It’s no secret that we love the Mizuno Morelia here at Footy-Boots.com. A true classic, the Morelia is old-school cool, built around a great concept and packaged using top-shelf materials. So when Scott had the chance to lace a pair up, even Hulk couldn’t have stopped him.
Over to you Scotty…
I take my football very seriously and I meticulously choose which football boots to wear before each game. I take into account the conditions and surface and always check the pitch pre-match. But that’s changed recently.
I’ve got a confession to make first. Until a couple of years ago I’d never tried a Mizuno football boot, although I did used to drool over Rivaldo’s Mizuno’s and his magical left foot at World Cup 1998.
Back to today and instead of weighing up conditions pre-match and then choosing my footwear, I’ve started thinking, “Can I get away with wearing my Mizuno Morelias”.
So as mentioned above, when given the chance to review the new Morelia there was no way I was letting anyone else cosy up to my new favourite brand.
Boot used for review: Mizuno Morelia Neo II Mix Football Boots ideal for soft to hard ground.
Comfort / Fit – 4/5
Anyone who has had the luxury of wearing a Mizuno boot will know that comfort is a given.
The Neo II didn’t disappoint. The soft K Leather is so flexible you’d be forgiven for thinking it was synthetic and, unusually for a leather boot, it doesn’t take much break-in time for it to fit and feel like you have had them for a season.
The boot come with a hidden treat, a removable insock. It allows your foot to sink into the shoe and then the anatomically moulded insock helps seat your foot in a cushioned position ready for action..
Touch & Feel – 5/5
As mentioned in the ‘Comfort/Fit’ category, the Mizuno Morelia Neo II really sets a new gold standard in the forefoot department. That narrow, blade-like forefoot never feels clunky or too rounded, allowing firm, decisive contact with the ball when using the inside or outside of the foot.
As for control on the ball, the almost quilted stitching on the forefoot traps ‘pockets’ of the leather across the vamp, giving a cushioned feel on the ball that is one of this boots best features.
Looks – 4/5
The Neo II brings across all the hallmarks of the classic Morelia – Mizuno logos on each flank, branding on the tongue, ‘wave’ lace eyelets’ – and moulds them into a no-nonsense, yet attractive boot.
Built for speed, the Morelia Neo rejuvenates the Morelia name with a low-profile silhouette. Whilst very traditional in its overall shape, Mizuno somehow manage to bring a modern feel to the Neo II with its colour palette.
Maintenance – 3/5
As the Morelia Neo II design is covered in intricate lines and patterns, the stitching is the source of the Morelia Neo’s character, but it also begins to fray and wear – so do yourself a favour, expect the Morelia to show wear if using it on astroturf.
The stitching is the only part of the boot that won’t come up clean when you wipe them down, but it’s a small price to pay for such a well performing forefoot.
Performance – 4/5
I have worn these boots on firm ground and fairly soft ground pitches and the grip on both surfaces was great. Turning dribbling and sprinting is good and striking the ball is a real treat, there’s plenty of support, protection and leather to get behind the ball.
Delicate touches on the forefoot is the boot’s minor distraction. Whilst the cushioned vamp allows a good feel it is not what you get with the latest ultra thin uppers.
Value – 3/5
Whilst the retail price of the Morelia Neo II has remained the same for years now at £149.99, it sits about mid-range for a pair of quality boots in the current market.
However, you are getting a K-Leather boot that will give you a few seasons of wear if you look after them well.
The Morelia Neo II is performance K Leather boot at a market-average price and free from gimmicks. It’s still lightweight for a leather boot (depending on the solepate it ranges from 180g – 225g) and offers one of the most comfortable rides out there.
Colourway: Diva Blue/Safety Yellow
Sizes: 6-12
Retail Price: £150
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