Last week, we ran a story about the soon to be launched Concave football boot. Boy, did it cause a storm. We had comments coming out of our ears while industry message boards were full of little else in the days after we posted the story.

At the time, a lot of what was written was speculation and conjecture, based on just a couple of images that had found their way on to the Web.

But now, Concave has gone public and, as the saying goes, they are putting their money (and it looks like they’ve spent big on this) where their mouth is.

Looking at the blurb, it’s clear that Concave has concentrated on 3 particular aspects – power, accuracy and protection, three aspects which are pretty important to footballers.

Concave Football Boots

Upper

Having been furnished with a pair of the Concave football boots at Footy Boots HQ, we were keen to take a first hand look at the technology advances that Concave boasts.

The Concave football boot’s most revolutionary feature is the convex shape of the upper, which of course matches that of a football and has been developed to ‘cup’ the ball on contact.

This component on the upper also increases the surface area of the sweet spot, which Concave state is up to four times bigger than usual.

The football boot upper, part leather, part synthetic, has an interesting lace system too. The laces are covered by the Concave component, but they only use two eyes. When we tried the football boots we were pleased to find that this construction was most effective and the football boot felt snug and secure on the foot.

Something we regularly comment on at Footy Boots is the football boot protection, or lack of it, to the metatarsal. Concave have considered this infamous injury in their design and the upper contains an aptly named ‘MetaGuard’. The ‘MetaGuard’ is a flexible layer of TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) and reinforced cushioning foam composite. We couldn’t feel the ‘MetaGuard’ when the football boot was on, but its good to know its there.

Soft Ground Soleplate

7 screw in studs, with a configuration to even pressure across the sole and a single blade in the forefoot mid section.

On the sole, the boot is equipped with a balance stabiliser. In the middle of the sole, this stabiliser helps balance the front and rear of the foot, an area that again can cause metatarsal injury, the stabiliser prevents too much flexibility here.

Summary

We’ll be trying the Concave football boots out in match and training situations, but we did give the football boots a quick run out. In the brief knock up we were impressed by the football boot comfort and support. However, what stood out is that we felt like we’d been on mild steroids when kicking in power situations. More on that when we fully test the Concave football boots.

We liked the look of the football boots, a stylish colourway, and we were very impressed with how the football boot looks to be made. As always we pulled and squeezed and bent the boot and there was no signs of weakness - again we’ll find out more on the quality when we test them with more exertion.

Concave are looking for ambassadors, presumably in the Premier League (and no, the Carlton Cole football boots you may have seen were just a mock up – he hasn’t signed with them to our knowledge), but to add some credibility to the project, they have contracted the former Scotland and Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish.

We’ve lined up a Q&A with the Concave ‘techies’ and hope to tie up with Kenny Dalglish shortly to get a legend’s take on the football boots.

Price: £99
Availability: August 2008
Colour: Black/Red/Silver
Sizes: 6-12

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What do you think of the new Concave Football Boots?

Make sure you keep your eyes on Cristiano Ronaldo (see STOP PRESS below) and Didier Drogba in the Champions League final in Moscow.

Both will be hot favourites to score and perhaps even more so after it was announced that they will be wearing the world’s first carbon fibre football boot, the Nike Mercurial SL.

Nike say it’s the most lightweight and innovative football boot ever produced. Highly responsive, flexible yet strong, it is a boot that delivers maximum performance and competitive advantage and weights only 180 grams.

Originally intended for professional players only, the Mercurial SL was initially designed in the style of a concept car: to lead innovation, to drive new ideas, to push the boundaries in design and engineering.

The three-year long development process of the boot covered four continents and involved work with some of the best craftsmen and expert partners in boot development and engineering, each chosen for their expertise in the field. Using carbon fibre was at the core of that development process.

Speaking ahead of the game Didier Drogba (who was vertical at the time) said” The new Mercurial SL defines the next level of football boots - it is like nothing I have ever seen before and I’m very excited to be one of the first players to wear this boot in the Champions League Final.”

Cristiano Ronaldo, who you can see training in the new boot in the image below, said: “Speed and acceleration are essential to my game; one second can be the difference between winning or losing the Champions League Final. This Mercurial SL boot is designed to provide the next level of speed.”

And both players should have a massive audience to impress with their new boots. The game is being shown in 230 countries and is expecting to reach a fan base of 150 million.

STOP PRESS

Below, in a Footy Boots exclusive, are the actual boots that Ronaldo will wear in Moscow.

With the Premier League season at an end, we thought it would be a good idea to look back at some of the best performing players and their football boots of the year.

