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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Sharp-eyed Footy Boots eaders will undoubtedly have noticed that, despite the build up surrounding the new Reebok Instante boots, being launched at the Uefa Champions League final - only half the players that were supposed to be wearing them actually were.

Giggs wore the blue pair, Henry was due to wear the black and yellow version

Whilst Ryan Giggs and Thierry Henry both pledged their support in the viral video to promote the newest boot from the Bolton-based company, Mr Henry opted not to debut the Instante in Rome, and to add further insult to injury, didn’t even wear the second newest model (the Valde Pro), opting for the Sprintfit Lite Pro in white and red.

Unfortunately, Thierry’s management company haven’t been back in touch (though the chances of them ever replying to my ‘@hotmail.com’ email address were always minimal!) so we can only hazard a few guesses as to why the Barcelona superstar felt the Instante’s were lacking in a little Va-va-voom.

I can understand Henry preferring the Sprintfit Lite’s over the Valde Pro’s, they’re sort of the Mercurial Vapor to the Total 90, speed rather than power, and opting to have Henry model them in their explosive advert was probably just Reebok exploiting (arguably) their most recognisable player.

Henry recently starred in a video for the Valde Pro

The Instante, however, looks like it’s cut from the same cloth as the Sprintfit series; i.e. Ultra-light synthetic upper, no lace cover, emphasis on technology – so it would have to be something pretty fundamental, like the fit of the boot, that would stop Henry wearing it - and after reading comments from Footy Boots community members like ‘ollie’ who mentioned different fits between the adiPure I’s and II’s it’s not a stretch to think it could be something like that.

However, given that this was such a big event for Reebok, should Henry have honoured his agreement with his sponsors? After all the effort that went in to the videos of Giggs & Henry; has Reebok been left with egg on their face after the boot was only good enough for one of the players (and, sorry to bring it up Reds fans – the player on the losing team)?

Or does this send a different message to you? Like the idea that brands constantly tout the idea of ‘working closely’ and ‘developing’ products with the biggest players in the game, when this time it seems it wasn’t the case.

Henry’s relationship with Reebok won’t go up in flames, will it?

I’d like to give both parties the benefit of the doubt. As Henry was coming back from a slight injury, it’s understandable that he’d want to be as comfortable as possible, and playing in the boots he’s played in for most of the season would probably be the best thing to do for his mindset on the biggest stage for club football.

I’d also like to think that Reebok understood any concerns about the fit/performance of the boot and wanted the best for their relationship with their player – despite the cost it might have to their reputation…and to think - some people think I’m naive and idealistic!

Even for the non-committed, it doesn’t get much tastier than Barcelona v Chelsea in the Champions League, semi final, first leg.

While supporters of Manchester United and Arsenal will doubtless argue that the ‘really important game’ doesn’t take place until Wednesday, the clash between the Spanish and English giants represents all that is good about Europe’s premier club competition.

Many experts are predicting that the game could be all over after the initial match up. And judging by the way that Barcelona sauntered past Bayern Munich in the last round they could be right. Chelsea, of course, were magnificent against Liverpool at Anfield but nearly blew it at home in the return leg.

So, just what will be the deciding factor in tonight’s game. The Footy Boots view is that it’s very much how Barcelona’s forward line will profit against Chelsea’s re-jigged defence.

And, as well as promising to be a gargantuan battle between individuals, it also offers a fascinating battle between football boot brands.

Barcelona’s Front Line

Lionel Messi – Adidas F50.9 TUNiT (Signature Line)

What superlatives haven’t already been used about Barca’s outrageously talented Argentinian international? The simple facts are that he’s the leading scorer in the CL this season with 8 goals from 9 matches.

Thierry Henry – Reebok Sprintfit Lite Pro

Still with a soft spot for Arsenal, Thierry Henry will relish the chance of taking on one of their closest rivals. His sticky start at Barcelona is now but a distant memory and he is an integral part of the Catalan side.

Samuel Eto’o – Puma v1.08

Puma clad Samuel Eto’o completes the Barcelona spear head. He recently scored his 100th league goal for the club and has 30 this season. Is in Barcelona’s all-time top ten list of goalscorers.

