Chapter 1
The heavy metal era
Chapter 2
The postwar battle of the brothers
Chapter 3
Synthetics and the predator effect
Chapter 4
The modern space-age boot
Ch 4 · The modern space-age boot
adidas Engineered Flyknit and Primeknit technologies use silicone-coated polyester to eliminate boot seams, reduce weight, and mimic a natural barefoot feel.
Quiz
Which material revolutionized football boot uppers in 2014 by offering a sock-like fit?
Quiz
How do manufacturers protect modern knitted football boots from absorbing water on wet pitches?
Fun Fact
Space age cleats: Modern football boots can weigh less than 100 grams, lighter than a single medium apple!
Quiz
What aerospace-grade material is used in modern soleplates to provide lightweight spring-back energy?
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a highly responsive, stiff soleplate in modern soccer cleats?
Glossary
synthetic (adjective)
Made by chemical synthesis, especially to imitate a natural product. In 1998, Nike debuted the Mercurial, the first football boot constructed entirely from lightweight synthetic material.
Made by chemical synthesis, especially to imitate a natural product. In 1998, Nike debuted the Mercurial, the first football boot constructed entirely from lightweight synthetic material.
adidas Smart Football Boots
Slip a tiny chip right into your sole, Track every sprint as you chase down the goal.
Quiz
Which metric can smart football boots track and send wirelessly to a player's phone?