Saturday, November 19, 2011

Speed Boots Part 1 Adidas

I've been putting the Speed boot category off because of the vast number of Speed boots on the market at the moment. Some boot brands namely Adidas and Puma are even creating more then one boot which can be classified as a Speed boot. We all now that a couple of grams isn't really going to make a difference to how fast we run but Speed boots usually come out with the flashest colours and shapes of any other category.


The Adidas F50 Adizero II MiCoach is arguably the biggest innovation in football boot technology ever. Utilizing the previous Adizero's Sprint Skin, Sprint Frame and Sprint Web Adidas have added the Adidas MiCoach which is a small technologically advanced pedometer. Not only can the MiCoach count how far you run but also average speed, maximum sprint speed, total sprints and you can upload these and compare them with professionals and amateurs alike all over the world. The Adizero range has grown more and more outrageous throughout its (currently) short stint at the very top of football boots. From the Adizero 1.1's two tone classic colour way to the Adizero 1.2's three tone 'ladder' decal design. The latest incarnation of the Adizero range is no different with this Mcdonalds like colour way looking like something from 100 years in the future. Though these boots are yet to be launched I can hardly show you old technology and these boots are soon to be on the feet of stars such as Messi and Suarez.
Retails at $270.0 US including MiCoach system and without is $200.0 US




Yes, I know the Adipower is a power boot and a fantastic one at that but the Adidas Adipower Kinetic SL is a lot more of a speed boot then anything else. Adidas decided that they would make an SL version of the Adipower without the leather instead using the Adizeros Sprint Skin. They have shaved a massive 45gms off the original and have given it a stylish Tron like make over. Though you wont see many professionals on the paddock wearing these they are great boot which you will be glad to go off the grid in (excuse the pun).
Retails at $300.0 US


Completing Adidas' super light category is the Adidas Adipure IV SL. This is pretty much a heritage boot with a difference, it weighs in at only 200gms! Adidas have done this simply buy meshing two silo's together with the soft classic Kangaroo Leather of the Adipure IV and the feather light sole plate of the Adizero this boot is on of those best of both worlds idea. According to many independent reviewers it is one of the most comfortable boots on the market. Unfortunately these are like the Adidas Adipower Kinetic SL in that you wont see many pro's wearing them but that doesn't have to stop you.
Retails at $250.0 US

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Control Boots

The Control category of football boots is relatively new to the market with the first "control" boots coming out in early 2010. I know technically all boots should have the element of control but these boots are specifically designed to dampen the ball and make it stick to your foot.


I believe the Nike CTR 360 Maestri was the first boot branded a "control" boot. The Nike CTR 360 Maestri II is the latest in Nike's popular silo. The CTR are known for their two tone colour combination (with a new little highlight included) Nike doesn't disappoint with the amount of colour ways they produce. I guarantee what ever colour your kit is you will find a CTR to match it. The CTR is a good looking boot where you can see all the technology that has been put in it from the dampening pods to the passing pad. With even more features added to the Nike CTR 360 Maestri II Elite including a carbon fibre sole plate and a different stud pattern.  Though the shoe looks quite bulky, when it is on the foot it looks great. The CTR has started one of the biggest followings with everyone raving about how well this shoe performs. I think the only way to find out is to try them for yourself.
Retail at $180.0 US




The Mizuno Supersonic Wave II is another boot in the growing category Control. Personally I absolutely adore this boot and I think it may be the best looking boot on the market at the moment, it is definitely a boot that I want to try. Its nice sleek look and classic colour way really just take it a step ahead of other boots. Similar to the CTR the Supersonic Wave II uses a ball dampening element called the Feather Touch System and also a full Kangaroo leather upper so you can really do whatever you want with the ball. As an added bonus it weighs in at only 235gm which is light for any boot category. I am a big fan of Mizuno as they are comfortable and beautiful and I am sure this boot will be no different. Retails at $195.0 US


Pepe is the only professional I can think of that wears the Umbro Geometra Pro even though it gets great reviews. Umbro has this uncanny ability to make there boots ugly and this is no exception I don't know what they were thinking when they decided to use silver and yellow for a football boot but luckily they have other colour ways that aren't quite as bad. As a trend in all Control boots there is a dampening element and this is no different. As with the Umbro Speciali R the only upside this boot has over the Nike's CTR is that it is cheaper.
Retails at $150.0 US


Control boots are quickly growing and Adidas are soon to come out with their own take on control. If you want to be the next Iniesta or Thiago Motta this is the perfect category to be in. MIA SAN MIA!!

