Built for Players who prioritize lightweight speed (speed positions / agility-focused players).
A lightweight speed cleat with strong FG traction and secure lockdown, undermined by mixed comfort and inconsistent durability.
| Released | 2023 | Brand | Adidas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | adidas Adizero 12.0 | Type | American Football · Cleat |
| Level | Performance | Upper | Breathable mesh with synthetic overlays (mesh / synthetic upper) |
| Soleplate | Molded cleated TPU outsole / cleated outsole (molded studs) | Surface | Firm ground / natural grass (FG) |
| Who it's for | Players who prioritize lightweight speed (speed positions / agility-focused players) | Weight | 281 g |
| Fit | True to size. | MSRP | $130 |
Synthesised from 3 independent reviews, every claim traces to a quote in the breakdown. We don't test products ourselves.
The adidas Adizero 12.0 is a 2023 performance-tier, lightweight American-football cleat made for speed players. Reviewers agree it is very light and grips firm natural grass well. The main negatives are uneven comfort and recurring durability concerns.
Released in 2023 as a performance-tier adizero football cleat, the Adizero 12.0 carries a $130 MSRP and follows the Adizero 11 generation (2021).
Upper and construction: breathable mesh with synthetic/TPU overlays. The mesh increases ventilation. The TPU overlays are stiff plastic pieces placed to add structure where needed.
Soleplate and studs: molded cleated TPU outsole with molded studs designed for firm natural grass (FG). The cleat uses a fixed molded outsole rather than removable studs you can swap out.
Weight, fit and positioning: 281 g per shoe (about 9.9 ounces), described and positioned for players who prioritize lightweight speed. The specs list the fit as true to size.
The Adizero 12.0 targets low-cut, speed-oriented players: wide receivers, cornerbacks, running backs and safeties. It aims to help players who prioritize acceleration and grip on firm natural grass.
At about 281 g per shoe and with a molded FG outsole, it belongs in the speed-skill area rather than for linemen or heavy-contact roles. Offensive and defensive linemen should pick higher-cut, reinforced cleats instead.
Reviewers report a snug, sometimes tight last. Players with wide feet should try them on or consider sizing up.
The cleat suits competitive high-school and college play where lightweight traction matters. Players who need removable studs, heavy ankle support, or guaranteed long-term durability should look elsewhere.
Comfort reviews are mixed. One reviewer praised the breathable mesh for keeping feet cool during intense sessions. Another said they were immediately impressed by the comfort. A third reviewer rated comfort poorly.
In plain terms: some players will find the mesh upper and insole cushioning comfortable for games and practice. Other players encountered less cushioning or a fit that became uncomfortable over time.
The breathable mesh upper does an excellent job of keeping your feet cool during intense sessions. Legends Only League
Support feedback is split. Two reviewers said the TPU overlays, cushioned insoles and snug fit gave clear support. Another reviewer said they felt very little support.
Practically, the cleat provides targeted support from the overlays and a close fit. Players who need strong inside (medial) support or heavy ankle reinforcement may find the platform too light.
TPU overlays add just enough support where it matters.. Legends Only League
Durability was the weakest area in reviews. One outlet reported studs and lace loops showing wear relatively quickly. Another noted internal pieces breaking. A different reviewer saw only minimal wear after several games.
The takeaway is variable longevity. Some players should expect medium-term wear at high-stress points. Others may get a full season with no issues, depending on use and field conditions.
Durability concerns have been reported with studs and lace loops showing wear relatively quickly.. Legends Only League
Traction is consistently praised. Two outlets called the grip reliable across field conditions. One called it the best traction plate adidas has offered.
For players who rely on quick cuts and acceleration, the molded cleated TPU outsole gives the grip expected for firm natural grass.
this is the best traction plate adidas has to offer. Footballrs
Multiple reviewers highlighted the Adizero 12.0’s light weight. One said it almost felt like not wearing cleats. Another noted the 9.9-ounce weight as extremely light for a football cleat.
The low weight helps acceleration and reduces fatigue over repeated sprints. That is the cleat’s design intent for speed players.
lightweight design made it almost feel like I wasn’t wearing cleats at all.. Cleats Report
Reviewers described lockdown positively. The lace closure and internal fit keep the foot secure without mid-game adjustments, according to one outlet. Another reviewer pointed to good heel lockdown.
The secure fit helps players change direction quickly. That secure feel is linked to fit complaints from players who find the last tight.
exceptional secure fit they provide, the lace closure system keeps everything locked in place without any mid-game adjustments needed.. Legends Only League
Fit impressions divide reviewers. One called the fit snug and secure. Another described the cleat as really tight.
Buyers with wider feet should note those comments and try them on or size up. The manufacturer lists the fit as true to size.
The snug fit ensured that my foot felt secure. Cleats Report
Price sits at $130 and reviewers split on value. One said the cleats are on the higher end. Another called the price normal for this class.
Value depends on what trade-offs matter. If you value lightweight traction and secure lockdown, some buyers will accept the price despite possible durability issues.
Price: These cleats are on the higher end of the price spectrum.. Cleats Report
Yes. The official fit is listed as true to size. Multiple reviewers describe a snug or true fit, though some testers called the fit very tight.
They are built for firm natural grass (FG) and use a molded cleated TPU outsole. The fixed molded studs are meant for grass, not turf pads or removable-stud setups.
The Adizero 12.0 use a molded cleated outsole rather than removable studs. They are not intended for swapping studs for soft or mixed conditions.
Reviewer reports on durability are mixed. One outlet reports studs and lace loops showing wear relatively quickly and internal pieces breaking. Another finds minimal wear after several games. Expect variable longevity depending on use.
They are best for speed positions: wide receivers, cornerbacks, running backs and safeties. The lightweight platform and FG traction suit those roles. Players who need maximum ankle reinforcement, such as offensive or defensive linemen, should choose a more supportive model.
Bottom line, A very light performance-tier American-football cleat that delivers reliable FG traction and secure lockdown for speed players, but it has mixed comfort and notable durability concerns; linemen and players with wide feet should look elsewhere.
The Cleats Hub Score is a weighted aggregate of these independent reviews, normalised to 0–10 and weighted by source authority, recency and sample size. We don't sell or physically test products. Read the full methodology.
Put the adidas Adizero 12.0 head-to-head against another cleat on every aggregated characteristic.
