Built for Players seeking a premium kangaroo‑leather touch and traditional fit.
A lightweight, leather control boot prized for touch and comfort, offset by average traction and a close fit that may not suit wide feet.
| Released | 2020 | Brand | Mizuno |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Morelia II Japan | Type | Soccer · Cleat |
| Level | Elite | Upper | Authentic kangaroo leather (K‑Leather) with high‑density micro‑taffeta lining |
| Soleplate | Septon outsole (fixed FG-style stud configuration) | Surface | Firm ground / natural grass; suitable for artificial grass (FG/AG) |
| Who it's for | Players seeking a premium kangaroo‑leather touch and traditional fit | Weight | 213 g |
| Fit | Close, comfortable fit (Engineered Fit Last Neo) | MSRP | $280 |
Synthesised from 6 independent reviews, every claim traces to a quote in the breakdown. We don't test products ourselves.
A lightweight kangaroo‑leather control boot that focuses on touch and comfort, with reviewers praising the leather feel but noting average traction and some long‑term soleplate flexibility as downsides.
The Morelia II Japan is an elite kangaroo‑leather football boot first released in 2020 and updated later. The upper uses true kangaroo leather with a dense micro‑taffeta lining, a thin woven fabric that sits under the leather.
Under the foot it uses a Septon outsole, which is a molded plastic plate, with a fixed firm‑ground style stud layout for natural grass. Reviewers also describe the plate as usable on artificial grass surfaces (FG/AG).
Named features include an Engineered Fit Last called Neo, a high‑density micro taffeta lining, the Septon outsole and a BareFoot Leather upper, which means the boot keeps a traditional leather construction. The listed weight is 213 g per shoe and this model is the modern version of the Morelia II line.
This boot is for players who put control first. Central midfielders and defenders who want a soft leather touch and match‑long comfort will like it. Creative playmakers who prefer a plush leather upper over a thin, speed‑focused boot will also like it, as long as they accept a close last and a traditional stud layout.
It suits elite and serious amateur players on firm natural grass and can be used on artificial grass. Wingers and forwards who want maximum stud bite or a roomier fit should look at speed or wider models instead.
At 213 g per shoe the Morelia II Japan is light for a kangaroo‑leather boot. Most reviewers said it feels noticeably lighter than typical leather boots (Soccer Reviews For You, Soccer Cleats 101, FourFourTwo).
Reviewers repeatedly list that lightness as a plus for players who want leather touch without the usual weight of classic boots (Coachrocket, Soccer Kicks).
Reviewers generally call durability solid. They point to strong stitching and secure plate attachment as reasons the boot should last (Soccer Reviews For You, Soccer Kicks, Coachrocket).
One reviewer warned the soleplate became overly flexible after about 10 to 12 months of heavy use. Other reviewers note construction choices meant to reduce that risk (Lockhart Boot Blog, FourFourTwo).
Comfort is a consistent strength in reviews. Multiple outlets say the Morelia II Japan is comfortable from the first wear and for full matches because of the shaped heel and leather upper (Soccer Reviews For You, Soccer Cleats 101, FourFourTwo).
Reviewers report the boot is playable from the first session and stays comfortable for 90 minutes, which matters if you want little or no break‑in time.
these were super comfortable for the full 90 minutes.. Soccer Cleats 101
Touch is the boot's main performance trait. Reviewers repeatedly say the kangaroo leather gives a soft, precise feel on the ball (Lockhart Boot Blog, FourFourTwo, Coachrocket).
One outlet said the touch is "pretty similar" to close rivals, but most reviewers describe striking and ball control as notably pure and soft.
the kangaroo leather that the Runbird uses has a superb touch on the ball. Lockhart Boot Blog
The boot follows a close last called Neo: most reviewers found it true to size with a snug, comfortable fit from the leather upper (Soccer Reviews For You, Soccer Cleats 101, Lockhart Boot Blog).
One reviewer suggested trying half a size down, so players between sizes should try them on. The close fit helps stability but can feel tight for wider feet (Soccer Kicks).
Traction is adequate but not outstanding. The Septon firm‑ground outsole with round conical studs gives good rotational support and reliable grip on firm natural grass. Reviewers also report acceptable performance on artificial surfaces (FourFourTwo, Soccer Cleats 101, Coachrocket).
Some reviewers say players who want shorter, thinner studs or a stronger bite should choose other boots. Overall traction scores lower than touch or comfort in the reviews.
Reviewers say the Morelia II Japan gives stable, confident control when dribbling, passing and changing direction. The leather and close last produce a secure, predictable feel (Soccer Reviews For You, Lockhart Boot Blog, Soccer Cleats 101).
That control is why the boot suits players who value clean touch and ball manipulation more than raw speed or aggressive stud patterns.
Best for central midfielders and defenders who want leather touch and stability. It also fits creative playmakers who prefer a traditional leather feel rather than a flat speed boot.
Players who like leather boots with a close, traditional fit and strong touch. Typically central midfielders, defensive midfielders and defenders rather than pace‑focused wingers.
Most reviewers found them true to size, but one recommended trying half a size down. The last is close and snug, so choose carefully if you are between sizes.
They weigh 213 g per shoe. Multiple reviews say the boot is light for a leather model, placing it at the lighter end of traditional kangaroo‑leather boots.
Reviewers generally call durability good and point to the leather and reinforced stitching. At least one outlet reported the soleplate can become overly flexible after 10 to 12 months of heavy use.
The outsole is a firm‑ground Septon plate with conical studs for firm natural grass. Reviewers also report acceptable performance on artificial surfaces but do not call them specialized for turf.
Bottom line, A traditional leather control boot that favors touch and on‑pitch comfort for midfielders and defenders; not the best choice for players who need aggressive traction or a roomier fit.
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 Mizuno Morelia II Japan head-to-head against another cleat on every aggregated characteristic.
