adidas Copa 19: The Design Story Behind the Reimagined Boot

The adidas COPA 19 has attracted more attention since its release than any previous COPA model. This next-generation boot brings the comfort silo back into focus for dynamic players. To understand what makes the COPA 19 unique, adidas Senior Design Director Dave Surace shares the design inspiration, technical innovations, and performance goals behind the boot.

Design Inspiration

The COPA franchise is one of adidas’ most beloved products and a iconic part of football culture. The design team drew inspiration from other classic designs that have evolved over decades, blending modern changes with a timeless aesthetic. The goal was to take a classic product and infuse innovation and modernity, following adidas’ mantra of “Authenticity to Progression.”

Technical Innovations

The COPA 19’s technical innovations fall into three core categories: fit, touch, and movement.

Fit

Internal construction with foam pads and an ortholite sockliner provides cushioning and comfort.
The Sockfit collar naturally expands to the foot shape for a supportive fit.
An anatomical upper mimics a barefoot experience.

Touch

The new Fuse Skin is an evolution of the classic leather treatment, offering a seamless, less permeable skin that redefines touch.
The K Leather itself is super soft for optimal comfort and touch.
The X Ray Vamp brings the foot closer to the ball and reduces slippage.
Purecut laces remove unneeded layers to maximize the ball control area.

Movement

The Comfortframe stabilizes movement and enhances traction.
Two footshape inlays allow optimal cushioning.
Stud positioning and shape are designed to optimize rotation.

New Materials

A major focus was developing the upper to deliver unparalleled touch and control. The new Fuse Skin is a re-imagining of the classic K Leather technology. It delivers a seamless, less permeable skin that is super soft, providing optimal comfort and touch.

Authenticity to Progression

The COPA 19+ lives up to the mantra of “Authenticity to Progression.” The design is born from the iconic, classical look of the original Copa loved by football purists, but it has been re-designed and re-engineered for unrivaled performance. It takes inspiration from today’s football consumers’ style preferences, making it adidas’ most progressive boot to date.

How the COPA Stands Among adidas Silos

Predator – control
X – speed
Nemeziz – agility
COPA 19+ – touch

Every element of the COPA is constructed to maximize touch, allowing the most skillful players to control the ball and bring out the best in their game.

Innovation Through Heritage

Innovation is not about discarding past designs. adidas’ football heritage informs all designs. Products push boundaries of new technology while being inspired by elements fans have loved for decades.

How the COPA 19 Improves Player Performance

The COPA 19+ supports players with technology in three areas:

Fit – internal construction (foam pads, ortholite sockliner, Sockfit collar, anatomical upper) for a secure, comfortable, barefoot feel.
Touch – Fuse Skin, soft K Leather, X Ray Vamp, and Purecut laces for enhanced ball feel and control.
Movement – Comfortframe, dual footshape inlays, and optimized stud positioning for stability, traction, and rotation.

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