Well, it makes a change from flicking through holiday brochures with the other half and persuading her that nice though a trekking holiday through the foothills of Tibet sounds, 6 million beers over a 2 week period in Ibiza might be the better option.

Of course, these are just the choices of the Footy Boots office. Don’t forget, you’ll get your chance to vote on your personal favourites later in the year in the ‘Footy Boots Awards’. We’ll bring you more details on that over the next few weeks. For now, you’ll have to make do with our picks.

Attackers boot of the year - Nike Mercurial Vapor IV

It’s pretty much impossible to go against the Mercurial Vapor IV after the performance of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Manchester United star hit 41 goals this season in the Nike branded footwear, 31 of those coming in the top flight. Nike should also be proud of their achievements in keeping the Portuguese international more upright this season. Must be something to do with the patented Vapor Traction system. That or he just got a bit embarrassed falling over every time a butterfly flapped it’s wings in China. In what was a stellar campaign for Ronaldo, he won both the Footballers player of the year and PFA player of the year awards.

Midfielders boot of the year - Nike Tiempo Legend II

It’s another win for Nike after the great season enjoyed by Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas. OK, the campaign may have been half a dozen games too long for the young Spaniard but at times it was like he was carrying the entire Arsenal team on his own. In addition to his match turning exploits from the middle of the park, the PFA young player of the year also weighed in with 13 goals from 45 appearances.

Defenders boot of the year - Puma v-Konstrukt II

Despite injury problems, Manchester United stopper Nemanja Vidic played in 44 games this season and was instrumental in United conceding just 22 league goals all season, with just 7 of those coming at Old Trafford. The Serbian international only picked up 5 yellow cards as well, though he did manage to get himself booked in both internationals he played in this term. Not surprisingly, after helping United to the Premier league title and Champions League final, Vidic was named in the PFA’s Premier League team of the year.

Goalkeepers boot of the year - Umbro SX Flare

David James was a shoe-in (see what we’ve done there) for this award but there’s been a fair bit of confusion over his Kelme boots this season. James has been seen wearing blacked out boots with Kelme stickers as he’s currently working on the design of new boots with the Spanish company. So instead, we’ve gone for the Manchester City keeper Joe Hart. In a meteoric season, Hart became the City number 1 and got himself in to Fabio Capello’s England squad for the upcoming games against the USA and Trinidad & Tobago. Despite the off the field distractions surrounding Sven Goran Eriksson, Hart was instrumental in helping City to 9th place in the table. And brilliantly, he wasn’t in goal when they got creamed 8 - 1 by Boro on the final day of the season.

Best looking kit of the year - Adidas & Liverpool 2008 / 09

The new kit is in classic Liverpool red. An embroidered Liver Bird is positioned on the back of the shirt and the inner neck of the shirt has a red chequered area inspired by the flags of The Kop. The shirt also carries a “This is Anfield” inscription, inspired by the famous Anfield sign. Clean and simple - a bit like Jermaine Pennant before he starts a game.

Footy Boots Non Premier League choice - Diadora LX K-Pro

The choice for this honour was enormous but in the end, sentimentality won the day as we went with the Italian war horse Francesco Totti. Roma have been excellent domestically and pushed Inter all the way for the Scudetto before finally falling at the last hurdle. Totti managed 14 goals from 25 league appearances (that’s a goal every 1.78 games) which isn’t bad for a 31 year old. He scored his 200th Roma goal in January and later that month was named as Italy’s player of the year for a fifth time.

Don’t forget to watch this space for details of the Footy Boots Awards 2008.

And so, at the end of a hectic 6 weeks of filming, we come to the end of our series of Perry Groves video football boot tests.

Such have been his performances in front of the camera, Footy Boots has fielded calls from the likes of Steven Spielberg, Ang Lee and Martin Scorsese all clammering to sign Perry up for new projects. Indeed, we were even contacted by the ‘In and Out’ film company from California but after studying a few examples of their work (37 DVD’s to be honest) we eventually had to turn them down.

Luckily for us, Perry has stayed loyal to his first love, rebuffed the offers from tinsel town and continued on his quest to report back to the Footy Boot aficionados.

Since we started, Perry has tried out the Umbro SX Valor, SprintFit, Tiempo Legend II, V1.08, and Nomis Glove.

And today, in our final film, the former Arsenal legend takes a look at the Adidas adiPURE.

Since Perry made his report, Adidas have brought out a special version of the boot for Euro 2008.

You can see these below and check out Perry’s video of the original here.

Make sure you keep an eye on the Footy Boot video section for a brand new series of films coming up soon.

