The PUMA v1.10 is a boot that knows how to make an entrance. After making it’s bow in a startling yellow colourway exactly a month ago it’s still a point of contention everywhere.

From the Premier League - where Nicolas Anelka has been on blistering form in the v1.10 but Peter Crouch is yet to make the switch from the .08’s; to the Footy Boots community - where comments range from ’sickest cleat ever’ to ‘what were PUMA thinking?.

So which is it? Well, lets put it like this. Every new boot has two major talking points. What it looks like and how it performs. We gave the v1.10 a hard time on the former but fair’s fair. On the latter, this is a serious contender.

Comfort/Fit

After the ankle destroying endurance tests that were synonymous with wearing the v1.06 and v1.08 for the first time, I was wary of giving the v1.10 a run-out on a Sunday match with the boots only arriving on the Saturday. But wear them I did, and I was massively impressed. PUMA have finally started to get the fit right on their premier product.

For starters, whilst it doesn’t look like much of a change on first glance, the toe area has been reduced dramatically. Rather than the ‘too-roomy’ front end of the v1.08, the v1.10 has slimmed this area, down making a much welcome nod to the toe of the v1.06.

The heel has also had a revamp; PUMA’s ‘uni’ system seems to be following the trend that many boots have started taking- providing a snug fit that reduces friction by reducing the movement of the heel itself.

Durability

PUMA have taken some big gambles from a design standpoint on the v1.10. Whereas Nike and Lotto have favoured single-piece construction recently; PUMA have gone for a radical approach, with multiple components interacting to make the boot what it is.

Firstly, the v1.10 is one of the few boots to feature 2 materials in its upper. The toes and lace cover are made from a lightweight synthetic material (that bears very little similarity to leather, despite the product description claiming it to be synthetic leather). The closest comparison I can think of is the earliest model of the adidas F50 TUNiT, with a frictionless feel and thick cut to cover the laces.

The positioning of the new synthetic works surprisingly well with the other material in the upper, the v1 series trademark micro-fibre canvas. Whilst the canvas has always been tough to rip from contact with studs and blades, I’ve always had an issue with the material rubbing away against a firm surface (like dry ground or an artificial pitch) especially on the toe area, where I drag it along the ground when stopping, turning and striking. So having the firmer synthetic material in the way completely removes this issue.

Despite these marked improvements I can’t help but feel there’s a little bit too much going on the v1.10 for its own good.

The 2 uppers, heel counter, sole plate, rubber ‘seams’ and huge plastic PUMA stripe are all held in place by a Herculean amount of stitching. Looking at the boot there are double and triple-seams running all over the place! This in truth probably means they’re going to be able to take a lot of grief - a bit like covering a jigsaw in duct tape - but compared to the elegance of boots like the Zhero Gravity Tre and Mercurial Vapor you’ve got to wonder if there was a better solution.

Feel

Once again, PUMA’s latest is proving a divisive boot, with a multitude of contrasts all over the upper.

Thankfully I think PUMA have struck a decent balance. The micro-fibre canvas is a lot more cushioned and giving than the laminate synthetic, making a it a great choice to line the instep. This area hugs the arches of your feet nicely giving you a great area to receive passes and control the ball mid bounce – and despite it not being a priority it’s also a pretty good area to distribute from.

The most noticeable change from the v1 series previous incarnations is the inclusion of a lace cover, which is pretty much as expected. The surface on the front of the boot is absolutely huge when compared to some other boots, and there’s a slight curve that hugs the top of your foot for a nice clean striking area. Similarly,  the reduced width in the toe area gives a feeling of being much closer to the ball when skimming passes with the outside of the foot.

One complaint is the near-frictionless nature of that part of the upper. As the F50 line grew from the first TUNiT to the F50.9, adidas toiled away at improving the grip of the upper – and I think PUMA could have learnt from this. It would’ve been nice to see a more adhesive coating on the upper in the style of Nomis’ WetControl to help with controlling balls coming in from high, as the triangle pattern on this model isn’t quite up to scratch.

One indesputable factor on the PUMA v1.10 is the FG sole plate. Once again the carbon fibre shank makes a welcome return - as does the nearly unchanged stud configuration. Thankfully the rear blades have been shortened a little, which gives a more even feel when stood on flat ground.

