When the soccer pundits and experts put together their Premier League team of the season, it’s worth a bet that most of them will pick a 37 year old in the goalkeeping position.

Not only has David James regained his England place under new boss Fabio Capello but he’s been outstanding for Portsmouth this season as they finished 9th in the table.

And of course, on Saturday 17th May, James will be in goal for Pompey as they take on Championship side Cardiff City in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

To mark the occasion, Footy Boots, in conjunction with James’ glove supplier HO Soccer, have got a signed pair of gloves which you could win. It’s quick and simple and could put you in line for this tremendous prize. Enter Here

James himself reminds you of a decent red wine, he gets better with age.

Two decades ago he was taken on by Watford before moving on to Liverpool where he spent 7 years. It was the time of the Spice Boy era, those dreadful FA Cup final white suits (bet he won’t make that mistake again this time round) before the defeat to Manchester United and also the period where a couple of high profile howlers led to his nickname ‘Calamity’.

In fact, his time with Liverpool saw him win just one medal from the League Cup. Next up it was Aston Villa and another losing FA Cup final appearance, this time against Chelsea.

So can England’s number one make it third time lucky? And, might you also be a winner with Footy Boots?

Just complete our two minute survey and you could be the proud owner of a pair of signed David James gloves. Enter Here

Good luck.

With this season’s domestic football drawing to a rapid close, it’s time to start thinking about getting in the mood for the Euro’s.

What better way to warm up for the summer spectacle than to refresh your memory with some of the special moments from the past?

To celebrate the upcoming UEFA European Championships ESPN Classic will be screening 28 of the greatest ever Euro fixtures in EuroMania. Featuring matches from 1972 - 2004, fans can relive all the highs (and lows) as they go on a journey through Euro history, and celebrate one of football’s major competitions. EuroMania is on ESPN Classic, Sky Channel 442 every night at 10.30pm from the 6th May onwards.

See the Disco Fever Video.

WIN A PAIR OF NOMIS FOOTBALL BOOTS!

This month ESPN Classic have teamed up with Nomis to offer you lucky people the chance to win a pair of their new 120 GBP / 150 EURO football boots.

For your chance to win the Nomis football boots, answer the simple question here.

It is time to start studying Sky TV’s ‘crossbar challenge’ in earnest and to get off the sofa and hone those keepy-uppy skills.

The reason? Because skills like that, or ones on a similar bent, could be good enough to get you and your mates to the Champions League final in Moscow on 21st May.

Vodafone, under the banner of their ‘Champions Wanted’ campaign are offering this superb prize to the team that can first impress their judges on film and then beat seven other chosen finalists in a 5 a side competition in London next month.

The kind of entries that Vodafone are looking for include individual and team skills, feats of supreme goalkeeping, great shooting, the ultimate goal scoring feat or moments of genius. And you should have a great chance as bearing in mind the criteria, none of the current England team judging by their collective performance this week against France, will be eligible to apply.

All you need to do is prove you’ve got what it takes by filming you and your mates in action then sending Vodafone a video message to 66444 (standard MMS charges apply) or upload it to www.vodafone.co.uk/skills which is also the address where you can find out the complete details of the competition and the kind of entries Vodafone are looking for.

You’ll also be able to marvel at the skills of Formula 1 ace Lewis Hamilton (yes, sickeningly, not only can the boy drive like the wind but he’s pretty damn good with a football as well), watch Owen Hargreaves do his stuff blindfold plus get a look at England cricketers Michael Vaughan and Matthew Hoggard doing their thing. And they’re not bad either.

The 8 teams with the best videos will compete against each other in a 5 a side tournament in London on 12th April – the winning team will then be guaranteed a trip to Russia, representing Vodafone UK in the Vodafone Cup as well as securing tickets and hospitality for the Champions League final.

The closing date for entries is 2nd April so get practising and get filming.

Footy-Boots.com has teamed up with football boot brand Nike to offer one lucky Footy Boots member the chance to win a free Nike iD design session* at London’s NikeTown.

The lucky winner will spend up to an hour with an experienced Nike iD design consultant in the Nike iD design studio personalising his own football boots. The studio, a stylish two-story glass and steel cube suspended above the centre of the NikeTown store on Oxford Street, gives consumers a hands-on design experience and the power to express their individuality by personalizing their sports footwear.

Once the unique football boot design has been created, the boots are stored in an online ‘locker’, before being individually made and delivered.

Even the professionals are getting in on the act. Earlier this month Footy Boots interviewed Spurs and Ireland Striker Robbie Keane in the Nike iD studio as he designed football boots that he will wear against Chelsea, West Ham and Brazil. In Fulham’s game last Sunday against Blackburn, we also spotted USA’s Clint Dempsey wearing a pair of Nike Mercurial Vapor III’s that he had customised using the Nike iD process.

