adidas Copa Mundial vs. Kaiser 5 Liga: the differences
Everyone loves a classic, retro football boot. They’re hard not to love.
When it comes to adidas football boots, their range holds two of the most iconic options of all time.
The adidas Copa Mundial and the adidas Kaiser 5 Liga are instantly recognisable, having graced tens of thousands of pitches across the decades.
These two models are seen as staples for coaches, referees and also the odd rugged centre half or ankle-nipping midfielder.
They both offer leathery goodness, durability and comfort with a similar look, but are they that closely matched?
Read on, because we’re about to explain…
adidas Copa Mundial: an intro
First released in 1979, the adidas Copa Mundial has been appreciated by professionals and park players alike ever since.
Simple in design but significant in quality, the boot has been worn by the likes of Zinedine Zidane and Lothar Matthäus.
The boot is made to last. Consisting of a soft kangaroo leather upper and a sturdy, die-cut EVA midsole, it offers tremendous durability.
The flexibility in the leather also makes it one of the most comfortable boots on the market, even up against competition from modern silos.
Not many changes have been made to the boot’s tech since it was first introduced in the late ‘70s, with only slight tweaks to decrease weight and increase flexibility.
Many ex-pros and veteran grassroots players swear their allegiance to the Copa Mundial, trusting it to perform, week in week out.
adidas Kaiser 5 Liga: an intro
The adidas Kaiser 5 Liga is the lesser known sister of the Copa Mundial, but don’t expect anything less than a high standard.
Named after German legend Franz Beckenbauer aka ‘Der Kaiser’, this boot symbolises his no-nonsense playing style.
From a price standpoint, the Kaiser 5 Liga is a lot cheaper than the Copa Mundial. Despite sharing much of the same technology.
The main difference is in the leather quality, with the Kaiser 5 Liga using a full-grain leather as opposed to the Copa Mundial’s kangaroo leather.
What they do both share is their die-cut EVA midsole and outsole. Exact same looks, material and stud formation.
The Kaiser 5 Liga is available in a soft ground (SG), astro turf (TF) and indoor (IC) options, whilst the Copa Mundial is available in firm ground (FG) and astro turf (TF - named ‘Mundial Team’).
Which current silos are inspired by the Copa and Kaiser?
The adidas design and marketing teams are acutely aware that younger, modern players often prefer more lightweight, vibrant boots.
Using and building on the foundations of the Copa Mundial and Kaiser 5 Liga, adidas continues to produce their popular Copa range.
More modern, sleek and lightweight than the originals, the adidas Copa Pure fuses heritage and modernity with incredible results.
Copa boots now contain adidas’ latest upper, midsole and soleplate tech, more surface options and even laceless versions too. All in every colourway imaginable.
The world’s best are wearing them including World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, João Félix and England’s Women’s Euros winner, Mary Earps.
Which boot is more comfortable?
As we’ve mentioned a few times now, both of these boots are built to last. And they do.
The leather used on both lasts through tough tests, but the higher quality kangaroo leather on the Copa Mundial makes it more durable than the Kaiser 5.
In terms of comfort, we can’t deny that the Mundial comes out on top. Again, thanks to the supple k-leather.
It’s common knowledge that the adidas Copa Mundial is one of the most comfortable boots ever produced.
They’re also one of the best boots for wide feet too, with vocal fans claiming that it stretches and moulds over time.
Which boot performs best on the pitch?
In terms of performance, these boots are difficult to separate.
The Copa Mundial and the Kaiser are boots for a purist, those who aren’t concerned with the fancy technology of modern boots.
A word of caution though, their leather uppers can become heavy in wetter weather, and wearers have noted that in their reviews.
Overall, both boots provide solid performance on the back of their incredible comfort and durability.
A slight edge goes to the Kaiser in terms of weight, it’s slightly lighter than the Copa Mundial.
But neither should be regarded as ‘speed boots’.
With regards to material, the kangaroo leather of the Copa Mundial allows for a much improved first touch and ball feel.
Which boot is best for 3G/4G & 5-a-side?
With the same soleplate used on both models, it’s almost impossible to rate the two against one another.
What we can do though, is tell you that the Copa Mundial and Kaiser can both be used on 3G and 4G artificial surfaces.
The rubber moulded studs (or “mouldies”), will enter and release reasonably well from all fake turf and plastic pitches.
As they are defined as firm ground boots (FG), we don’t necessarily recommend that you wear them.
Instead we’d urge you to opt for more modern, scientifically researched artificial grass (AG) boots instead.
In terms of playing on firm grass pitches, you’ll be in good hands with adidas’ 12-stud formation.
Which boot is best for soft ground?
Neither, in all honesty. The studs are built for firm ground pitches, so they won’t perform particularly well in the mud.
We know, it’s bad news if you’re wanting to wear them over the winter period. But the good news is, there are alternatives.
The Kaiser Liga has a soft ground (SG) option, and the Copa Mundial’s soft ground version is the adidas World Cup.
Which boot has the best colour options?
Ah, something of a trick question. Pure black with three white stripes, that’s the way of the Copa Mundial and the Kaiser.
The only noticeable differences are the white piping on the heel and the stitching patterns used on the Kaiser. With the full-grain leather giving a glossier finish too.
Every so often, these boot models will see special editions released which mix up the colourways. But they’re extremely rare.
Back in 2014, adidas released the Samba Pack of Copa Mundial (pictured above) which had five wild and wacky colourways.
If you’re looking for a sprinkle of colour on your Copas, the best place to look is within the latest adidas Copa range.
Which boot offers the best value?
In terms of price, there is a clear difference, with the Copa Mundial sitting at a set price of £130 on adidas’ website.
By contrast, the Kaiser 5 Liga is only £85. So, yes, the Kaiser Liga is the cheaper option, in large part thanks to its use of cheaper leather.
Despite the price drop, you still get a great boot, and most reviews point to the fact that the Kaiser more than holds its own.
If you’re playing at an amateur or casual level, the best value for money would be the Kaiser. But if you're thinking about becoming truly iconic, it's Copa Mundial all the way.
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