Adidas Adizero Electric Cleats Review: Lightweight Speed Meets Dangerous Traction

Introduction 

These are, without a doubt, the scariest cleats I’ve ever worn, and that says a lot considering I also own some of the most aggressive cleats ever made. But let me explain why. Today, we’re reviewing the Adidas Adizero Electric football cleats, Adidas’ answer to top-tier speed cleats like the Nike Vapor Edge 360 Pro 2 and the Under Armour Blur Smoke. These cleats promise elite-level performance for skill players, but as you’ll see, they come with both major upsides and real risks. Before we jump into the full breakdown, let’s start with the unboxing and get a full walkaround of the cleats.

Comfort and Fit

The first thing I noticed about the Adizero Electrics was how snug and streamlined they felt out of the box. Because these cleats are incredibly thin and built for speed, I decided to size down slightly, from my usual 12.5 to a 12, and they fit perfectly. In the past, I’ve had issues with Adidas cleats feeling too tight in the toe box, but these were surprisingly comfortable in that area. The molded synthetic heel cup wrapped around my foot beautifully, giving me a secure, locked-in sensation that I didn’t expect from such a minimal cleat.

Now, Adidas designed these with maximum ground feel in mind, which means there’s very little material between your foot and the traction plate. You’re basically one layer away from the studs. That thinness gives them an almost barefoot-like feel when running. The insole is fairly cushioned and does a good job of softening impact initially, and the padding around the heel is really solid. Even the sewn-in tongue feels almost invisible on top of your foot, there’s no bulk, no pressure.

For the first two hours of testing, it honestly felt like I wasn’t even wearing cleats. They’re that light. You’re just running with insane traction, as if it’s glued to your foot. But here’s the tradeoff: after that two-hour mark, the lack of cushioning really starts to take a toll. My feet felt sore and achy, especially after testing them on both turf and uneven, patchy grass. If you’re someone who needs a bit more underfoot comfort for longer sessions or games, this could be a deal-breaker.

Protection

This part is short and simple: there is virtually no protection in these cleats. They were built with speed in mind, not safety. The upper material is razor thin and offers no real resistance to impact. If you get stepped on, you’re going to feel it, no question. This might not be a huge issue for skill players who tend to avoid heavy contact, but it’s something to seriously consider if you’re playing in crowded areas or trenches.

Traction

Here’s where things get wild. The traction plate on the Adizero Electric is brand new for Adidas and it performs like nothing else I’ve tested. The plate features seven diamond-shaped studs along the outer edge, three studs in the rear, and these odd linear grooves that I still haven’t figured out the purpose of. But the big headline here is the grip, it’s absolutely insane.

The cleat plate is actually split into two distinct sections, and Adidas has clearly removed a ton of material in the forefoot to reduce weight. That helps keep these featherlight, but it also gives the cleats a very aggressive feel underfoot. When I tested these on a short turf field, the studs dug in and did not want to let go. That’s the scary part. While it’s great in a straight line, perfect for breakaway runs or full-speed sprints, it becomes dangerous if you don’t have perfect control during your cuts. When I tried to break sharply and plant, my foot stuck and I actually sprained the top of my foot. These cleats bite hard, and if your technique isn’t on point, that grip could do more harm than good.

On natural grass, the experience was far better. The diamond studs gripped the surface just right, giving me that same breakaway potential without the same level of resistance when cutting. So I’d definitely recommend these more for natural grass fields than turf, unless you know how to control every movement of your foot.

Weight

These cleats are ridiculously light, Adidas is still the king when it comes to lightweight football cleats. Every part of this cleat is designed to shed ounces. The materials are stripped down to the bare essentials, the heel tab is paper-thin, and the upper looks almost like a cheese grater with how many sections are cut out. From the ground up, these cleats were engineered to give you the lightest possible experience on the field.

Stability

This is where the tradeoffs between speed and security become really apparent. On the one hand, the traction plate offers elite grip, and the low-profile design helps you stay agile. But the upper is so thin and minimal that it doesn’t give you much in the way of foot support. I found myself constantly tightening the laces during testing because after a few hard cuts, the lack of structure allowed my foot to shift slightly. That little bit of movement loosened the laces, forcing me to stop and retighten repeatedly.

So while the traction is phenomenal in straight lines, you’ll need to be extremely disciplined in your footwork if you want to make quick direction changes without losing control. These cleats favor sprinters, not shifty route runners, unless you’ve trained to make up for what the upper doesn’t offer.

Style

When it comes to style, Adidas continues to dominate. The Adizero Electric cleats are available in an incredible range of colorways,19 to be exact. From Speed Juice (a bright neon green) to Zoombaz (a flashy purple), and even the Snack Attack series, Adidas has gone all-in on creativity. While not every colorway will work with every team uniform, the overall look of these cleats is clean and futuristic.

Now, I’ll admit I liked the design of last year’s model more. That one had a bit more character and intentionality. This year’s version feels slightly more soccer-inspired, a bit too minimal for my taste. Still, there’s no denying that Adidas is leading the way in terms of color options and aesthetic appeal. If you want to stand out, these will definitely get you noticed.

Price

Finally, let’s talk price. The Adidas Adizero Electric cleats retail at $130. That puts them in direct competition with the Nike Vapor Edge Pro 2 at $135 and the Under Armour Blur Smoke 2.0, which also sit at $130. So price-wise, they’re right in the middle of that premium speed cleat tier.

And while $130 is a solid price for what you’re getting, elite traction, extreme lightness, and tons of color options, it’s also worth considering the risks. The lack of protection and long-term comfort might not be worth it for every athlete. Still, for the right player, these cleats deliver on their promise of pure speed.

Final Verdict

The Adidas Adizero Electric cleats are not for everyone. They’re purpose-built for elite skill players who want the lightest, fastest cleats possible and are willing to sacrifice some comfort and protection to get it. On grass, they shine. On turf, they grip almost too well. In a straight line, they’re fantastic. In tight spaces, they’re risky. But if you’re confident in your cuts and want a cleat that feels like it disappears on your foot, the Electrics might just be your next game-day weapon.

They look great, move fast, and make no apologies for what they are. Just be sure you know what you’re getting into before you lace them up.