Radical Redesign - Current-Gen Adidas X 17 vs All-New Next-Gen Adidas X 18
Some weeks ago, we compared the Adidas X 17+ Purespeed football boots with the all-new laceless next-gen Adidas X 18+ football boots. Now we want to compare the alternative, more traditional high-end versions of the silo, the Adidas X 18.1 and the Adidas X 17.1.
Adidas X 17.1 vs X 18.1 Soccer Cleats
Upper
A whole new era for the silo, the next-generation Adidas X 18.1 soccer cleats are made for ultimate speed featuring a completely revamped upper. They have 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 Adidas X 17.1 featured an one-piece techfit compression upper.
Sole Plate
Just as the upper, the sole plate is also completely new. The Adidas X 18.1 features a ultra-lightweight, minimalistic sole plate that reminds many of the Adidas F50 Adizero sole plate.
Comparison
| Version | Current-Gen Adidas X 17.1 | Next-Gen Adidas X 18.1 |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Upper | One-piece techfit compression upper | Speedmesh upper with asymmetrical lacing and speed closure system |
| NSG (Non-Stop Grip) Technology | ✓ | ✓ |
| Outsole | Sprintframe outsole with 'Chaos' Stud alignment | Minimalistic Speedframe outsole with Arrowhead design forefoot studs and round heel studs |
| Weight | 216 gram (6.8 oz) | ??? |
| Price | 220 USD | 220 Euro | 180 GBP | 200 USD | 200 Euro | 180 GBP |
Adidas X 17.1 vs Adidas X 18.1 Football Boots - Overall
All in all, it can be said that the next-gen Adidas X bring the silo in a new era - The next-generation Adidas X 18.1 football boot is all about speed and acceleration, whereas the Adidas X 17.1 was designed for players who 'create chaos on the pitch'.
The Adidas X 18.1 will be available for around 220 USD (220 Euro, 180 GBP), the same price as the current-gen Adidas X 17.1.
Do you like that Adidas has radically changed the Adidas X boot? Share your thoughts in the comments below and check out all leaked boots in the Boot Calendar.
Urawa Red Diamonds 26-27 Home Kit Teased - Launch Next Week
Japanese J1 League club Urawa Red Diamonds have officially teased their new 26-27 kit. The club announced through their official social media channels that the full details and design of the new uniform will be revealed on June 26, 2026.
The teaser image released by the club gives very little away regarding the actual design of the shirt, but it confirms the continuation of their long-standing partnership with American sportswear brand Nike.
A Look Back at World Cup Shirt Number Typography
Football kit design account @PaladarNegroWeb has shared an interesting retrospective on the typography used for shirt numbers in recent World Cups. The visual language of football kits is often defined by these details, with fonts becoming instantly recognizable symbols of specific tournaments and eras.
The collage highlights various iconic typefaces worn by national teams on the biggest stage. spanning from the 2006 World Cup to the FIFA World Cup.
This overview is part of an ongoing series by the account exploring the visual elements of football. It serves as a great reminder of how deeply typography impacts the overall aesthetic and legacy of a football shirt.
Morecambe 26-27 Home & Away Kits Released
Morecambe FC have officially launched their new 26-27 home and away kits, produced by Surridge Sports. The club received massive backlash for posting AI images for the launch, and later posted a clearer CAD of the home shirt.
The home shirt features the club's traditional red color palette with black detailing, while the away kit introduces a bold combination of purple and yellow. Both designs incorporate modern elements to provide a fresh look for the upcoming National League North campaign.
The new Surridge Sports Morecambe 2026-27 jerseys are currently available for pre-order through the club's official online store.