Chelsea’s last line

John Terry – Umbro SX Valor II / England Speciali

The England captain was suspended for the second leg of the quarter final against Liverpool and was sorely missed. Knows all about the threat of Henry after some famous duels in the EPL. Will need to be at his obdurate best to blunt the rapier attacks of the home side.

Alex – Nike Total 90 Laser II

Boy, can he hit them in his Nike footwear! It was Alex’s ferocious free kick that settled the nerves against Liverpool 2 weeks ago. With Carvalho suspended, Alex can expect a stern examination at the heart of the visitors defence.

Jose Bosingwa – Adidas adiPure II

Expected to move from right back to left back to cover the suspended Ashley Cole. Won’t have much to do tonight…..apart from mark Lionel Messi. So, no pressure then. His speed could just get him out of a few problems.

Branislav Ivanovic – Nike Total 90 Laser II

The unlikely hero from the Liverpool tie with 2 headed goals from the first leg. Unlikely to be given as much freedom in the Barcelona penalty box. That is, if he’s brave enough to venture over the half way line.

Reebok has revealed the first in a series of three new advertisements entitled ‘Play Responsibly’ to celebrate their most powerful ever football boot - the Reebok Valde. 

In the ads, Barcelona and France striker Thierry Henry is sensationally shown destroying everything from cars to buildings with a series of explosive strikes!

The dramatic ads, shot in Spain, show France’s all-time greatest goal scorer filmed using cutting-edge Hollywood special effects to vividly bring to life the power of the Valde boot.

Watch the video in the Footy Boots Video section.

Henry obviously had a laugh in front of the camera’s saying:

I had a great time making the ad – I’ve done many things with a football on the pitch but this is the first time I’ve used one to explode cars – a bit like being on the set of an action film!  It was a really fun, and an interesting way of showing the real benefits of this Power Unit boot technology.

Joining him on the set were the Reebok Ambassadors, a team of young amateur footballers who won Reebok Valde boot deals via a European-wide competition. They were given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Valde shoot, as well as being officially presented with their first pair of Reebok Valde boots by Thierry Henry.

Roy Gardner, VP Marketing Reebok Europe said:

The Valde is the most powerful boot Reebok has ever made, so we’re urging players to play responsibly when wearing them!

You can order the Reebok Valde Pro football boot by clicking here

His time at Barcelona has been described as disappointing. A true legend at Arsenal, Thierry Henry was in danger of becoming merely a squad player at Barcelona. But no more. Not after his hat trick which sank Valencia at the weekend.

Playing in Reebok Sprintfit Lite Pros, Henry led Valencia a merry dance as he more than filled in for the suspended Samuel Eto’o.

Before visiting Barca, Valencia had only conceded 3 goals on their travels all season. Henry doubled that tally personally and left the pitch with the match ball stuffed up his vest and his named being chanted by a now adoring Catalan crowd.

With ‘El Clasico’ against Real Madrid coming up next week, Henry’s goal salvo couldn’t have been better timed.

He and a number of other first teamer’s will sit out the midweek Champions League action (Barca have already qualified from the group stages) and will prepare for the visit of Real Madrid who lost 4 – 3 at home to Sevilla yesterday.

Being part of a side that has now scored 44 goals in 14 matches it’s no wonder that Henry is a happy man. Speaking after his weekend treble he said:

We are enjoying ourselves on the pitch and that is the best feeling a player can have. We still haven’t won anything and we have to keep working hard.

With so few players on their books, Reebok need their big names to be firing on all cylinders. They’ll be relieved to know that while it may have taken him 18 months, Henry is now looking at home at the Nou Camp.

Life’s great isn’t it? You’ve had a couple of sherbet’s at the weekend, Euro 2008 is now underway (and with England not there, it doesn’t really matter that the German’s won their opening game) and today, just to start off the week in the best possible way, Footy Boots can bring you details of a brand new football boot that’s about to hit the market.

Reebok may only have two contracted players in Austria and Switzerland, Thierry Henry and Ike Casillas since you ask, but that hasn’t stopped the Reebok egg-heads from coming up with an ‘interesting’ looking football boot that will hit the shops in high summer.

