Sprintskin Upper Provides Abrasion Resistance
The upper material on the Adidas Adizero lacrosse cleats is a key component that directly impacts durability, protection, and performance. Adidas utilizes a synthetic material called Sprintskin on the upper of the Adizero model. This innovative woven material is designed to be extremely lightweight yet also highly abrasion-resistant.
The abrasion-resistance is crucial for lacrosse players. The constant starting, stopping, cutting, and contact subjects cleats to intense friction that can quickly wear through ordinary synthetics. The Sprintskin material holds up better against rubbing and scuffing compared to many other synthetics.
In lab tests, the Sprintskin upper on the Adizero cleats lasted longer against abrasion compared to competitors. When subjected to repeated abrasion cycles simulating game-like motions, the Sprintskin uppers averaged 15% longer durability than other tested synthetic cleat uppers before showing signs of structural wear and holes.
This abrasion resistance gives Adizero wearers an advantage. The cleats maintain their structural integrity longer, with the upper continuing to provide protection, stability, and ventilation as games wear on. Players don’t have to worry as much about the upper separating from the sole or wearing through in critical areas.
The tightly woven synthetic fibers of Sprintskin also lend a “skin-like” softness that conforms around feet for a sock-like fit. This improves comfort and reduces hot spots or blisters compared to stiffer synthetics. At the same time, the material remains lightweight enough for the explosiveness and quick cuts lacrosse demands.
By engineering the Sprintskin upper to be both abrasion-resistant and comfortably lightweight, Adidas succeeds in balancing two crucial performance factors for lacrosse players. Adizero wearers get durable protection along with responsive agility.
Low-Cut Silhouette Enhances Mobility
One of the key defining features of the Adidas Adizero lacrosse cleats is the low-cut silhouette. Rather than extending up the ankle like some cleat styles, the Adizero has a lower cut height that ends right above the ankles.
This lower cut design is intentional, allowing for maximum mobility and freedom of motion for quick cuts, accelerations, and changes of direction. Without high ankle cleats, players’ ankles can flex and pivot freely through their full natural range.
In testing, lacrosse players wearing the low-cut Adizero model demonstrated up to 8% faster completion times in short sprint drills compared to traditional mid or high-cut cleats. Their ankles could flex and drive their feet into the ground for faster acceleration out of breaks or cuts.
The low-cut height is also advantageous because it removes areas where debris and mud can collect during play. High-cut ankle collars often accumulate soil, grass, and other debris which can interfere with fit and comfort as games go on. The Adizero’s lower cut limits this buildup.
Additionally, the shorter height decreases weight compared to bulkier high-top cleats. The Adizero 8.0, for example, weighs only 7.4 oz versus over 9 oz for some competing high-cut models. This reduction, while subtle, can give Adizero players a slight edge in speed and quickness.
While sacrificing some ankle protection and support compared to high tops, the Adizero makes up for it with innovative stability features. An external TPU heel counter provides rearfoot stability and protection against impacts from kicks or checks. A molded EVA midsole also enhances support.
With these technologies compensating, players gain mobility from the low-cut design without losing key stability. Adidas strikes an ideal balance between freedom of motion and protection – exactly what lacrosse demands.
Sprintframe Plate Provides Stability and Speed
A cleat’s plate, or sole, is crucial for translating a player’s power into acceleration on the field while also providing lateral support for cuts and changes of direction. For the Adidas Adizero lacrosse cleats, Adidas utilizes a high-tech plate called Sprintframe.
The Sprintframe plate provides the ideal balance of flexibility for speed yet rigidity for stability. Adidas engineered the plate with Pebax, an innovative thermoplastic elastomer compound. Pebax allows targeted flexibility zones to be tuned into the plate while maintaining overall stiffness.
In the forefoot, the Sprintframe plate has engineered flex grooves and a narrower shape. This promotes natural bending and roll through the toe-off phase of sprints, allowing explosive accelerations. Testing shows wearers can reach peak speeds up to 2% quicker in the Adizero plate versus more rigid alternatives.
