The adidas Fabela Zone 2.1 Hockey Shoe is engineered for adult female hockey players seeking superior stability and control on artificial turf pitches. Its key win is providing the firm lockdown and responsive cushioning needed for dynamic play, enabling confident jinking runs and quick changes of direction. A minor caveat is that its specialized outsole is optimized for artificial surfaces, making it less ideal for natural grass. This guide will help you understand its features, care, and how to maximize its performance.
Stabilising External Heel Counter: Provides a firm lockdown around your heel, enhancing stability and preventing unwanted foot movement during agile maneuvers.
Breathable Textile Upper with Synthetic Overlays: Designed for optimal airflow to keep your feet cool and comfortable, while synthetic overlays add durability and support where it's needed most.
Lightweight EVA Midsole: Offers responsive cushioning that absorbs impact, providing comfort during long matches and reducing fatigue without adding bulk.
Grid Rubber Outsole: Specifically engineered for exceptional grip and traction on artificial turf, ensuring confident footing for explosive movements and quick stops.
Lace Closure System: Allows for a secure, adjustable fit that can be customized to your foot shape for optimal comfort and support.
Recycled Content Construction: Made in part with recycled materials from production waste and post-consumer household waste, contributing to a more sustainable product.
Enhanced Stability: The external heel counter and reinforced upper provide excellent stability for dynamic hockey movements.
Optimized Grip: The specialized grid rubber outsole delivers superior traction on artificial turf surfaces.
Comfortable Cushioning: Lightweight EVA midsole offers effective shock absorption for sustained comfort during play.
Breathable Design: Textile upper promotes airflow, helping to keep feet cool and dry.
Sustainable Choice: Incorporates recycled content, aligning with environmentally conscious practices.
Surface Specific: The outsole is primarily designed for artificial turf, which may limit performance on natural grass.
Adult Female Focus: Sizing and fit are geared towards adult female players, potentially not ideal for other age groups or genders.
Enhanced Stability: The external heel counter and reinforced upper provide excellent stability for dynamic hockey movements.
Optimized Grip: The specialized grid rubber outsole delivers superior traction on artificial turf surfaces.
Comfortable Cushioning: Lightweight EVA midsole offers effective shock absorption for sustained comfort during play.
Breathable Design: Textile upper promotes airflow, helping to keep feet cool and dry.
Sustainable Choice: Incorporates recycled content, aligning with environmentally conscious practices.
Surface Specific: The outsole is primarily designed for artificial turf, which may limit performance on natural grass.
Adult Female Focus: Sizing and fit are geared towards adult female players, potentially not ideal for other age groups or genders.
The adidas Fabela Zone 2.1 Hockey Shoe is built to empower players on the artificial turf pitch. Its design directly translates to tangible on-field benefits:
Agility and Control: The combination of the reinforced textile upper and external heel counter means your foot stays locked in, allowing for quick, confident jinking runs, sharp cuts, and feints without excessive foot slippage inside the shoe. This stability is crucial for maintaining control of the ball and outmaneuvering opponents.
Responsive Movement: The lightweight EVA midsole provides a balance of cushioning and responsiveness. This means you get comfort during continuous running, but also feel connected to the ground for explosive acceleration and sudden changes in direction. It helps absorb the impact of continuous hard stops and starts.
Superior Turf Traction: The unique grid rubber outsole is specifically engineered for artificial turf. This ensures you maintain excellent grip, whether accelerating, braking, or pivoting. This prevents slips and provides the confidence needed for aggressive play in various weather conditions on artificial surfaces.
All-Match Comfort: The breathable textile upper helps manage heat and moisture, contributing to sustained comfort throughout long training sessions and intense matches. This reduces the likelihood of discomfort or blisters, allowing you to focus on your game.
For example, during a fast break down the wing, the stabilising external heel counter works to keep your heel securely in place as you push off, while the grid rubber outsole grips the turf firmly, allowing for rapid acceleration. When you need to quickly change direction to dodge a defender, the reinforced textile upper supports your foot laterally, and the lightweight EVA midsole cushions the impact of the sudden shift, enabling a smooth transition into your next move.
Lacing: Ensure the shoes are laced snugly from the toes to the ankle, utilizing all eyelets. This provides optimal support and a secure fit. Avoid over-tightening, which can restrict blood flow, or leaving them too loose, which can compromise stability.
Initial Wear: Wear the shoes for short periods initially to allow them to conform to your feet. This helps in breaking them in and identifying any pressure points before intensive use.
Playing Surface: These shoes are specifically designed with a grid rubber outsole for artificial turf hockey pitches. While they can be worn on other surfaces, their optimal performance, grip, and durability are realized on artificial turf.
User Group: The adidas Fabela Zone 2.1 is designed for adult female hockey players. Other sizes and color variations may exist.
Proper care will extend the life and performance of your hockey shoes:
Cleaning: After each use, especially if playing on muddy or dusty pitches, wipe down the exterior of the shoes with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. For tougher grime on the textile upper, use a soft brush and mild soap solution. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Drying: Allow shoes to air dry naturally at room temperature. Do not expose them to direct heat sources like radiators or direct sunlight, as this can damage the materials. Stuffing them with newspaper can help absorb moisture and maintain their shape.
Storage: Store shoes in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Ensure they are clean and dry before storing to prevent mildew or odor build-up.
Odor Control: If odors develop, remove insoles and allow them to air out. Odor-absorbing inserts or sprays can also be used.