Steven Gerrard is a man who eats, sleeps and breathes the adidas Predator. Cut him and he’d probably bleed three stripes.

The Liverpool and England star has been a Predator fan since he persuaded his father to cough up for a pair when he was just 14 years of age.

At the time, the price of a pair of Pred’s caused the family some hardship. Not so now. Gerrard is one of the biggest names in world football and has become the quintessential adidas ambassador.

Gerrard just adores the Predator. Indeed, he tends to fall in love with certain boots and it seems that sometimes it’s hard for the adidas hierarchy to get him to move on to the latest model.

But there should be no problem with the Predator_X. As you will see from this latest adidas video, Gerrard looks to be genuinely impressed with the 10th incarnation of the Predator with only injury keeping him away from debuting the boots along with the likes of Berbatov, Raul and Simao.

During the video, Gerrard looks back at some of the older Predator models that he’s worn during his career, describes the Predator_X as “light and comfortable” while admitting that he’s something of a boot traditionalist, which rather points to the fact that he’ll be wearing the Black / White / Red colourway when he’s fit and back in the Liverpool first team.

To watch the Steven Gerrard Predator_X video, click here.

Before we revealed the first official images of the Predator X, we shared these images which show two of the brands iconic players putting the new Predator_X through its paces.

It’s no secret that adidas are putting great store by the Predator X, the tenth version of the Predator line which has been in production since 1992.

So who better to test the new football boot ahead of their launch than England star Steven Gerrard and Real Madrid legend Raul.

The Predator X will be given it’s on pitch debut over the weekend of 31st October / 1st November after which the football boots will go on retail sale on 14th November, but you can pre order the Boots here - Pre-Order.

There are two initial colourways - the Predator classic Black / White / Red and the White / Brown . Yellow.

For those who aren’t completely immersed in the world of football boots, it may shock you to know that two of the leading global brands, PUMA and adidas hail from the same German town. Indeed, they even trace their origins back to the same family of cobblers.

But for the last 60 odd years, relations between the two have been anything but family-like.

Back in the 1940’s, there was a huge bust up between the two Dassler brothers, Adi and Rudi, as they used an air-raid shelter. During a Second World War Allied bomb attack, Adi and his wife climbed into a bomb shelter that Rudi and his family were already in. “The dirty b******s are back again,” Adi said, apparently referring to the Allied warplanes. Rudi was convinced that his brother meant him and his family. That was that.

Adi Dassler (as pictured on our home page) was an athlete in his own right

Their original company, which made the spikes worn by the great Jesse Owens at the Berlin Olympics, was split in to two and have gone on to the huge successes that we know today. Despite this, the Bavarian town of Herzogenaurach, population 12,500, remains split. Indeed, it is known as the ‘place of bent necks’ such is the tradition to check out everyone else’s footwear where the staff employed by each company live separate lives. Forget Celtic v Rangers, Barca v Madrid or United v City – this has been without doubt, one of the most ferocious and bitter rivalries within sport.

An early PUMA boot with screw-in studs

However, all that could be about to change. A peace initiative has been launched with the present day bosses of both companies agreeing to publicly shake hands in a display of reconciliation. Further, following this symbolic gesture, due to take place on 21st September, workers from the two firms are to play a game of football together.

The idea is the brainchild of English actor and film-maker Jeremy Gilley. He already had a working relationship with PUMA through the ‘One Day One Goal‘ football campaign that aims to instigate matches in all member states of the United Nations, also on 21st September. Last year, there were matches played in 180 countries. This year, Gilley is aiming for all 192 UN members and beyond.

Jeremy Gilley is the founder and chairman of Peace One Day

The director has certainly worked his magic in Herzogenaurach as after Monday’s historic football match, employees of both companies will sit down together and watch Gilley’s 2008 film ‘The Day after Peace’.

Chief executive of adidas Herbert Hainer said he was proud to be taking part in the project and added:

We firmly believe that sport can bring the world together. Sport has shown this at countless occasions in the past and we are committed to the positive values found in sport: performance and passion, teamwork and fair play.

His thoughts were echoed by Jochen Zeitz, chairman and CEO of PUMA who said:

We are uniting on this day as a commitment to Peace day. Our common goal  being that  our collaboration will help create awareness for the day. Kofi Anan once said that ‘individuals can make a difference and collectively we can make a major contribution’. I believe that is the case also for companies.

Today PUMA operates in 120 countries and employs more than 9,000 people worldwide. In football terms, they have produced one of most iconic boots of all time, the PUMA King XL and last season saw the stock of the v1.08 climb to an all-time high. Their newest boot, the v1.10 is due out on 26th September.

