Totally Different Boots? Difference Between Original & Updated Adidas Ace 17+ Purecontrol
Since the discussion about Adidas' decision to heavily update the upper on the Ace 17+ PureControl has only gained traction recently, with players like Mesut Özil opting for the first-gen Ace 16+ instead, we decided to take a closer look at what exactly Adidas changed between the two boots.
While it may seem like there are no major differences between the two models, there is actually quite a significant difference between both boots. The original release from Adidas saw a full Primeknit upper, using almost the identical construction to the collar as the 16+. The new updated 17+ model however is not actually a Primeknit collar and the only Primeknit on the shoe can be found on the forefoot as seen in the picture below.
New Ace 17+ Purecontrol Material
The new material featured on the Purecontrol upper is a textile called Controlskin which is very similar to the TechFit collar used in the Adidas X models. The new material allows for better lockdown and a tighter fit. It also allows for the skin of the boot to reach higher into the midfoot as the Primeknit construction on the original release version meant a large amount of the Primeknit had to be left raw so there was enough flexibility and stretch to fit your foot into it.
Overall because the two boots have different materials for the majority of the upper, this means that they will feel and fit very differently. If you have a narrow foot than you will have no problem using the new Purecontrol. However, if you already struggled to fit into the 16+ or the first 17+ model, then the new tighter construction of the updated Purecontrol will make it near impossible for you to fit in properly as the overall shape of the shoe is much more narrow and tighter fitting, making it a lot harder to put on compared to the previous model.
Let us know down below what you think of adidas decision to change the Purecontrol.
FUS Rabat 26-27 Home & Away Kits Released
Moroccan Botola Pro side FUS Rabat has officially unveiled its new home and away kits for the 26-27 season, manufactured by Spanish brand Joma. The capital club steps into the new campaign with a coordinated and sharp visual identity across both strips.
The Joma FUS Rabat 26-27 home shirt is predominantly red, anchored by a prominent central white stripe that runs down the body, broken only for the main sponsor. The fabric features an understated tonal texture throughout, accompanied by a clean white crew neck collar. Inverting the look, the 26-27 away shirt relies on a clean white base centered around a bold red vertical stripe and matching red accents.
Both jerseys carry the traditional FUS Rabat crest on the left chest, with Novec Groupe CDG and Cosumar featured as shirt sponsors. The away kit also includes neat Arabic calligraphy spelling out "Rabat" on the upper back above the player names and numbers. Matching shorts and socks complete the Moroccan club's new 26-27 wardrobe.
Sam Kerr Debuts Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 Signature Boots
Sam Kerr has officially given her new Nike Mercurial signature boots their on-pitch debut, stepping out for Gotham FC in the vibrant design. Following Nike's official launch of the pair on September 21, 2026, the Australian forward wasted no time lacing them up for competitive action. Kerr took to the pitch wearing her preferred low-cut iteration of the silhouette, continuing her longstanding preference for low collars over the high dynamic fit collar.
This boot follows Kerr's debut signature Mercurial from 2025, which took inspiration from the coastal beaches of her hometown Perth.
Croatia Debuts Adidas 26-27 Away Kit
Croatia officially kicked off its new era with Adidas on Saturday night, debuting the 26-27 away kit during a 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory against Czechia in Prague. The match marked the first on-pitch appearance for the Vatreni in the three stripes following the conclusion of their 26-year partnership with Nike this summer.
The new Croatia 26-27 away strip is predominantly deep blue and features an intricate tonal graphic inspired by the country's centuries-old lacemaking heritage from regions such as Pag and Lepoglava. The textured pattern is complemented by vibrant coral red accents across the V-neck collar, sleeve cuffs, and shoulder stripes, while the chest features a clean white Trefoil logo opposite the federation crest.
Completed with matching deep blue shorts and socks, the kit looked sharp on the pitch and has earned praise from supporters for its blend of cultural motifs and modern detailing.
