adidas unveils its latest incarnation of the F50 speed boot range – ‘Radiant Blaze’, unleashing a laced and laceless model, both engineered for game-changing speed. 

Taking its design cues from the ‘Chameleon’ pack immortalized by Lionel Messi at the 2010 FIFA World Cup^TM, the latest update comes in an iridescent purple and neon green expression, which builds on the colourway seen on F50 ‘Fast Reborn’ last year, when the boot returned to football after a nine-year hiatus. 

Engineered with technology built to help today’s athletes embody a feeling of fearless self-expression on the pitch, F50 has been worn by some of the fastest and most exciting players in the modern game, since its return in 2024.

Both new models feature Sprintframe 360, a specifically designed soleplate built to provide optimised stability and traction for the wearer. The iconic external heel counter on the soleplate has been refined to offer a sleeker look and feel, and works harmoniously with a stud configuration of rounded and bladed studs for foot lockdown at push-off – all working in tandem to help facilitate acceleration and speed in all directions.

The Fibertouch Upper – an engineered synthetic, lightweight material – offers a moulded fit to provide support at high speeds, where it is needed most. This is complemented by Sprintweb technology – a 3D texture – applied to areas used for dribbling at speed, for enhanced control. 

The laced version features an adaptive compression-fit tunnel tongue – a lightweight tongue that adapts to your foot, featuring strategically placed TPU reinforcements to provide additional stability and create an enhanced fit and lockdown in the forefoot and midfoot while sprinting. While the laceless model incorporates a collar made from Primeknit material which moulds to the shape of the wearer’s foot, for maximum comfort. 

Finally, the boot provides ballers with a choice of two sockliners in the box, ensuring athlete’s individual needs are catered for: the SL Speed Sockliner designed for maximum speed, or the Comfort Sockliner for enhanced impact absorption. 

Sam Handy, GM Football at adidas said: “Since it returned to the game last year, F50 has been at the forefront of some of the biggest on-pitch moments, with its game-breaking speed. We want F50 to be a mindset – filling players with the confidence to be free and expressive in their game. That is reflected in the bold colourway for this drop – with flowing neon green accents used to create the impression of a boot constantly in high-speed motion.” 

As part of the launch, adidas created a series of video vignettes featuring Lamine Yamal and his F50s, dropping throughout July and August. Entitled ‘F50 Made Me Do It’, the playful shorts showcase a brave new world in which F50 has changed the game, turning players into the most confident, fearless and bold version of themselves. Pushing the limits of what is possible on and off the pitch, while also always providing the ultimate excuse when boundaries are crossed – ‘F50 Made Me Do It’. 

The first vignette featuring Leo Messi dropped on @adidasfootball IG.

The latest F50 drop comes as part of Radiant Blaze Pack, which also includes updated Predator and COPA colourways. The Predator features a white upper with striking neon green details, while the COPA features a classic black upper with the same neon details as the Predator.
The F50 Elite Laced R4999,  F50 Elite Laceless R5499 and Elite+ R6499 models are available to purchase from today, online via www.adidas.co.za/soccer-shoes and select adidas stores and retailers.