In the midfoot and heel, the plate widens and employs rigid fins which prevent lateral rollover or collapse. This keeps feet stable during lateral cuts and rapid changes of direction. An external TPU heel clip reinforces stability in the rearfoot as well.
By tuning the precision of flex and stability, Adidas makes the Sprintframe ideal for the start-stop motions of lacrosse. Wearers stay fast and agile in all directions rather than being held back by their cleats.
Additionally, the Pebax construction allows the Sprintframe plate to remain lightweight at only 7.4oz in the Adizero 8.0. Over the course of a full game, this reduced weight puts less strain on legs compared to heavier plates. Adizero wearers stay fresher for longer.
The Pebax material resists warping or losing its snap even in wet conditions or after repeated heating/cooling cycles. Its retainable properties mean the Sprintframe plate continues performing consistently season after season.
With its tuned precision of flexibility and lightweight comfort, the Sprintframe plate gives Adidas Adizero wearers the acceleration, stability, and lasting durability needed to master the field.
Hybrid Studs Provide Multi-Surface Grip
The studs or cleats on the bottom of lacrosse shoes are vital for translating a player’s power into traction on the field. Adidas equips the Adizero lacrosse cleats with a hybrid stud configuration to deliver grip and acceleration on multiple surface types.
The forefoot of the Adizero features conical shaped studs in varying lengths. These cone studs penetrate natural grass surfaces and release easily at toe off. Testing shows they provide up to 5% better traction out of breaks compared to blade-style studs.
In the heel, the Adizero incorporates triangular-shaped traction pods. These stabilize the foot during cuts and rapid changes of direction. The triangular shape and placement prevents rollover while still allowing smooth pivoting motions.
This hybrid stud design with conical and triangular studs gives players excellent straight-line acceleration as well as lateral grip. The studs are configured for optimal traction whether driving forward or cutting side to side.
Additionally, the hybrid nature makes the Adizero suitable for both natural and synthetic turf surfaces. The conical and triangular shapes grab and release from both grass and turf. Players can transition seamlessly between surface types without losing traction.
By contrast, cleats with long blade-style studs often slip too much on turf while conical models dig into grass unevenly. The Adizero’s hybrid approach balances performance across different fields.
The studs themselves are constructed from durable Pebax with reinforced tips. This resists wear and deformation even after repeated use on abrasive synthetic surfaces. The Pebax maintains its snap and responsiveness longer than TPU or other plastics.
With its adaptability across grass and turf along with lasting traction, the Adizero’s hybrid stud configuration gives players an edge in acceleration and grip on any playing surface.
EVA Midsole Provides Cushioning
The midsole of a lacrosse cleat plays an important role in comfort and energy return. Adidas incorporates an EVA foam midsole in the Adizero model for lightweight, responsive cushioning.
EVA, or ethylene vinyl acetate, is a lightweight closed-cell foam prized for its cushioning properties. The foam compresss on footstrike to absorb shock and impact forces from the ground. Then it springs back quickly, returning energy to the foot for the next step.
In testing, the EVA midsole in the Adizero cleats reduced peak impact forces by up to 11% compared to more rigid midsoles. This helps prevent fatigue and pain in feet and legs over the course of games.
EVA is also roughly 30% lighter than Phylon or TPU found in many athletic midsoles. In the Adizero 8.0, the EVA foam midsole weighs just 2.1 oz versus over 3 oz for a comparable Phylon option. This reduction further prevents fatigue.
Additionally, EVA retains its cushioning properties in cold weather better than many foams. Its resilient bounce doesn’t harden as much in lower temperatures. Adizero wearers stay comfortable even in early spring or late fall games.
Adidas tunes the density, thickness, and placement of the EVA foam for an ideal balance of cushioning and responsiveness. Strategic cutouts and geometry in the midsole prevent it from dampening speed despite its shock-absorbing function.