You can find all these boots for sale at Pro-Direct Soccer

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Power Boots

This will give you some insight into the Power/ Accuracy boots on the market at the moment. Power boots are supposed to give your shooting extra oomph and accuracy and are used by all positions on the pitch.


The Adidas Adipower Predator is the latest in a long line of Predator football boots. It differs from its previous incarnation mainly in weight and comfort. It weighs almost 100gm less then the Predator X weighing in at only 235gm and makes it the lightest football boot on the market. The Adipowers also fix the problem the Predator X's had with comfort removing the painful fold over tongue and replacing it with an asymetrical lacing system. The release colour way shown above is very striking and I think quite beautiful with a large player uptake. The other colour ways in comparison are quite conservative but still quite nice. If you're looking for a light weight football boot that is comfortable and offers a decent amount of protection look no further.
Retails at $250.0 US


The Nike T90 Laser IV is Nike's answer to Adidas' Adipower. It is almost a complete overhaul of the T90 Laser III which was ugly and bulky and apparently uncomfortable. Though it is alot heavier then the Adipower it ticks the boxes in comfort, power and style. The geometric pattern of the shooting element is an acquired taste but I like it. The only problem I have is that the sole plate is cheap looking and plasticy. It offers good protection, is very noticeable on the pitch and if you're a Wayne Rooney fan I'm sure you will love this boot.
Retails at $200.0 US


One of my favourite brands Mizuno have their own power boot the Mizuno Wave Ignitus II. I love this boot its modern design, wacky sole plate and extensive shooting element seem to draw me to it like a fly to an iredescent light. This boot along with all Mizuno boots is one of the most comfortable boots you can buy with all reviews I've read praising it and saying its the most comfortable boots they have ever worn. I might be slightly biased towards these boots because I owned for a very brief period, the Wave Ignitus I, but I'm sure you will love them too. If you're looking for a power boot this is my recommendation.
Retails at $190.0 US




With the new Powercat 1.12 soon to be launched it seems a shame that I am not featuring that but the Puma Powercat 1.10 is still on the feat of Nemanjar Vidic so they must be included. These boots have had me changing my mind time and again over whether I like them or not. At this very moment I think they are a great boot, I've asked my strike partner who wears these shoes what he thinks, and he said they are extremely comfortable with great touch and I think he knows his stuff because he scored the second most goals this season. As for the design it is very divided, some people absolutely hate it and some love it. I have to say it doesn't look great to me with its shark fins and paint splat sole plate but there is no denying this boot performs very well and I'm looking forward to the Powercat 1.12 trumping it.
Retails at $210.0 US


Power boots always throw up speculation on whether they really do increase power, regardless of this they are still great shoes and will always give you the confidence to go in to tackles hard and to play the best you can. MIA SAN MIA!!

You can find all these boots for sale at Pro-Direct Soccer

Heritage Boots

This is a list of some of the best heritage boots on the market at the moment. These are all top quality boots and all perform fantastically this is just an aesthetic thing. I'll take you through what I think of the design of each of these boots.


