If shock and awe is your thing, Concave is a brand that has you covered! Last week they introduced their 2019 edition of the Halo+ Pro, and this one looks a lot different! Gone is that incredibly large front PowerStrike component, and in comes a completely re-engineered strike component. It is a change in direction that signals huge change for the brand as they look to refocus on the market.

Think of these as the Darth Vader of the boot world, dark and mysterious with a lot of bold attitude! We have been testing them for the past few weeks, and here is what you need to know about how they perform!

Initial Reaction

This is a big change in direction for Concave, as they look to create a boot that is more relevant to the current market. Let’s be honest, they had to do something different. Modifying the strike zone and providing players with something less dramatic is a great start. The brand focus is still in play through the implementation of ACCUSTRIKE technology, so they are not looking to reinvent the wheel. How that actually plays out is the most important part, especially when striking shots!

The packaging is as impressive as ever, with a silver chrome box providing an upgraded look. Inside, you also get a signature Concave boot bag included.

Breaking In and Comfort

Well, something that hasn’t changed with these is the sizing issue. Again, they fit long so you need to go down in size for them to be comfortable on foot. Learn more about that in the fit section below, but for now what you need to know is that I ended up wearing a pair that was a full size smaller than I normally wear.

Getting them on foot is easy. Even with the enclosed ankle collar, all you need to do is loosen the laces and slip your foot in. I’m a big fan of that ankle cut, as it hugs your foot right from first wear. This helps give you a feeling of security and confidence to just wear them. There is also a piece added to the heel that cups the Achilles comfortably. The fit is very snug right off the bat, but very comfortable. Right through the upper, the material is soft and pliable, with plenty of natural motion that mimics your movements in play.

PowerStrike VS ACCUSTRIKE

PowerStrike Technology, or the large concave rubber panel that was employed on previous Concave boots, provided some additional power for striking shots. That was, or course, as long as used to its full extent. It was a part of the boot that fans clearly had a love/hate relationship with. From my personal experience, you had to adapt to the feel of controlling and shooting the ball, and it often resulted in unexpected rebound off the surface. Then you also had to factor in a modified weight distribution that produces a different fell on foot. So, you spent a lot of time adjusting to the new style.

ACCUSTRIKE is very different and a huge upgrade to the boot! Now, you have two smaller rails running down along the outside of the lacing. There is no longer a large rubber panel across the lacing and tongue, so you get much better feel on the ball. And there is no odd weight distribution to have to work against. The intent of the ACCUSTRIKE technology is to cup the ball as you strike it, creating a zone where you still get rebound, just in a more direct fashion.

Performance

Lets talk about ACCUSTRIKE in a little more depth here. It is the centerpiece of the release, after all. The first thing to note here is that you never feel it in play, you will pretty much not know it is there. Its presence is there to connect with the ball on the outside, not create discomfort with your foot on the inside. In its natural position, each rail seems to be very rigid. But, under the motion of your fingers, they are very flexible. What this means is that you get a piece of technology that has the ability to add extra ping on connection, as the rails cuddle the ball and allow it to rebound quickly.

Does it actually work? I have to say it is effective and it does serve a purpose. I found that there was a definite positive while striking shots and when hit clean, you get excellent pop off the surface. I would go as far as saying that I got more power behind shots while wearing them, you do notice a difference. At least I felt like I did (can any keepers I was playing against while wearing them confirm this please? LOL.) Now, whether you feel like you want that added element in your game is up to you. But it is a bonus for players that want something just a little different.

And better again, it doesn’t impact or cause any unnecessary rebound when the ball hits it at the wrong angle, like its predecessor did. The rails are very unobtrusive and really don’t get in your way through play! A definite upgrade all around.

Does ACCUSTRIKE Look Familiar?

When I first had the opportunity to see the updated Halo+, I was left wondering if I’d seen this type of technology before. Then, the German brand Aspero came to mind. Both boots were built on the same concept of using an outer piece around the laces to impact contact with the ball. Sadly for Aspero, who disappeared a few years back, their boots were too heavy and the component was too rigid and misplaced. Thankfully, Concave have a far better design and much better performance!

Traction and Soleplate

Here is another area that has been modified for the modern game. Concave has worked to create a much lighter soleplate that substantially reduces the overall weight of the boot, while balancing out weight distribution. These boots weigh in at a very standard 8.5oz, much improved on previous models. And the plate performs very well, if not better than ever before. Concave has gone with a mix of low profile conical and semi circular/rectangular blades around the outer side of the boot. I wore these on both AG and FG with plenty of success! They are not the best AG option out there, but they do work well at keeping you balanced without any unnecessary drag or traction. I found them to be at their best on natural grass, where they can act like teeth and really dig in/release from the surface!