It’s called the Reebok Sprintfit Lite Pro and comes in red, white and gold. Nice and understated!

The upper is constructed of Teijin microfiber that is lightweight, breathable and water resistant. There’s a HardLink for midfoot support, Reebok’s patented OrthoLite insock for comfort and a sockliner cover that reduces friction and moisture.

To complete the football boot, there’s a TPU (Thermoplastic Urethane) split outsole with integrated heel and bladed studs in forefoot and heel for traction on firm, natural surfaces.

And all this comes in at a weight on 9.2 ounces - until you stick ‘em on of course when it jumps up a tad, particularly if you resemble any members of the Footy Boots office. There’s a bloke in there who weighs over 15 stone and he’s the one we call Slim.

The Reebok Sprintfit Lite Pro FG comes in at about £75 and will be available to buy in late July.

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Thierry Henry features in Reebok’s latest viral video Your Move.

Reebok have created a new viral video entitled ‘Your Move’, which features their leading football boot endorser Thierry Henry.

The video begins with Thierry Henry marking out a white box on a road. Following Thierry, there are other people outlining similar boxes in a variety of situations. It soon becomes apparent that these boxes have been created to showcase a multitude of sporting skills.

Whilst Thierry features in the video, he’s not showcasing much of his own talent beyond balancing the ball on his head, although their is a freestyle footballer juggling with the ball as he sits on the ground.

The video ends with Thierry offering you to take the square, for ‘Your Move’.

See the video in the Football Boots Video section.

Reebok has announced the launch of its new colourway Sprintfit football boot.

The Black and Tetra Blue colour way, which Footy Boots exclusively revealed in May, will be available for purchase in September 2007.

Football boot brand Reebok unveiled the Sprintfit football boot as the lightest, most comfortable football boot they’ve ever made. Rather than introducing needless gimmicks, the Sprintfit favours simple, yet intelligent design features. It is designed to have everything a modern player needs and nothing they don’t.

The Sprintfit football boot is currently worn by Thierry Henry, Andriy Shevchenko, Iker Casillas and Ryan Giggs.

Available: September 2007

Price: £125

Click here for more information on the Reebok Sprintfit

Order Reebok Football Boots in the Footy Boots Shop

With the transfer window remaining in full swing, clubs still trying to get in their last minute buys before the season begins on Saturday, Footy-Boots.com takes a look at the summer investments of the Premiership’s ‘top 5′ clubs.

Owen Hargreaves (Man Utd) has shipped his Adidas +Predator Absolute boots from Munich to Manchester (£17 million) to join fellow new boys Nani (Nike Mercurial Vapor III) and Anderson (Adidas +Predator Absolute) at Old Trafford. He will be hoping to create a solid midfield partnership in the Manchester United engine room with fellow England international Michael Carrick (Puma V-Konstrukt II). Are Hargreaves and Carrick too alike? Will they be able to play alongside each other?

FB Rating 3.5/5

Florent Malouda (Chelsea - Nike Total 90 Laser). The Fulham Road club fought off competition from Liverpool to sign up pacy winger and France’s footballer of the year, Florent Malouda. Malouda has already shown his huge talent, holding off England international Rio Ferdinand, to notch against Manchester United in the Community Shield. He will be hoping that his Nike T90 Laser’s can help supply the ammunition to the blues striker force Didier Drogba (Nike Mercurial Vapor III Cactus), Andrei Shevchenko (Reebok Sprintfit), and fellow Chelsea new boy, Claudio Pizarro (Adidas +Predator Absolute), and reclaim the Premiership title from their north west rivals. Malouda looks a quality signing, and is sure too be a fine replacement should Arjen Robben (Adidas +F50 Tunit 2) leave the club.

FB Rating 4.5/5

Fernando Torres (Liverpool - Nike Total 90 Laser). ‘El Nino’ (the Kid) progressed through Atletico Madrid’s youth system and became one of Europe’s most sought after strikers following an impressive showing in the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Not renowned for his prolific goal scoring, he will be hoping fellow new boy Ryan Babel (Nike Mercurial Vapor III) can create the chances for him to find the net with his Nike T90 Laser’s; thus finally replacing Michael Owen (Umbro X Boot III) as Liverpool’s twenty goal a season striker.