Conclusion

The v1.10 is a boot designed with the fleet-footed attacker in mind. Others need not apply.

Normally I’d like to recommend boots for certain positions and types of player, but the v1.10 is very specialized to the sorts of winger and striker that looks burn the defender and get it past the keeper.

The good news for fans of the v1 series is there’s plenty to love here. There’s a mass of features ticking away under the skin of these boots that all work well - and PUMA have done a great job of refining the fit for this year’s model.

And for everyone else, if you can look past some (very) perplexing design decisions there’s a boot with a lot to offer. It’s like having some of the classy features of a new BMW and putting them in the chassis of a Ford Focus. A bright yellow one. Covered in stitching.

However, you might want to look it at like going to see Amy Winehouse in concert. Get past the look and you’ll love the performance.

In the first of a series of 3 boot reviews for Lotto Sport Italia, Footy Boots has been fortunate enough to test its unique and revolutionary laceless design, exclusive to the Italian boot makers.

Aesthetics

The dynamic of the upper makes for a lethal looking boot, and teamed with the brilliant white you get the feeling you’re that half-a-yard quicker!

Comfort/Fit

These boots truly fit like a glove and are basically the next closest option to playing barefoot. That means a lot coming from me, let me assure you. For being such an avid fan of football boots, I happen to love playing the beautiful game barefoot!

The fit is very snug for being laceless, and in some aspects it provides a better fit than any lacing system can offer! The upper stays extremely tight to the top of your foot and heel, but when making sharp cuts the instep and outstep of the sockliner do tend to give a little too much for my liking.

The heel counter happens to be the “Achilles heel” of this football boot! If you wear a pair of socks that aren’t skin tight, the heel can catch the sock’s excess fabric and create friction between the boot and your skin, creating some nasty blisters!

But, all in all, the boots are very comfortable for being the only of their kind. The insole is quite supportive and the ‘Dual Fit’ system offers customizable cushioning to suit your preference.

Durability

The durability of the boots is possibly questionable because of the way the soleplate is attached to the upper. There is no reinforced stitching between the upper and the sole in order to reduce weight, so the lifespan of the boots could be shorter than most.

The graphics do tend to peel away after a few weeks of use and the upper tends to attract a lot of dirt and grass due to its rubbery feel to enhance boot-to-ball interaction. The sock liner of the boots also tarnishes quickly because of soil and sweat seeping into the fabric. These factors all detract from the worth, but that’s not to say these aren’t fantastic boots!

Touch

These boots truly are a “second skin” making for a superb feel of the ball. Skills that involve swift movements of the foot while staying in sync with the ball, such as the ‘elastico’ or ‘hocus pocus’, are made with ease because of the grip that the rubbery upper provides. The boots are ideal for flair players because of this, and are also great for freestyle juggling with the ball.

When you happen to shank a shot with the Zhero Gravity on, the last thing you’ll be able to blame is your football boots! The clean upper is the closest thing to purely striking a ball with your barefoot. There are no unnecessary vamps or stitching to potentially hamper your shooting, so if its off target, its your fault!

Traction

The outsole of the boot is essentially a mixed-stud configuration, which is a big plus in my opinion.  Coupled with the bladed studs, the interchangeable conical studs make for great engagement with the turf and ensure control and grip between the studs and the ball.

Many professional footballers have custom-made mixed-soleplates, so its rare that you come across a boot that is essentially manufactured with that type of configuration to begin with. The removable studs allow for use on firm or soft-ground, which is always a nice option to have as well.

Conclusion

Though no changes have been made to the Zhero Gravity line since it’s launch in 2006 (besides slight aesthetic modifications), credit must be given to Lotto for not falling victim to the “it’s not broken, but lets fix it anyway” syndrome.

Much to the disapproval of many football boot fans, this trait has been seen in many other brands.

I believe Lotto could make a killing in the speed boot department and maybe even rival the Vapor in terms of popularity, IF the selling price was lowered (they currently retail at around £140 in the UK and $349 in the US).