Sidenote, the chrome plate comes with a warning that you might see some cracking or flaking during wear, but performance will not be affected. I did notice some areas where the stress of play caused what I’d call “hairline wrinkled cracks” around the back blades and under the forefoot flex. It caused some concern with some friends who were checking the boots out after I wore them. But again, performance is not altered in any way. It is simply the chrome outer coating cracking.

How do they Fit?

You will definitely still need to go down in size to get the right fit, an area that Concave just hasn’t perfected yet. Or, they just like to have a different sizing convention compared to the market. For testing, I wore a size 8US, when I’m normally a 9US. They worked out to pretty good, but I think an 8.5US would be have been a more tailored fit. So, my advice with these is to go down a half-size, otherwise your foot will be swimming in them.

In terms of width, you get a decent amount of space to keep your feet feeling comfy. But, they don’t fall into the wider fitting boot category. I’d label them as an ideal medium/wide options, with the ability to stretch out to a wide fit if you give the upper time to naturally expand. There is plenty of stitching through the upper to add durability to the leather as they mold to your foot shape.

Critics Notes

Where Concave has got the technology right on this release, they have dropped the ball on the overall design of the boot. Well, the leather version at least. That upper and forefoot is just too busy with a whole lot of stitching. The synthetic version has a much cleaner look that is sure to have a lot of appeal. Then again, we need to see this leather version in other colorways to see how they play out.

With the new technology, Concave has the opportunity to capture fans attention and get them wearing their boots. But that becomes more challenging when they have a price above that of top-tier Nike and adidas boots. It becomes a gamble for consumers. But again, the synthetic version is a lot more affordable and that might appeal more to excited fans.

Retail Details

For testing, I wore the pictured calf leather version that retail for $239.99. The next option down is the MAZE synthetic version that retail for a much better $179.99. In the past, we have talked out the difficulties Concave face trying to convince fans that they should invest the same amount in Concave boots as they do with a Nike or adidas release. That is a hard sell! Here, things are very different as I see fans enjoying their time with the new silo, and that will lead to easier referrals. 

If you want to take a look at everything included in the new 2019 collection, check out concave.com.

The Skinny Summary

Highlight: A new take on power and control from Concave, with a re-engineered strike zone and lighter soleplate. Upgraded!
Category: Mostly Power, with a little Control added in.
Weight:
Would I Buy Them: As far as Concave boots go, these are the best yet and they have a definite target market. I don’t feel like I personally fall into that bracket, but they are a boot I’d wear on occasion.
Player Position: It is more about playing style and what you are looking for in a boot. If you value the additional power component, then they will suit players of any position!

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Concave is back with a new release that takes the brand in a radically new direction. Introducing the comfort focused Concave HALO 2019.

If these look significantly different from previous Concave releases, you should be able to work out exactly what the key change is. Gone is that large Concave element that sat across the laces, and in comes a new technology called ACCUSTRIKE. On the outer sides of the laces, Concave has added what they call the ACCUSTRIKE Railing System (ARS), a technology designed to increase the sweet spot and improve accuracy by guiding the ball as you shoot.

For the first release in the series, they have kept things simple visually by using a classic Black upper with Red detailing. The message is clear here; focus on the performance of the boot distraction free, not how they look.

There are two versions of the boot available; a K-leather and Concave’s own Maze Synthetic. Maze is engineered by fusing mesh with texturized synthetic, the images here are this version of the boot. There is also a raised textured grip strips through the forefoot, to enhance touch and control on the ball. We will have pictures of the K-leather version to go with our upcoming feature review!

That leads to the final question; are these better than previous Concave releases? The answer is a definite yes. The Accustrike rails are a lot less intrusive and definitely don’t impact the rigid nature of the boot across the lacing. Their role is to cup the edges of the ball on firm shots through the strikezone. Having worn them several times, I can assure you that it is significantly upgrades the performance of the HALO series, while providing players with something just a little different!

Find the Concave HALO 2019 collection right now at soccer.com.

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Concave are continuing to make waves in the market, this time with the signing of one of the games most powerful players. This might be more like a ripple than a wave, but Hulk has signed up with the brand, and it looks like the Aura+ will be his boot of choice.

Of course, this move means Hulk leaves his long-term contract with Mizuno, one that was extremely prolific for the Japanese brand. He might not be in the spotlight like he once was, but the Shanghai SIPG striker has a cult following and his signing is pretty significant. This is sure to provide Concave with an immediate boost in popularity, and probably boot sales!