Introducing the Puma King XL, the relaunched football boot from Puma celebrates 40 years of existence.

There are few football boots that stand the test of time and have an iconic reputation. Football boots that have been adorned by some of the best footballers the world has ever seen, football boots that are as highly rated today as they were decades ago. When you think of this select group of football boots, the Puma King proudly stands as one of the legends in football boots.

Puma King XL

The Puma King celebrates its 40th birthday this year. First introduced in 1968 as the “King Eusébio” to honour Portugal’s legendary Mozambican-born soccer star Eusébio da Silva Ferreira who was the top scorer at the 1966 World Cup.

Over the years, the King became a legend and was worn by legends. The world’s greatest football stars wore the King including Eusébio, Brazil’s Pele, Argentina’s Maradona and Dutch maestro Johan Cruyff.

This month the Puma King will be re-launched worldwide with a limited edition collection to celebrate its 40th birthday and will be worn on-field at Euro 2008 by Italy’s Massimo Oddo and Germany’s Thomas Hitzlsperger.

The Puma King was born when Eusébio, after scoring nine goals at the 1966 World Cup, worked with Puma to develop a signature football boot which debuted two years later.

It featured increased ankle protection, soft, subtle leather and exceptional ball control. The appeal of the Puma King and the marketing around it was so powerful that consumers were no longer purchasing just a product - but a state of mind and a sporting image as well.

Worn by Eusébio, Pele, Maradona and Cruyff, the football boot became synonymous with reliability and success, selling millions of pairs over the past four decades.

The Puma King will be relaunched worldwide in May and the limited edition Puma line will be available in a special Rio red colourway with gold trim inspired by ruby, the traditional 40th wedding anniversary gift.

The Rio red colour is also seen in the national flag of Portugal, the country Eusébio represented at the World Cup. The special collection will be printed with the years “1968-2008″ under the iconic King logo to recognize the 40th anniversary of the Puma King.

For the traditionalists amongst you the black-white King collection will arrive in stores one month later. The football boots will feature MCMLXVII logo on the sole.

Puma King XL Tech Spec

The Puma King XL (XL stands for Roman numeral “40″) football boot stands for quality, heritage and tradition. The newest edition includes classic lines and traditional styling, but with updated materials, enhanced features and new design details.

With raised bead line, toe overlay and lateral stability insert inspired by the Eusébio boot 40 years ago, the new King XL is executed with today’s best production technology. Super-soft, ultra-thin full-grain leather is complemented by a high-density silicon heel counter and conical firm ground stud construction for optimal stability and maneuverability.

The upper is embossed with a leaping cat logo on the vamp and King logo on the lateral side - with the limited edition version featuring the “Eusébio 68″ signature.

The limited edition collection football boots will launch in selected stores May 29, 2008 with the traditional black-white products hitting retailers globally on June 28, 2008.

Four down and two to go. Footy Boots is challenging the stamina of Arsenal legend Perry Groves as he continues his exhaustive set of football boot video tests.

With football boot manufacturers on edge around the world to see if Perry gives their product the thumbs up, this week it’s the turn of Puma execs for the cold sweat treatment as our Footy Boots expert tries out the V1.08.

Admittedly, our Perry may not have the build of some of the athletes in the Puma V1.08 ad, (Samuel Eto’o is probably the only player who comes close) but he was still willing to give it a go nonetheless.

To see what he thought of the V1.08, all you need to do is click here.

Footy Boots expert Perry Groves is half way through his schedule of video football boot tests and they’ve certainly struck a chord with players and manufacturers.

Footy Boots has been inundated with offers of other football boots for Perry to test, along with some other products which have caused the odd raised eyebrow in the Footy Boots office.

Breathable football shirts, shin pads and even a newly designed Astroturf pitch have all been put on the ‘possible’ list for future filming, though the gear offered by the ‘Pleasurama Private Shop’ in Amsterdam has been given the thumbs down. Ironic really, as most of the items have been designed to make certain body parts go in the opposite direction.

Tearing our attention back to football boots, still to come are the adiPure and the V1.08 but this time round, it’s the turn of the Nike Tiempo Legend II. One legend testing another you might say.

To find out what Perry made of them, all you need to do is click here.

The Footy Boots video boot reports have certainly caused a stir since Perry Groves launched his investigations two weeks ago.

Ron from Scotland contacted us to say “Congrats on getting Perry Groves to work for Footy Boots - he’s a legend.” John and Barry emailed from an army base overseas to say simply “we love Perry” whilst Lucio from London wrote “it doesn’t matter what Perry Groves wears on his feet - the man is a genius.” Mind you, that email was written in crayon.

