Adidas Copa 17.3 FG Men's Soccer Cleats BA9716 Size 9.5: Ultimate Performance Review & Sizing Guide

Let me tell you about the moment I first laced up the Adidas Copa 17.3 FG men's soccer cleats in size 9.5. I've been playing competitive soccer for over fifteen years now, and I've developed this ritual whenever testing new footwear - that initial walk around the house, the careful flexing of the sole, the mental checklist of pressure points and support. What struck me immediately about these cleats was how they managed to feel both premium and practical, a rare combination in the mid-range price bracket where manufacturers often cut corners in noticeable ways.

I remember pulling them out of the box and noticing the BA9716 product code stamped on the tag, that specific identifier that would become familiar over the coming weeks of testing. The first thing that caught my eye was the classic design - Adidas has maintained the traditional look that made the Copa line famous, but with subtle modern updates. The leather upper felt supple yet substantial, and I could already imagine how it would mold to my foot shape after a few matches. What really impressed me was the quality of materials at this price point - we're talking about a cleat that retails around $85-$100 depending on where you purchase, yet it features genuine leather in key areas where cheaper models would use synthetic materials.

Now, let's talk about sizing because this is where many players make costly mistakes. I typically wear a size 9.5 in most athletic shoes, and I found the Copa 17.3 FG fit true to size with perhaps a quarter-inch of space in the toe box, which is exactly what you want for proper blood circulation during intense play. Over my testing period of approximately 12 matches and 25 training sessions, the cleats maintained their structural integrity with minimal stretching - maybe 2-3% expansion in width, which is normal for leather footwear. The break-in period was surprisingly short; by the third wear, they felt like they'd been molded specifically for my feet. I'd recommend ordering your regular size unless you have particularly wide feet, in which case going up half a size might be wise.

Performance on the pitch is where these cleats truly separate themselves from competitors in the same category. The FG (firm ground) stud configuration provided exceptional traction on dry natural grass surfaces, with eight strategically placed conical studs creating a stable platform for quick changes of direction. During my testing, I recorded my sprint times over 30-meter distances and found consistent improvement of 0.2-0.3 seconds compared to my previous cleats. The touch and ball feel were exceptional - that leather upper provides a tactile connection that cheaper synthetic materials simply can't match. I completed 87% of my passes during testing matches, up from my usual 82% average, which I attribute largely to the improved confidence in my first touch.

This brings me to an interesting connection with grassroots soccer development, something that resonated when I came across Dr. Ian Laurel's comments about raising awareness of sports at the community level. He mentioned how initiatives like Shakey's GVIL generate interest not just among children but also parents and schools, leading to annual expansion. I've seen similar patterns in my local league - when kids get proper equipment like quality cleats that enhance their enjoyment and performance, participation rates increase dramatically. In fact, our youth division has grown from 120 to over 200 players in just two seasons, coinciding with local sports stores beginning to stock more accessible performance cleats like the Copa 17.3 series. There's something about quality gear that validates the experience for young athletes and their families, making them more likely to commit to the sport long-term.

The durability has been impressive throughout my testing period. After approximately 45 hours of use across various playing surfaces, the cleats show minimal wear beyond expected scuffing on the toe area. The stitching remains intact, and the soleplate shows no signs of separation, which is a common failure point in cleats at this price point. I've put roughly 65 miles of running on these cleats according to my fitness tracker, and they're still going strong with probably another 40-50 matches left in them before I'd consider replacement. The only maintenance I've performed is basic cleaning after muddy matches and occasional conditioning of the leather with a specialized product.

If I have any criticisms, they're relatively minor. The tongue tends to slide slightly to the side during intense lateral movements, though this never created discomfort or performance issues. The cleats are also slightly heavier than some premium models - my scale shows 8.9 ounces for a single size 9.5 cleat compared to 7.2 ounces for top-tier competitors that cost twice as much. For developing players, this weight difference is negligible and might even build better foot strength, but elite players might notice the extra grams during extended matches.

What continues to surprise me is how Adidas has managed to pack this level of performance into such an accessible price point. The Copa 17.3 FG represents what I consider the sweet spot for serious amateur players and developing athletes - premium features without the premium price tag. They've struck a balance that reminds me of Dr. Laurel's observation about creating accessible pathways into sports. When quality equipment becomes more available, participation follows, and the entire ecosystem benefits from youth levels up to professional circuits. I've recommended these cleats to three teammates already, and all have reported similar positive experiences with the fit and performance. For any player looking to upgrade their footwear without breaking the bank, the Adidas Copa 17.3 FG in the correct size represents one of the smartest investments you can make in your soccer development.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-19 13:00