The adidas group, producer of the ground breaking Predator boot, has more than 38,000 employees and generated sales of €10.8bn in 2008. Amongst their ambassadors are the likes of Michael Ballack, Steven Gerrard and Lionel Messi. Their latest creation is the adidas F50i.

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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His name is Rio

Someone please tell me that Rio Ferdinand’s holiday outfit was being worn for a bet. For those of you who missed it, the England defender was spotted taking in the sun in a crop top and a pair of denim shorts that resembled hot pants (though further investigation has revealed that they could have been denim style swimming trunks). All this comes just a few weeks after Cristiano Ronaldo also played the ‘hot pants’ card complete with pink baseball cap and a flower behind his right ear.

I’m all for players getting in touch with their feminine side but flowers! Hot pants! What really concerns me is during England’s next World Cup qualifier a cunning striker sidles up to Rio, mentions that his socks don’t quite go with his shorts and while Ferdinand goes all of a flutter – Bang – we’re 1 – 0 down. Worrying.

No longer St Michael

Imagine if you will that you are the manager or chairman of a mid-table EPL side. Looking to strengthen your squad ahead of the new season, there’s a chance to sign a proven goal scorer. His record pretty much speak for itself.

At club level, he scores a goal in every 1.7 games and internationally, his 89 caps have produced 40 goals. He’s still the right side of 30 and although he’d expect decent wages, the transfer fee isn’t going to bankrupt your club. Sounds pretty attractive doesn’t it? Now add in to the equation the words ‘Michael Owen’. Still interested?

According to the Wigan chairman Dave Whelan, Owen is a busted flush. But, given the number of big-money failures that have blown through the Premier League over the past few years, surely Owen must be worth a punt to someone?

Home boy Gerrard

Steven Gerrard says that he’s thinking of retiring when his contract runs out with Liverpool in 4 years time. I suggest that would be a great shame. No-one can question Gerrard’s loyalty to the Merseyside club or the phenomenal effort he’s put in to try and win them both the Premier League and Champions League.

But I’d argue that by leaving the game as a one club man, he’ll be the poorer for it. Get out there Steven. See what another team, country or culture could offer you. When you do eventually quit the game, you’ll be a better person for it.

Cheap shot Kings

One thing struck me about the rugby union match between the Southern Kings and the British and Irish Lions in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday and it was this. If a football team had gone out to play like the Kings did, they’d have been berated and lambasted around the world as being thugs, goons and cowards.

The Kings were an invitational side but the party they put on was anything but welcoming. Late tackles, cheap shots, swinging arms. And that was just the obvious stuff. Let’s not even imagine what went on at the bottom of rucks and in the scrum.

Football has its fair share of con-men and divers and poor though their actions are it’s still are far more acceptable than the appalling sportsmanship of the players on view at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. And they call Port Elizabeth the friendly city. You could have fooled me.

The modern football boot often claims to suit specific playing types and specific player positions. Fast strikers, exceptional wingers, midfield dynamos, all seem to have a wealth of football boots structured and advertised for those positions. But, what about defenders?

Ron ‘Chopper’ Harris and Bobby Charlton 1973. Chopper Harris is regarded as one of the toughest defenders of all time, an ideal candidate for our defenders football boot.

We’ve already seen the success that companies have enjoyed by associating player styles to specific boots; Air Legend II’s and Fabregas, Predator PowerSwerve’s and Gerrard, the list goes on. Could coupling the endorsement of a world-class centreback with a completely new pair of football boots designed specifically for his job on the pitch be another smash success?

Currently, three options from three manufacturers offer a glimpse of what a defender-oriented boot could offer, but none of these strive purely to be the choice of the back-line athlete.

Nike sponsored Fabio Cannavaro; Cannavaro opts for a set of Total 90 Laser II’s, a versatile and popular all-around choice, though their image is namely power and attacking due to the play of their best-known user, Wayne Rooney.

Cannavaro’s Total 90 Laser II

Umbro’s talismanic endorsee John Terry has been wearing the SX Valor II, but are these boots really aimed at back-line players? Haven’t they lost a little credibility after the 2008 Champions League slip?

Lastly, there are the Puma v-Konstrukt III, worn and advertised by Manchester United’s Nemanja Vidic. While these are certainly the closest I’ve come to seeing a “pro-defender” model, with their emphasis on protection of the foot and safer ball control via a ‘glove-like fit’, in my eyes these also fail to set themselves apart as a premium must-buy for back-line types.

