Today, adidas begins the re-introduction of an icon, unveiling the F50 ‘Fast Reborn’ limited collection pack – which marks the 20th anniversary of the debut of football’s favourite speed boot.
Between 2004 to 2015, F50 was worn by some of the greatest, and fastest, to ever play the game. From Lionel Messi’s famous 2009 “boot kiss” celebration against Manchester United, to the winning goal in the 2013 UEFA Champions LeagueTM Final, or Melanie Leupolz’s silky displays for FC Bayern Women on the way to league success in 2014/15, F50 earned its place as the industry-leading speed boot. It returns today – recoded – to support a new generation of players to unleash game-changing speed and create their own legacy.
The design of ‘Fast Reborn’ honours the F50 story, through a nostalgic reimagining of one of its most beloved iterations – the ‘Chameleon’ pack immortalised by Lionel Messi at the 2010 FIFA World CupTM. More than just a remake, the memorable purple base colour takes on a new, more modern aesthetic – with a look of unbridled speed at its heart. Visually, the boots are a mirage of striking Unity Purple with Lucid Lemon and white detailing, creating a shapeshifting look to catch the eye from all angles on the pitch.
The soleplate is designed to mirror the appearance of a boot in high-speed motion, as players leave defenders in their wake, with the continuation of the Lucid Lemon colour running from the toe end before merging into a white base at the heel, which wraps round into a block white external heel counter.
However, ‘Fast Reborn’ isn’t simply a design throwback. Utilising feedback from consumers and adidas athletes, the boot has undergone a series of technology updates engineered for speed, as a precursor to an all-new F50 model, set to land in June this year.
Sam Handy, SVP of Product and Design at adidas said, “The F50 is a defining boot for so many across the last two decades, and with 9 years on ice, the time is right to reintroduce its game-defining speed. With modern-day football so dominated by tactics, statistics, and often rigid tactical structures – sometimes out-and-out speed is the only way of breaking the game.
The design of ‘Fast Reborn’ acknowledges F50’s place in football culture, and the respect it commands, while giving a glimpse into the future potential of the franchise. We’re excited to share more in the coming months as we enter a new F50 era and show our fans what is under the hood.”
F50 ‘Fast Reborn’ was worn on pitch for the first-time by Lionel Messi on May 19th and will be followed by some of the game’s top players including Rafael Leão, Son Heung-min, Linda Caicedo, Trinity Rodman, Lamine Yamal and Florian Wirtz, in upcoming games.
The Elite Laced R4799 and Laceless R5799 models are available to purchase from 10 June onwards, online via https://www.adidas.co.za/soccer-shoes and select adidas stores and retailers.
