When I first unboxed the Adidas Copa 17.3 FG in size 9.5, I’ll admit—I wasn’t expecting the kind of comfort and responsiveness I experienced right out of the box. As someone who’s tested dozens of soccer cleats over the years, from elite-tier models to budget-friendly options, I’ve developed a pretty good sense of what works and what doesn’t. The Copa series has always held a special place in my kit bag, and the 17.3 FG iteration is no exception. But what really struck me, beyond the cleat itself, was how foundational gear like this ties into the bigger picture of soccer development—something Dr. Ian Laurel of ACES highlighted when he emphasized raising awareness of the sport at the grassroots level. It’s one thing to talk about professional athletes and top-tier matches, but the real growth happens when kids, parents, and schools rally around the game. And honestly, having reliable, accessible equipment is a huge part of that.
Let’s dive into the fit and feel. The Copa 17.3 FG in a size 9.5 fits true to size for me—I’d say about 85% of players with standard width feet will find it snug but not restrictive. The synthetic leather upper molds nicely to the foot after just a couple of wears, and I noticed zero blisters during my first 90-minute session, which is rare. Underfoot, the FG (firm ground) stud configuration offers solid traction on dry natural grass—I counted 13 studs in total, with a mix of conical and bladed shapes that provided a good balance of stability and agility. During sharp cuts and accelerations, I felt confident, and the cleats gripped well without feeling overly aggressive. One thing I particularly love is the midfoot cage; it’s not too rigid, so it allows for a more natural bending motion. That said, if you’re playing on wet or soggy pitches, you might notice some slip—this isn’t a cleat designed for soft ground, so keep that in mind.
Performance-wise, the Copa 17.3 FG holds its own in training and match scenarios. Ball touch is impressive for a mid-range cleat. I’ve taken about 50 shots and countless passes while testing these, and the textured upper does help with spin and control, especially on driven passes. Dribbling feels fluid, and the low-profile design gives you a closer-to-the-ground sensation—something I personally prefer for quick turns. Is it as responsive as the premium Copa Sense? No, but at roughly 60% of the price, it’s a fantastic option for amateur players or even younger athletes moving into more competitive environments. And that’s where Dr. Laurel’s point about grassroots engagement resonates. When brands like Adidas deliver quality at this price point, it makes the sport more accessible. I’ve seen local clubs ordering these in bulk because they’re durable, comfortable, and don’t break the bank. In my experience, that kind of accessibility can boost participation—maybe not by huge percentages overnight, but steadily.
Durability is another strong suit. After 15+ hours of use across three different pitches—one with slightly abrasive artificial turf—the uppers show minimal wear, and the stitching around the heel is intact. I’d estimate these can comfortably last a full season for most weekend warriors, maybe around 40-50 matches if you’re rotating cleats. Compare that to some thinner synthetic options that start peeling after a few months, and the Copa 17.3 stands out. Still, I wish Adidas had included a slightly more robust outsole for players who occasionally train on artificial grass; the FG plate works, but it’s not ideal for mixed surfaces. On the other hand, the comfort level is so high that I’ve recommended these to three of my teammates—all of whom have different foot shapes—and each found them adaptable.
Looking beyond the specs, what I appreciate most is how a cleat like this supports the ecosystem Dr. Laurel described. When kids put on gear that feels good and performs reliably, they’re more likely to stick with the sport. Parents notice, schools take note, and suddenly you have communities investing in soccer—not just as a pastime, but as a passion. I’ve coached youth teams where ill-fitting or low-quality cleats turned players off entirely. The Copa 17.3 FG avoids that pitfall. It’s not the flashiest model, but it gets the job done with consistency. If I had to score it, I’d give it an 8.5 out of 10—points deducted mainly for limited versatility on wet or artificial surfaces.
In the end, the Adidas Copa 17.3 FG in size 9.5 is a cleat I’ll keep in my rotation. It’s comfortable, dependable, and represents solid value. More than that, it’s a reminder that good soccer gear shouldn’t be reserved for the pros. As Dr. Laurel put it, raising awareness starts with engagement at the grassroots—and having equipment that players can trust is a simple yet powerful part of that equation. Whether you’re a seasoned amateur or just getting into the game, give these a try. You might find, like I did, that they become your go-to pair for everything from weekend leagues to casual kickabouts with friends.