The London Nike iD studio was unveiled on 1st November 2007, with opening night attracting the likes of Arsene Wenger, Theo Walcott, Michael Essien and even Dustin Hoffman! A Nike iD studio is already up and running in NikeTown New York and pilot schemes have been launched in Paris and Osaka.

The London iD studio hosts four mac stations, each manned by a design consultant, who will facilitate consumers’ designs, drawing on their passions and creativity in a one-hour personal consultation. This puts the consumer in control of the design process and extends the NikeiD experience beyond the computer screen where it has lived since its inception in 1999.

To enter the Nike iD competition, simply answer the following question:

Footy Boots recently interviewed Robbie Keane during his own Nike iD session. What type of Nike football boots does Robbie wear?

To answer this question log into your Footy Boots members account and send a Private Message to Admin with your answer.

To register as a Footy Boots member click here

Closing date for answers: Wednesday 5th December 2007. The winner will be the first correct answer drawn at random.

* Prize includes Nike iD design session and free pair of personalised football boots only. Transport, travel, accommodation and any other costs incurred are the sole responsibility of the prize winner. Competition open to UK residents only.

Footy-Boots.com is giving away a free Soccer Pro Player Pack* worth £9.99 to the first ten people who request it on the Footy Boots Forum!

Soccer Pro is a new match supplement which has been developed in response to the intensifying demands of the modern game. It claims to bolster the performance levels of professional footballers. Premiership stats for the 2006/7 season show that 151 goals were scored in the final ten minutes of the match, that’s over 16% of all goals scored. Footballers in 2007 are quicker, stronger and bigger than ever before. The top players are running close to 12km per match, so it’s hardly surprising they are getting so tired late in games. Muscle cramp and blips in concentration are signs of fatigue and often result in late goals.

It’s not often that we here at Footy-Boots.com look to endorse a product, but after testing Soccer Pro ourselves we found it really improved our energy levels, especially in the final stages of our matches.

Soccer Pro took over three years to develop. The head of RnD at Soccer Pro HQ, Dr Mathew Leigh, reveals more about the recently patented formulation: ‘Our aim was to create a product specifically for the modern Pro-footballer. Soccer Pro has been designed to fit into a player’s existing match-day routine and give them something extra during the vital stages of the match. Our challenge was to deliver cutting-edge ingredients into a format that worked for footballers.’

Soccer Pro can be used shortly before kick-off or at half-time. Each sachet contains one match serving and the small, chewable tablets are fruit-flavoured and easy to eat. All the ingredients in Soccer Pro are totally natural and 100% safe for sports use.

Although Zuku, the manufacturers of Soccer Pro, would not reveal the specific professional players using Soccer Pro, they are currently supplying a number of professional clubs and the product has been well received.

For your chance to win a Soccer Pro Player Pack*, (containing six sachets - retail price £9.99) absolutely free, click here to go to the Footy Boots Forum now and make your request!

*Competition only open to people resident in UK.

Votes have now been counted in the hugely successful first ever International Football Boot Awards and the winners can now be revealed, with all the category results on the 2007 Football Boot Awards site!

Given the stature of the Football Boot Awards and the interest generated amongst the professional football ranks, it was only right that Footy-Boots.com presented the winning awards to some of the biggest stars of international football.

Football boot brand Nike, who has recently been in talks to buy out Umbro, scooped both the Football Boot Brand of the Year, and the Football Boot of the Year with its Nike Total 90 Laser. The delighted duo of Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney and Nike UK Football Manager George Weber were on hand to collect the coveted award trophies.

Weber commented: “Nike is delighted to be the first recipient of the Football Boot Brand of the Year Award. It’s always a good feeling when you win an award but especially when they are voted for by people as knowledgeable as the visitors to Footy-Boots.com.”

Adidas prevailed in the three remaining categories, with the Poppy Red F50 Tunit 2 securing top spot in the Best Looking Football Boot section, the Adidas Predator Absolute grabbing the Most Comfortable Football Boot crown and the Macaw Slime Green F50 Tunit 2 winning the Most Innovative Football Boot Prize.

Adidas Predator Absolute wearer and Manchester City and England defender Micah Richards was first in line, to accept the Most Comfortable Football Boot Award, with Poppy Red F50 Tunit 2 football boot endorsee and Arsenal and Togo hitman Emmanuel Adebayor being presented with the Best Looking Football Boot gong. Fellow F50 Tunit 2 wearer Ashley Young of Aston Villa and England completed the superstar trio by collecting the Most Innovative Football Boot Prize on behalf of his favourite football boot brand.

So we know who won the Football Boot Awards…but who won the amazing top prize of a signed pair of John Terry Umbro X Boot Destroyer’s and the runners up prize of a pair of football boots every season for the next five seasons!

