Football Boot Sole Coatings: Why They Wear Off and What the Brands Do About It
Since the release of the adidas ACE 16+ – the first laceless football boots from the brand – manufacturers have noticed that the chromed finish on the sole
Since the release of the adidas ACE 16+ – the first laceless football boots from the brand – manufacturers have noticed that the chromed finish on the soleplate wears away with use. While the boot’s performance remained unaffected, the cosmetic deterioration led to many customer returns. In response, adidas and other brands began including a warning sticker, first placed on the sole and later on the upper, to inform buyers that the coating will fade. This practice has now become standard across all brands that use chrome or other special coatings that tend to wear off.
The coating may be chromed, matte, or even a leopard print – the principle remains the same.
How Brands Prevent Returns With Warning Stickers
By including a sticker that clearly states, “The coating of the plate of this boot will disappear with use, but in no moment the functionality of this boot shall be affected,” brands have effectively eliminated returns related to cosmetic wear. Customers are warned from the moment they unbox the boots, so if they choose to use them, they accept that the finish may fade. The only way for a customer to show disagreement is to return the product before using it.
How Long Does It Take for the Coating to Wear Off?
The sole is the part of the boot that is constantly in contact with the ground during matches and training, making it highly exposed to erosion. The time it takes for the coating to disappear varies greatly depending on the playing surface and weather conditions. In many cases, the wear can begin from the very first use. If the finish deteriorates immediately, there is no recourse because the sticker already informed the player of this possibility.
Why Don’t Brands Use Permanent Coatings?
It is widely believed that if a permanent coating were possible, the technology either does not exist yet or would significantly increase manufacturing costs – and consequently the retail price. Whether brands should stop making boots with such finishes is a matter of personal opinion. It is worth noting that this issue is not limited to soles; it has also been observed on uppers or other boot elements. For example, two versions of the Nike Mercurial Superfly IV CR7 featured a glitter-like upper finish that wore away with use.
Conclusion: Informed Customers, No Returns
In summary, brands have taken steps to inform customers upfront about the aesthetic wear of coatings. This article takes no stance for or against these coatings, but acknowledges the customer’s disappointment and hopes that brands will continue to respond appropriately. At the same time, customers must understand that returning a product that clearly warns of its own cosmetic deterioration is not justified.
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