Laces always have had an effect on how players pass and shoot. The presence of an additional and variable barrier between foot and ball can make it difficult to fine-control the power and accuracy of a shot or pass.
But not any more, with adidas launching the new Ace16+ Purecontrol boot this week, a boot that all but negates the impact of laces - by removing them altogether.
"These boots are really comfortable - adidas have done it!" Barcelona and Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic, who will wear the Ace16+ Purecontrol from Jan. 23, told Goal.