Adidas X 17.1 Firm Ground

Adidas introduced the X 17.1 Firm Ground; a cold-blooded pack made for players through which ‘’cold blood’’ flows. The ones who are discrete and lethal. It suits the best to fearless players who played as predators on the pitch.

These boots are made to fully unlock your potential. They provide everything for you to unleash your speed.

Design

Adidas finally released the facelift version of previous X16.1, A model which did not impress me at all. Redesign of a tech-fit collar, slimmer body in the heel area, were the first things that made me buy this model.

Unfortunately, things were still not good enough for me, and they became the fastest pair of shoes that I get rid off.

Tech-fit collar

The tech-fit collar is made out of one piece which is very welcoming and nice looking compared to the previous model. That fat heel area, made out of "unused X15.1 collars", made me not look at them at all.

It completely hugs your feet and gives you super lock down feeling from the very first try. This feature offers incredible comfort, and it shortens the time required for break-in.

I don’t have any complaints about it. Putting your shoe on/off is not hard at all - everything goes smoothly and softly. It is stretchable enough and durability is not a question. 

Material

The upper of X17.1 is coated with a thin layer of Adidas unique NGS technology. NGS stands for Non-Stop Grip and is presented by small 3D dots that give you extra grip and full control of the ball in all kinds of weather.

I support this feature. I tested it, and I can say that It gives you all the necessary grip in hard conditions. Also, a thin layer feels completely opposite of what you expected.

You might imagine that every new model in this caliber is a better version of F50, but it is NOT. Even though some users complain about the thickness of the boots, I personally don’t have any negative thoughts.

Wearing them feels good, I did not have any problems with blisters or any area that would make discomfort. Feeling for the ball is also more than good. From passing to shooting, I did not have anything to complain about when it comes to material.

The only question is, do you want your shoes to be super light or have some extra grams for additional features?

Soleplate

The famous SprintFrame from Adidas took its presence also on this model. I think that this model has a really nice design. It is not too classic and simple which is the case with older models, but in general, it is pretty much the same thing.

The main difference is in studs themselves. Studs are teardrop shaped, with a mixture of circular studs which provides good ability to change direction quickly.

I feel good wearing them on the soft-ground pitch but I prefer Nike latest soleplate with Anti-clog option. Adidas heel construction, on the other hand, ensures maximum stability, allowing you to do the sharpest moves.

Also, there is one feature called Midcut, that supports Achilles tendons, giving you superior stability and freedom to play without limits. Overall, the soleplate is light, flexible and it ensures a good grip. 

The only downside I experience was during on rainy weather when the soleplate is just magnet for mud. You can expect to gain one extra kilogram.

Fit

We came to the section which disappoints me the most. Maybe this is the only thing that made me re-sell this model very quickly after buying it. Even though this boot looks great, from design to ergonomy, it is not true to size for me.

I went with size 9 ½ UK / 44 FR(EU) and had fit problems just after warming up exercises. When I first tried them on, the fit was great. I said wow, I really feel comfortable in them but after I start using them, I didn’t like them.

While running, I felt like I wear one whole size bigger shoes. I had small legs collision and there are a few times I had the opportunity to shoot but it ended up terribly. I went for goalkeeper chip which end up terribly as well. That was the last time I wore them.

Look

Overall look can be rated very highly. You can clearly see that a lot of hard work and creativity has been invested in this model. I like the colorway option.

I felt very satisfied wearing these white weapons with red dots on them. It is a bit tricky to keep them clean always but those who are not willing to clean them after every training has plenty of other color options as well.

Also, the details are well done on these shoes. Something that I really like on this model is soleplate mosaic reflection thing (that is how I see it). I love it, and this is another proof, how small details can play a significant role in the industry.

Overall

Overall, the quality of these shoes should not be questionable. It is high-end manufactured, supported by many hours of hard work of engineering.

It follows the trend and every year it brings something new that should help you improve your performance. Adidas did it again with this model, and I think they did a great job.

In my case, the best size would be 0.5 – one size smaller. Even though it’s the same size as Ace 17.1 that I have been using, fit and lock down are completely different. My recommendation would be to try it on your feet before buying.