Innovating for Defenders

There is room for improvement. Defender oriented football boots would need to feature some innovations purely directed towards the backline player, and strive harder to be the first choice of the last line of defence. I came up with a concept that aims to do this:

Firstly, this boot would feature a bright, distinctly coloured heel to help linesmen better detect an offside. Contrasting with the pitch and the rest of the player’s football boot, this addition would make for an easier sightline for linesmen making that tricky call. Sounds gimmicky? It would be a hit with defenders looking for anything that might give them a slight edge and get that offside call.

Secondly, such a boot would be relatively heavier than others on the market, making it better for “hoofing” balls out of the danger area and avoiding disastrous soft-touches that result in own-goals, or clear breaks for opposition strikers. Additionally the heel counter would be stiff to enhance the durability of the boot and keep the feet of the player safe during all those firm tackles and scrambles in the box. These attributes would make for a heftier football boot that could be marketed as tough, reliable, and gritty… just like an ideal defender.

The football boot of choice of Nemanja Vidic, the Puma v-Konstrukt III

Thirdly, I’d suggest the new boots would be built with ‘shot shield’ technology and off-centre lacing to help eliminate the possibility of a miss-touch or a loose boot at the worst possible time. These minor details may seem trivial, but in front of net, no chances can be taken.

Lastly, a proper name would be required to emphasise this imaginary football boot’s lofty aim to be the #1 choice of defenders worldwide.

Fellow Footy Boots contributor Andy suggested one I rather liked – the Row Z’s – nicely capturing the defensive mindset of the boot.

Stick it in the stands son!

My personal choice was something much less creative – the Zero – a name purely with strategic marketing in mind, my imagination already having filmed the commercial: “Zero Chances. Zero Goals. Zero Regrets. Zero.”

Regardless of how the imagination runs away with such an idea, this seems to be an area on the pitch where players have yet to been offered a boot to call their own. What would you name such a creation? Or better yet, what would you include in your defender-based design? Let us know by using the comments section below.

Chelsea v Liverpool

So much for the all English Champions League quarter final being a tight affair. What a game. What entertainment. What belief from Liverpool to race in to a 2 – 0 lead on the night and what bravery from Hiddink to replace Salomon Kalou with Nicolas Anelka after just 35 minutes. I’d have loved to hear his half time team talk as well. Talk about a coach earning his money. It seems churlish to raise questions after 90 minutes if brilliant entertainment but from a Liverpool perspective, where was Torres and what has happened to Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech? Flappy or what? Thank goodness that John Terry will be back for the Blues for the meeting with Barcelona.

PFA means FA

The nominations are in and we now know that 5 of the 6 finalists in the running for the PFA award are Manchester United players with the other coming from Liverpool. If you hadn’t heard, United are represented by Ryan Giggs, Nemanja Vidic, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rio Ferdinand and Edwin van der Sar with Steven Gerrard the one from Merseyside. The trouble with the list is that it’s all a bit previous. Nominations have to be in by mid March which means most votes were counted in February. Back then, for example, Vidic was superb but he was subsequently destroyed by Fernando Torres at Old Trafford. Similarly, van der Sar didn’t concede a goal for about 8 years but has since let in 11 in 5 games. And what if Frank Lampard or John Terry should lead Chelsea to Champions League glory? Shouldn’t the player of the year actually be exactly that – the player of the entire season?

Patience isn’t a given, Shay

The Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given has appealed for the club’s supporters to show patience as they wait for some better results to come. The influx of money from overseas certainly raised expectations at Eastlands but so far, the season has been generally disappointing. Given said “People automatically feel we are a top-six team because we are one of the richest clubs in the world. In years to come I think this will be a great club to be involved with. But Rome was not built in a day.” As the excellent Daily Bung points out in the Daily Telegraph, Rome may not have sprung up over night but Given should remember that many parts of downtown Abu Dhabi did!

Up and down

The most redundant newspaper headline of the week centered on the Wolves manager as were informed that Mick McCarthy was ‘not getting carried away’. The former Republic of Ireland boss has guided Wanderers to within one win of the Premier League but is staying ‘grounded’. To borrow a phrase from Monty Python, I imagine that a man such as McCarthy would stay grounded if even if you put 50,000 volts through him. Going the other way are Luton Town who have lost their Football League status. As their manager Mick Harford said this week, this is not the fault of the current staff, but of those who have gone before. If Luton can show the kind of spirit that won them the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in a superb final against Scunthorpe, it surely won’t be too long before the Hatters are back in League Two.

