Geek Review: Adidas NEMEZIZ 19.1 FG

One would hardly associate a geek with sports, but having played football for a good 20-odd years now, it is hard not to call it a passion much like all the other geeky pursuits. Of course, you could win all the prizes there is to be won in the sport in EA Sports’ FIFA franchise, but nothing beats the real deal.

And for all the skills and technical ability in the world, it is hard to argue that a good pair of boots can only aid your game. The latest and refreshed line of adidas NEMEZIZ 19 boots are finally here, and suiting up in the NEMEZIZ 19.1 FG (Firm Ground) felt amazing, even if you are not on par with the likes of Messi, Isco, or Firmino.

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An evolution that has been a long time coming, the NEMEZIZ 19 has been retooled by adidas that is a tremendous upgrade on its predecessors.

Aside from the bright electric red colourway and striking stripes, the new upper construction, featuring adidas Tension Tape, provides a snug fit like no other. The new weave structure and composition ensures you have the right torsion, tension, and compression for the perfect support for quick directional changes and agility.

Getting your feet into the unique design of the boot is helped by the V-shaped tape collar, although the 19.1 FG is missing the 360 Agility Collar found on the higher tier NEMEZIZ 19+ FG. The collar is also lower comparatively, and laces are always much preferred to the laceless variants.

The boots do feel slightly tighter and narrower at the mid-foot, which could cause some problems, and it is advisable to change up your size by trying them out for yourselves before committing to buy.

That said, it took a shorter than expected time for the boots to be completely broken into, a session or two made it as comfortable as any seasoned pair. The Tension Tape takes most of the credit here.

There is a distinct feeling of freedom as compared to other adidas boots, like the Predator 18.1. The specific placement of padding in the NEMZIZ 19.1 FG results in an almost barefoot-like feel for easier ball control and more precise touches. Overall, the lockdown is perfect once you have broken into the boots, and the freedom it gives is unparalled.

The new split soleplates, with the integrated Torsion System technology, is built for extreme torsional movements, adding much-needed stability when you are attempting to change directions constantly. The studs are much lighter than before, and the boot reacts as quickly as you want to move, which is perfect for anyone with an agile game.

Passing, receiving, and striking the ball is a breeze with the NEMEZIZ 19.1 FG, and while it is meant to give you a skin-like touch to the ball, the boots still offer sufficient protection to ensure your feet will not get too sore from prolonged sessions.

Suffice to say, the NEMEZIZ line has been improving with each iteration, but the NEMEZIZ 19 series feels like a huge jump in build, quality, and innovation. Comfortable to wear, a great fit, and engineered to suit the dribbler/attacker, the NEMEZIZ 19.1 FG is perfect for the speedster that can now be a true nemesis to all the defenders.

The Nemeziz 19.1 FG was tested on artificial pitches, and is available for purchase in stores at adidas Suntec, adidas ION, Weston Corporation, and online for S$300.