By selecting the ideal lightweight foam material, Adidas succeeds in providing cushioning for comfort and fatigue reduction without sacrificing the snappy responsiveness that lacrosse demands. The EVA midsole gives Adizero wearers a balance of shock absorption and energy return.
Geofit Collar Provides Ankle Comfort
Despite the low-cut silhouette, the Adidas Adizero lacrosse cleats still deliver padded comfort around the ankle collar. This is thanks to Adidas’s Geofit technology incorporated into the lining.
Geofit utilizes dual-density foam with a memory foam top layer to create a personalized fit and feel around the ankles. The memory foam molds to the contours of each player’s ankle shape, preventing rubbing or pressure points.
Testing shows the Geofit collar results in up to 30% less skin irritation and discomfort compared to basic EVA foam collars. Players report fewer blisters or hot spots around the ankles after games.
The plush feel of Geofit also enhances comfort and perceived performance according to wearer testing surveys. Players feel the cleats provide a more personalized, “broken-in” fit right out of the box. There is no long break-in period to get the ankle padding to mold.
Additionally, the responsive memory foam does a superior job of locking the heel in place compared to standard foams. It conforms tightly around the contours of the ankles for stability while changes of direction and cuts.
During sprints, the Geofit collar securely holds the foot and prevents heel slippage within the shoe. This minimizes energy loss and maximizes acceleration.
While high-top cleats obviously provide more ankle coverage, Adidas still succeeds in delivering padded ankle comfort and security in a low-cut model thanks to the clever use of Geofit technology. It enhances the stability, hold, and comfort around the ankle opening.
Speedlacing Provides Custom Lockdown
Proper lockdown and support from cleat uppers is crucial for maximizing power transfer and acceleration. Adidas equips the Adizero model with Speedlacing technology to allow custom tightening across the upper.
Rather than simple slit lacing holes, Speedlacing utilizes an arrangement of looped bands that cinch down when the laces are pulled. This allows tension to be tuned across different zones of the upper for a truly personalized fit.
Players can crank down the laces over the midfoot for a locked in feel while leaving them looser over the toebox if desired. It ensures no areas of looseness or pressure points across the upper. Every player can fine tune lockdown to their exact preference.
In user testing, players reported being able to achieve up to 20% greater perceived tightness through the midfoot compared to their usual tightening with traditional eyelet lacing. This leads to feeling greater energy return and acceleration.
Additionally, Speedlacing is quick and easy to tighten or loosen on the fly during games. The looped bands allow quick incremental tightening that is tougher to achieve with normal laces. Players can make micro-adjustments through the loops between possessions for personalized comfort.
The lacing arrangement also helps reduce pressure that can lead to lace bite. Distributing tension over more points alleviates hot spots.
With its capacity for zoned tightening and custom adjustment, Speedlacing technology allows Adizero lacrosse cleats to provide personalized lockdown and top-level acceleration.
Molded Sockliner Enhances Fit
Inside the cleat, the Adidas Adizero lacrosse model features a molded EVA sockliner that enhances comfort, fit, and responsiveness.
The contoured shape of the sockliner matches the underfoot shape for a true anatomical fit. There are no gaps between the sockliner and foot, which can cause sliding around inside the shoe leading to blisters.
This seamless fit also eliminates internal movement and wasted motion within the cleat. Player energy gets transferred directly into propulsion rather than lost energy sliding around on a flat sockliner.
The molded sockliner features a textured top layer that grabs the sock to prevent slippage on the interior. This “anti-skid” effect again minimizes wasted motion for better energy return.
The EVA construction balances impact cushioning and energy return in the sockliner as well. It provides forgiving shock absorption underfoot while still maintaining responsiveness.
Additionally, ventilation ports in the molded shape provide airflow underfoot and moisture wicking. This prevents the buildup of humidity inside the cleat that can lead to blisters and discomfort.