Amongst the thousands of Footy-Boots.com visitors that voted, Jeremy Lee scooped the top prize with Nick Scott winning the runners up prize. Congratulations to both of you!

Thanks to everyone that voted and keep checking out Footy-Boots.com for updates on next year’s Football Boot Awards

To see the comprehensive list of results, check out where your favourite football boots ranked, and to see more images of the top footballers who collected the awards, click here to go to the 2007 Football Boot Awards site.

Text BOOTS to 81066 to sign up to the Footy-Boots.com Monthly Text Messaging Service for your chance to win November’s prize of a pair of Errea Prima Top Football Boot! (Terms and conditions apply)

Errea Prima Top Football Boot Review

Italian sportswear manufacturer Errea, was founded in 1988 in Parma, Northern Italy. Although Errea is well known in the UK for supplying football kits to the likes of Middlesbrough, Brighton, and Burnley, the sports brand also produces a range of football boots and has an agreement in place for the Middlesbrough FC Academy players to wear Errea football boots. In 2005, Errea Sport was established in the UK to spearhead a major expansion of the brand and begin its foray into the domestic football boot market.

Errea Prima Top

The Errea Prima Top is a available in a traditional clean black colour and features a water-resistant full grain kangaroo skin upper. The upper includes full nylon lining, stretch proof side stitching and reinforced internal side panels.

An Androform inner sole is patented with Errea’s Antishock Technology system, with a texon insole. The Prima Top is available in both a six super-light screw-on stud soft ground option and a twelve moulded stud firm ground configuration.

At a retail price of £84.99, the Prima Top is Errea’s leading football boot, and it also caters for a wider foot than that of Errea’s other top end boot, the Super Top. Available up to a size 13, the football boot will also suit footballers with larger feet.

Colourway: Black
Size: 4 - 13
RRP: £84.99

Remember to Text BOOTS to 81066 for your chance to win a pair of Errea Prima Top football boots!

Today signals your last chance to vote in the 2007 Football Boot Awards, and also our final category review - Most Innovative Football Boot

The Adidas F50 Tunit 2 demonstrates innovation in the provision of different chassis to allow each player to tune their football boots depending on the weather, pitch conditions, or their own personal style. The ‘Pro Lite’ set up is favoured by many players, offering them increased speed and agility by reducing the overall weight of the boot. The lightweight synthetic climacool upper combined with the comfort chassis gives you a football boot with added breathability, comfort and superior touch.

The Hummel 8.4 Pio FGX was apparently inspired by luxury fashion goods, Danish modern furniture, and graphic print wallpaper! Could this be classed as innovative? We certainly can’t think of many football boot design’s based on wallpaper! A unique feature of the Hummel nominated football boot is its hmlFIT Customised Fit Technology heat mouldable sockliner. This allows the wearer a customised fit, producing maximum surface contact with the foot, ensuring fewer pressure points, and improved performance and control.

The Lotto Zhero Gravity was developed with innovation at the forefront of the design process. As the first lace free football boot on the market, the Lotto Zhero Gravity took three years to develop, with a 1 million pound investment! ‘Project Zhero’ has adopted extreme technology to create a football boot made for speed, comfort and agility and which provides excellent shooting precision and close sensitivity for control. The upper is made of water-repellent microfibre and thanks to the exclusive Pro-Fit technology, the boots guarantee a perfect wrapping of the foot. The external heel counter in Pebax provides greater stability, while the Dual Fit System, a double set of removable insoles, allows a personalized fit. The innovative Neo Switch sole is a new concept of fixed and interchangeable studs.

The Mitre Vortex Pro boasts waterproof vents and has the smallest low cut chassis making it one of the lightest and most breathable football boots on the market. Asymmetric micro lacing and a breather tongue further enhances the boot’s credentials. The external heel unit is made from Thermal Plastic Urethane (TPU) for extra stability and a shock impact insole gives good foot to ground comfort.

Cutting-edge technology is fused with unique design to produce the Mizuno Wave Shinken football boots. Mizuno use the latest software to analyse and design their products with the Wave Shinken featuring a Bio-Panel which is made up of individually shaped pads, that offers the player greater ball traction, speed and control. Mizuno’s wave technology in the heel allows for optimum cushioning and stability, whilst the removable sock liner also increases the cushioning effects. The kangaroo skin upper features asymmetric lacing, with a handy flip over tongue which allows the laces to be hidden away.

The innovation in Nike’s Total 90 Laser is seen in the design of a ‘sweet spot’, maximising shooting and passing accuracy through precision rings which control ball spin and trajectory. The rings have been sectioned to help add more aggressive contact to the ball, enabling the player to add height and swerve to the ball as desired. The waterproof eVent fabric allows improved breathability, whilst maintaining a constant temperature in the football boot.