If you are interested in the Concave Aura+, find them at soccer.com.

Welcome to the Cave Gang #PowerMeetsPower #CaveGang pic.twitter.com/TO2bGBHRU5

— Concave Football (@ConcaveFootball) October 23, 2018

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Concave has introduced a special edition “Think Pink” version of the Volt+ Knit, as a proud supporter of the Pink Ribbon Foundation. A great design with a percentage of proceeds being donated to a great cause! This is another release that demonstrates the brands willingness to be progressive, taking positive steps in visual presentation and overall performance elements.

The big talking point of the Volt+ Knit is obviously the collar, a first to be included on a Concave release. Rather than being a compression collar like we see on Nike and adidas releases, this micro-yarn collar is there to enhance comfort around the ankle, while also altering the performance of the PowerStrike. How? Well, the knit covers the PowerStrike, reducing the curvature around the sides. This produces a more uniform strike region that still falls into the power category of performance.

The Volt+ Knit is without a doubt the best Concave boot released to date. They have done a solid job creating a very responsive boot that offers plenty of natural movement on foot. I was able to take them out of the box and right into a training session with no problems. The fit is pretty spacious, so that helps alleviate any pressure points that you might get from a snug boot. If you are considering a pair, I’d definitely recommend considering going a half-size down to get a more snug and natural fit. I tested a size 8.5US (normally wear a 9US) and that proved to be pretty ideal.

Special edition “Think Pink” pairs are currently available at concave.com.

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Initial Reaction

Breaking In and Comfort

Concave’s First Knit Collar

Touch, Control, Shooting

PowerStrike – Does It Alter Your Strike?

Traction and Soleplate

How do they Fit?

Durability

Critics Notes

Retail Details

The Skinny Summary

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Concave; a brand that continues to slowly evolve in a positive fashion. Their latest offering, the Concave Volt+ Knit, just arrived in and they are very different. Providing a unique mix of speed focused performance with a low-cut knit style ankle collar, this is a boot you have to dissect to really understand. I’ll do that more in a future review.

For now, I wanted to talk about a few observations with this release, part of the Insurgent Force Pack, in case you were interested in a pair. First thing, where many brands fall short is in their evolution, following market trends and listening to player expectations. I haven’t been an ardent Concave fan, but they listen to criticism and find ways to make subtle alterations that improve their offering while sticking to their core beliefs. This release is another example of positive steps in their boot presentation and overall performance elements.

There are numerous things I like about this release that are worth pointing out:

• Presentation – Concave has upped their presentation game, presenting the boots in a box that has cross paneled window on top.
• Boot Bag – A new perforated style box that I’d happily showcase around the place. It is super soft, with a more expensive feel than some other traditional boot bags.
• Knit Collar – Rather than being a compression collar like we see on Nike and adidas releases, this micro-yarn collar is there to enhance comfort around the ankle, while also altering the performance of the PowerStrike. How? Well, the knit covers the PowerStrike, reducing the curvature around the sides. This produces a more uniform strike region that still falls into the power category of performance.
• PowerStrike – I’ve got to follow-up on this one, but compared to previous Concave releases, the PowerStrike feels a little thinner and more pliable on this version. It folds really easily under your fingers, which makes it more responsive across your foot as you contact the ball.

Is this the boot the sways me toward being a full-time Concave wearer? Honestly, no. Not because I think they are a bad performing boot, or because I have a vendetta against Concave. Simply put, they don’t suit my personal style. I prefer streamlined and sleek, without any collar. That doesn’t mean they won’t provide the right balance of performance for other players out there. In fact, I’d label these as the best Concave release to date. And the fact you get some additional padding across the upper forefoot might provide additional benefits for players that need extra protection in the region.

They are available in the US right now (find them available at soccer.com.) I do find that with a release like this price can be a big stumbling block. You are essentially paying as much for a pair as you would be for an elite level Nike or adidas boot, and that can cause a debate. Do you trust a new brand and altered style of performance, or do you stick with the name brand? Decisions……..

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Welcome in the Concave Volt+ TECHSTITCH, the first Concave boot to feature a knit style material through the upper. In order to create something different that falls in line with Concave’s marketing strategy, the knit actually interlocks throughout the upper’s inner lining to maintain structure and minimize weight. So, rest assured that there is no compromise to the core values of the brand. It is a bold new design that is definitely worth exploring.

