Built for Creative players who prioritise touch, control and agility (playmakers/attacking midfielders/wingers).
A lightweight, control-focused playmaker boot with responsive touch, tempered by a snug fit that often requires sizing up.
| Released | 2023 | Brand | New Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Tekela v4 Elite | Type | Soccer · Cleat |
| Level | Elite | Upper | Full-foot stretch-knit / knitted upper (Hypoknit / knitted construction) with Kinetic Stitch reinforcement |
| Soleplate | Lightweight nylon/TPU firm-ground (FG) outsole with mixed circular and bladed/angled TPU studs (multi-directional configuration) | Surface | Firm ground (FG); turf/TF and SG variants available in model family |
| Who it's for | Creative players who prioritise touch, control and agility (playmakers/attacking midfielders/wingers) | Weight | 213 g |
| Fit | Snug/close-to-the-ball (secure lockdown); a wide 2E variant is offered. | ||
Synthesised from 3 independent reviews, every claim traces to a quote in the breakdown. We don't test products ourselves.
The New Balance Tekela v4 Elite is an elite firm-ground soccer boot with a full-foot stretch-knit upper and a lightweight nylon and TPU soleplate. It targets creative players who value close control and agility. Reviewers say it gives a responsive, close feel on the ball. The upper is snug in length, so many reviewers suggest sizing up.
Released in 2023 as an elite-tier model, the Tekela v4 is the successor to the Tekela v3 (2021).
Upper: a full-foot stretch-knit upper called Hypoknit. The knit includes Kinetic Stitch, which is extra stitching worked into the knit to add structure in specific places and keep the boot close to the ball.
Soleplate and studs: a lightweight nylon and TPU firm-ground outsole. The studs mix round studs and bladed or angled TPU studs. That layout is meant to give grip when changing direction. The model family also includes turf (TF) and soft-ground (SG) versions.
Weight: 213 g per shoe (manufacturer figure). The build and stud pattern favor low weight and agility over heavy cushioning or protective overlays.
The Tekela v4 Elite is aimed at creative playmakers, attacking midfielders, wingers, and attacking full-backs who want a close touch and quick changes of direction. Its knit upper, the added stitch reinforcement, and the 213 g weight suit players who rely on first touch and short, sharp turns.
It is not designed for players who need extra cushioning, a roomy toe box, or heavy-contact defensive roles. The standard fit runs snug, so players with wide feet should pick the 2E variant or try a half-size up.
Reviewers describe the Tekela v4 Elite as snug and close to the ball. They say it locks the foot in place.
FourFourTwo called it a "snug fit, and easy to get on." Goal reported the boots felt "ever so slightly shorter than other pairs" in the same size, which points to a tighter length. Some reviewers recommend sizing up for more comfort.
Sizing advice leans toward going up. Unisport recommended a half-size up and said the boot "immediately feels like home" once you find the right size. A wide 2E variant is available for extra width.
I personally felt a lot more comfortable going up half a size in these and I definitely recommend that you do the same. Unisport
Control is the clearest performance theme for the Tekela v4 Elite. Reviewers rate it highly for close-ball work and responsiveness.
Goal gave Control 4/5. FourFourTwo said the boots are "designed with close-ball control in mind, and for quick changes of speed."
Unisport said the boots "feel a lot more responsive than I had expected." The knitted upper and the targeted stitch reinforcement concentrate the contact area and give a direct touch.
Tekelas are designed with close-ball control in mind, and for quick changes of speed.. FourFourTwo
At 213 g per shoe (manufacturer figure), the Tekela v4 is in the lightweight category. Reviewers consistently describe it as light.
Goal called it "lightweight." FourFourTwo said "They're super light." Unisport described it as "pretty light."
The low weight helps quick footwork and reduces perceived effort during short, explosive actions typical of attacking and creative players.
The nylon and TPU FG soleplate has a mixed layout of round studs and bladed or angled studs to give grip in many directions. Reviewers report that setup provides good bite on cuts and acceleration.
Goal noted there are "added shorter blades around the top half" for extra aggression. Unisport said the stud layout gives more bite on sideways cuts.
FourFourTwo described the soleplate as meeting expectations and called it "an excellent addition," showing consistent positive responses for firm-ground play.
Added shorter blades around the top half give the soleplate some great added aggression.. Goal.com
Comfort ratings are mixed. Goal called the boot "comfortable." Unisport said it was "one of the most immediately comfortable football boots" they tried. FourFourTwo warned that "These boots can cause some early discomfort."
In practice, some players find the knitted, reinforced upper settles in quickly. Other players, especially those who feel pressure from a tight length or a high instep, may get early pressure points. Trying them on and considering a half-size up is a sensible precaution.
These boots can cause some early discomfort.. FourFourTwo
Reviewers connect the Tekela's snug fit and knitted upper to a confident first touch and close control. Goal said the design features "aim to get you closer to and superior control of the ball." FourFourTwo said the tight fit "encourage[s] a confident first touch."
The overall view from several outlets is a direct, responsive ball feel suited to close passing and quick touches in tight spaces.
The Tekela v4 Elite is best for creative playmakers and attacking midfielders. It also suits wingers and attacking full-backs who prioritize close control and agility.
Players linked to the Tekela line are usually creative, technical attackers rather than defenders. The line is known for suiting playmaker-style players.
Several reviewers describe the boot as snug and slightly short in length. One outlet recommends going up half a size, so try them on and consider a half-size up if you want more room in length.
A wide 2E variant is offered. Reviewers say players who need extra width should choose that version rather than the standard fit.
They are made for firm ground (FG). The model family includes turf/TF and soft-ground/SG variants, but the Elite FG soleplate is meant for natural firm surfaces.
Manufacturer weight is 213 g per shoe. Reviewers consistently call the boot lightweight on the pitch.
Bottom line, The Tekela v4 Elite is a lightweight, control-oriented firm-ground boot that suits creative playmakers and agile attackers who prioritize touch. Players who need a roomy toe box or guaranteed immediate comfort should try them on and consider a 2E or a half-size up.
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 New Balance Tekela v4 Elite head-to-head against another cleat on every aggregated characteristic.
