Reviewing the New Balance Tekela v5: Elite Touch, Lightweight Feel

When it comes to men’s soccer cleats, the conversation has long been dominated by the likes of Nike, Adidas, and Puma. However, in recent years, New Balance has made waves with a series of innovative releases, culminating in the Tekela v5. This boot aims to redefine what it means to have elite touch and lightning-fast responsiveness.

Designed for the creative playmaker, the Tekela v5 offers a laceless, sock-like fit and feather-light build without compromising on durability. Whether you’re looking for the best soccer cleats for competitive matches, something to boost your training sessions, or a stylish addition to your soccer footwear rotation, the Tekela v5 brings a lot to the table.

In this in-depth review, we’ll break down the boot’s first impressions, fit and comfort, performance on different pitches, durability, comparisons with rivals, price value, and who it’s best suited for. And if you’re in the US or abroad, we’ll even touch on where to find it at your local soccer store or online, if you'd like it delivered to your doorstep.

From the moment you lift the lid on the Tekela v5 box, you’re greeted with a boot that feels every bit as premium as its competition.

• Aesthetic Appeal : Available in bold electric blue, stealth black, and limited-edition player signature colorways, the Tekela v5 is made to turn heads.
  
  

• Streamlined Silhouette : The laceless design ensures nothing distracts from the clean, striking surface, giving a modern, almost futuristic vibe.
  
  

• Upper Material : The Hypoknit upper is strategically zoned for flexibility where you need it, and lockdown where you don’t want slippage.
  
  

Holding them in your hands, they feel incredibly light, weighing around 210 grams (7.4 oz), which places them among the lightest elite cleats currently available. This weight advantage is immediately noticeable during sprints and quick directional changes.

Comfort is non-negotiable in high-performance boots, and the Tekela v5 delivers in spades. New Balance has refined its fit technology over several iterations, and the v5 benefits from that learning curve.

• Laceless Lockdown : Unlike some laceless designs that can feel either too tight or too loose, the Tekela v5 hits a balance. The knit structure moulds to your foot while maintaining even pressure across the upper.

• Sock-Like Collar : The stretch-knit collar provides a smooth entry and wraps snugly around the ankle without digging in.

• Breathable Lining : Inside, a moisture-wicking lining helps keep your feet dry, even during intense summer sessions.

For players with narrow to average-width feet, the fit feels natural and responsive. Individuals with wider feet may need to size up half a size to prevent compression during extended matches.

If there’s one phrase that sums up Tekela v5’s on-field personality, it’s “precision under pressure.”

• Ball Control : The Hypoknit upper is textured in strike zones to improve grip and feel on the ball, whether you’re threading a pass or striking from distance.

• Traction : The nylon outsole features a stud configuration designed for multi-directional movement. On firm natural grass, you get plenty of bite without feeling stuck.

• Acceleration : The light build means you reach top speed faster, an advantage for wingers and attacking midfielders who thrive on quick bursts.

Even in wet conditions, the cleat maintains its responsiveness thanks to a water-resistant upper coating. This isn’t just marketing, ball contact stays crisp even after 90 minutes on a rain-soaked pitch.

Durability often takes a hit in ultra-lightweight boots, but the Tekela v5 proves you can have speed and lifespan in one package.

• Reinforced Stress Zones : Areas such as the toe box and medial forefoot are reinforced with extra layers to prevent premature wear.

• Abrasion-Resistant Coating : Protects against scuffs from tackles or artificial turf abrasions.

• Strong Outsole Bond : The plate-to-upper connection remains secure, even for players logging heavy weekly minutes. Properly cared for, with regular cleaning after use and avoiding excessive, constant artificial turf play, these boots should easily last a full season or more for most players.

Here’s how it stacks up against its most direct competition:

• Nike Mercurial Vapor : Ideal for straight-line speed demons, but narrower and less forgiving for broader feet.

• Adidas Predator Accuracy : Power and swerve-focused, but heavier and bulkier than the Tekela.

• Puma Future Ultimate : Offers similar flexibility and fit adaptability, but with a more vibrant aesthetic and a slightly heavier feel.

If comfort, touch, and agility are your main priorities, the Tekela v5 competes toe-to-toe with the giants, and for specific players, surpasses them.

At $220–$250, the Tekela v5 is priced in the premium tier, yet it undercuts some rivals by $20–$30 while still offering elite performance features.

For the money, you get:

• Elite-level materials and construction.

• Versatility for multiple playing surfaces (FG and AG models available).

• A stylish cleat that transitions easily into lifestyle wear for those who like to rep their gear off the pitch.

Many soccer stores and online retailers also run seasonal promotions, making it possible to snag these at a discount during major sales events.

The Tekela v5 is perfect for:

• Playmakers who dictate tempo and need precise ball control.

• Wide players seeking lightweight acceleration.

• Attack-minded midfielders who value agility in tight spaces.

• Players who prefer a laceless fit with a barefoot-like ball feel.

It’s also a solid choice for players transitioning from heavier, traditional boots who want something modern without a steep learning curve.

In the US, the Tekela v5 is widely available at major retailers like Soccer.com, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and specialty soccer stores. While in other global markets, authorized New Balance distributors and online platforms often carry both FG and AG versions.

When trying them on:

• Wear your match socks for an accurate fit.

• Test lateral movements in-store to ensure no heel slip.

• When buying online, check the return policies in case you need to exchange for a different size.

To get the most out of your Tekela v5:

• Clean after every game : Remove dirt with a soft brush, wipe with a damp cloth, and let air dry.

• Avoid direct heat : Never dry them near a heater, as this can cause materials to warp.

• Rotate pairs : If you play multiple times a week, alternating between two pairs can extend their life.

Following these steps helps keep the Hypoknit upper responsive and the outsole intact.

The New Balance Tekela v5 is proof that you don’t need to choose between comfort, touch, and speed. It delivers all three in a sleek, modern package that competes directly with the best offerings from Nike, Adidas, and Puma.

If you’re in the market for men’s soccer cleats that combine elite touch with a lightweight feel, the Tekela v5 deserves a spot at the top of your shortlist. Whether you pick them up at your local soccer store or order online, they’re built to enhance your game from the first whistle to the last.