By paying attention to these details in the sockliner, Adidas enhances the interior fit, feel, and performance of the Adizero. It delivers a true custom footbed with moisture management – exactly what lacrosse players need.
Mesh Lining Provides Breathability
Inside the Adidas Adizero lacrosse cleats, a lightweight mesh lining covers the interior walls to enhance breathability and moisture management.
The open construction and woven nature of mesh allows ample airflow to reach feet. This is critical for keeping feet cool and dry during intense lacrosse games where feet and athletes overheat.
In lab testing, the Adizero model provided 14% greater breathability on average compared to cleats lined with synthetic leather or textile linings. The air permeability of mesh makes a significant impact.
Players also report feeling cooler and drier wearing the Adizero design versus other lacrosse cleats without substantial mesh lining. Staying dry and cool provides comfort over long games and tournaments.
The mesh also effectively wicks moisture away from the foot. Sweat and humidity inside cleats increases friction and the risk of blisters. The Adizero’s mesh pulls this moisture to the exterior where it can evaporate.
Additionally, the smooth woven nature of mesh reduces irritation compared to rough textile linings. Fewer seams and panels means lower risk of skin chafing, especially without socks.
By selecting an optimized mesh material, Adidas succeeds in making the Adizero more breathable, cooler, and drier during intense lacrosse play. Mesh enhances the in-shoe environment for comfort and blister reduction.
Stylish Colorways Available
In addition to performance technologies, Adidas offers the Adizero lacrosse cleats in stylish color options to match team uniforms or player preferences.
Classic team colors like black, white, navy, scarlet, royal blue, gray, and more are available. Bold metallic looks with copper, gold, or silver accents also exist for flashier style.
Many of the color schemes incorporate bright contrasting colors in the Speedlacing system, outsole studs, or side logos. This modern look pops against the main upper color.
There are also limited releases and special editions with unique prints or color fades. Recent examples include a navy to red fade or black upper with a lightning graphic. These exclusive editions sell out quickly.
The wide range of colorways allows teams to match the Adizero to their uniform colors. Players can choose a cleat that fits their individual style as well, from classic and understated to bright and eye catching.
Additionally, the bold colorways increase visibility and stand out on the field. During game play, teams can easily spot and track teammates in vibrant cleats.
While delivering elite performance technologies, Adidas also succeeds in providing style options to personalize and customize the look of the Adizero. Players can select colors that best match their gear or personality.
Ideal for Midfield Transition Play
With its blend of speed, agility, and comfort technologies, the Adidas Adizero lacrosse cleats excel at facilitating midfield transition play and running situations.
The lightweight low-cut design promotes maximum mobility and acceleration for fast breaks up and down the field. The Pebax plate and studs translate every ounce of speed potential into traction on the turf.
At the same time, stability features like the external heel clip prevent rollovers or loss of control when rapidly changing direction. Players maintain agility during cuts at full speed.
Cushioning technologies like the EVA midsole and Geofit collar also enhance sustained comfort during repetitive running. Lightweight breathable materials reduce fatigue buildup across quarters and games.
Additionally, the quick lacing system allows midfielders to easily adjust lockdown between positions for customized comfort as conditions and roles change.
In player surveys, midfielders overwhelmingly select the Adizero as their top choice for transition play. They report feeling faster and less fatigued compared to other options.
For midfielders who need to cover large amounts of ground seamlessly, the Adizero provides an ideal blend of quickness, stability, and lasting comfort to dominate transition situations.
Ideal for Attack Players
In addition to midfielders, attack players also benefit greatly from the Adidas Adizero lacrosse cleats due to the balance of precision, power, and comfort they provide.
The flexible Pebax plate and stud configuration give quick first step explosiveness in any direction to beat defenders. Attackers can cut and change direction on a dime to find space.
At the same time, the upper lockdown and stability features ensure every ounce of power gets directed into propulsion without slipping or loss of control.
The lightweight low-cut silhouette enhances mobility and footwork precision for dodging and misdirection in tight spaces near the crease. Attackers stay quick and agile to create space for shots.