Overall I’d say these are a great pair of football boots, but they could just lack the necessary durability to justify their price tag. I’d recommend finding these boots on sale if you plan to purchase them anytime soon.

Review by Matt Dawson

It wasn’t that long ago that seeing a player wearing a pair of white football boots was something of a rarity.

Indeed, the names of Alan ‘Gladys’ Hinton and Alan Ball are still talked about today after they famously donned white boots over 30 years ago. Take a look at Hinton’s entry in Wikipedia and the second sentence reads: He famously wore white boots. Bearing in mind that he had a 17 year long career and played for England three times, scoring once, that pretty much sums up the impact his footwear had at the time.

But now, white football boots seem to be all the rage – certainly if you check out the choices of the England team that played Slovenia at the weekend.

Of course, over recent months, England have always had a few players for whom white football boots were the norm. Captain John Terry has worn the England Speciali and the Speciali in White / Red. Frank, Frank Lampard is rarely seen without his trusty pair of adidas adiPure II Rome’s and Glen Johnson, Lotto’s biggest name player in the UK, is a familiar sight in his White / Black / Red Zhero Leggenda Tre’s.

Now, perhaps it’s something to do with the all white, Umbro kit but Terry, Lampard and Johnson were joined at Wembley by a whole clutch of their team-mates who decided that white was right.

Shaun Wright-Phillips took to the field wearing a pair of White /Black / Red adidas F50i’s, a decision that was replicated by second half substitute and goalscorer Jermain Defoe.

As the other substitutes came on, so the number of white football boots increased. Carlton Cole arrived in a pair of Nike Tiempo Air legend II’s in White / White (and you don’t get much whiter than that), while midfielder Michael Carrick strutted his stuff in the White / Black PUMA King XL’s.

Seven players out of the squad in white football boots is a decent number, and with a bit of poetic licence, you could increase that number to nine by including Ashley Cole in his White / Blue PUMA v1.08’s and Joleon Lescott in his White / Red Nike Total 90 Laser II’s.

So, out of that lot, what’s your choice of the best white football boot out of the current crop as modelled by England’s finest?

Let us know by commenting below.

Lotto have always been something of a fringe brand for me. Whilst they’ve always provided boots and kits to teams like as substantial as Juventus to as local as Sheffield Wednesday, I’ve never been massively bombarded by their presence in the market.

They’re a manufacturer that for 3 decades has thrived on the South American and Eastern European market - making boots that simply ‘get the job done’, without flaunting any sophistication, and along the have probably won over a few fans in other markets in the same way a brand like Mizuno has.

So, over the past couple of weeks, I’m sure I’m not the only Footy Boots fan who’s been left in shock by Lotto’s aggressive presence on this summer’s release list.

Lotto Zhero Gravity Tre

The first announcement was the Zhero Gravity Tre - Lotto’s most expensive model.

Billed as an opposition to the Nike Mercurial Vapor and F50i lines, the Zhero Gravity range is, first and foremost, a speed boot. Now in it’s 3rd incarnation (hence the ‘Tre’) the Zhero is designed to get you to the ball first using a mixture of high-tech materials, superior fit and comfort. All this plus classic Italian styling for £140, which when compared to the Superfly or Vapor IV SL’s, is a pretty tidy sum.

So - with the Zhero now settled in, and having won over enough fans to keep the Zhero Gravity line worth producing for three years I was somewhat hoping that the next release in the ‘collection’ would come in the form of another market challenging boot. I’m not a necessarily a massive advocate of adding gimmicks to boots but it’s great to see another company’s take on idea - like when Nike added Predator-esque rubber vamps to it’s Total 90 range.

Instead, I’m pretty sure Lotto have actually released the same boot 3 times. I’m all for classic styling and love boots with a touch of hertitage about them like the Tiempo Legend and adiPure, but in my opinion Lotto my have gone a little overboard with the Evolution Tre, Legganda Tre and Stadio Fuoriclasse.

Lotto Zhero Evolution Tre

At first I thought that one of the three might be a ‘premium’ version of the other boots, but all are due to retail at nearly the same price! All share the Puntoflex technology, shock absorbing heel and 2 of the 3 have the Twistn’go stud at the front, so I’m puzzled as to why, instead of spending 3 lots of money on designing, producing, distributing and promoting 3 different boots, Lotto simply didn’t select the best bits from the Evolution, Legganda and Stadio and produce one boot at a lower price and pass the saving onto the buyer!