The Nomis Glove promotes highly advanced technological innovation in its ‘Wet’ and ‘Dry Control’ and ‘No Mud Technology’ systems. Handling the Nomis Glove, the K leather is remarkably soft, but also feels ‘sticky’. The football boot is lightweight and the ‘Wet’ and ‘Dry Control’ systems help to create superior ball grip in both wet and dry conditions, providing better control, power, swerve, and performance. The ‘No Mud Technology’ is reported to reduce mud sticking to the outsole by up to 70%, and in our tests it certainly impressed. The Control Technology also leads to very low water absorbtion in the leather, resulting in lighter boots and drier feet in wet conditions.

‘Innovation’ could be one of the strap words for the Prior 2 Lever Assassin. As the world’s first fully customised football boot, the design process for each pair of Assassins makes use of the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) system allowing very precise individual designs to be made for both the left and right foot. Studs may be moved and placed, intrinsic structures built to dissipate peak forces, heel raises added, changing in fit from left to right foot, as well as providing different outsoles at the same time.

The Puma v.106 uses its last and lace wrap system to mould the upper to the contours of your foot. The weight is reduced by the insertion carbon fibre plate, whilst adding improved pressure distribution. The outsole integrates with the anatomical stud positioning and pointed soft ground studs, designed to offer the best grip, manoeuvrability and rear foot stability. If control is paramount, then the thin upper offers a great deal of feel.

The Umbro X Boot III boasts Touch Control Technology, powered by proven Michelin performance with Umbro’s enhanced Motion Control Sprint Last. In addition, its wishbone technology, enhanced with titanium construction allows for a football boot providing superior support and strength. Studies at Liverpool John Moores University showed that the Umbro X Boot III football boot provides 90% better grip than the competition in lightly damp conditions across a range of ball speeds. In addition, the Umbro X Boot III football boot gives 9% better grip in dry conditions. Overall, the tests showed that the football boot achieved better grip results than its rivals at every speed and every condition.

Remember if you haven’t voted already, today is your last chance to vote for your favourite football boots and to give yourself a chance of winning the top prize of a signed pair of John Terry Umbro X Boot Destroyer’s and a runner up prize of a pair of football boots each season for the next five seasons!

The Most Comfortable Football Boot is our third category review in this year’s Football Boot Awards.

The Adidas Predator Absolute was initially introduced as Adidas’ flagship football boot for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. The Predator Absolute is the eighth generation Predator football boot and includes revolutionary exchangeable PowerPulse technology, enabling the player to decide between a light option, developed for speed or a power option by using the Powerpulse sockliner. The Predator Absolute was also developed with comfort in mind. Made with thin, flexible kangaroo leather, the football boot literally fits like a glove providing the ultimate in comfort. The Predator Absolute will be seen on the feet of Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard and Chelsea’s Frank Lampard in England’s Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia, at Wembley tomorrow.

Hummel’s 8.4 Pio FGX is a limited edition lightweight football boot, only 2000 pairs have been produced worldwide. This football boot really seems to come into its own when we consider comfort. A unique feature of the Hummel nominated football boot is its hmlFIT Customised Fit Technology heat mouldable sockliner. This allows the wearer a customised fit, providing maximum surface contact with the foot, ensuring fewer pressure points, and improved performance and control. It’s asymmetric design aids anatomical fit and the lock-fit lacing system ensures the maximum un user comfort. Ajax’s Danish winger Dennis Rommedahl is one of Hummel’s leading endorsees.

Lotto’s Vento KL II has the look of a traditional football boot, with a classic design, rich in technology and innovation. The upper is composed of water-repellent kangaroo leather and features an asymmetric lacing, which allows greater control, ensured by the larger surface area which is in contact with the ball. The Lotto Vento KL II uses the Italian boot brands’ Adapto system, SEC, Shock-off and BFC technologies which all contribute to improving comfort levels. An SBS quarter stiffener is placed at the back of the boot to cushion the heel anatomically and provide a dual adaptation and support action. SEC and Shock-off is a cushioning insert placed in the heel area of the boot. The BFC is a patented insole which favours and controls the natural flexibility of the foot and supports the arch and the elastic return of the forefoot. The Lotto Vento KL II is currently worn by Milan’s Clarence Seedorf and Villareal’s former Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi.

With its classic appearance, the Mitre Raptor may appeal to a more traditional type of player. The Mitre Raptor is made up of a low cut synthetic stitched upper to prevent stretching and give the wearer’s foot a secure, comfortable fit. The Raptor features the Mitre logo (red)on the side of the football boot and includes asymmetric lacing and an ultra secure fold over tongue.

