven grass.

Traction Plate Design

The traction plate on the Adidas Electric Cleats is a standout feature this year. It’s got seven diamond-shaped studs running along the outside, with three in the back, and some interesting linear lines that I’m still trying to figure out.

The plate is actually made of two different pieces, and while I’m not sure what the functional purpose is, it’s clear that Adidas has gone all-in on making this as light as possible. They even cut out material in the front to save weight.

Performance on Turf and Grass

I first tested these cleats on a short turf field, and let me tell you, the grip is insane. The diamond-shaped studs dig into the turf and just do not let go. It’s great for straight-line speed, but if you need to stop or change direction quickly, you better be in control.

On turf, I found that the grip was almost too strong, and I actually sprained the top of my foot when trying to make a quick cut. Grass was a bit more forgiving; the studs still provided excellent grip, but there was more give, which made it easier to maneuver.

Pros and Cons of the Grip

The grip on these cleats is both a blessing and a curse. On the plus side, you get phenomenal traction, especially in straight-line sprints.

But that same grip can work against you when you need to make quick cuts or stops. If you’re someone who likes to be in total control, these cleats could be perfect. But if you’re like me and sometimes struggle with sudden changes in direction, you might find them a bit challenging.

Lightweight Design

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Adidas Electric Cleats is how unbelievably light they are.

Adidas has taken every possible measure to cut down on weight, from the ultra-thin heel tab to the way they’ve removed material all over the cleat. It almost feels like you’re wearing nothing, which is great if speed is your top priority.

Impact on Stability

But here’s where that lightweight design comes with a trade-off: stability. While the cleats grab the ground like a beast, the thin materials don’t offer much support for your foot.

I found that after a few hard cuts or changes in direction, my foot would start to slide around inside the cleat. This meant I had to keep tightening the laces to get that secure fit back.

Frequent Adjustments Needed

Because the upper is so light, it doesn’t do much to hold your foot in place during aggressive moves.

So, if you’re like me and need that extra stability, be prepared to make frequent adjustments. You’ll get top-notch speed, but you’ll have to work a bit to keep everything snug and secure.

Style and Aesthetics

When it comes to style, Adidas has really stepped up with the color options. You’ve got 19 different colorways to choose from, including the new Speed Juice and Zoombaz packs.

The Speed Juice, with its vibrant green, is a head-turner, while the Zoombaz purple is a bit more out there. But here’s the thing—not all of these colors are going to work with every team’s colors, especially that Zoombaz pack.

Comparing this year’s design to last year’s, I have to say I preferred the previous model. This year’s cleats have a bit of a soccer cleat vibe, and they feel a little too plain for my taste. Adidas usually nails it with bold, intentional designs, but these just didn’t hit the mark for me.

Price and Value

The Adidas Electric Cleats are priced at $130, putting them right in line with the Nike Vapor Edge Pro 2 at $135 and the Under Armour Blur Smoke 2.0 at $130.

For the price, you’re getting an incredibly lightweight cleat with top-notch traction, but there are trade-offs, especially in stability and comfort for longer wear.

If speed and ground feel are your top priorities, these cleats are a solid choice. However, if you need more support or you play on rougher surfaces, you might want to consider if the lightweight design is worth the potential discomfort. All in all, they offer good value, but they’re definitely tailored to a specific type of player.

Conclusion

The Adidas Electric Cleats are perfect for players who prioritize speed and traction over everything else. If you’re a straight-line sprinter or someone who loves that barely-there feel, these cleats will be right up your alley.

However, if you need more stability and comfort for longer games or rougher fields, you might want to think twice.

Overall, these cleats offer impressive performance but with some trade-offs. I enjoyed testing them, but they’re definitely suited for a specific style of play.

What do you think? Have you tried these cleats? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!