Every time we find ourselves discussing a Concave release, the debate of “cutting edge” vs “too gimmicky” comes into play.  So, what can you expect from this latest release and exactly which category do they fit into?

In order to get a true understanding of the Volt+, it is important to break it down into each individual piece. In other words, take a look at what is on offer with and without Concave’s famous PowerStrike Technology. All too often players get bogged down in what roll the front plate has without actually looking at the general performance of the boot itself. It is a very important piece, but taking a deeper look gives you a little more understanding and respect for what Concave is building.

First question that needs to be answered……

What exactly is TECHSTITCH?

It is basically a knit style material that interlocks throughout the upper’s inner lining to maintain structure and minimize weight. Important to note here is that it is not like a Nike FlyKnit type material. Instead, the upper has a more rigid feel about it, not like a flex-stretch you’d find in other knit uppers. The best way I can describe it is Concave placed the knit on a mold and melted a synthetic around it. So, they TECHSTITCH provides the strength while the outer layer adds as the support. Through the heel area it looks like the material is perforated, but it isn’t. The top layer is transparent, so you don’t see it run through the layers of stitching very well. This is important for players that play in wet conditions, knowing that the material is not intended to let moisture through.

In terms of feel, the entire upper has a medium style firmness to it. You don’t get a real natural feel on the ball, but you are getting what is a very, very durable boot. Over the past few years the trend from top brands has been to produce lighter boots with less material that, in reality, really don’t last very long. Concave has taken a very different approach, one that puts them in their own unique bracket. Their focus with this release was to reduce the overall weight of the boot without negatively impacting the intended design of the silo. If their intent was to make a lightweight contender, they easily could have. There are many ways in which you could trim weight off a boot like the Volt+. But that would be going against their values and the true core of what is a true shooting boot. With so little options currently available on the market, it gives the Volt+ a true purpose.

As you move toward the front of the boot and the key areas that you will use for tough and control, the level of texture stays in play. This provides some extra grip on the ball and is a defining feature of this Volt+ release. Rather than being a tacky material like what was found on prior versions of the Volt+, this type of texturing helps the upper material mold a little easier, giving you a little more flexibility as you connect and move with the ball at your feet. Again, the material is slightly thicker than other boots on the market, so you lose some of that natural touch and feel that you might be familiar with.

What is PowerStrike Technology?

This is a part that has evolved over time to its current design. In terms of actual intent, it definitely serves its purpose. The large concave rubber panel provides some additional power as you strike shots, pending you use the area to its full extent. It is a part of the boot that you either love or hate, and if you are considering Concave boots it obviously has a huge part to play. From my personal experience, you have to adapt to how it feels when controlling and shooting the ball, often resulting in unexpected rebound off the surface. Then you also have to factor in a modified weight distribution that produces a different fell on foot. So, you spend a lot of time adjusting to the new style.

Does it enhance power? It definitely offers some additional rebound while reducing the feel/impact as you strike the ball. For players in need of some added protection across the forefoot, that is a definite positive and something that is worth factoring in.

How do they Fit?

Large! The trend with Concave boots continues. In this particular boot, I wore an 8.5US when I’d normally wear a 9US. Going down an additional half size was definitely an option, but overall I feel like the 8.5US offered a suitable, comfortable fit in game. If you are considering a pair, I’d definitely recommend considering going a half-size down to get a more snug and natural fit.

In terms of width, they are pretty spacious so they are an option for wider fitting players. This is a boot that offers the option of opening up the laces to increase the width through the midfoot. But, note that the laces run through the large rubber Power element, resulting in additional time needed to get the fit just right. When you receive a new pair, take the time to readjust the lacing rather than wasting time when you arrive at training or practice.

Retail and Availability

If you are looking to pick up a pair, Concave have finally made their boots more readily available in the US, you can find them via the official Concave website or at soccer.com. Each pair retails with an original price of $160, while there are several colorways currently available on sale. Presentation of the boots is pretty top quality also. Concave use a pretty slick black box that is definitely higher quality than your standard issue release, and each top-tier pair comes with a matching boot bag.

Would I Buy A Pair?

Concave continue to evolve, and there is definitely room on the market for what they have on offer. Is that on my foot? Probably not. But, as a standard issue boot, they have a lot going for them including durability and added protection through the forefoot. Plus, they are one of the only remaining power focused silos left on the market. At At 9.25oz, this is not a boot that falls naturally into the speed category, even if that is how Concave Markets them. Even so, if one of those falls in line with what you need or are looking for, then definitely put them up for consideration. And please-please-please remember to order a half size down to get the fit right!