The product brief for the Mizuno Morelia was to create a football boot designed to improve player comfort, whilst also enhancing, touch, feel and flexibility. The upper is made of precision crafted supersoft waterproof kangaroo leather, with a flip over tongue. The multi stud pattern helps increase stability and traction. The Morelia is worn by Inter’s Javier Zanetti and Mizuno also count Romania’s Adrien Mutu and Argentinian Pablo Aimar amongst its endorsees.

The Nike R10 Tiempo has been developed on the foundations of the popular Nike Air Legend football boot. This modern, yet traditionally styled football boot is built using soft kangaroo leather, with an improved outsole and a larger sweet spot. In developing the R10 Tiempo for Ronaldinho, Nike looked to design a football boot promoting speed, control, and also comfort. As such, the heel of the football boot is lined with a supple leather lining. The outsole offers midfoot and rear stability coupled with three distinct forefoot flex-groove areas for maximum comfort, control and flexibility. The full-length PEEVA sockliner with Poron inserts provides a low to ground feel, with great cushioning, plus a high-density EVA arch support.

The Prior 2 Lever Assassin is the world’s first fully customised football boot and for a price in excess of £6000 you would expect nothing less! The design process for each pair of Assassins is fairly rigorous and the finished product does look fairly impressive. Each football boot is made from scratch for each individual for both left and right foot. The Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) system allows very precise individual designs to be made, thus providing the ultimate in comfort if the wearer so desires. Studs may be moved and placed, intrinsic structures built to dissipate peak forces, heel raises added, changing in fit from left to right foot, as well as providing different outsoles at the same time.

The Puma v.106’s last and lace wrap system moulds the upper to the contours of your foot. The weight is reduced by the insertion carbon fibre plate, whilst adding improved pressure distribution. The outsole integrates with the anatomical stud positioning and pointed soft ground studs, designed to offer the best grip, manoeuvrability and rear foot stability. If control is paramount, then the thin upper offers a great deal of feel. England strikers Peter Crouch and Dean Ashton both wear the Puma v.106

The Umbro Speciali has long been considered a classic footballers football boot. From appearing on the feet of Alan Shearer at the beginning of his career to being the boot of choice for a teenage Michael Owen, the Speciali has always enjoyed strong and loyal support from players. The Umbro Speciali ’07 continues to have flexibility and simplified comfort in an instant glove like fit. The soft kangaroo leather upper aids touch and comfort, having been designed to provide a ‘second skin’ fit. The Umbro Speciali ’07 is available in two separate soleplates making it adaptable to all conditions.

Remember if you haven’t voted already, vote now for your favourite football boots and give yourself a chance of winning the top prize of a signed pair of John Terry Umbro X Boot Destroyer’s, and a runner up prize of a pair of football boots each season for the next five seasons!

Following yesterday’s review of the Football Boot of the Year, today we focus on the Best Looking Football Boot category in this year’s Football Boot Awards.

The Adidas F50 Tunit 2 was chosen as Adidas’ nomination ahead of the Predator Absolute. The Tunit 2 football boot allows each player to tune their football boots depending on the weather, pitch conditions or their own personal style. The ‘Pro Lite’ set up is favoured by many players, offering them increased speed and agility by reducing the overall weight of the boot. The lightweight synthetic climacool upper combined with the comfort chassis gives you a football boot with added breathability, comfort and superior touch. The Poppy Red colour way can often be seen on the feet of Arsenal’s Togo international Emmanuel Adebayor and Middlesbrough and England’s left sided midfielder Stewart Downing, who are obviously fashion conscious enough to make sure the colour of their football boots matches the colour of their kit!

Hummel’s 8.4 Pio FGX was apparently inspired by luxury fashion goods, Danish modern furniture, and graphic print wallpaper! As a limited edition lightweight football boot, only 2000 pairs have been produced worldwide. Ajax’s flying winger Dennis Rommedahl, who runs an amazing 10.2 seconds over 100 metres, certainly likes the look of them, being quick enough to grab himself a few pairs! A unique feature of the Hummel nominated football boot is its hmlFIT Customised Fit Technology heat mouldable sockliner. This allows the wearer a customised fit, producing maximum surface contact with the foot, ensuring fewer pressure points, and improved performance and control. As far as being a good looking boot, it certainly stands out!

The Lotto Zhero Evolution is the second release in the Italian football boot brands’ ‘Project Zhero’ following the lace free Lotto Zhero Gravity. Released for the 2006/7 season, the Lotto Zhero Evolution includes a choice of soleplates to cater for year round pitch conditions, foot to ground comfort, and improved speed and flexibility. The upper promotes comfort and sensitivity and also repels water through a lightweight synthetic microfibre design. An external heel counter and removable insoles aid foot cushioning and support, whilst the lightweight glass and nylon frame adds further protection. The gold stripes adorning the sides of a predominantly white football boot almost give the Lotto Zhero Evolution a regal appearance. Free scoring Italian striker Luca Toni is Lotto’s leading endorsee.

