Category: Soccer
Best For: Players who rely on their foot speed
Star Feature: UA Corespeed
Weight: 7.7 ounces
For many people, when you say Under Armour, it conjures the image of tight-fitting, sweat-wicking workout gear. The athletic apparel and accessories company, which was founded in 1996, is much more than that now, and has made significant strides developing footwear since 2006. As we discovered when testing the UA 10K Force Pro II, it’s taking soccer cleats very seriously.
The first thing that struck us about the UA 10K Force Pro II was how light it is. At a feathery 7.7 ounces, it was clear that these boots were made to fly around the field. That airy quality proved beneficial as we tested them out, playing right back and repeatedly pushing forward to support in attack, then sprinting back to defend the counter. Unlike heavier cleats, which can feel like a bulky barrier between your feet and the ground, in the UA 10K Force Pro II our feet felt the ground beneath us but, thanks to the remarkably comfortable Micro G® cushioning, not the abuse of our footfalls and the constant stop-starts and cutting. As for touch on the ball, the synthetic upper held onto the ball nicely, though it was unclear to us if the “UA Match Control grid pattern” was actually helping improve us for the sort of deadly accuracy cleats always promise.
The responsiveness of the shoe was also due in part to its excellent fit. The CompFit construction, a partial ankle sock that features eyelets and hugs your foot when the cleat is laced properly, combined well with the 4D Foam™ footbed, which moulds to your foot, and created a snug, secure fit. With solid construction, feel for the field of play, and a synthetic outer that handled the ball well, we felt as in control of the ball as possible.
Speed is important, especially on artificial surfaces, where the ball zips around rapidly, but equally important is grip. Turf fields can become quite slippery in inclement weather, and we happened to test the UA 10K Force Pro II in both rain and the icy aftermath of a snowstorm. The Pebax outsole, which features well placed cleats, never once betrayed us despite the slick grounds.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a lightweight soccer cleat that fits like a glove and gives you a good feel for the ground beneath your feet and the ball, the UA 10K Force Pro II is worth a shot. Plus, aesthetically it’s a beautiful cleat for the beautiful game.
RELATED: The 10 Most Unconventional Soccer Cleats of All Time
RELATED: The 25 Best Soccer Cleat of All Time
