Head to Head | Nike Tiempo Legend V & adidas adiPURE 11Pro
Head to Head | Nike Tiempo Legend V adidas adiPURE 11Pro
Heritage battle reignites as adidas and Nike renew rivalry.
A huge week of boot releases saw adidas and Nike launch their updated 11Pro and Tiempo Legend series. In recent seasons the heritage market has been overshadowed by the speed silos, but the latest updates have seen Nike and adidas renew their rivalry leaving players with a tough choice to make.
Both the Tiempo Legend and adiPURE 11Pro have been reshaped. The Tiempo is visually the most modern, while the adiPURE has taken a step back to the designs of old. For players who seek optimal comfort, the adiPURE and Tiempo have been the obvious choices from the three stripes and the Swoosh. So how do they stack up?
When it comes to pro player uptake the Tiempo dominates, Gerard Pique, Ashley Cole, Sergio Ramos and Carlos Tevez to name just a few will lace up in the fifth generation boot whereas 11Pro players are harder to come by these days with Frank Lampard, Philipp Lahm and Asier Illarramendi amongst the more higher profile players.
Weight wise there isn't much in it, the 11Pro tips the scales at 260g and the Tiempo is a touch lighter at 245g. Interestingly both adidas and Nike have launched boots with a two toned colour block design and where adidas' 11Pro is more stripped back Nike have incorporated their ACC and Hypershield technology to add a modern twist.
Both boots are crafted from soft leather uppers to offer the most natural touch and feel, the 11Pro using Taurus leather while the Tiempo Legend V is made from the popular Kangaroo leather. Both boots also opt for a quilted pattern stitched design on the forefoot to increase comfort and nail down a traditional vibe, something the Tiempo has always included but a first for the adiPURE.
New soleplates have been introduced on both silos with adidas focusing on comfort using a new smaller stud configuration for better pressure distribution. Nike have also gone for the comfort approach by using a more flexible soleplate than previous editions that's designed to add stability and traction in key areas.
If you're an avid boot traditionalist that doesn't like any modern complications on your boots then the adiPURE may be more tempting but for players who are open to a traditional feeling boot with modern features then it could be a trip to Tiempo town. As more colourways drop we reckon players will still be changing their opinion but for now, who do you think has come out on top, adidas or Nike?
Which new boot are you leaning towards, the adidas adiPURE 11Pro or the Nike Tiempo Legend V? 