The Mitre Vortex Pro was worn by Fulham’s Franck Queudrue during the 2006-2007 season.
The upper boasts waterproof vents and has the smallest low cut chassis making it one of the lightest and most breathable boots on the market. Asymmetric micro lacing and a breather tongue further enhances the football boot’s credentials. The external heel unit is made from Thermal Plastic Urethane (TPU) for extra stability and a shock impact insole gives good foot to ground comfort. The Mitre Vortex Pro has a clean look; a predominantly white football boot, with the traditional Mitre logo in black across the middle.

The Mizuno Wave Ghost Striker may be the Japanese brands’ best looking football boot, but is is also the lightest, weighing in at 215 grams, compared to the Morelia Wave’s 250 grams. The football boot is made from washable kangaroo leather and features a microfibre synthetic upper. The leather is fairly flexible and the football boot fits well on the foot. Mizuno have included compact wave plate technology in the heel to enhance cushioning, stability and balance whilst playing. The heel plate grips well and prevents your foot slipping in wet conditions. A removable sockliner is included. The PU outsole is made of a multi stud unit, which the football boot brand developed in conjunction with top international players paying particular attention to improving traction. As far as the look of the Mizuno Wave Ghost Striker, the boot is again predominantly white, with the (red) Mizuno logo stretching from the middle to the back of the boot. Mizuno’s leading endorsees include Javier Zanetti, Adrien Mutu, and Pablo Aimar.

Nike’s Total 90 Laser has a large ‘sweet spot’, maximising shooting and passing accuracy through precision rings which control ball spin and trajectory. The rings have been sectioned to help add more aggressive contact to the ball, enabling the player to add height and swerve to the ball as desired. The waterproof eVent fabric allows improved breathability, whilst maintaining a constant temperature in the football boot. The Nike Total 90 Laser is renowned for being Wayne Rooney’s preferred football boot. Rooney can often be seen wearing the hard to miss yellow/black colour way, or the more subtle yet stylish white/gold colour way.

The Prior 2 Lever Assassin is the world’s first fully customised football boot and for a price in excess of £6000 you would expect nothing less! The design process for each pair of Assassins is fairly rigorous and the finished product does look fairly impressive. Each football boot is made from scratch for each individual for both left and right foot. The boot set up is purely bespoke to fit, biomechanics, stud configuration, heel raise, material selection, design, the environment, training versus match, previous injury etc.

The Puma v-Konstrukt II football boot is made of an ultrathin full grain leather to provide a unique glove-like and comfortable fit. Allied to comfort is protection, Puma makes use of its Dynamic Flex Guard system to give players the extra protection that other lighter football boots lack. The Puma stud positioning has also come about through testing and is anatomically proven to provide high levels of grip and cushioning support through the configuration on the v-Konstrukt II’s. Football is all about opinions and so are football boots. We think the V-Konstrukt II’s are possibly not the nicest boots to look but you may disagree. They certainly appeal to a lot of the top players with Michael Carrick, Nemanja Vidic, Gabriel Heinze, Wayne Bridge, David Bentley all wearing the v-Konstrukt II.

The Umbro Ultra SX has a breathable venting system using ground breaking Outdry technology to prevent surface liquid from entering the football boot. The crucial result is dry feet and improved comfort and concentration for players. The Ultra SX’s attributes include a Michelin inspired injected rubber outlay, which provides the wearer with increased ball control and vastly improved strike power. The football boots’ motion control system allows superior stability and movement through a dual density wishbone providing optimum comfort for the full ninety minutes. The Ultra SX is available in a stylish all black colour way and in a white/black limited edition colour way, endorsed by Barcelona midfielder Deco.

Remember if you haven’t voted already, vote now for your favourite football boots and give yourself a chance of winning the top prize of a signed pair of John Terry Umbro X Boot Destroyer’s and a runner up prize of a pair of football boots each season for the next five seasons!

With voting in the Football Boot Awards closing in just over a week’s time (Tuesday 16th October), this week we review each of the individual voting categories. Today, the Football Boot of the Year!

The Football Boot of the Year is the standout category, with each brand nominating their leading football boot, hoping that it will be voted the best boot in the football boot business.

The Adidas F50 Tunit 2 was chosen as Adidas’ nomination ahead of the Predator Absolute. The Tunit 2 football boot allows each player to tune their football boots depending on the weather, pitch conditions or their own personal style. The ‘Pro Lite’ set up is favoured by many players, offering them increased speed and agility by reducing the overall weight of the boot. The lightweight synthetic climacool upper combined with the comfort chassis gives you a football boot with added breathability, comfort and superior touch. Adidas F50 Tunit 2 wearer Salomon Kalou scored the winner at the Reebok Stadium yesterday to give Chelsea a 1-0 victory against Bolton.

