Built for Playmakers/control players who prioritise touch and vision.
Control-focused playmaker boot with elite touch and comfort, compromised by an uneven soleplate and small fit.
| Released | 2025 | Brand | New Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Tekela V5 Elite | Type | Soccer · Cleat |
| Level | Elite | Upper | Dynamic TouchTech lightweight microfiber PU (premium microfiber PU) |
| Soleplate | Elite-level nylon outsole with conical studs and angled TPU rim (forefoot) | Surface | Firm ground (FG) — HG/HG-AG variants listed in some markets |
| Who it's for | Playmakers/control players who prioritise touch and vision | Weight | 212 g |
| Fit | Recommend ordering one size larger / runs small | MSRP | $215 |
Synthesised from 5 independent reviews, every claim traces to a quote in the breakdown. We don't test products ourselves.
The New Balance Tekela V5 Elite is an elite firm-ground soccer boot released June 2025. It uses a very soft Dynamic TouchTech microfiber upper and a Hypoknit stretch-fit collar. Reviewers agree it feels comfortable right away and has a premium synthetic touch. The main drawbacks are an uneven-feeling soleplate and a fit that runs small.
Released June 2025 as the fifth-generation Tekela (Tekela v5); positioned in New Balance's elite tier with an MSRP of 215.
Upper: Dynamic TouchTech lightweight microfiber PU with a Hypoknit stretch-fit booty collar. The upper is a premium microfiber PU designed to deliver a soft, pliable surface for ball contact.
Soleplate: elite-level nylon outsole with conical studs and an angled TPU rim across the forefoot. Intended surfaces are firm ground (FG), with HG/HG-AG variants listed in some markets.
Weight is 212 g per shoe. Fit guidance from New Balance and market notes recommend ordering one size larger; the boot is positioned for playmakers and control-oriented players.
The Tekela V5 Elite is aimed at creative playmakers and central midfielders who prioritise touch, distribution and a comfortable, close-feel upper. Attacking midfielders who work in tight spaces will also benefit. Its lightweight microfiber upper and control-focused design make it less suitable for pace-reliant wingers or forwards who need aggressive traction.
Players with narrow to medium feet or those who want a boot that feels broken in immediately will find it appropriate. Players with wide feet or who play often on artificial turf should try sizing and soleplate behavior before buying.
Comfort is a recurring strong point across reviews: outlets rate it highly and several note it feels broken in immediately or has a short break-in period (LoveGoalkeeping 8/10; Lockhart Boot Blog 9/10; FootballBoots.co.uk 9/10; Jose Palafox 8/10; Unisport 9/10).
In practical terms that means players who prioritise immediate cushioning and a low-effort break-in will find the Tekela V5 Elite ready to wear from the first session. Reviewers consistently describe a natural, comfortable on-foot experience (Lockhart Boot Blog; Jose Palafox).
'so instinctively comfortable and so natural on the ball.'. Unisport
The Dynamic TouchTech microfiber upper is the headline touch feature and reviewers repeatedly describe a very soft, premium synthetic feel that provides zonal grip and a truer contact in varied conditions (LoveGoalkeeping 8/10; FootballBoots.co.uk 8/10; Unisport 9/10).
Practically, the upper gives a close, grippy sensation rather than a sticky or textured strike zone. Reviewers say this helps with passing and close control in both dry and wet conditions (FootballBoots.co.uk; Lockhart Boot Blog).
'the dynamic touch tech upper here might be one of the softest synthetic leather uppers I've ever tried in my life.'. Unisport
Fit evidence is mostly positive: reviewers report an excellent overall fit, a secure heel, and a low, pointy toe box that adapts for narrower feet (Lockhart Boot Blog 9/10; Unisport 9/10; FootballBoots.co.uk 7/10; Jose Palafox 8/10).
However, the boot is reported to run small and New Balance guidance recommends ordering one size larger. Players with wide feet should therefore consider sizing and fit carefully before purchase (product notes and multiple reviewers).
'one of the best fitting heels I can think of in the game.'. Unisport
Reviewers place the Tekela V5 Elite firmly in the control category: comments highlight the brand's deliberate focus on ball control and the upper's grippy, not overly tacky, feel that helps with passing and ball retention (Lockhart Boot Blog 8/10; FootballBoots.co.uk 8/10; Unisport 8/10).
In practical terms this translates to a boot that supports precise distribution and close control in crowded areas. This is why New Balance positions it for playmakers and control players.
'the brand makes its boldest statement yet in the ‘control’ category.'. FootballBoots.co.uk
Traction is the most mixed area: some reviewers find the nylon outsole offers sufficient grip and stability for many surfaces, while others call the soleplate odd and the least impressive element of the boot (Lockhart Boot Blog 7/10; FootballBoots.co.uk 6/10; Jose Palafox 5/10; Unisport 5/10).
For practical use this means players who rely on very aggressive acceleration, sharp cuts on abrasive surfaces, or who regularly play on artificial turf should be cautious and try the boot first. The forefoot’s angled TPU rim and conical studs divided opinion among testers.
'it's probably the least impressive thing about the boot'. Unisport
The Tekela V5 Elite is lightweight at 212 g per shoe, a fact that matches reviewer notes about the boot's pliable, lightweight microfiber construction (spec and FootballBoots.co.uk 8/10).
Weight here supports nimble, touch-focused play rather than being positioned as an extreme speed boot. The mass is consistent with the control/playmaker archetype.
'crafted from a lightweight and pliable microfiber.'. FootballBoots.co.uk
Durability evidence is limited but generally neutral: one reviewer specifically reports no early sole-to-upper separation, which is an early sign of competent construction (Jose Palafox 7/10).
Absent longer-term testing or wider sampling, reviewers do not make broad claims about lifespan. Early observations point to a reasonable build without reported immediate failure points.
'I am spotting no sole play upper separation.'. Jose Palafox
They are aimed at creative playmakers and control-oriented midfielders. The Tekela V5 Elite's soft Dynamic TouchTech upper, Hypoknit collar and lightweight construction align it with boots for creative midfielders and playmakers who prioritise touch and vision rather than pure pace.
Historically the Tekela line has been associated with players who value close control and passing. If you prefer names rather than types, read the lineage as players who prioritise touch and control.
No. Multiple outlets and New Balance guidance indicate the boot runs small. Reviewers and product notes recommend ordering one size larger.
The soleplate has mixed feedback: some reviewers report acceptable grip and stability, while others call the soleplate 'weird' or the least impressive element. Players who need aggressive traction should be cautious.
These are firm-ground (FG) boots. HG/HG-AG variants exist in some markets but the primary design and reviewer testing focus on FG surfaces.
Evidence on durability is limited; one reviewer specifically noted no upper-to-sole separation, indicating at least competent early durability. Long-term wear data are not present in the sampled reviews.
Bottom line, The Tekela V5 Elite is a control-focused, elite-tier firm-ground boot that will suit creative midfielders and playmakers who prioritise touch and comfort. It is less convincing 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 New Balance Tekela V5 Elite head-to-head against another cleat on every aggregated characteristic.
