Gear
Adidas X Speedportal.1 Review: High-Tech Hype or Slick Speed Sensation?
Adidas redlines the speed boot market with the X Speedportal.1, but do they deliver bang for your buck?
Adidas’ constant push to evolve the speed boot category is commendable. With the X line, the German brand has been able to create something that truly rivals what their counterparts in Nike and Puma are doing, and the growing popularity of these silos is a testament to what they’ve achieved.
Adidas’ latest entry into the speedier X line, the Speedportal, is an evolution from what the company introduced with the Speedflow – utilising a super thin and soft upper, more aggressive soleplate and stud-pattern, and providing a racing-spike-like feel on your foot. The newer Speedportal, however, adds in a few more tricks to make this the most high-tech and springier boot we’ve seen from the three-stripes brand.
When looking at the Speedportal.1, it’s easy to see where the heritage comes from. In an eye-catching orange colourway (harking back to the old F30s of yesteryear, while also making you feel like a cheetah), the Speedportal.1 is slick, low-profile, and has a snug fit that creates the most responsive sensation whereby the boots really are clinging to your feet, following your every move and bend of the foot on the pitch.
Like previous X models, there’s no tongue, and the boot is made from an entirely one-piece upper, so you’ll have to slide your foot into it each and every time with a little bit of wiggling. With that said, the point is for the boot to feel tight and sock-like thanks to the Primeknit collar. The result is a very tight feel, especially through the midfoot, which will appeal to some and probably not to others; but longtime fans of speed boots will likely appreciate the narrow, streamlined silhouette.
The upper of the boot does feel very soft on the top of your foot, providing you with a very close touch to the ball and with little obstruction and ‘padding’ when running. So, you’re not going to have much to help your dribbling or ball control, but, keep in mind that this boot entry is all about moving, because while you can get some snazzy grip elements and textures on the Predator models, the Speedportal is all about going fast.
And to assist with this the boot features a few key elements: the stud pattern, a carbon fibre plate in the sole, and stability elements too. Firstly, the stud pattern is similar to that found on the Speedflow, but includes an additional stud on the forefoot to create a little more traction when pushing off. It may not be noticeable, but the general stud pattern and shape is great for speedier player, offering a chevron-like blade that makes accelerating and quick cuts a lot more responsive than a traditional round stud.
As for the carbon plate, the Speedportal does have a bit of ‘snap’ in the forefoot when pushing off, and is a bit stiffer than other boots on the market, helping you with some energy-return when hitting gaps or chasing down the ball.
The newest additions to the silo include what Adidas calls the ‘Stability Wings’, which are plastic support areas to the left and right of the heel area, extending the heel counter to wrap a little more around the sides of the boot in order to keep your foot in a straight running stance. Add in Adidas’ now-loved Sprint Frame design, which elevates your heel like that of a running shoe, and you’ve got a boot that’s made to give you an edge during those do-or-die moments in games.
Of course, all this tech comes with a price, and the R4,499 tag on the Speedportal.1 is a notable number to consider. Of course, if you don’t mind coughing up the cash to slip your feet into the most high-tech boots around in order to enjoy your hobby, passion, or career a little more, then it’s well worth the price.
There is a laceless Speedportal+ model, but we always recommend the laced models over the laceless ones. There are also takedown models in the Speedflow.3, which offers great value for the price-point, if you don’t mind losing out on some of the higher-end materials and tech.
The Adidas Speedportal.1 is available on the Adidas online store.