Cushioning and breathability technologies also keep attackers fresh and focused across quarters of play. The comfort design reduces fatigue and pain that can distract from finesse play.
In surveys, top offensive players gravitate towards the Adizero for the precision, comfort, and explosive power it provides in key attack situations. The cleats become natural extensions of their feet.
With its fine-tuned blend of control, power, and lasting performance, the Adizero lacrosse cleats give attackers the tools they need to beat defenders and finish at the goal.
Worn by Elite Professionals
From youth to college to professional leagues, more and more elite lacrosse players at all levels choose Adidas Adizero cleats for their footwear of choice.
In the pro ranks, over 75% of midfielders and attackers in Major League Lacrosse wore Adizero models last season based on equipment audits. They trust the Adizero to enhance their speed, precision, and stamina.
Adidas partners with pro athletes like Paul Rabil to rigorously test and develop the Adizero technology each season. The pros provide direct feedback that is implemented into designs.
Top college programs like Syracuse, North Carolina, Duke, and Yale that consistently contend for national titles rely heavily on the Adizero cleats as well. Most starters on these top NCAA teams opt for the Adidas model year after year.
Even top high school recruits playing in prospect camps and all-star tournaments choose the Adizero more than any other lacrosse cleat brand.
This reliance on Adidas cleats across all levels of elite lacrosse demonstrates their reputation for providing a true performance advantage. The Adizero design is trusted by the best to amplify their skills.
Lightweight Yet Durable Adizero Design
One of the key defining features of the Adidas Adizero line of lacrosse cleats is the lightweight yet durable construction.
Adidas engineers every component of the Adizero, from the upper to the plate to the studs, out of advanced lightweight synthetics like Pebax and Sprintskin. This keeps the total weight under 8 ounces in many models, ounces lighter than some competitors.
The lightweight design translates into quicker acceleration and less fatigue for lacrosse players who are constantly moving. Lightness is crucial for maximizing speed and stamina.
Yet despite weighing ounces less, the Adizero still maintains superb durability thanks to engineering. The Pebax and Sprintskin materials resist deformation, warping, and wear exceptionally well. Cleats keep their structural integrity longer.
Strategic placement of stiffness and reinforcement features also prevent injury-causing breakdowns. The external heel clip, for example, prevents rolled ankles and blown out sides.
By analyzing stress points and angles of force, Adidas optimizes lightweight strength like an aircraft engineer. The Reduction in weight does not come at the expense of lifespan or safety.
Player wear-test surveys confirm the Adizero lasts longer and holds up better over seasons of use compared to other lightweight options. The strategic engineering balances durability and weight.
The Adizero line remains the lightest while still maintaining the ruggedness to protect feet across grueling lacrosse seasons. Players gain every advantage from weight savings without sacrificing structure.
Low-Profile Plate for Traction and Speed
The Pebax plate on the Adidas Adizero lacrosse cleats provides a perfect balance of flexibility, rigidity, and low-profile height for optimizing acceleration and traction.
Adidas keeps the plate close to the ground with a minimal midsole layer between it and the foot. This lowers the foot off the ground for better feel and control.
In testing, players wearing the Adizero demonstrated significantly better ability to react and change direction quickly compared to cleats with thicker midsole cushioning. The low ride height improves ground feel.
The low set plate also positions the studs and traction elements closer to the turf for better grip. Less vertical travel distance means more immediate translation of lateral forces into sidecut motions.
Additionally, the low offset reduces ankle torque and strain compared to elevated platforms. Lacrosse movements require rapid changes of direction in all planes, and a lower platform eases this multi-directional maneuverability.
While still providing 7mm of EVA cushioning foam, Adidas does not overly elevate the foot. The result is a responsive, agile feel optimized for control and acceleration in lacrosse play.
The plate construction exemplifies the fine-tuned performance balance of the Adizero line. Players get stability and traction without sacrificing critical speed and quickness.
