The Complete History of adidas X Football Boots
In 2015, adidas made a radical decision to overhaul its entire football boot lineup. The German brand reduced its silos from four to just two, phasing out
In 2015, adidas made a radical decision to overhaul its entire football boot lineup. The German brand reduced its silos from four to just two, phasing out iconic models such as the Predator, Nitrocharge, F50 and the exclusive Messi boot. Only the adidas Ace and the all-new adidas X remained. This bold move reshaped the future of the brand and introduced a new era of speed and chaos.
Evolution of adidas X
The X range was a complete rethink of what a speed boot could be. Below, we take a comprehensive look at every major iteration from the original X 15 to the modern X Ghosted.
adidas X 15
The first X launched as the direct successor to the beloved F50. It faced a tough challenge because fans of the three-stripe brand had great affection for the F50. The X 15 changed the concept of the ultra-thin, minimalist upper found on its predecessor, offering a more structured boot. It used a braided yarn shell called Spaceskin, a Spaceframe for support, and an internal Techfit ankle collar.
The outsole was available in FG/AG versions and featured a radical change in stud layout and shape. It moved away from tri-studs to a combination of large semi-conical studs and small studs for artificial turf. The boot also came in leather versions, as well as SL and Primeknit variants. Despite weighing over 200g, it proved very popular.
adidas X 16
Just over a year after the X 15, adidas transformed its fastest boot range again. The upper was completely redesigned with a full TechFit shell and a coating called NSG (Non-Stop Grip) that provided enhanced grip and control. Inside, it retained TechFit support and laces, but the laces were covered to create a clean striking surface. The tri-studs returned, and the FG sole featured a thinner, more reactive plate with a Speedframe and an external heel counter – a sole better suited to sprinters.
In 2017, a slight restyling kept the sole unchanged but added micro-perforations to the upper for extra grip and lightness.
adidas X 18
Adidas unveiled a complete technical and aesthetic overhaul with the first laceless X model. This version brought back the three adidas stripes on the side – a design element absent in previous editions – and the return was well received.
From a technical standpoint, a very fine synthetic microfibre structure was created, recapturing the essence of a speed boot. Without laces, the player gets a full surface area for ball contact. The sole brought back the large tri-claw studs that were a hallmark of the F50, and the external heel counter was improved with a cushioned inner layer that secures the foot to the base.
In 2019, a minor redesign retained the core characteristics while making the shell even more flexible and supple, turning it into a truly luxurious speed boot.
adidas X Ghosted
The latest iteration carries the “Ghosted” moniker. This boot recaptures the lightness of the original F50 and is technically outstanding – it shares many similarities with the adidas 99 Grams special edition.
The semi-transparent upper uses Mirageskin to create a vacuum-sealed feel. The sole is perfect for sprints and incorporates Carbitex (carbon fibre), offering one of the best levels of responsiveness available.
In conclusion, the evolution of the adidas X has come full circle. It started with a model far removed from the F50, then gradually over the years returned to what can be considered a 2021 version of the F50 with the X Ghosted – maximising lightness, sprint-focused design and the latest technical innovations. A leather version of the new adidas X Ghosted would complete the circle.
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