What You Need To Know

• TechStitch is a combo of a knit material built into a synthetic upper.
• They are not as pliable as other knit boots on the market.
• Volt+ is still advertised as being a “speed” silo, but they weigh in at 9.25oz.
• Making the most of PowerStrike Technology is all down to the individual player.
• Plenty of texture and definition through the forefoot for enhanced touch on the ball.
• A very durable boot, definitely designed to last a season!
• Retails for $199.99.

Check out the latest Concave Volt+ line-up at soccer.com.

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If you are a fan of Concave and their signature PowerStrike Technology, there is an entirely new way for you to experience the brand!

Welcome in the Concave Volt+ TECHSTITCH, the first Concave boot to feature a knit style material. The knit actually interlocks throughout the upper’s inner lining to maintain structure and minimize weight.

With Nike, adidas and Puma releasing modernized knit uppers in the past year, it is Concave’s turn to test the waters with a new upper material. How that plays out with PowerStrike Technology is going to very interesting! We have a pair on the way, so we are going to hold off on the finite details of the Volt+ TECHSTITCH until we have them in person. There are two new colorways available, a Black/Neon Yellow and Neon Yellow/Zest.

For Concave fans in the US, these boots are already available to order. You can find them listed for $199.99 at soccer.com.

*Side note if you are currently interested in buying a Concave boot; they fit large so you need to consider choosing a half size or even a full size smaller depending on your specific foot shape. I normally wear a size 9US and the pairs I have tested are way too long. Going down to a size 8.5US proved a lot more appropriate, but I’d still personally recommend slipping down a full size, with the 8US proving much more comfortable from a personal standpoint.

If you have questions around sizing, let me know in the comments below!

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With the release of their new Onyx Strike Pack, Concave has officially pushed the brand back out to the US retail market. The blackout themed pack features all three signature boots in the Concave line-up (Halo+, Aura+, Volt+) and is currently available at soccer.com.

This is another big step for Concave as they look to solidify their position as a competing brand in the US market. There is definitely room for the brand and their range of revolutionary Powerstrike technology boots, but finding that sweet-spot has been tough in recent years. With some reevaluation of the market, they introduced some boots directly on their website, but this step back onto the largest retail site in the US marks a very big step. We are sure to hear A LOT more about their speed, power and accuracy themed boots over the coming months!

Side note if you are currently interested in buying a Concave boot; they fit large so you need to consider choosing a half size or even a full size smaller depending on your specific foot shape. I normally wear a size 9US and the pairs I have tested are way too long. Going down to a size 8.5US proved a lot more appropriate, but I’d still personally recommend slipping down a full size, with the 8US proving much more comfortable from a personal standpoint. If you have questions around sizing, let me know in the comments below!

Find all 3 boots currently available at soccer.com.

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If you have ever been tempted to test out Concave’s revolutionary Powerstrike technology, but haven’t been brave enough to splash big money on a pair, here is an option to consider. It is the Concave Volt 2.0, the more economical tier boot in the speed focused range.

The key difference between the Volt+ and Volt 2.0 is the upper material, with a simplified PU Synthetic upper used on this version. It is slightly stiffer and very smooth compared to the lightly textured Microfibre used on the Volt+. But you still get the all important front Concave component with its contoured surface to enhance strike power. It is the one feature of the boot that separates them from the market. Added to that, lacing is obviously important to make the system work, so an F3 (Football Form Fit) dual-lacing system is utilized to snugly supports players’ feet without contorting the foots natural form.

Underfoot, the Volt FG has its own soleplate, built as the most aggressive in the Concave range. It features a molded, oval stud configuration for uncompromising speed and high traction on all natural surfaces.

Sizing + Fit

So, in the past I’ve never felt fully comfortable with the sizing of Concave boots I’ve tested. This time around, I requested a full size down. And the change makes all the difference with how they feel in-game. In fact, it also brings the Powerstrike technology more into play because the natural contouring becomes more natural with around the shape of your foot.

If you are looking to order a pair, I absolutely advise ordering down a full size. The actual listed size seems to be a full level up. In my case, I’m normally a 9US but going forward will be ordering an 8US!

Concave Volt+ Review

If you want to read about the top-tier model in the Volt line-up, check our review from earlier this year.

Retail Details

Again, one of the key features of the Volt 2.0 is the fact they are so much more affordable. But, their availability in the US comes through the Concave site only – they are not yet available in some of the primary stores. Retail wise they drop in at a decent $89.99, which is a great price for players that are interested in exploring what Concave have to offer. Better again, some pairs are available on sale for $50!

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