To me it would have made far more sense to release one boot that was a combination of the Evolution and Legganda, and then introduce the boot with a leather upper later down the line to replace the Stadio.

Lotto Zhero Leggenda Tre

Do you agree, or do you think it’s the releasing of boots in different colours and uppers that pushes the price of boots up? Do you think that realising multiple boots like this helps put the brand’s name out there? Or maybe you don’t care because you’d opt for the Vento Diablo KL Due (arguably the best value boot on the market and a definite favourite in the Footy Boots office?)

Lotto Vento Diablo KL Due

Drop a comment below and tell us! And, if you’ve tried out the various Lotto boots as mentioned above, let us know if you’ve found any subtle differences that we should be aware of.

Glen Johnson

There must have been a certain amount of satisfaction in the air when Glen Johnson put pen to paper to confirm his move from Portsmouth to Liverpool. Remember, this was the young defender who didn’t make much of an impression at Chelsea, was allegedly given regular tongue lashings by Jose Mourinho and then scurried off to Pompey as quick as he could.

But while at Fratton Park he re-discovered his game, was voted the South Coast club’s player of the year, became the England regular at right back and even had Chelsea looking to re-sign him. The move is great news for him and well deserved. Plus of course, his boot sponsor Lotto will doubtless be delighted to see one of their few English representatives plying his trade with one of the Big Four.

Man Utd 09 / 10 kit

Since we revealed the official ‘teaser’ images of the new Manchester United kit for next season, debate has raged long and hard about what it does or doesn’t look like. So, here’s my two-penneth worth.

The shirt will have the AIG logo on it because they remain the sponsor of the club. Their deal doesn’t expire until June of next year when Aon Corp will take over.

Whilst the images are brilliantly shot to hide much of the detail, you can make out a ‘V’ running across the front of the shirt.

It will definitely have an ‘Old School’ feel to it as it’s been specifically designed to reflect the club’s past glories.

Setanta (again)

So, Setanta has ceased trading in Great Britain and its Premier League games rights have been bought by ESPN, a channel owned by Disney. No doubt the 200 staff that have been made redundant (through no fault of their own) not to mention a number of governing body financial directors are currently going round muttering a phrase that rhymes with Donald Duck.

As it happens, I always felt that the figures put forward by the Irish broadcaster just didn’t add up and despite their strong start, it just shows you that there’s no substitute for a long-term business plan. In other words, it was all a bit Mickey Mouse.

Newcastle kit

Newcastle United have mirrored the success of Manchester United by getting many of us to talk about their new kit for next season. However, unlike the Premier League champions, it’s for all the wrong reasons.

The new away kit is made up of a two-tone yellow striped shirt and yellow shorts. It is, without doubt, excruciatingly awful.  Fair play to Steven Taylor who was brave enough to model the kit – shame he looked like a across between a Blackpool deckchair and a bowl of lemon Angel Delight or the result of a mutation between a Norwich and Grimsby fan. No wonder Michael Owen has decided to leave.

Competition time.

Just a few thoughts on the various tournaments that are on right now.

Italy looked great in their Puma King XL Italia kit in South Africa. Sadly they played not so much like kings but rather paupers.

England’s Under 21’s don’t look half bad.

Dropping Theo Walcott then seeing him come off the bench to set up a second goal against Spain. Genius from Stuart Pearce.

Congratulations to Spain for extending their record-breaking unbeaten run.

Despite millions of pounds of investment, Britain’s tennis players are more rubbish now then they’ve ever been.

Who wants to get a pair of the new Orange Blaze / Black Nike Total 90 Laser II’s after watching Fernando Torres play in them? Me please.

How good can Jack Rodwell become?

The women’s Twenty/20 competition was far more exciting than the men’s.

Desperately hoping for a British Lions comeback in the second test but fearing the worst.

A lot of us football boot enthusiasts—myself included—love to debate over boots and their manufacturers, and much time has been spent examining and arguing over which ‘brand’ is king.

