adidas X Ghosted or adidas X SpeedFlow

Football Boots X Speedflow + FG Red-Black-Solar Red

-29%

£242.11

£172.93

Go to technical description

With the launch of the new X SpeedFlow, we’re seeing a generational leap that not only brings us a new speed boot but also welcomes back to this range all the agile and fast players who were left behind when the Nemeziz line was discontinued. As we are sure you’re already aware, the standout name among them is Leo Messi, who returns to the German brand’s speed range with a special boot designed to mark ‘The Return’.

 

With this nod to Messi’s return, the German brand’s fastest boot presents a design that differs from previous Ghosted models, as it prioritises greater comfort and touch – qualities that this boot sorely needed. The upper moves away from synthetic materials and introduces Primeknit, which offers two key benefits: greater comfort and better grip on the ball. 

The improvement in the upper is striking, as it does away with that ‘plastic-like’ feel we used to have, and – thanks to Primeknit – gives us a new, much grippier and more cushioned feel. What’s more, this material is much more flexible, allowing the boot to stretch slightly more and making it incredibly comfortable, even for those with slightly wider feet. 

In case anyone was worried about the boot’s lockdown, adidas hasn’t forgotten about it and has included an internal cage; whilst it doesn’t have that feeling of extreme lightness we had in the previous generation, it does provide good lockdown. In this respect, those who loved playing as if they were barefoot were better served by the previous X Ghosted models. 

Having looked at the shell and the inside of the upper – which, as we mentioned, is generally an improvement – we need to talk about how these two boots feel on the ball. The truth is that the hardcore player who prefers a boot that fits snugly and is lightweight will find the Ghosted to be closer to that ideal, whilst the SpeedFlow is slightly more comfortable, wider and made from a rougher material – something we personally love and which we think gives the boot a much-needed twist. 

As for the sole, it remains unchanged, which is a real coup; it’s a sole with unquestionable responsiveness thanks to the carbon fibre, highly flexible and offering sensational grip for running at top speed. A true technological marvel. 

In conclusion, we have two superb boots which, in terms of aesthetics, seem to me to be a dead heat, but honestly, when it comes to comfort, touch, fit and feel on the ball, we think the SpeedFlow is a huge step forward.