In-depth Analysis: Laceless Adidas Ace 16+ GTI Boots | Primeknit Upper, Sole Plate, Price and Release Date
Nov 4, 2015, by Pat
Two days ago, Adidas surprised us all with the unveiling of its laceless Adidas Ace boots for 2016, presented by Oscar, Mesut Özil, Ivan Rakitic and James Rodriguez. The new Adidas Ace GTI 2016 boots bring a completely new, laceless and knitted design to the Adidas lineup.
Let's take a detailed look at the different features of the all-new Adidas Ace GTI boots, as well as information about prices, release date and the launch colorway.
Adidas Ace 16+ GTI - Primeknit + Upper
The new Adidas Ace 16+ GTI football boots feature an advanced, knitted Primeknit upper, based on the foundations laid out by this year's Adidas Primeknit 2.0 cleats and the more recent Adidas Ace 15 and X 15 Primeknit soccer boots. Whereas the material itself appears to be the same, the upper of the upcoming Adidas Ace GTI cleats is molded differently than the latter two and reveals more a more distinct structure, similar to the Primeknit 2.0.
To increased stability and durability, Adidas has added a thin synthetic layer on top of the knitted upper, a technique already used by both Adidas and Nike for their knitted football boots. Just like with the Adidas Ace 16+ Primeknit boots, also set for a release next year, the laceless Adidas Ace GTI boots boast a larger area of Primeknit compared to earlier releases, going almost all the way to the heel.
Compared to the Adidas Ace Primeknit 2016 boots, the extended collar of the Adidas Ace 16+ GTI boots actually appears smaller, and also made from a different, more rough-textured material. Two straps are placed at the front and back of the collar to make it easier to put on the new laceless Adidas Ace football boots.
The same material is also used for the most futuristic feature of the Adidas Ace GTI, the part where the laces would be placed - if it had any. Offset towards the center, this construction is the key component to decide whether the Adidas Ace GTI cleats will work out as proposed by Adidas. It has to be both elastic and retain its shape over time to prevent the boots from widening too much after extensive use.
Contrary to the regular and Primeknit Adidas Ace 2016 boots, the Adidas Ace 16 GTI football boots only feature Adidas brandings on the lateral side, while the bold 3 Stripes also don't go all the way as on the other two variants. On top of that, Adidas has added a structure connecting the three stripes.
Adidas Ace 16+ GTI - Outsole + External Heel Counter
The sole plate of the Adidas Ace GTI is the exact same one as used for the regular Adidas Ace 16.1 and the knitted Adidas Ace 16+ Primeknit football boots. Completely redesigned from the FG / AG alignment introduced by the Adidas Ace 15 cleats, it boasts a much more traditional layout, designed to offer traction and control. Albeit it's still marketed for both firm ground (FG) and artificial grass (AG) surfaces, the Adidas Ace GTI 2016 boots' sole plate doesn't feature the second layer of studs which made the mixed design a success for the previous generation.
In fact, the 'new' sole plate for the Adidas Ace 2016 boots is already in use by professionals all-over, as the likes of Özil, Lahm, Neuer and Xabi Alonso received customized Adidas Ace 15.1 boots with the same layout of 11 traditional, conical studs.
The shape and height of the external heel counter of the all-new Adidas Ace 16+ GTI cleats has also been altered to complement the new sole plate and the overall design and look of the new laceless Adidas boots.
Adidas Ace 16+ GTI - Price + Release Date + Launch Colorway
Adidas is set to launch the all-new Adidas Ace GTI 2016 football boots in mid-January 2016. It will only be available in the FG / AG variant and retail at $300 (approx. 300 €, approx. £250), compared to the $250 and $200 of the Primeknit and regular versions, respectively.
The mid-January release means that the Adidas Ace 16.1 GTI boots will take the center stage for Adidas, with the other new models only expected to be launched in February. The Adidas Ace 16+ GTI soccer cleat will be dropped in a striking 'Solar Green / Shock Pink / Core Black' colorway initially (see the same paint job for the regular Adidas Ace 16.1 above).
Adidas Ace 16+ GTI - Who Will Wear Them?
It will be very interesting to see which players will lace up in the cutting-edge Adidas Ace GTI football boots come January, even more so after Adidas designers themselves announced that 'this type of boot is not going to be for everyone.' The likes of Mesut Özil, Ivan Rakitic, Oscar and James Rodriguez are expected to try the new boots in training shortly, and you may rest assured we'll update you if other players give them a runout during the next two months.
Generally, predicting the exact players to sport the new laceless Adidas Ace 2016 cleats is almost impossible, as many Adidas players have switched back and forth between the silos, especially since the reshaping of its football boot lineup this summer. James Rodriguez, for example, was expected to wear the Primeknit Adidas Ace 2015 boots and is currently playing in the regular, synthetic Adidas Ace 15.1 boots.