Hummel’s 8.4 Pio Sport FGX was apparently inspired by luxury fashion goods, Danish modern furniture, and graphic print wallpaper! As a limited edition lightweight football boot, only 2000 pairs have been produced worldwide. Ajax’s flying winger Dennis Rommedahl, who runs an amazing 10.2 seconds over 100 metres, has been quick enough to grab himself a few pairs! A unique feature of the Hummel nominated football boot is its hmlFIT Customised Fit Technology heat mouldable sockliner. This allows the wearer a customised fit, producing maximum surface contact with the foot, ensuring fewer pressure points, and improved performance and control.

The Lotto Zhero Gravity is a lace free, lightweight football boot which took three years to develop, with a 1 million pound investment! ‘Project Zhero’ has adopted extreme technology to create a football boot made for speed, comfort and agility. The first laceless football boot on the market, the Zhero Gravity provides excellent shooting precision and close sensitivity for control. Free scoring Italian striker Luca Toni, who has bagged 7 goals in 8 games since joining from Fiorentina for 11 million euros last summer, is Lotto’s leading football boot endorsee.

The Mitre Vortex Pro was worn by Fulham’s Franck Queudrue during the 2006-2007 season.
The upper boasts waterproof vents and has the smallest low cut chassis making it one of the lightest and most breathable boots on the market. Asymmetric micro lacing and a breather tongue further enhances the football boot’s credentials. The external heel unit is made from Thermal Plastic Urethane (TPU) for extra stability and a shock impact insole gives good foot to ground comfort.

The Mizuno Morelia was designed to improve comfort, touch, feel and flexibility. The upper is made of precision crafted supersoft waterproof kangaroo leather, with a flip over tongue. The multi stud pattern helps increase stability and traction. The Morelia is worn by Inter’s Javier Zanetti and Mizuno also count Romania’s Adrien Mutu and Argentinian Pablo Aimar amongst its endorsees.

Nike’s Total 90 Laser has a large ‘sweet spot’, maximising shooting and passing accuracy through precision rings which control ball spin and trajectory. The rings have been sectioned to help add more aggressive contact to the ball, enabling the player to add height and swerve to the ball as desired. The waterproof eVent fabric allows improved breathability, whilst maintaining a constant temperature in the football boot. Nike has fared well in the scoring charts this past weekend, with Robbie Keane (Spurs), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), Elano (Man City), Ben Hutchinson (Middlesbrough) and Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) all notching in the Total 90 Laser.

The Puma v.106’s last and lace wrap system moulds the upper to the contours of your foot. The weight is reduced by the insertion carbon fibre plate, whilst adding improved pressure distribution. The outsole integrates with the anatomical stud positioning and pointed soft ground studs, designed to offer the best grip, manoeuvrability and rear foot stability. If control is paramount, then the thin upper offers a great deal of feel. England strikers Peter Crouch and Dean Ashton both wear the Puma v.106.

The Umbro X Boot III is perhaps most well known for being Michael Owen’s football boot of choice. The Newcastle and England striker made a swift return from stomach surgery to score in his Umbro football boots‘ in United’s 3-2 home victory against Everton. Research at Liverpool’s John Moores University showed that the Umbro X Boot III football boot provides 90% better grip than the competition in lightly damp conditions across a range of ball speeds. In addition, the Umbro X Boot III football boot gives 9% better grip in dry conditions. Overall, the tests showed that the football boot achieved better grip results than its rivals at every speed and every condition. Umbro’s touch control technology is powered by proven Michelin performance with Umbro’s enhanced Motion Control Sprint Last, whilst the Umbro wishbone technology, with added titanium construction, allows for a football boot providing superior support and strength.

Remember if you haven’t voted already, vote now for your favourite football boots and give yourself a chance of winning the top prize of a signed pair of John Terry Umbro X Boot Destroyer’s and a runner up prize of a pair of football boots each season for the next five seasons!

Two of the football boots nominated in the Football Boot Awards 2007 helped Manchester United and Arsenal secure vital 1-0 wins in the Champions League group stages last night.

Wayne Rooney struck his first goal of the season in his Nike Total 90 Laser football boots which are up for nomination in the Football Boot of the Year, Best Looking Football Boot, and Most Innovative Football Boot categories, to give the Premiership Champions a narrow win against Roma.

Roma may be relieved to escape with a 1-0 defeat after incurring a 7-1 drubbing at the hands of United in last season’s quarter final. Indeed, Nike Mercurial Vapor III wearer Christiano Ronaldo kicked off the pre match banter by suggesting that a certain Roma defender begged him to stop dribbling at the worn down Italian team’s backline after the scoreline reached 6-0!