Four years ago, Rafael Benitez sent out his Liverpool team for the second half of the Champions League final against AC Milan trailing by 3 goals to nil.

Whatever the Spaniard said at the break had the desired effect as the Reds turned round that deficit and won the final on penalties. Tonight, in London, they’ll need a similar speech from Benitez as they attempt to overturn Chelsea’s 3 – 1 lead in the Champions League, quarter final 2nd leg at Stamford Bridge.

As well as being a huge match for both teams, it’s a massive occasion for the two big boot brands with some classic match up’s. Here’s our pick of the top 3.

Frank Lampard v Steven Gerrard

This is an Adidas only affair with Lampard in the adiPure II and Gerrard, presuming he’s fit enough to play, in the Predator Powerswerve. This is the 9th Champions league meeting between the two sides and both Lampard and Gerrard have played in all 9 games. Gerrard needs two goals to equal Manchester United’s Paul Scholes as the top Champions League English scorer with 21 goals.

Ricardo Carvalho v Fernando Torres

An Iberian meeting of the highest quality as Carvalho comes in to the side with John Terry suspended with the job of keeping Torres quiet. In addition to being defender v attacker, Portugal v Spain, it’s also Adidas v Nike with Carvalho in the Predator Powerswerve’s and Torres in the K leather Total 90 Laser II.

Jamie Carragher v Didier Drogba

Drogba is on a great run of late with 6 goals in his last 8 games and if he adds to that tally tonight, it’ll be all over for Carragher’s Liverpool. As with the Carvalho v Torres encounter, this is another clash of the football boot heavyweights with the black and white Predator’s of the Liverpool defender up against the lightning speed of Drogba’s Nike Mercural Vapor Superfly.

In addition to our top 3 showdowns, keep an eye out for the blue sapphire, black and white Total 90 Laser II’s of Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic, who scored twice in the first leg, and Javier Mascherano of Liverpool who is back from suspension.

It was without doubt the biggest game in the Premier League so far this season, and it went the way of Liverpool who inflicted a potentially damaging 4 – 1 home defeat on Manchester United.

United still lead the table by 4 points and with a game in hand, but their confidence will surely have taken a jolt after they were comprehensively beaten by Liverpool, who in the space of a few days have put 4 goals past both United and Real Madrid.

As he was in the Champions League, the architect behind Liverpool’s victory was Steven Gerrard.

Steven Gerrard Football Boots

Playing in Adidas Predator PowerSwerve TRX boots in a black and white colourway, Gerrard turned the game around by slotting home a first half penalty, that he himself had won, to put the visitors 2 – 1 ahead. Previously, Cristiano Ronaldo, giving the Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly’s a first run out in the Premier League, had put United 1 – 0 up only for Fernando Torres to mug Nemanja Vidic, who was poor all game, to equalise a few minutes later.

In the second period again it was Gerrard who proved to be the difference, powering past Vidic only to be hauled down 25 yards from goal. Vidic saw red and United paid the ultimate price as Fabio Aurelio curled in a delicious free kick. And with time running out, a route one ball from Pepe Reina cut out the entire United defence and Andrea Dossena coolly chipped Van der Sar.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson then came out with the wackiest statement of the season insisting that his side “were the better team.” However, in truth, with Vidic and Rooney out of sorts, they were second best to a Gerrard inspired Liverpool who have ensured that the title race is tad more interesting tan it was before their Saturday noon kick off.

Order the Adidas Predator PowerSwerve football boot - here

He’s great. He’s a prat (delete as appropriate)

Doesn’t it astonish you how quickly Premier League chairmen can change their minds these days. A few months ago, Spurs supremo Daniel Levy accused Robbie Keane of being a ‘negative influence’ on the dressing room and sent him off with a flea in his ear as he joined Liverpool. Now, the Irish international is back at the club and has been made team captain. Similarly, Peter Kenyon of Chelsea described Luiz Felipe Scolari as ‘one of the great coaches in the world’ when he was hired to replace Avram Grant who, just days earlier, had taken Chelsea to their first ever Champions League final. Scolari lasted about 28 weeks before Kenyon gave him the heave-ho. Has Scolari become a bad manager in that time. Probably not. The question should surely be, was he the right man for Chelsea in the first place and if not, shouldn’t Kenyon and his owner take the blame?