This week, after putting the Umbro SX Valor and Nomis Glove through their paces, Perry switches his attention to the Reebok SprintFit.

As it happens, these football boots were in the news recently as Barcelona striker Thierry Henry was due to wear the brand new version of the Reebok SprintFit Pro for the first time in last weekend’s 0 - 0 draw with Espanyol. Due to a fever, Henry didn’t feature, but they just might get a run out this evening against Manchester United in the Champions League semi final.

Henry said ““The Sprintfit football boot just keeps on getting better and better. What I love about this football boot is it allows me to play my natural game, it’s like an extension of me.”

As for the manufacturer, they say that the football boot delivers an unbeatably snug fit thanks to Reebok’s Kinetic Fit System technology. An exquisitely soft K-Skin leather upper aids both flexibility and ventilation, creating a comfortable environment for the foot during play.

So Henry likes them as do Reebok. But importantly, what did Perry make of them? Find out just how highly the former Arsenal player rated them right here.

The last time we featured the Nike Total 90 Laser II it was just before the England friendly in France. Sadly Wayne Rooney and his new football boots were unable to inspire Fabio Capello’s men as they went down 1 - nil in a rather drab display in Paris.

The T90 Laser II football boots are now available on pre-order, with despatch dates of the 1st May, so we thought we’d refresh your minds on the T90 Laser II.

Order the T90 Laser II here

T90 Laser II

Nike specialists have been tinkering, working through those long winter Oregon nights, and have now come up with the latest evolution of the Total 90 Laser II which, as with the original, has an increased sweet spot that improves shooting and passing accuracy to help take your game,should you be playing in a multi storey car park, to the next level.

The football boot is built to ensure that mobility and power remain unmatched on field of play whilst providing unrivalled fit and comfort.

And they’ve received a ringing endorsement from Chelsea’s Florent Malouda:

It’s important for us that Nike has designed this boot with the objective of increasing the player’s accuracy and the power of shots because in high level football, that’s what makes the difference. And with the speed at which we’re playing, we’re always looking for maximum accuracy and the outcome of matches often depends upon it.”

High praise indeed from the ‘3 goals so far this season’ midfielder.

Tech Spec:

Integrated offset lacing system provides increased boot to ball contact surface, minimising uneven ball strike and allowing greater ball control, accuracy and swerve.

Revolutionary V-Twin lacing system maximizes strike zone and optimizes fit allowing the true fit of a traditional football boot, without compromising the contact zone for ball strike.

Improved Shotshield technology on front of foot provides cleaner ball contact and superior control to allow the athletes to place the ball more accurately. The technology continues to utilise the precision ring technology used in its predecessor, providing increased accuracy through refined placement and design.

Teijin synthetic leather and engineered mesh work together to help protect the foot and maintain a constant temperature environment throughout a full 90 minutes.

Water resistant eVENT membrane enhances breathability and keeps the foot dry.

New high density outsole component supports and stabilises the planted foot when striking the ball.

Individually engineered hybrid studs are positioned for optimal traction and comfort, distributing pressure evenly across the foot.

An engineered sockliner provides improved arch and heel support whilst it’s unique anatomical design leverages multiple material densities to help distribute pressure and provide a tailored fit and feel from heel to toe.

Improved external heel counter cup provides added stability and works in combination with a molded foam package to create a superior feet and heel lockdown.

As well as updating the Total 90 Laser II, Nike has also released some stunning new imagery of some of their players. Just like looking in a mirror we thought in the Footy Boots office, minus the talent and plus a few kilos of course.

We thought you’d like to see a few examples as well.

Order the T90 Laser II here

And so to our final new Adidas football boot that the company has unveiled ahead of the European Championships to be held this summer in Austria and Switzerland. You’ve already seen the Predator Power Swerve and the adiPure, so now it’s the turn of the F50.8 TUNiT.

The latest version of the football boot is made from a new synthetic upper, adiDot, which is dimpled to aid touch and control. The material repels water so the weight of the football boot does not increase in wet conditions. The football boot is also lighter than previous models yet stronger and more durable than traditional leather.

The F50 is the football boot of choice for flair players up and down the country - the world’s first modular football boot, allowing you to customise your football boots depending on your style and the pitch conditions.

The newly improved F50.8 TUNiT provides additional support and stability, and the chassis and sockliner now come separated, which allows players to insert their own orthopaedic sockliners for added comfort.

