2016 in professional soccer was the year of the Adidas cleat. Specifically, it was the year of the ACE 16+ Purecontrol Primeknit. While Lotto technically debuted the first laceless soccer cleat back in 2010 with the Zhero, it was made of plastic and was horribly uncomfortable. The ACE 16+ is the first laceless soccer cleat that is practical to wear and play in. The cleat makes use of Adidas’s Primeknit technology to hug your foot and offers a snug, performance fit without the laces. That’s about more than just dropping the bow knot — it actually changes the way players think about ball control. Look for it on the feet of pros like Manchester United’s Paul Pogba.
Upper: Primeknit
Weight: 7.9 ounces
Outsole: Ground Control outsole
Best For: playmakers