What do you think of the Adidas 16+ GTI soccer cleats? Did we miss something? Let us know in the comments below.
Adidas Italy EQT Retro Collection Released
Adidas has rolled out a dedicated 1990s-inspired EQT lifestyle collection for the Italian national team, via @luketaylorfc. Drawing from the iconic Equipment era's geometric color-blocking, the retro range includes a track top, matching track pants, an off-white t-shirt, and striped shorts. The pieces combine a deep navy base with prominent green, white, and red panels paying homage to the Italian flag, finished with a classic FIGC crest and vintage Adidas Trefoil branding as part of the brand's broader national team heritage lineup.
Adidas 26-27 Champions League Stage Ball Used by Arsenal in Friendly
The Adidas Champions League 26-27 League Phase Ball made an early appearance during Arsenal's two most recent pre-season friendlies.
This could very well be the final Champions League League Phase ball produced by Adidas, as Nike is expected to take over as the official match ball supplier for UEFA men's club competitions starting from the 27-28 season.
Big thanks to @jerseystory_vn for spotting this detail and creating the graphic.
River Plate 26-27 Away Kit Released
River Plate and Adidas have officially launched the club's new away kit for the 26-27 season. The new strip marks the return of the iconic tricolor look, celebrating the Argentine club's rich history and traditional aesthetic.
The Adidas River Plate 26-27 away shirt features classic vertical stripes combining red and white, separated by thin black pinstripes. Adding a distinct heritage touch, the jersey features the retro Adidas Trefoil logo in red on the right chest alongside the current club crest. The collar and cuffs are styled in crisp white, while black side panels complete the design.
White shorts with black stripes and matching socks complete the primary look of the new River Plate 26-27 away kit, while an alternative black shorts option is also available. The strip is already available for purchase through official club and Adidas channels.
Burnley Announce Emergency Front-of-Shirt Sponsor Change for 26-27 Season
Burnley have officially terminated their front-of-shirt partnership with prop trading company Finotive One just weeks after announcing the deal. UK automotive retailer Vertu Motors has stepped up to become the club's new Official Front of Shirt Principal Partner for the 26-27 season, covering the men's, women's, and academy teams.
The unexpected change comes right at the start of the Championship season, requiring an immediate update to all Castore matchday and replica kits. The updated kits now feature the Vertu wordmark alongside its shield icon across the center of the chest on all playing shirts.
To accommodate fans who already bought the 26-27 replica shirts with the previous sponsor printed on them, Burnley is offering free re-branding to overlay the new Vertu logo onto existing jerseys. Supporters also have the option to return their shirts for a full refund or exchange them for the updated version.
Manchester United 26-27 Third Kit Features Nameset Discrepancy
Manchester United and Adidas have released their new 26-27 third kit, featuring an ivory base with deep red accents and dark green trim inspired by the iconic doors of the Salford Lads and Girls Club.
Following the release, kit collector @TheShirtUnion noticed an interesting detail regarding the custom cup font on the back. In promotional photography featuring Lisandro Martínez, the player name is applied in a classic curved arch across the upper back. However, official product listings on the club's online shop depict player names in a straight horizontal arrangement.
Such variations between promotional photoshoot samples and official store graphics are not unusual for bespoke club cup namesets. While the standard online printing option appears to default to the straight layout, supporters may see the curved style applied during cup fixtures or through select retail printing services.
Al Nassr 26-27 Third Kit Leaked - Official Images
Official images of the Al Nassr 26-27 third kit have leaked online, revealing an elegant design crafted by Adidas. The new shirt features a clean off-white base paired with rich gold detailing throughout, giving the Saudi Pro League club a sophisticated look for the upcoming season. Big thanks to @KamilBerberler.
The design is defined by subtle vertical stripes featuring intricate ornamental patterns running down the front and back of the shirt. Metallic gold trim highlights the collar, sleeve cuffs, and the iconic Adidas Three Stripes on the shoulders. The chest displays a monochromatic golden Al Nassr emblem alongside the gold Adidas logo, complemented by matching sponsor branding.
Completing the detailed look, a golden Saudi emblem featuring the palm tree and crossed swords sits on the upper back below the collar. Off-white shorts and socks with matching gold accents complete the full 26-27 third strip.
Atromitos FC 26-27 Home Kit Released
Greek Super League side Atromitos FC and kit manufacturer Capelli Sport have officially revealed the club's new home kit for the 26-27 season.
The Atromitos FC 26-27 home jersey offers a fresh take on the team's traditional white and blue colors. Featuring a white base, the front of the shirt is covered in slanted, diagonal blue graphic lines that form broken vertical stripes. Capelli's signature four-square logo motif appears on the shoulders in blue, alongside the club crest on the left chest and Novibet sponsorship across the middle.
The back of the jersey remains mostly solid white, accented by blue player numbering with a distinct lined font structure and lower-back sponsor branding.