As promised on Footy Boots earlier, another sneak preview of the new Adidas football boots for Euro 2008. We’ve already released details of the new Predator Power Swerve, and here’s what the new adiPure looks like ahead of the tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

The new football boot is made from 100% K-leather which moulds to the shape of your feet, making it one of the most comfortable boots on the market and it incorporates proven adidas technologies such as Traxion outsoles and an adiprene sockliner.

The football boot meets the demands of many football fans who have grown up with adidas’ football heritage, but now require a football boot which gives them the best advantage on the pitch.

Pure Technology explained:

New Last Offers a fantastic performance fit
Material 100% K-leather for glove like fit and offering excellent feel for the ball
Lightweight and breathable
3 Stripes Stitched in and embedded for a pure, handcrafted feel
Sockliner Premolded sockliner with adiprene® insert for additional comfort
Outsoles New full plate outsoles offering Traxion® technology
Heel lining Brown synthetic leather

Zhero Evolution Due is the model for those who are looking for technology and absolute lightness.

The model is equipped with the new Twist’ngo system, the first rotating stud that accompanies the athlete during changes in direction, ensuring speed, stability and reducing the risk of injury.

The upper is a water-repellent microfiber with asymmetric lacing and reversible tongue to support a larger area of contact with the ball.

Zhero Evolution Due is equipped with an external quarter stiffener, providing the utmost support for protection against impacts, and an anatomic pull-out insole with “Shock-Absorber” insert in the heel zone, which maximise the comfort and stability along all of the foot. It is also equipped with Puntoflex, a special technical feature, which is positioned crosswise on the outsole at the metatarsal zone level, allowing the correct flexion of the foot.

There are two available soles: SG, with interchangeable studs in steel and nylon to allow maximum traction on heavy pitches and FG with fixed conical studs, which also include the Twist’ngo system for maximum stability and grip on dry, grassy pitches.

Sizes: 4.5 to 12
Colours: White /Fiery Red
Retail Price: £ 90,00

On Footy Boots you can view our exclusive images and information on the new Zhero Evolution Due, Vento Diablo KL, Zhero Gravity Due and the Zhero Leggenda Due.

Zhero Leggenda Due

Zhero Leggenda Due football boot is ideal for players who are seeking comfort and performance.

The model is equipped with the new Twist’ngo system, the first rotating stud that accompanies the athlete during changes in direction, ensuring speed, stability and reducing the risk of injury.

The upper is made in water-repellent kangaroo leather with modular lacing that allows you to maintain lacing tension constant all along the foot.

Zhero Leggenda Due is equipped with an external quarter stiffener, providing the utmost support for protection against impacts, and an anatomic pull-out insole with “Shock-Absorber” insert in the heel zone, which maximise the comfort and stability along all of the foot. Like the Gravity, it is also equipped with Puntoflex.

Zhero Leggenda Due is available in two different soles: SG with interchangeable studs for heavy and muddy pitches and FG with fixed conical studs, which also include the Twist’ngo system for maximum stability and grip on dry, grassy pitches.

Sizes: 5.5 to 12
Colours: White /Fiery Red
Retail Price: £ 90,00

On Footy Boots you can view our exclusive images and information on the new Zhero Evolution Due, Vento Diablo KL, Zhero Gravity Due and the Zhero Leggenda Due.

Vento line

Vento Diablo KL is the top-of-the-range model, with upper in water-resistant kangaroo leather and asymmetric lacing plus the Twist’ngo technology.

The model is available in two different colour combinations: White/Fiery Red and Black/White.

Furthermore, the model features the 3-S technology (Side Stability Support), which gives the foot more stability during side movements.

The insole is anatomical and removable to maximise comfort all over the foot, with a Shock-Absorber cushioning insert in the heel zone. It is also equipped with BFC technology (Biomechanical Foot Control), an insole that accompanies and controls the foot’s natural flexibility, supporting both the arch area and the elastic return of the forefoot.

The Adapto system is also inserted in the rear part of the football boot, a thermoplastic quarter stiffener the remarkable elastic properties of which allow perfect adaptation to the heel shape by cushioning it anatomically. The rigid part on the sides supports the heel, while the soft, flexible and cushioned part adapts perfectly to the heel thereby heading off repeated micro-traumas which cause tendon inflammation. Two different types of soles are available: SG, a sole equipped with interchangeable studs in steel and nylon and FG, a sole with fixed conical studs, which includes the Twist’ngo system.

Sizes: 4.5 to 12
Colours: Black/White, White/Fiery Red
Retail Price: £ 60,00

On Footy Boots you can view our exclusive images and information on the new Zhero Evolution Due, Vento Diablo KL, Zhero Gravity Due and the Zhero Leggenda Due.