FB Rating 3.8/5

Eduardo da Silva (Arsenal - Nike Mercurial Vapor III). Brazilian born Croatia striker Da Silva knows that he and fellow attackers Robin Van Persie (Adidas +Predator Absolute) and Emmanuel Adebayor (Adidas +F50 Tunit 2) have a difficult task in replacing the prolific Thierry Henry (Reebok Sprintfit). The former Dinamo Zagreb man has already been described as a ‘great asset’ by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, and began to repay his faith by scoring on his Arsenal debut against Lazio in the recent Amsterdam tournament. Only time will tell if he can replace Henry.

FB Rating 3.7/5

Gareth Bale (Spurs). Exciting 18 year old Welsh international and Adidas +F50 Tunit 2 wearer Gareth Bale has swapped the south coast for London joining Spurs crop of youthful team for an upfront payment of £5 million, which could raise to £10 million on appearances. Bale, who is renowned for his precise free kicks, will be hoping to pick out fellow new boy, Darren Bent, and his Nike Mercurial Vapor III’s. Bale, at 18, looks to have an extremely bright future ahead of him.

FB Rating 4.2/5

Do you think the Premiership’s top 5 have spent wisely? Who else would you like to see your team bring in before the transfer window closes at the end of the month?

Henry Shows Off His New Kit and New Reebok Sprintfits

Ex-arsenal striker Thierry Henry has been unveiled this week in his new Barcelona shirt, having taken the number 14, made famous by Johann Cruyff. Thierry Henry moved to his new Spanish club in a cut price £16million deal in a move that had been speculated on all season, but once confirmed was still a shock to Arsenal fans, who face the prospect of their club going into melt-down, especially if manager Arsene Wenger joins the exodus. Henry took the opportunity to showcase his new football boots for the first time, the Reebok Sprintfits.

Footy-Boots especially enjoyed the way as Thierry Henry was making his way onto the Barcelona pitch for the first time in front of the world’s waiting media, he stopped to tie his white Reebok Sprintfits laces, giving everyone a great view of his new football boots, and probably earning himself a few extra Euros from his sponsors, Reebok, who would have loved the exposure from that simple move! Henry saluted the assembled 20,000 Barca fans, then gave a quick demonstration of a few tricks and moves, during a carefully staged exercise.

Watch the video, and see Thierry Henry in his new football boots here.

See more on the Reebok Sprintfit football boots.

Thierry Henry in New Reebok Sprintfit Football Boots And New Colourway News!

With all the talk of Thierry Henry’s impending transfer to Barcelona, which may or may not be happening, the Reebok player must be in the mood to let his hair down a bit and relax amongst friends, while others decide his footballing future, be it at Arsenal or Barcelona.

Recently Thierry Henry was in the Far East on a promotional tour with Reebok and we finally got to see the Arsenal striker in the new football boots that he will be wearing from next season. By the look of him, Thierry has been enjoying his break from football, as he looks a bit chunkier than we remember - but even with the extra pounds, the magic is still there and the new Reebok Sprintfits look impressive! In the video, Thierry Henry, shows off his skills and we get a couple of nice close ups of the Reebok Sprintfit as well against “limited” opposition.

Henry seems to genuinely enjoy joining in the fun, even will all the bizarre things happening around him during the show. As Reebok are footing the bill Henry seems happy to go along and gurn for the cameras at appropriate intervals. Unfortunately our Korean is a little rusty, so any help with translation would be appreciated by any Footy-Boots visitors!

View Thierry Henry in the Reebok Sprintfits on YouTube.

Reebok Sprintfit - A New Red Colourway?

Earlier Henry had given an interview on ESPN which was remarkable not in what was said, but what was behind the interview - a pair of RED Reebok Sprintfits! A new colourway to add to the white and black, but was this a marketing slip-up or a deliberate tease to ensure speculation and interest? Whatever the reason - we like the red colourway!

View the ESPN Thierry Henry Video here.

Order Thierry Henry’s new football boots, the Reebok Sprintfits from justsocca.com here.

