Adidas Striker Team Backpack Review: 9/10 Verdict
Digging into feedback from athletes, students, and travelers revealed a surprising consistency: the adidas Striker Team Sports Backpack, Black scores an impressive 9/10 for versatility and durability, with many users praising its ability to transition effortlessly from school to the gym or sports field. Across Amazon, Walmart, and Reddit, buyers repeatedly describe it as “spacious,” “durable,” and “comfortable to carry,” while a few point out minor feature limitations like the absence of a dedicated ball compartment.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Yes
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Spacious main compartment fits books, laptops, and sports gear | No dedicated ball compartment (important for soccer players) |
| Durable polyester with reinforced stitching | Some confusion over laptop divider size |
| Comfortable padded straps and back panel | Slightly bulky for minimalist users |
| Multiple organizational pockets | Limited water resistance in heavy rain |
| Ventilated compartments for shoes/clothes | International shipping costs can be high |
| Stylish, team-ready design | Color shade may differ slightly from photos |
| Lifetime warranty |
Claims vs Reality
One of adidas’ main marketing claims is that the Striker Team Backpack offers “three zip compartments with designated space for a laptop and a media device.” While this is confirmed in product specs, some buyers noted discrepancies. A reviewer on Feefo stated: “Described as having divider inside for laptop which is not correct,” suggesting that while there is space, the divider may not meet expectations for padded protection. However, a verified buyer on Amazon countered this by noting: “My son’s school requires large binders… big enough to accommodate his needs with room for his laptop and more.”
Another claim is about “durable materials with reinforced stitching.” Here, user experiences align strongly with marketing. Reddit reports call it “great even for school… take it to school and go straight to the gym or field for practice,” while an Amazon customer review simply summed it up as “great quality and craftsmanship… we never worry about adidas brand.”
Adidas also promotes “ventilated freshpak compartments to keep gear fresh and clean.” Sports-oriented users on Twitter reiterated this benefit, describing how the separate pockets kept sweaty clothes and shoes away from clean gear—a detail that makes it particularly appealing to soccer players and gym-goers.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across platforms, space and organization emerge as the most celebrated features. A Walmart reviewer highlighted that it “features a roomy main compartment suitable for books, laptops, or various sports gear… accommodating essentials for daily practices, workouts, or weekend trips.” Students benefit from this capacity, with one Amazon buyer saying: “It was big enough to accommodate large binders with room for his laptop and more.” Athletes appreciate the multiple compartments, with Trustpilot noting “two side water bottle pockets” and a “fleece-lined zip media pocket” as useful during practice sessions.
Durability also earns consistent praise. A verified Amazon buyer wrote: “My son is hard on backpacks and it is durable.” Reddit user descriptions call it “versatile because of its large main compartments and internal organization,” with repeated emphasis on its ability to withstand daily wear from school to sports.
Comfort is another cross-platform highlight. Multiple sources mention padded shoulder straps and back panels. A Poshmark seller emphasized that “the bag is padded on the straps and pack panel, making it comfortable to carry,” a sentiment echoed by athletes on Twitter who carry heavy gear over long distances.
Common Complaints
The most frequent complaint is the lack of a ball compartment. While the Stadium II variant includes one, the Striker Team Backpack does not. SoccerGarage.com explicitly states: “Does not have a ball compartment,” which could be a dealbreaker for soccer players expecting it. Some confusion arises over the laptop sleeve size, with one Feefo review noting that the described divider wasn’t as functional as expected.
Water resistance is another debated point. While marketed as having a “water-resistant base,” users suggest it’s adequate for light splashes but not heavy rain. This matters for commuters and cyclists who need reliable protection in unpredictable weather.
Divisive Features
Style and color accuracy split opinions. One Amazon buyer worried that the maroon/burgundy shade wouldn’t match expectations but later admitted, “I will never second guess adidas again!” Others, however, reported slight shade differences compared to product images. Size is also divisive—praised by those needing capacity, but some minimalists find it bulky for everyday carry.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot ratings and Walmart reviews show no signs of scam concerns. The brand’s lifetime warranty reassures buyers, and several long-term users report sustained performance. A Reddit post framed it as “great even for school… go straight to the gym or field for practice,” suggesting real-world reliability beyond the first few months.
The consistent positive sentiment across Amazon’s 4.8/5 score (from thousands of reviews) and Walmart’s perfect 5/5 indicates strong trust in adidas’ quality control. Feefo’s “good quality perfect size… would recommend” further strengthens the reliability narrative.
Alternatives
The Stadium II Backpack is often mentioned as an alternative, especially for athletes needing a ball compartment. It shares similar durability and comfort features but adds sport-specific storage. For non-athletes or those prioritizing academic or travel needs, the Striker Team version remains preferable for its cleaner design and lighter weight.
Price & Value
At the time of reporting, prices range from $37.22 on Amazon to $39.99 on Walmart, with resale values on eBay hovering around $45 for new-with-tags units. Community members recommend buying during seasonal sales or team bulk orders, as SoccerGarage offers discounts for quantities over 10. The strong resale value suggests lasting demand, making it a solid investment for multi-year use.
FAQ
Q: Does the adidas Striker Team Backpack have a ball compartment?
A: No. Multiple sources, including SoccerGarage.com, confirm it lacks a dedicated ball compartment. Athletes who need one should consider the Stadium II model.
Q: Can it fit a 17-inch laptop?
A: Official specs list up to 16 inches, though some Amazon reviewers report fitting slightly larger devices depending on thickness.
Q: Is it waterproof?
A: It has a water-resistant base, which protects against light moisture. However, it’s not fully waterproof in heavy rain.
Q: How durable is it for daily school use?
A: Very durable according to Amazon and Reddit users. One parent noted it survived two school years with heavy binder and laptop loads.
Q: Does it have a lifetime warranty?
A: Yes. Adidas offers a lifetime warranty, which adds to buyer confidence.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a student, commuter, or athlete needing organized storage without a ball compartment. Avoid if you require specialized sports gear space for balls or heavy rain protection. Pro tip from the community: purchase during team sales or back-to-school discounts to maximize value.
