Over the last couple of years, Under Armour has made a renewed effort to make a mark on the football boot market after a period of relative inactivity.
I was particularly keen to see how these new Magneticos stack up against the best football boots and if there are any clear improvements on the previous generation Under Armour Clone Magnetico 3.0 model.
I will say, the Under Armour Clone Magnetico 4.0 is, for me, the most unique-looking and feeling football boot on the market. The same was also true of the 3.0 that it replaces, with Under Armour clearly going to some effort to achieve elite performance without falling into the trap of rehashing trending features the most popular boots have. This variation is something I applaud; not only does it serve innovation in a positive way, it actually adds something different to the football boot market, too.
I laced up a pair of the Under Armour Clone Magnetico Elite 4.0, which forms the brand’s elite offering alongside the Under Armour Shadow Elite 2.0, to put them to the test.
Under Amour Clone Magnetico Elite 4.0 review
Though the 4.0 once again uses Under Armour’s Clone technology, which adapts to the shape and movements of your feet, it’s different this time around. I noticed the Clone material is built around an elasticated knit lacing system in a one-piece construction, as opposed to the separated tongue u throat of the Clone Magnetico 3.0. As a result, the boots fit more snugly than the previous model and I definitely preferred this.
With rubber grip elements placed around the instep, the Clone Magnetico 4.0 felt very similar to those found on many Adidas Predator models. The boots have a much lower surface area in comparison, though, so I personally didn’t find there was enough grip to have a regular, sustained effect.
Under Armour has improved comfort on the new model through making the toebox more neutral than the Clone Magnetico 3.0, which pushed my toes uncomfortably against the upper itself. There’s also a welcome change to what was my biggest gripe with the last model, too: the heel. Previously too rigid and an area that dug into the back of my heel when playing, it’s been markedly improved on the Clone Magnetico 4.0.
But while I found the upper significantly softer and a competitor for the most comfortable football boots, Under Armour may have overcompensated in this area. Bulk is a general problem with the boot as it’s heavier than comparable models like the Nike Phantom GX Elite and New Balance Tekela V4+ Pro, thanks to the over-padded upper.
While they aren’t heavy enough to hinder your game, the weight does negatively differ from the competition. However, some of the weight, like a thicker knit and a padded heel, adds comfort, so it could be beneficial to some. I’m personally not a fan of the knit as it features the same perforations as the Shadow Elite – a positive when allowing for breathability, but also the possibility of water getting into the boot in wet conditions.
These boots take little to no time to break in and feel great out of the box – one of the most important traits in a boot for me. They have a good level of volume so will still be a good option for players wanting to find the best football boots for wide feet, even if not quite to the same level of the outgoing Clone Magnetico 3.0.
The Clone upper is built for maximum adaptability, but the result is a snug fit for most, so this may be something to be wary of depending on your preferred fit.
The soleplate is brought forward from the previous generation and features fully conical studs alongside conical studs with bladed tips. It’s a comfortable, flexible outsole that offers good rotational support. I wore these on both natural grass and artificial surfaces and would say that they are fine for both, although best worn on firm ground.
The Under Armour Clone Magnetico 4.0 is undoubtedly a better football boot than its predecessor, and it’s taken a step in the right direction. If you’re looking for something different then these are definitely worth considering. However, there are better boots available. We’ll have to wait and see if Under Amour continues with the Magnetico franchise or decides to revamp their offering, but for now, these are a good quality pair of football boots.