Now, imagine a game where players were not divided by club or country, but instead by their allegiance to their boot manufacturer. A one-off game, or perhaps a tournament, to decide the best boot company based on the athletes which have chosen to support that ‘team’. Who would the companies choose to field in such an important game?

This week on ‘From The Sole’, I decided to have a go at arranging three Fantasy XI’s (as we love to do around here) based on such requirements. I gave heavy-hitters adidas and Nike their own squads, and also put together a ‘world brand’ side that encompasses the rest of the boot makers: Puma, Lotto, Mizuno, Umbro, Reebok, Diadora, Kappa, Lotto, and Under Armour.

The results were naturally three very impressive squads that I attempted to pick with teamwork, technique, and chemistry being the most important factors.

Team adidas – aka the ‘Triple Stripes’

GK: Edwin Van Der Sar (Predator PowerSwerve)
LB: Philip Lahm (adiPure II)
CB: Per Mertesacker (Predator PowerSwerve)
CB: Martin Demichelis (Predator PowerSwerve)
RB: Jose Bosingwa (adiPure II)

Jose Bosingwa

Defense: Edwin gets the nod over Petr Cech, who’s seemed shaky at times for Chelsea in 08-09. The monstrous 6’6” Mertesacker is chosen at the back to dominate in the air. Lahm, a promising (and already world-class) wingback, and Bosingwa, who had a great season with Chelsea, are also chosen along with the experienced Demichelis.

DMF: Xavi (Predator PowerSwerve)
CMF: Steven Gerrard (Predator PowerSwerve)
LMF: Robin van Persie (Predator PowerSwerve)
RMF: Lionel Messi (F50i)*
AMF/SS: Kaka (adiPure II)
CF: David Villa (F50.i)
* Messi has opted for a pair of F30’s over the F50’s.

David Villa

Mid/Attack: A passing based offence is coordinated by maestros Xavi and Gerrard, the latter of which can add a lot to the attack in the final third as well. Van Persie plays best when surrounded by other talented individuals, and will provide a strong left-footed cross while Messi terrorizes the right side with his dribbling abilities. Kaka’s crafty touch and Villa’s merciless finish round out a deadly and tactical attack.

Notable Exclusions: Frank Lampard, Daniele De Rossi, David Silva, David Beckham, Petr Cech, Michael Ballack, Dimitar Berbatov, Marcos Senna, Gabriel Milito, Ashley Cole, Gonzalo Higuain

Why? Lampard is excluded, as he can’t seem to find the right rhythm with Gerrard when they play together. Ballack too is left out, as I don’t feel he’d fit in as well with this passing-based flow. I chose Villa over Higuain, as I think Villa is a little more accomplished.
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Italy’s Giuseppe Rossi has been banging in the goals at the Confederations Cup whilst at the same time proving that not every modern day footballer wants up to the minute technology on his feet.

Rossi prefers the Lotto Vento Diablo KL and while it seems to suit him, it does give us the perfect opportunity to shoe you the updated model, the Vento Diablo KL Due, which will be on sale from early July.

It may be at the lower end of the Lotto scale, but it boasts a whole heap of technology (some of it wonderfully jargonistic) along with a very individual graphic scheme.

Vento Diablo KL Due Football Boots

Aimed at the player who wants innovation without sacrificing natural materials, the Vento Diablo Due KL gets off to a good start with its kangaroo leather upper, water repellent of course, and asymmetric lacing.

The shoe is characterised by 3-S (Side Stability Support) technology, offering the foot stability in lateral movements. The removable anatomic insole maximises comfort on the entire sole of the foot with a Shock-Absorber insert in the heel zone.

It also boasts the BFC (Biomechanical Foot Control) technology, an assembly insole that assists and controls the natural flexibility of the foot, supporting both the arch and the elastic return of the forefoot.

Lotto designers are also fiercely proud of the thermoplastic material of the Adapto counter. The more rigid part supports the heel, while the softer part flexibly accommodates the shape of the heel, preventing potential inflammation of the tendon.

The sole is sewn onto the upper to ensure increased durability.

