Coming from the ACE 16.1 Primeknit which won hearts all over the football world for their comfort, fit, and feel on the ball, the ACE 17.1 had plenty of expectations to meet. 

One of them being to innovate and improve an already popular and outstanding performing boot… so, we took to the turf to see just how they are, and what has changed.

Featured in the new ‘Blue Blast Pack’, the ACE is donned in a Blue and Black colour combo, with hits of Pink around the stripes and branding. A more up-beat looking boot, it still features a predominately black upper, fusing modern design and sleekness in one neat package.

Onto the upper and tech specs, Adidas went to having a PrimeKnit forefoot, and a ControlSkin midfoot and heel. PrimeKnit offers a soft and comfortable feel, with responsiveness on the ball to allow for more feedback and true touches.

Instead of opting for a full PrimeKnit upper, they engineered the all new ControlSkin, essentially being a much thinner, yet more structured construction than PrimeKnit. This is to ensure lockdown, tight fit, and a well nice pass pad which really bounces the ball of your feet.

In play, the PrimeKnit does in fact offer that sensation of responsiveness and true feedback. When running, it feels thinner than your normal boot in this bracket, offering a lightweight and fast sensation.

Hitting balls is a breeze, as it offers that ‘close to the ball’ feel whilst still remaining somewhat padded: perfect for the more traditionalist looking to break into some modern footy boots. Also scattered all over the boot are the Non-Stop-Grip dots, providing more grip in all conditions.

Although not super noticeable, the dots do provide a reasonable amount of extra grip, though it’s nothing too spectacular as the upper already has enough friction points to it. Coming to the ControlSkin part, the ACE is able to provide insane lock down and support, as the ControlSkin doesn’t stretch or move during play.

It allows some flex for your foot to move naturally, but doesn’t go wayward, which is vital for a football boot to be like. The higher cut ensures a boot-to-leg type fit, but most importantly offers an overall deeper, more ‘hugged’ fit around your foot. Passing and hitting balls with firmness is also a pleasure.

The thin nature of the ControlSkin means the ball gets closer to the firm surface of your feet, allowing for more rebound for that real ‘Ping!’ feel. The ACE is all for control, and you get to the control the ball properly in the new 17.1 variation.

Down below, the SprintFrame soleplate rests. Featuring an external heel counter for lockdown and Achilles protection, the SprintFrame uses conical studs to provide traction and manoeuvrability on every patch of grass you hit.

Testing them, we found the stud configuration to offer a real good amount of traction, pinning you to the ground an exerting you when you release, even on the wet surface we took them to.

The rounded nature of the studs allows for more pivoting, so that you can twist and turn with ease. We found it to be a simple playing experience, offering more than enough stability, support, and traction.

Overall, the ACE 17.1 PrimeKnit from Adidas is a top improvement from the previous ACE model. We’d be recommending this one to the all-rounder, as they offer plenty of attributes needed in football. Lightweight, responsive, supportive, comfortable, and offers a clean touch. A more modernised boot, the ACE does provide for players who are after a boot that will simply get the job done this season. And, you can’t beat that clean look its got…

To find yours, head to where we did: www.adidas.com.au. Keep up on the convo at @adidasAU on Instagram and Twitter, and also by using the hashtag, #NeverFollow

The Adidas ACE 17.1 is available now at rebel sport.