A late strike by Dutch international Robin Van Persie sank Steaua Bucharest last night and gave Arsenal a second successive Champions League win. Van Persie hit the only goal in his Adidas Predator Absolute’s, which are up against the likes of the Hummel 8.4 Pio Sport, the Mizuno Morelia, Prior2Lever Assassin and the Umbro Speciali ‘07 in the Awards’ Most Comfortable Football Boot category.

The most impressive result of the night was Rangers 3-0 victory away at French Champions Lyon, maintaining their 100% start to this season’s European campaign. Scotland international Lee McCulloch (Adidas Predator Absolute) began the scoring before Nike Mercurial Vapor III duo Daniel Cousin and DaMarcus Beasley added breakaway goals early in the second half.

Tonight, Liverpool entertain Marseille whilst Chelsea face a tough trip to Valencia.

For Chelsea, John Terry, (who’s signed Umbro X Boot Destroyer’s you could win by voting in the Football Boot Awards) is likely to play through the pain by wearing a protective mask, which looks a cross between a pair of Biggles goggles and something a superhero would wear!

At Anfield, Liverpool will be hoping to gain their first three points of this season’s competition but will have to pay close attention to the returning Djibril Cisse. The French international’s Adidas F50 Tunit 2 has been nominated in the Best Looking category alongside the Mitre Vortex Pro, Lotto Zhero Evolution and the Umbro Ultra SX, worn by Barcelona playmaker Deco, whilst also featuring in the Most Innovative and Football Boot of the Year categories.

Meanwhile Rafa Benitez has challenged beanpole Peter Crouch to let his Puma v.106 football boots do the talking and follow Yossi Benayoun’s (Nike Mercurial Vapor III) recent example by scoring the goals that may secure him a more regular starting place. The Puma v.106 football boot locks horns with Crouch’s England strike partner Michael Owen’s Umbro X Boot III in the Football Boot of the Year category, as well as coming up against the Nomis Glove in the Most Innovative category. The Puma v.106 also features in the Most Comfortable category.

If you haven’t voted in the awards yet, click here

Voting has opened for the Footy-Boots.com Football Boot Awards 2007 in association with Zoo.

By voting in the Football Boot Awards, you will automatically be entered in a prize draw for a winning prize of a pair of signed John Terry Umbro X Boot Destroyer Football Boots and a runner up prize of one pair of football boots per season for the next five seasons!

All the top football boot brands have nominated their leading football boots in the following categories to be voted on by the Footy-Boots audience.

Football Boot of the Year
Football Boot Brand of the Year
Best Looking Football Boot
Most Comfortable Football Boot
Most Innovative Football Boot

Voting begins on Tuesday 2nd October and runs until Tuesday 16th October. Award winners and prize winners will be announced on Footy-Boots on Tuesday 30th October.

Click here to vote in the Football Boot Awards.

Footy-Boots.com is a unique source of information for fans of football and of course football boots.
As the leading independent voice on football boots, we give you the heads up about new football boot releases, bring you commentary, and frequent exclusive videos from football boot manufacturers, as well as providing a different angle to the game of football.

Footy-Boots.com is aimed at the grassroots footballing community, and as such the site is managed by people who are passionate about football. Typically we are grassroots footballers, who get involved in midweek five-a-side games and Saturday and Sunday league football on muddy park pitches!

Since we launched this online football boot source in April 2006, it has grown beyond belief, with more and more people visiting every month. If you’ve enjoyed Footy-Boots, put a link to us wherever you can and tell your friends!

A facial injury to England captain John Terry has added more misery to what has been a turbulent couple of weeks for Chelsea Football Club.

Umbro X Boot Destroyer football boot wearer Terry sustained a depressed fracture of his right cheekbone following an aerial challenge with Fulham’s Clint Dempsey in the 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Terry showed his renowned battling qualities to carry on playing until half time, for a goal shy Chelsea team who have amazingly failed to score in the Premiership throughout the whole of September. Indeed, former AC Milan goal machine Andrei Shevchenko has appeared a shadow of his former self, with his Reebok Sprintfit’s again failing to help him hit the target.

Initial worries that England hard man JT could miss the Three Lions crucial Euro qualifiers against Estonia and Russia seem to have receded, with news coming out of the Chelsea training camp this morning that a successful operation coupled with his impressive healing powers may give him an outside chance of playing in the Blues Champions League game against Valencia on Wednesday.

If you would like a chance to win a pair of signed John Terry Umbro X Boot Destroyer’s, all you need to do is vote in the Footy-Boots.com Football Boot Awards in association with Zoo Magazine. Log onto Footy-Boots.com between Tuesday 2nd October and Tuesday 16th October to cast your vote!