Comparing All Four Top Models of the Next-Gen Adidas Ace 16
2016 has only just started, but one of the most-awaited football boot launches of the year is already behind us. The revolutionary, laceless Adidas Ace 16+ PureControl soccer cleats were launched this week, but Adidas still has lots of other models of the next-gen Adidas Ace cleats to release.
Adidas will soon unveil the Adidas Ace 16.1 synthetic, leather and Primeknit versions, which are all boots that warrant to be called 'top model' without a doubt. But how do they compare to the Adidas Ace PureControl? Let's find out.
Adidas Ace 16+ PureControl
The all-new Adidas Ace 16+ PureControl is the most exquisite variant of the second generation of the Adidas Ace. It costs an estimated 300 Euro and brings a laceless concept to Adidas' football boot lineup for the first time in years. Tech features concerned, the laceless Adidas Ace cleats boast a Primeknit upper, while the sole plate is identical to all three other top models.
All in all, the Adidas Ace 16+ PureControl is the most exciting boot of the bunch, featuring both an unparalleled level of innovation and a unique overall design.
Adidas Ace 16+ Primeknit
Retailing at 250 Euro is the Adidas Ace 16+ Primeknit, which combines the Primeknit upper with traditional lacing. Other than the current Adidas Ace 15 Primeknit boots, the upcoming Adidas Ace 16+ Primeknit soccer cleats will be available a SG stud configuration.
Please note that the images of the Adidas Ace 16+ Primeknit in our dedicated article are showing the youth version of the boot, which boasts the same sole plate as the lower-tier Ace 16.2. The standard Adidas Ace 16 Primeknit cleats include the same plate and stud configuration as the other 16.1s, as well as the standout external heel counter.
Adidas Ace 16.1
The standard, synthetic Adidas Ace 16.1 is the closest to the boots first generation. Combining a new three-layer synthetic upper with a redesigned sole plate, it's available as FG (firm ground), SG (soft ground) and AG (artificial grass). It's the first time that the Adidas Ace will be available in a dedicated AG variant after the previous generation only included AG support in the FG/AG mix edition.
Adidas Ace 16.1 Leather
A kangaroo leather coating is added to the silhouette for the Adidas Ace 16.1 Leather soccer cleat. Parallel stitching in the forefoot area is designed to keep the material moldable, while the sole plate is the same on the previous three variants discussed in this overview.
Adidas Ace 16+ PureControl vs Adidas Ace 16+ Primeknit vs Adidas Ace 16.1 vs Adidas Ace 16.1 Leather
| Version | Ace 16+ PureControl | Ace 16+ Primeknit | Ace 16.1 | Ace 16.1 Leather |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | |
| Upper | Primeknit | Primeknit | Three-layer engineered synthetic | Kangaroo leather |
| Laceless | ✓ | X | X | X |
| Outsole | New, ultralight outsole | New, ultralight outsole | New, ultralight outsole | New, ultralight outsole |
| Heel counter | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Types | FG | FG
SG | FG
SG AG | FG
SG |
| Price | 300 Euro | 250 Euro | 210 Euro | 210 Euro |
The first Adidas Ace 16 football boots will be released February 1 in striking "Solar Green / Shock Pink / Black" coating, while regular color updates will follow throughout the year.
Which of the four Adidas Ace 16 top models is the best one in your opinion? Let us know in the comments below.
Inter Milan 2026-27 Dugout Jacket Leaked - Inspired by 26-27 Away Kit
We have the first image of a special Nike Inter Milan 2026-27 dugout jacket, showcasing a design heavily inspired by classic American sports apparel. Aligning perfectly with the aesthetic of the club's upcoming 2026-27 away kit, the varsity-style jacket features a blue body with contrasting white sleeves. It prominently displays a special circular "IM" monogram crest on the left chest, emphasizing the US baseball theme, alongside a classic white Nike Swoosh on the right.
Iwaki FC 26-27 Home and Away Kits Released
Japanese J.League side Iwaki FC has officially unveiled its new home and away kits for the upcoming 2026-2027 season.
Produced by technical sponsor Under Armour, the new primary jersey introduces a dynamic look centered around the club's vision of "becoming a light that illuminates the coast." The home shirt features Iwaki FC's signature "Growing Slash" pattern covering the entire fabric, a design choice meant to symbolize the team's powerful upward trajectory alongside the ongoing recovery and growth of the local Hamadori region.
For matches on the road, the Under Armour Iwaki FC 26-27 away kit introduces a bespoke aesthetic with deep local ties. The white, navy and red shirt incorporates the unique pattern from the "Fura City Iwaki" logo onto the sleeve cuffs, while the shoulder paneling features a custom design directly inspired by the maritime infrastructure of Iwaki's port.
Fans eager to get their hands on the new Under Armour kits have a tiered release schedule to look forward to ahead of the new season. An exclusive pre-sale for official fan club members begins on June 16 through the J.League Online Store, followed by a general pre-sale starting July 1. A full, widespread retail launch across physical club shops and Under Armour's official channels is scheduled for August 7.
Special PSG x Art Basel Edgar Plans Champions League Jersey Released
Paris Saint-Germain has officially launched a special limited-edition jersey in collaboration with Art Basel to celebrate the club's historic Champions League victory in the 2025-26 season. Designed by Spanish artist Edgar Plans, the capsule features a range of apparel, including t-shirts adorned with his signature colorful cartoon characters. The unique release merges football and contemporary art, commemorating PSG's European success with a distinctive and playful aesthetic.
Lovely: QPR 26-27 Home, Away, Third & Goalkeeper Kits All Feature Hoops
Queens Park Rangers have become the first Championship club to release their full set of kits for the 2026-27 season, and Erreà has delivered a uniquely consistent design approach by featuring hoops across all outfield and goalkeeper shirts. The traditional home shirt sports the classic blue and white hoops with amber trim, while the away kit introduces a two-tone lilac hoop design with a blue and white collar. Completing the outfield collection is a stealthy blackout third shirt with tonal hoops.
Every shirt also includes a special back neck logo commemorating the 60th anniversary of the club's 1966-67 League Cup victory, with the goalkeeper kits fully mirroring the hooped aesthetic of their outfield counterparts.
