We recently brought you a review of the adidas Absolado boot, of the Predator line, and we’ve also written probably a thousand or more words on the adiPower Predator boot; with that in mind, we thought it high time to discuss the line’s mid-range boot: the adidas Absolion in sharp blue and electricity.
As I said, this is a mid-range soccer shoe, so adjust your expectations accordingly. If you don’t have the money to shell out for the adiPower boot, the Absolion is still a solid option in construction as well as look. Let’s start with the similarities between the adiPower and Absolion. The boots are made with a full-grain calf upper from the toe to the mid foot, while the heel and instep utilize synthetic leather. The instep of both boots utilizes a rubber touch element for, you guessed, greater feel on the ball. In terms of looks, they have 99% the same design; you have the sharp blue running from the tip of the toe to about the mid-ankle, where it sits above a diagonal black piece of synthetic leather. This black synthetic wraps around to the inner foot and terminates at the back of the ankle. Below this black element is white synthetic leather and white/blue plastic for the adiPower. The studs are also white with electricity tips on both of the boots. The two boots have an almost identical look and similar construction, but there are some key differences with construction.
How about we start from the toe and work our way back? The first thing of note is that the toe plate isn’t bonded as high on the Absolion as it is on the adiPower—not to worry, though. The bond is still strong with the Absolion. Moving back, you’ll also notice that the calf-grain leather on the Absolion isn’t as high quality, but still, it’s real leather, folks; it doesn’t get better than real leather. Both boots are double stitched as well. The outside of the foot is where we start seeing the majority of differences. For one, the piece of leather covering the toe is overlays the mid-foot leather, whereas the two are stitched together in the adiPower. This isn’t cause for much alarm as the stitching is still tight. The outside three-stripes are also double-stitched on the adiPower, which more or less just reinforces the bonding with the leather and the stripes themselves. The final major difference with the upper lies in the sock liner—the adiPower has a softer, textured liner whereas the Absolion is more of a smooth, somewhat soft material. Once you break the Absolion boots in, the sock liner will be less of an issue in terms of your feet sliding.
The most recognizable difference between these boots rests with the sprint frame. That is to say that the adiPower has it and the Absolion doesn’t. The sprint frame provides a stronger heel cup, a higher grade plastic, and a more flexible chassis. Even so, the Absolion sole plate is legit. The bladed studs are quality and are placed in proper locations to provide solid balance and grip.
I wouldn’t recommend these boots if you’re playing high level competition, but, if that’s your case; they’ll make a great practice pair. If you’re on the recreational end of the spectrum, these are perfect for your needs. They fit true to size, are great for wider feet and are definitely comfortable. You won’t find a better mid-range boot for the $70 price tag (at soccerpro.com). If you’re in the market for a new pair of practice or rec boots, definitely go with these. They also come in white, which I personally prefer.
Written by: Kris Dyer, contributing editor, soccerprose.com
