11. May 2026
Adidas lightweight TPU boot to debut at World Cup 2026
German sportswear giant Adidas has launched what it says is the lightest football boot ever to feature at the FIFA World Cup, with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) playing a central role in both the upper structure and midsole support system.
The new F50 Hyperfast Evo boot, unveiled last week as part of Adidas’ “Too Light” pack, weighs just 130g and is expected to be worn during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For the polyurethane sector, the most notable aspect is the use of an adaptive TPU skin – branded F50 Cage+ – integrated across the upper and midsole. Adidas said the TPU structure was engineered to provide rigidity and foot lockdown during rapid directional changes while minimising overall weight.
The company said the boot combines the TPU cage system with an ultra-light mesh upper called F50 Shell Evo and a lightweight soleplate designed to improve responsiveness and traction. The floating tongue construction also aims to reduce slippage inside the boot during acceleration.
In addition to the Hyperfast Evo model, Adidas released two slightly heavier Elite variants – including laceless and laced versions weighing 170g and 179g respectively. These models also use TPU components alongside textured grip technologies intended to improve ball control at speed.
According to specialist football footwear publication SoccerBible, the boot reflects a broader move by Adidas towards “lightweight speed” engineering, drawing inspiration from earlier F50 Adizero designs while introducing new material technologies aimed at balancing structural support and minimal mass.
The launch underlines TPU’s continued importance in high-performance sports footwear, where the material is valued for its combination of flexibility, abrasion resistance and structural stability. In football boots, TPU is widely used in soleplates, stud systems and reinforcement structures because it can deliver stiffness and energy transfer without the weight penalties associated with more traditional materials.
Sam Handy, general manager football at Adidas, described the launch as “a defining moment for the F50 franchise”.
“The F50 Hyperfast Evo represents the next step in the evolution of lightweight boot design, unlocking new levels of speed and performance for our athletes on the biggest stages,” he said. “Every element has been built from the ground up with a relentless focus on reducing weight and enhancing responsiveness.”
The boots went on sale on May 7 through Adidas and selected retailers.