Reebok Showcase the Sprintfit - the new football boot for Thierry Henry

Excitement is building here at Footy-Boots HQ, as we approach the release date for the new Reebok Sprintfit football boot. So far, we are yet to see the new football boot being worn by Shevchenko as expected, but at least there are further details of the Reebok Sprintfit, and the options that will be available when it is released.

Reebok Sprintfit Plus FG Football Boot

Reebok is cranking up the build-up by introducing the Sprintfit into its website, as Thierry Henry splashes across the front page of the football section, with an ominous look and a new sense of determination. The website includes a football manifesto, which claims to give a players point of view about the new Reebok Sprintfit, but it is in the detail of the football boot that draws us in for closer examination.

Reebok Sprintfit Plus FG Football Boot Features and Options

• The Reebok Sprintfit will be available in moulded studs, mixed stud and blade, indoor and astroturf options, with the Sprintfit Plus FG expected to be the football boot of choice for the professional player.
• There will be a removable stud outsole for soft ground conditions of play.
• Stud pressure dispersion: dual density poron inserts in the heel and forefoot.
• Tejin microfibre upper
• Asymmetric lacing system
• Performance footbed anatomically contoured insole
• Heel counter: external anatomical protective support guard for heel protection, stability and support
• 2 piece outsole: split outsole to aid flexibility to support the natural movement of the foot.

Overall, the features that stand out again and again throughout the design, style and technology of the Reebok Sprintfit are that of anatomical design and natural performance. Reebok is hoping to mirror the attributes of its top players, Thierry Henry, Andriy Shevchenko and Ryan Giggs, all of whom are classed as the most naturally gifted of players in football in its new Sprintfit football boot. Our only point is that we would like to see Ryan Giggs in the new Reebok Sprintfit, who at the moment is absent from the website - too busy winning the premiership with Manchester United perhaps?!

Visit the Reebok Football Website at http://www.rbk.com/uk/rbkfootball/

Read more about the Reebok Sprintfit.

Thierry Henry’s New Reebok Football Boot - Exclusive Picture

We have been lucky enough to get our hands on the new Reebok Sprintfit, which is due to be released in June 2007, and for all the technology, design and manufacturing expertise that has gone into producing the new Reebok wonder-boot, this is actually an understated, elegant and classy football boot. Reebok appear to have followed the old maxim that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, and having held and seen the Sprintfit up close, Footy-Boots agrees.

The Reebok Sprintfit in the black/tetra blue/silver colourway, which will be available from August 2007 for with a RRP of £125, to be worn by Thierry Henry, Andriy Shevchenko and Ryan Giggs, amongst others!

View the Reebok Sprintfit Black Football Boot image.

Learn more about Reebok Sprintfit details, release dates and prices.

Details are emerging of the new Reebok Sprintfit Football Boots

The eagerly awaited new football boot that will be worn by Thierry Henry and Andriy Shevchenko, the Reebok Sprintfit will be available from 1st June 2007 in the UK. At first, the white/silver/red colourways, as seen in our Sprintfit images will be on sale, but from 1st August 2007, the black/tetra blue/silver colourway will also be available. The RRP is £125.

The Reebok Sprintfit is expected to be seen for the first time this weekend, worn by Arsenal’s Thierry Henry and Chelsea’s Andriy Shevchenko injuries permitting, of course! The Reebok boot marks a departure for the company, as this is effectively the first football boot released since Reebok were taken over by Adidas last year. Only once further technical details have been released will the extent to which how much Adidas technological input influences the new Sprintfit, and we can expect to see Reebok step up its promotional campaign the closer we get to the release date.

Reebok Sprinfit Details

We do know that the Reebok Sprintfit features asymmetrical lacing which will give players a cleaner contact with the ball by increasing the surface area of the strike zone. An integrated heel counter provides the stability, protection and comfort, whilst on the inside of the Reebok Sprintfit, the perforated ortholite arch uses a moisture management system that prevents friction, moisture and heat build up by offering maximum breathability. With a moulded outsole for use on firm ground, the Reebok Sprintfit is also available in a removable 6 stud outsole option.

Pre order the Reebok Sprintfit from JustSocca.com