Stevie G needs some Z’s

It’s terrible news that Steven Gerrard is out for at least another 2 weeks with a hamstring injury. No one will feel his absence keener (or should that be Keaner) than his manager Rafael Benitez. But in another strange outburst, the Spaniard has gone off on one again. Criticised for substituting his captain before the end of the 1 – 1 Premier League draw at Wigan, he explained that Gerrard was tired. He then blames the midfielder’s tiredness for causing the injury. Two things here. If Gerrard is knackered, why pick him? But, perhaps more importantly, why is he tired? He’s a professional player who at 29 should be at the peak of his powers. He’s played around 35 games in 6 months which averages out at approximately 6 games a month or 1 every 5 days. Perhaps Benitez ought to look at making a signing from the amateur ranks where players easily match Gerrard’s games per week ratio whilst also holding down a full time job.

Last chance saloon

I love Spain. I have friends there and spend a considerable amount of time on the Costa Blanca. However, with tonight’s friendly international in mind, should there be any repeat of the vile racist abuse that was aimed at England’s black players when they last appeared on a Spanish pitch, then Fifa must act and act big. No more fines, no more threatening ‘games behind closed doors’ – they should deduct points from Spain’s World Cup qualifying campaign and continue to do so until the Spanish get their house in order.

Beckham Sensation (This story has been co-written by ITV Sport)

Footy Boots can reveal a story so huge, that it will shake the world to the core. Today, former England captain David Beckham announced that he ‘have a break, have a Kit-Kat……looking for the best value car on the market, it has to be the all new Volkswagen Golf…….. for fresh breath with hardly any calories, tic-tac is the answer’ with Posh, Gary Neville and a pineapple. Remember, you read it (or maybe not) here first.

Steven Gerrard is backing his Liverpool side to win a first ever Premier League title and finish at the head of the top flight for the first time in 19 years.

Liverpool went in to Christmas on top of the table and cemented their position with a 5 – 1 demolition of Newcastle in the North East on Sunday.

The Liverpool captain maintains that the current side is the best he has ever played in saying:

We have big players here and we will have a lot of tests and challenges to come.

But if we keep playing like this then we will be there. This is the best team I have played with.

You look around the dressing room and, from the keeper to the forwards, we have some fantastic players. There is a confidence that we can get over the big hurdles.

We have given ourselves a great chance. If we want to stay at the top and be involved in this title race, we have got to deal with the pressure.

Remember - a football boot is for a season, not just for Xmas.

Nike Mercurial Vapor IV

Probably considered ‘the Daddy’ of boots right now, Nike celebrated 10 years of the Mercurial this year and topped it off with the release of the pink Berry.

It’s hard to ignore a football boot which seems to garner such a positive reaction from fans and also from players, who at the top end, include the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba and Theo Walcott.

For sure, it’s going to cost you a few quid, the RRP is just shy of £120, but most fans seem to agree that it’s a price worth paying. A bit like having you in-laws over for a week provided they babysit one night so you can get out for a beer. Get these football boots for £119.99 here.

Adidas Predator PowerSwerve

Another of the big boys and much loved by Steven Gerrard and Michael Ballack. Looks the part as it includes some bang up to date technology with classic styling. May have been replaced by the F50.8 and F50.9 in terms of Adidas hype but still retains a very strong position in the hearts of Adidas traditionalists.

However not great with regards to depreciation as Mick Hucknall found out recently when he offloaded a signed pair of David Beckham’s Predators for a massive loss. RRP is £129.99 order here.

Puma V1.08

Not surprisingly for Puma, their main focus at present is the new v-Konstrukt III which was launched a couple of weeks back. However, it is the v1.08 which makes it in to the Footy Boots Christmas stocking. Nicolas Anelka can’t stop scoring in them and David Bentley is a man reborn in them under Harry Redknapp.

Plus, he did use them to belt in his 40 yarder against Arsenal in that astonishing 4 – 4 north London derby. Always seems to provide players with a decent fit and built for speed merchants. You can get them for £120 this Xmas. Go for the Black/White/Olympian Blue colourway. Even if you’re as talented as eunuch at an orgy, you’ll at least look like you know what goes where, so to speak. Order here.

Lotto Zhero Leggenda Due

Bit of a left field choice this one but outside of the ‘major’ brands, this is a Footy Boots winner. Lotto hit lucky when they signed up Glenn Johnson to wear these. He’s been in great form for Portsmouth of late and turned in a top performance against Germany in Berlin last week to really give Lotto some English based prominence. In signing the deal, Lotto also agreed to support Johnson’s Kent based soccer school.