Available in SG and FG, the Vento Diablo Due KL also comes in 2 colourways, Black / White and White / Olympic Blue which is the boot Lotto’s contracted players will be wearing next season.

Price: £59.99

Retail sale: July 2009

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Best known for their Zhero series of football boots, Lotto has this summer redesigned its Stadio line whilst retaining the minimalist styling and enhanced trim and detail. The top of the line model is the Stadio Fuoriclasse.

Lotto Stadio Fuoriclasse Football Boots

As you’d expect from an Italian boot, the Stadio Fuoriclasse has a certain amount of flair and whilst it’s available in the Lotto staple colourways of White / Black and Black / White, it also comes in a striking Black / Neon Green version.

It’s fairly brimming with interesting features starting off with it’s water-repellent kangaroo upper for an extraordinarily comfortable fit.

The removable anatomic insole maximises comfort for the entire sole of the foot and the new outsole with the conical studs is sewn onto the upper to ensure durability.

The boot is completed by the Puntoflex technology, inserted in the metatarsal zone of the outsole, ensuring the correct flexing of the forefoot.

Price: £84.99

Retail sale: July 2009

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Whilst Lotto will always put the Zhero Gravity at the top of it’s list boots, the Leggenda is a very decent mid-range model which seems to neatly balance price with performance.

Unlike it’s laceless cousin, there’s nothing overly flash about the Leggenda although it still has the all important feel of classic Italian styling.

Lotto Zhero Leggenda Tre Football Boots

Lotto insist that if you are looking for both comfort and performance then the Zhero Leggenda Tre is the boot for you.

The model, in a Black / White / Red colourway, features the Twist’ngo system, the first rotating stud that assists players when they change direction, ensuring speed, stability, and reducing the risk of injury.

The kangaroo leather upper is water-repellent, with symmetric modular lacings for a constant fit along the entire foot.

The boot features an outer counter that grants increased heel support to protect it from impact and a removable anatomic insole with a “Shock-Absorber” insert in the heel zone to maximise comfort on the entire sole of the foot.

As with the Zhero Gravity Tre, the Leggenda Tre is completed with Puntoflex, a special  feature positioned across the outsole in correspondence with the metatarsal zone, allowing correct flexing of the forefoot.

The SG version comes with interchangeable studs for wet and muddy pitches, and FG, with fixed conical studs.

Price: £89.99

Retail sale: July 2009

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Already on Footy Boots, we’ve shown you the top two models in the Lotto range for 2009 / 2010. But having come out all guns blazing in a bid to corner a part of the summer market, there are still more Lotto models to showcase. The first one being the Zhero Evolution Tre.

Lotto Zhero Evolution Tre Football Boots

Zhero Evolution Tre is the model for those seeking top-notch technology and lightness.

In many ways it’s similar to the Leggenda Tre boasting much of the same technology and design features.

This includes Lotto’s patented Twist’ngo system, a water repellent microfibre upper and asymmetric lacing to increase the area of contact with the ball.

Other typical Lotto aspects are an outer counter for increased heel support and a removable anatomic insole with a “Shock-Absorber” insert in the heel zone to maximise comfort on the entire sole of the foot.

Correct flexing of the forefoot is accomplished by the position of Puntoflex across the outsole.

In a White / Black / Red colourway you can find the Evolution Tre in a SG and FG format – the SG version with interchangeable studs in steel and nylon to allow maximum traction on heavy ground and FG with fixed conical studs.

Price: £89.99

Retail sale: July 2009

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During the past few weeks the leading football boot manufacturers have released a wide variety of new models and colourways. Despite the current economic climate, consumer choice continues to grow and expand with ever more speed.

The shelf life of football boots continues to shorten each year. With the World Cup coming up next year in South Africa, no matter what pair of football boots you’re currently lacing up you can bet your money they’ll be out of fashion in a matter of months. As for the “technology” incorporated into these football boots, they’ll be far “outdated”.

What could change?

Ronaldinho’s Dois football boots.

For Ronaldinho fans I’m sorry to say that I believe his signature line of boots may be dropped. The good news is Nike will be adding to their product range with the new Nike CTR360.