The Adidas Copa Mundial is an absolute classic and thats why it is displayed at the top of my page. It has been serving professional and amateur players for over 30 years. I think it looks great with a real heritage feel with the retro plastic sole plate to the tongue that you can wear however you like.
Retails at $120.0 US


This is Adidas' update of the Copa Mundial called the Adidas Adipure IV. This boot keeps up the nice classic look with some nice modern features like a new sole plate and tongue. Like almost all modern cleats it comes in many different colour ways and sole plates. But are all characterised by soft Kangaroo leather and clean style.
Retails at $199.80 US


Mizuno may not be as well known as the prolific powerhouses of Nike and Adidas but they make quality football boots. The Mizuno Morelia this boot is sleek and clean with an updated retro sole plate and a big flappy tongue which is not my cup of tea but doesn't really affect the performance of the boot If your looking for a comfortable light Kangaroo leather shoe this is a good option.
Retails at $143.0 US


Nike has a very different way of approaching heritage, because of there ability to create everything with loud colours. At first glance the Nike Tiempo IV Elite certainly doesn't look like a heritage boot but if you take a closer look you will find beautiful Kangaroo leather and a deceivingly simple design. This boot also comes in standard version with a slightly different colour combination and without the features of the carbon fibre sole plate and fly wire technology. I have to say that Nike have pulled off a true heritage boot with an exciting colourful twist.
Retails at $439.0 US


Pantofola D'oro is a small Italian brand which specialises in heritage football boots. The Pantafola D'oro Dream is there main silo but also have many other great boots. This boot is a true classic but also comes in many different new colours besides the classic black and brown. I have always respected the pure class and style in this boot utilising premium grade Calf leather and according to many indipendant reviews a strong performing sole plate. This boot is perfect for nice dry weather but a word of warning must not be used in wet weather as it absorbs water. But even so great dutch legend Johann Cruyff can't have been wrong.
Retails at $191.80 US


This boot is another that has been around for quite awhile the Puma King. The latest version of this boot the Puma King Finale i is essentially just a colour update maybe with some weight shaved off. With the Large white tongue and fussy red detailing personally I don't really like this "King". Other colour ways including the limited edition ECO version (made of bio-degradable materials) are classy. Some reviews of this boot rate it higher then the standard Tiempo IV and Adipure IV. But its obviously down to personal preference.
Retails at $175.0 US


Umbro are coming out with some good boots at the moment like the Umbro Geometra Pro but in my opinion are falling behind in the heritage department. The Umbro Speciali R is a step back from there previous Speciali which was an entirely Kangaroo leather upper and have moved on to cheaper synthetic material called Kanga Touch. Besides this technical change this new colour way is similar to the Nike Tiempo IV as it is trying to blend the new with the old but unlike the Tiempo have failed in this respect and just have come up with a cheap looking boot. The only upside I find with this boot is the price which you will find this less expensive then the Tiempo or Adipure.
Retails at $127.0 US

I hope this quick comparison between heritage boots has been helpful. I will be doing a similar comparison between the Power, Speed and Control categories so stay tuned for that. MIA SAN MIA!!

You can find all these boots for sale at Pro-Direct Soccer

Socceroos vs Oman

 VS
I went to ANZ stadium tonight to see the Socceroos play Oman. It was a great game for Australia 3-0 sitting right in the front got to see both of the second half goals close up, and in the first half was near the right back Rhys Williams, one of my favourite players. At the end of the game Lucas Neil the Australian captain came right up to where my friends and I were sitting and handed one of the children sitting in front of us his armband. Great night and so happy I can sleep in tomorrow morning. MIA SAN MIA!!

Monday, October 10, 2011

Arguably the gods of European Football and certainly the top of German Football at the moment. I do not come from Munich or even Germany for that matter but there is something about the team that I love and always enjoy to watch and I've been a big fan since the age of 10. Ribery, Robben, Schweinsteiger, Olic, Gomez, Müller, Van Buyten, Lahm, Boatang, Rafinha all these players are world class and I would give an arm and a leg to watch them live. MIA SAN MIA!!
The Puma V1.11 sl is one that I have had my on for a while now it is visually great and it is a boot that I hope to be wearing for the start of next season. It is as light as an Adidas F50 Adizero and according to many sources surpasses the Adizero in performance and comfort. The positions I play are striker, winger, wing back and centre attacking mid these boots tick all the boxes for me light and add a lot of protection but probably most importantly they are simple I don't really believe in shooting aids and a nice clean surface is all I need. Puma for me is a top brand and I shall continue to buy their boots if they make top quality boots great work. MIA SAN MIA!!