Are the Adidas X 17+ Soccer Shoes the Ultimate Choice for Serious Footballers?

I remember the first time I slipped on the Adidas X 17+ soccer cleats - that moment when your foot just clicks into place like it's found its soulmate. As someone who's played competitive football for over a decade and tested nearly two dozen cleat models, I've developed a pretty good sense for what separates decent footwear from game-changing equipment. The X 17+ isn't just another pair of cleats; it represents Adidas' ambitious attempt to dominate the speed boot category, and after putting them through three months of intense training and matches, I've formed some strong opinions about whether they deserve that "ultimate choice" status serious footballers are always chasing.

Let me break down what makes these cleats special from a technical perspective. The laceless Primeknit upper isn't just a gimmick - it creates this incredible 94% surface area contact with the ball according to Adidas' internal testing, though I'd take that number with a grain of salt since manufacturer claims often lean optimistic. What I can confirm from personal experience is that the ball feel is phenomenal, especially when you're executing precise passes or attempting those tricky curved shots. The compression sock-like fit does require some getting used to, and I'll admit my first session had me questioning whether I'd made a $275 mistake. But after about a week of break-in time, the adaptive fit system started feeling like a second skin rather than a constraint. The carbon fiber outsole isn't just for show either - it provides serious energy return that I could actually feel during sprints. In my testing, I shaved about 0.3 seconds off my 30-meter sprint times compared to my previous Nike Mercurials, though your mileage may definitely vary based on playing style and foot shape.

Now, are they perfect? Not quite. The durability concerns some reviewers have raised aren't entirely unfounded - after 40+ hours of play, I noticed some minor separation between the soleplate and upper near the toe area. And players with particularly wide feet might find the narrow fit uncomfortable, though Adidas does offer a "wide" version that addresses this. Where these cleats truly excel is in providing that locked-in sensation without sacrificing ball feel, something I've found rare in other laceless designs. The traction pattern with those strategically placed studs offers incredible acceleration while still allowing for natural rotational movement - crucial for avoiding those nasty non-contact knee injuries we all fear.

Thinking about that phrase "Kahit ano pang naabot na namin, there's always room for more" - it perfectly captures the mentality of serious footballers and what the X 17+ represents. No matter how good we get, there's always another level to reach for, another skill to master. These cleats embody that progression mindset. They won't magically transform an average player into Cristiano Ronaldo, but they do provide that marginal gain that can make the difference when you're pushing for that extra 1% improvement. The confidence I've gained from the superior ball control has actually encouraged me to attempt more creative moves in tight spaces - something I didn't anticipate when I first purchased them.

So, are the Adidas X 17+ soccer shoes the ultimate choice? For serious players who prioritize ball feel, lightweight construction, and that locked-in sensation, they're definitely in the conversation. They're not without their compromises, particularly regarding long-term durability and the steep price tag. But if you're like me - constantly chasing that next level of performance and willing to invest in equipment that can help bridge that gap - these might just be worth the leap. They've earned a permanent spot in my rotation, and that's saying something from someone who's notoriously picky about footwear. The quest for the perfect cleat continues, but the X 17+ has certainly raised the bar for what I expect from performance footwear.