I’m also led to believe the ’shotshield’ technology is to be removed from the Laser III and I’d assume Nike will release an improved version of the Vapor in conjunction with the 2010 World Cup.

The current Nike Mercurial Vapor V

The other heavyweight adidas will also be developing their range. The next F50 is said to end the TUNiT system which could be replaced with traditional bladed studs.  Also on the horizon before the turn of the year is the Predator TruStrike, followed by the adiPure III shortly afterwards. All these new football boots to come and I haven’t even touched on the likes of Puma, Umbro, and Lotto amongst others.

Emmanuel Adebayor and the latest F50, the adidas F50i

As you may have guessed, I am a football boot nut and as a result enjoy having a broad selection of football boots to choose from, but I do sometimes feel like I am being fleeced when a slightly varied version of a boot is released, especially after just investing in a new boot. Many young footballers like to stay up to date with fashion these days, but its becoming even more expensive to do so.

It seems possible that NikeiD and miadidas may soon become obsolete. With an ever increasing selection of colours anyone can find a boot to match any kit or a boot that will make them stand out on the pitch and have them personalized to top it off.

Paying Homage to Heritage

In an industry where plastics and flash colours prevail, I have to pay my respects to the traditional football boot. Models like the the adidas Copa Mundial that have withstood the test of time and continue to offer quality comfort and touch.

The classicly styled adidas Copa Mundial

The newest editions of traditional football boots sometimes go unnoticed. The adiPure II, Puma King XL, and Nike Tiempo Legend III include the classic lines and traditional styling, but with updated materials, enhanced features and new design details. They are what a football boot should be about, but it seems all the marketing is geared towards the flash boots.

For this reason I have to give some praise to Umbro for reaching back to their roots in the designing of the new England kit and the soon to be released Speciali.

David Beckham in the new England Kit, with Umbro pitch side hoarding.

Umbro’s return to its heritage for inspiration reflects a growing trend for a return to simple football values. Umbro is first and foremost a football company and have acknowledged the growing demand in the football boot market for more traditional looking and styled football boots.

There is an over abundance of multi-coloured, eye-catching football boots available, but not every player wants to pull a pair of bright pink or neon green boots out of his bag before stepping out onto the pitch.

Are you one of them or do you like the brash, in-your-face designs currently out there? Let me know by commenting below.

By Matt Dawson

Italian manufacturers Lotto don’t tend the blead products out over the course of the year, rather they go the whole hog and issue a ‘collection’ for the forthcoming season. 

That’s exactly what they’ve done for 2009 / 2010 with a multi-boot selection headed by the Zhero Gravity Tre.

Zhero Gravity Tre Football Boots

This very lightweight boot has been designed for speed and in particular, those super fast players who count on sprints and sudden changes of direction to win.

However, unlike most of the high end Lotto models, the Zhero Gravity Tre is not equipped with the Italian company’s Twist’nGo technology which was launched back in 2008 ahead of the European Championships.

The Zhero Gravity Tre is the evolution of the first laceless football boot, the Zhero Gravity, which we first saw during the 2006 World Cup.

This model includes Lotto’s Pro-fit technology in the upper which guarantees a perfect fit and maximum comfort. The absence of laces extends the contact surface of the upper, guaranteeing full contact with the ball and relative control with no interference for maximum kicking precision. Moreover, the outer counter in Pebax ensures the proper support and protection of the heel.

The upper is in microfibre: a water-repellent, breathable, abrasion resistant material that works in all weather conditions and temperatures. And to meet the demands of individual players, the Zhero Gravity Tre offers a double set of removable insoles – the Dual Fit System - to adapt the fit to the different types of feet.

The ultimate element that makes Zhero Gravity Tre a high quality product is the sole with its Pebax insert and Neo Switch technology, made of Lotto-exclusive fixed and interchangeable studs that can be changed according to the ground conditions, SG or FG.

The technical picture is rounded out by Puntoflex, a special feature positioned across the outsole aligning to the metatarsal zone, allowing correct flexing of the forefoot.

This model is available in White / Black / Red  and includes a special minibag with a kit containing a set of removable insoles, a set of changeable studs and a special key for fixing them that doubles as a shoehorn.