The Zhero Leggenda Due features Lotto’s Twist’ngo technology (something that John Sergeant managed to achieve last week). A good comfort football boot this one and mid-range in terms of price. The Footy Boots price is £89.99, order here.

Reebok Valde

Footy Boots has been longing for Reebok to enter the market with a serious contender and while the jury may still be out, they’ve at least made huge strides with the Valde Pro. It’s colourful to say the least but it’s real selling point is the technology. Reebok have concentrated on power generation with the creation of a ‘Power Unit’ which allows only one way flexing and stretch, decreasing energy loss on the strike.

Kangaroo leather helps with comfort and fit. Available from the 8th December, these come in at £99.99 leaving you just enough out of £100 to treat the Mrs.

But what about…….

Yes, there are loads of football boots we could have included.

You can’t go far wrong with the Adidas adiPURE and if they’re good enough for Maradona then they should be for you.

Big brand haters amongst you will surely be keen on the Nomis Glove all the way from Oz and for the really outlandish, there’s always the Tirosegno from Dirk Bikkembergs.

The Nike Total 90 Laser II’s are much loved by the likes of Rooney, Keane and Torres and but for Nike being already in the list with the MV IV’s, would have made the top 5 as would have the Tiempo Air legend II’s as worn by Fabregas and Tevez.

And we ought to make a special mention for the truly revolutionary Concave’s, which probably caused more conversation and argument than any other football boot released in 2008.

Fancy another boot this Chritmas, check the boot room here.

They’re a busy old lot at Anfield.

Not content with preparing for their weekend trip to Birmingham then the Champions League semi final second leg against Chelsea, their top players, in association with official sponsor and sportswear supplier Adidas, have found the time to reveal the new club home strip for next season.

ORDER YOURS NOW

The new stylish 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.

The new shirt collar is ribbed with a v-neck which has always been well received on shirts from the past.

As always for Adidas, technology is at the forefront of the kit design. The shirt incorporates the world-renowned ClimaCoolTM and ForMotionTM technologies which allow heat and sweat to escape and giving the athlete the freedom and movement to perform.

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Adidas have launched their latest campaign “DREAM BIG” where some of the world’s biggest football stars meet the world’s smallest football teams.

Rather than focusing on the big football superpowers for Euro 2008, adidas have decided to focus on some lesser known football teams with the notion that anyone can “Dream Big”, no matter what their ranking.

Kaká, Messi, Gerrard and Beckham are amongst the all-star group of footballers that were sent out, along with their football boots on missions to Andorra, San Marino and the Isles of Scilly (UK) to inspire and coach local teams.

A small number of young boys and girls in the three locations took part in what they thought was a straightforward documentary about football - and were totally unaware of the star players’ involvement. This surprise element led to some extraordinarily charming and real moments between players and kids.

San Marino - being one of the lowest-ranked national teams in Europe - receives specialist coaching and advice from stars such as Kaká, Xabi Alonso and Robin van Persie. The stars work side by side with the young players answering questions and passing on advice. What follows is an intimate, light-hearted and inspiring series of football films.

The second location in the series sees adidas stars sharing their knowledge in the world’s smallest football competition. Just two teams make up the Isles of Scilly league and the young players here could really use some outside help. Much to the surprise of the local residents the likes of, among others, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Patrick Vieira and Michael Ballack turn up to pass on tips to the islands’ youngsters.

In the third location, a team of talented juniors from Andorra set off on a road trip of a lifetime to the Spanish capital Madrid. Tickled by the idea of helping out the 179th ranked country in the world, Super Coach José Mourinho arrives for a special coaching session with the future of Andorran football, before sending the boys off on their journey. Along the way the boys are met by Lionel Messi, David Villa, Lukas Podolski and Arjen Robben.

“Dream Big” is what unites the staged players and the kids - both of them having big dreams, being united by their love for football. The campaign also further enhances adidas’ brand statement of ‘Impossible is Nothing’. Even if you come from a small place you can still dream of conquering the impossible.

F50 TUNiT Footballers
ANDORRA LOCATION

Lionel Messi, Lukas Podolski, David Villa, Arjen Robben, José Mourinho

Predator� Footballers
THE ISLES OF SCILLY LOCATION

Steven Gerrard, David Beckham, Anderson, Michael Ballack, Patrick Vieira, Andriy Voronin, Daniele De Rossi.

adiPure Footballers
SAN MARINO LOCATION

Kaká, Robin van Persie, Yoann Gourcuff, Xabi Alonso, Philipp Lahm

See the video promo for the campaign.