Return of the Speed Boot: Next-Gen Adidas X 18 Boots Leaked - Pictures, Colorways, Features, Release Date
Dec 21, 2017, by Pat
Today we want to bring you everything you need to know about the upcoming generation of the Adidas X, which is set to debut at the 2018 World Cup.
After the previous generational jump from the X 16 to the X 17 was marginal at best, the Adidas X 18 football boots will bring much more new features and changes to the table.
It's almost a totally new direction for the model. Whereas the silo was launched as 'chaos boot' in 2015, the Adidas X 18 football shoes are much more centered around speed, similar to the discontinued Adidas Adizero line.
Adidas X 18.1 - First Pictures
Here's your first look at the Adidas X 18.
Adidas X 18.1 - Features
The Adidas X 18 features an all-new asymmetrical lacing system, an all-new Speedmesh upper (front area) as well as an all-new speed closure system (rear area). The ultra-thin synthetic upper is made for lightweight and close ball control, while the speed closure system is designed for ultimate lockdown.
The collar of the Adidas X 18 boot has been also changed compared to the previous generation. Named the 'Claw collar', it comes with new stretch materials to provide stability, support and lock down fit.
Just as the upper and construction in rear, the outsole is also made for speed. The Adidas X 18 soccer shoe features a Speedframe outsole with a molded heel counter. A mixture of arrowhead forefoot studs and round heel studs provides perfect acceleration.
- Speedmesh upper engineered to offer minimalistic feel
- Speed closure system that combines lightweight thin speed laces weaved together through a cable-wire construction
- Claw collar with new stretch materials to provide stability, support and lock down fit
- Molded Heel counter provides a snug and stable fit that locks your foot firmly in place during explosive acceleration
- Speedframe outsole features state of the art lightweight drillium tooling and minimalistic construction offers traction for rapid acceleration.
- Arrowhead design forefoot studs for optimum traction and acceleration combined with round heel studs for lightning quick input and release.
Adidas X 18 - Debut Colorways and Release Dates
As mentioned in our article about Adidas' World Cup boots, the debut colorway of the next-gen Adidas X 18, set for a drop in late May / early June, will be blue with yellow brandings and a bit of black for accents.
In the following two months, Adidas will release two more paint jobs for the X 18. First, in July, the blackout Adidas pack will bring with it a X 18 with a black on black design and a bit of white as well. August will see another garish Adidas X 18 colorway in 'Solar Yellow', black and white.
Adidas X 18+
Less is known about the X18+ variant, which was spotted being worn by Gabriel Jesus in training earlier this year. Although we have no full feature list for this one, we can see that the trademark lace-cover construction is retained. Stay tuned for updates on this one as we receive them.
Are you happy with what Adidas has planned for the X 18? Drop us a line below, and check out the Boot Calendar for all the latest leaks and release dates.
First Time in 12 Years: Juventus Bring Back Long-Sleeved Kits on Pitch
Making his Juventus debut in the match against AC Milan, Nick Woltemade was the only Juventus player on the pitch wearing long sleeves. Excluding special-edition kits, the German strike became the first Bianconeri player made this choice since Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio back in the 13-14 season.
Remarkably, even Cristiano Ronaldo, a long-sleeve icon, never wore one during his time in Turin.
Liverpool Could Use a Text-Only Turkish Airlines Sponsor?
Liverpool have announced that Turkish Airlines will become the club's new shirt sponsor from the 2027-28 season, ending the Reds' 17-year partnership with Standard Chartered.
While early fan concepts have used Turkish Airlines' familiar circular bird logo above the wordmark, a text-only sponsor could also be a realistic option.
The airline previously used a simplified two-line “TURKISH AIRLINES” wordmark on River Plate's shirts between 2019 and 2022, while Turkish clubs such as Galatasaray and Samsunspor have also used streamlined typographic versions of the branding.
A text-only layout could give Liverpool's future Adidas shirts a cleaner, less crowded look. The final sponsor application has yet to be confirmed, with the partnership set to begin in June 2027.
