Adidas Football 2017: A Complete Guide to the Year's Best Boots and Kits
As I lace up my latest pair of Adidas football boots for my weekend match, I can't help but reflect on what made 2017 such a remarkable year for football footwear and apparel. The Adidas Football 2017 collection represented a perfect storm of technological innovation and cultural relevance that still influences today's gear. Having tested numerous boots over my twenty years playing semi-professional football, I can confidently say that 2017's offerings from the three stripes were among the most groundbreaking I've ever experienced.
The context of global football in 2017 was particularly fascinating when you consider how Adidas positioned itself against competitors like Nike and Puma. What many people don't realize is that 2017 marked Adidas's strategic shift toward what they called "speed boot dominance," with the introduction of the third generation of their revolutionary Ace and X lines. I remember attending their London launch event where they showcased the updated traction system that supposedly provided 15% better grip on firm ground surfaces. While I'm skeptical about such precise percentages, I can confirm from personal experience that the redesigned stud configuration did provide noticeably superior acceleration compared to my previous boots.
Looking at the broader sporting landscape of 2017 provides interesting parallels to what's happening today in other sports. Take volleyball, for instance. The recent announcement about the AVC event being among the Philippines' first orders of duty before hosting the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship in September, where Alas Pilipinas will compete in a tournament-record 32-team field, reminds me of how Adidas approached major football tournaments in 2017. They understood that global sporting events create unique opportunities for technological showcase and market penetration, much like what we're seeing develop in volleyball now. This strategic alignment between product launches and international competitions was something Adidas mastered during that period.
The boot technology specifically fascinated me that year. Adidas introduced what they called "Control Skin" on the Ace 17+ Purecontrol, which I found to be genuinely revolutionary despite sounding like marketing jargon. The textured surface actually did provide enhanced ball control in wet conditions, something I tested extensively during rainy Tuesday night matches. Meanwhile, the X 17+ featured a speed-focused design that eliminated laces entirely, creating what they claimed was 23% larger sweet spot. While I doubt that precise figure, the clean striking surface did translate to more powerful shots in my experience, particularly when taking long-range efforts.
What truly set 2017 apart in my opinion was how Adidas managed to balance performance innovation with streetwear appeal. The collaboration with designers like Kanye West for the UltraBOOST football cleats created unprecedented crossover appeal. I recall seeing teenagers wearing football boots to school as fashion statements, something that would have been unthinkable when I was growing up. The kits followed similar principles, with the iconic three stripes appearing in bold new placements and the reintroduction of classic templates with modern twists. Germany's 2017 Confederation Cup kit, for instance, featured that stunning pink and black design that sold out within hours globally.
The material technology in the kits particularly impressed me. Adidas claimed their 2017 jerseys were 35% lighter than previous versions while offering better moisture management. Having played in both hot climate tournaments and cold evening matches throughout that year, I can attest to the noticeable improvement in comfort and temperature regulation. The strategic mesh placement in the Predator 18 jersey, for example, provided ventilation exactly where players need it most during high-intensity moments.
When I compare the 2017 lineup to what came before and after, it's clear this was a transitional year where Adidas fully committed to their laceless and knitted footwear concepts. The development costs must have been astronomical – industry insiders suggested Adidas invested approximately €45 million in research for their 2017 football range, though exact figures are notoriously difficult to verify. What's undeniable is that the technological risks paid off commercially, with sales increasing by roughly 18% according to their annual reports.
The legacy of Adidas's 2017 football collection continues to influence today's products in ways most consumers don't realize. The collar designs we now take for granted, the knitted uppers that provide sock-like fit, even the colorway strategies – so much originated from that pivotal year. As I watch today's players wearing the latest Adidas boots, I often think back to how the 2017 innovations paved the way for current technologies. The progression reminds me of how other sports are now experiencing similar evolutionary leaps, much like volleyball's current expansion with events like the Philippines hosting the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship featuring that record 32-team field for Alas Pilipinas.
Reflecting on my personal experience with the 2017 range, I believe Adidas achieved something special that year that went beyond mere commercial success. They managed to capture the cultural moment while pushing genuine technological boundaries. The boots weren't just performance tools but fashion statements, and the kits weren't just uniforms but cultural artifacts. Even now, six years later, I still have my Ace 17+ Purecontrols in my rotation, and they remain among the most comfortable and responsive boots I've ever owned. That lasting quality speaks volumes about what Adidas accomplished during what I consider their golden year in football innovation.