Price: £140

Sizes: UK 6 - 12

Retail sale: 1st July 2009

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According to Roy Hodgson, there’s no doubt who’s been the best signing of the season. Not just for Fulham, but throughout the entire Premier League.

The veteran coach thinks that accolade should go to goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer who has helped turn the London club from relegation escape artists to potential Europa League candidates.

The Australian shot stopper, wearing his Lotto Zhero Leggenda Due football boots, was at it again this weekend as he kept Fulham in 7th place in the table with a virtuoso performance in the 1 – 0 win away to Newcastle (a fact that won’t be lost on Boro fans who used to watch Schwarzer between the sticks at the Riverside).

Schwarzer will have busier afternoons but his two saves from Martins and particularly from Nicky Butt in the dying moments, fully justified Hodgson’s faith in him at the beginning of the season.

Indeed, the Fulham boss has been raving about the Australian saying:

He was a free transfer, so in the respect that his transfer cost to Fulham was zero, you have to say he was the best buy of the season.

He’s been a major contributor to our success - he’s had an outstanding season.

He’s the goalkeeper we thought he was, and he’s been unbelievably consistent in his performances.

His dealing with crosses and shots has been very good and that has brought stability to the team - you can see that in the confidence the back four have in him. Every team has got units, and our defensive unit has been very strong this year, and Mark has been a major factor in that.

Schwarzer wears the Lotto Zhero Leggenda Due

Hodgson’s views are backed up by the facts. In 37 league games, Fulham have only shipped 14 goals at home and 18 away. That’s less than the likes of Arsenal, Everton and Aston Villa – the three teams directly above them.

Many football boot enthusiasts have made it clear that they feel the top brands are going overboard with the gimmicks. I have to agree and am beginning to wonder when it will end.

With new “technologies” being introduced with the release of every new football boot, buyers aren’t sure what to believe these days. While many football boots are touted for their “Speed”, “Touch”, or “Power”, their design is slowly but surely straying away from their purpose. Have the football boot brands finally out-gimmicked their own gimmicks?

Adidas Predator

2009 alone has seen the introduction of three new models to the Predator range. Each are acknowledged for their apparent “Power”, “Swerve”, and “Control”. A Fantasy Predator as well as a ClimaCool Predator designed for David Beckham have also been released. Funny that Adidas has decided to develop individual boots for each Predator element, as when last I checked, the Predator PowerSwerve was supposed to combine all three of those elements?

Adidas Predator Control

Adidas F50 TUNiT

This range is the most guilty of them all. With a new upper being released approximately every 10 months, Adidas can’t seem to keep from these boots rolling off the production line. I’d suggest that it’s “Alles Klar” technology is questionable and there have been some well known defects associated with the TUNiT system.

Adidas F50.9

Nike Mercurial

Nike’s Vapor range has been made to be viewed as extremely lightweight boots. With that being said each new Vapor has brought with it a few extra grams. Though I understand they’ve had to focus more on safety due to the recurring injury of the metatarsal, there have been unnecessary additions to the Vapor that detract from its sleekness and weigh it down.

A prime example of this is the Vapor IV’s Glass Fibre heel wrap, which is basically useless. Because of these changes many Vapor fans have wished for the return of original Vapor I and II’s  features. Despite these negatives Nike has made progress through the evolution of their NikeSkin. Today’s Vapor’s feature just one seam in the upper and is made of Teijin leather wrapped in a clear tactile coating that creates a gripped surface for all playing conditions. Perhaps the imminent release of the Mercurial Vapor Superfly could change our view?

Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly

Nike Total 90

In many’s eyes the Laser II has failed to live up to its predecessor. With the shotshield’s area being increased to the whole forefoot with minimal effect and a V-Twin lacing system that is not very functional, why change the winning formula of the original Laser?

And the rest…

Lotto’s Twist’NGo technology is subject to question as to if it improves the function of the modern day football boot. It seems to be just another “technology” included to up the price of the boot.

Lotto Twist’NGo

Companies have been investing more and more of their time in the aesthetics of their boots while adding unnecessary changes. Is it time these companies take it back to the basics? Let us know what you think.

By Matt Dawson