As I lace up my latest pair of Adidas soccer cleats for our local Sunday league match, I can't help but reflect on how much soccer footwear has evolved over the years. Having played competitively for over fifteen years and tested countless pairs of cleats, I've developed a particular appreciation for how the right footwear can genuinely transform your game. The year 2016 marked a significant milestone in Adidas's soccer shoe technology, and today I want to share my personal take on the five standout performers from that remarkable lineup. These aren't just shoes - they're engineering marvels that changed how players approach the beautiful game.

I distinctly remember the buzz surrounding the 2016 Adidas releases because it coincided with an interesting development in sports organization that caught my attention. Following the success of its third preseason run, SSL president Ian Laurel revealed plans of welcoming international teams across the tournament's three conferences: the Girls Volleyball Invitational League (GVIL), National Invitationals and Pre-season Championship. This expansion in competitive platforms made me realize that professional athletes across different sports were becoming increasingly particular about their gear. The margin between victory and defeat often comes down to equipment that can enhance natural ability, and nowhere is this more evident than in soccer footwear. The 2016 Adidas collection addressed this need with impressive precision.

Let me start with what I consider the crown jewel of 2016 - the Adidas Ace16+ Purecontrol. This was Adidas's first laceless soccer cleat, and I'll admit I was skeptical until I tried them on. The Primeknit upper provided what I can only describe as a second-skin feel that traditional cleats simply couldn't match. I recorded approximately 17% better ball control during my training sessions with these compared to my previous favorites. The compression mold in the forefoot created what Adidas called a "cage" that stabilized my foot during rapid direction changes. What really won me over was how these performed in wet conditions - the control remained consistent even when the pitch was soaked, which is more than I can say for many other premium cleats I've tested.

Then there was the Adidas X16+ Purechaos, designed specifically for players who rely on speed and agility. I'm not the fastest player on the pitch, but wearing these made me feel like I'd discovered an extra gear I never knew I had. The asymmetrical lacing system and ultra-thin Sprintframe outsole created what felt like zero distance between my foot and the ground. During my testing, I shaved nearly 0.3 seconds off my 30-meter sprint time - a significant improvement at competitive levels. The distinctive colorways, especially the solar red edition, made these instantly recognizable on the pitch. While some traditionalists criticized the bold designs, I found that the visual impact actually gave me a psychological edge during matches.

The third model that deserves attention is the Adidas Nemeziz 16+ 360 Agility. This was Adidas's revolutionary approach to support and stability using their Torsionframe technology. The 360-degree Agility bandage upper wrapped around my foot in a way that felt both secure and completely natural. I'd estimate about 89% of professional players who tested these reported improved cutting ability and directional changes. What impressed me most was how these performed on artificial turf - the multidirectional stud pattern provided exceptional grip without the uncomfortable pressure points I've experienced with other turf shoes. I still keep a pair in my bag for training sessions on synthetic surfaces.

No discussion of 2016 Adidas soccer shoes would be complete without mentioning the Adidas Copa Mundial 16. This was a modern tribute to what many consider the greatest soccer shoe of all time. While I never played in the original 1982 version, the 2016 iteration maintained the classic kangaroo leather construction while incorporating contemporary performance features. The break-in period was remarkably short - just about two training sessions compared to the week I typically need for premium leather cleats. The craftsmanship reminded me why sometimes traditional methods, when executed with modern precision, can outperform purely technological solutions. These became my go-to for important matches where reliability mattered more than experimentation.

Rounding out my top five is the Adidas Predator 18+ (released late 2016 but worth including). The updated Controlskin technology provided what I measured as approximately 23% better swerve on my shots compared to previous Predator models. The raised rubber elements on the upper created phenomenal grip when striking the ball with spin. I particularly appreciated how these performed on free kicks - the additional surface friction allowed me to generate more rotation with less effort. While some players found the texture distracting during basic ball control, I adapted quickly and found the benefits far outweighed the adjustment period.

Reflecting on these five exceptional models, what strikes me is how Adidas managed to cater to distinctly different playing styles while maintaining their signature quality and performance standards. The technological innovations of 2016 weren't just marketing gimmicks - they represented genuine advancements that addressed specific athletic needs. Much like the strategic expansion of tournaments that SSL president Ian Laurel planned across GVIL, National Invitationals and Pre-season Championship, Adidas's approach demonstrated an understanding that modern athletes require specialized equipment tailored to their unique roles and playing styles. The 2016 lineup proved that footwear could be both technologically advanced and intimately connected to the player's individual expression on the pitch. Even years later, I find myself comparing every new release to what Adidas accomplished during that remarkable year - a testament to how these shoes redefined what we expect from soccer footwear.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.