At no other time of year does hope and expectation dominate the football landscape like it does at the start of the season. But with new teams, managers, signings and even footballs expecting to make their mark there is one battle that constantly evolves. The quest to find balance in making the lightest, most comfortable, protective, durable and performing football boot never stops, with manufactures always keen to steal a march on their fierce rivals.
Here, I assess the boots set to be worn by the Premier League’s biggest stars which may even help you out on your local pitch...
Predator LZ TRX
The design that revolutionised football boots nearly 20 years ago is still going strong and the number one choice for some of the finest attacking players in world football. Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard is just one player that has benefited from nearly two decades of development that have maintained the Predator’s attacking edge as well as provide a comfortable protective fit.
The science:
- New synthetic super-soft upper offers benefits of both leather and synthetic materials. Predator technology gives you five lethal zones to control the ball with every touch. Pre-moulded EVA sockliner and anti-slip inserts on the back for comfort and shock absorption
Who else wears them?
Whether he stays at Arsenal or not, Robin van Persie will likely be scoring goals again from all angles next season, while Nani finds them useful on the Manchester United wings. Some chap called David Beckham likes them too, apparently...
Verdict: 10/10
F50 adizero TRX
Nike stole a march on adidas in terms of catering boots dedicated towards speed and response, and may still lead it, but the F50 is starting to prove a worthy rival. Lionel Messi continues to dazzle spectators around the world in them and the miCoach technology is an excellent addition for fans who want to learn from the very best in the business by studying performance statistics.
The science:
- Revolutionary Sprintskin single-layer synthetic upper for incredible ball feel and reduced weight.Sprintweb for excellent stability in high-speed moves.miCoach compatible.Traxion 2.0 FG stud configuration for maximum grip and acceleration on firm natural pitches.
Who else wears them?
There is no lead in Gareth Bale’s boots storming down the Tottenham flank, with Manchester United winger, Ashey Young also a keen admirer of adidas’s speed boot.
Verdict: 8/10
CTR 360 Maestri III
It’s been given a makeover but Nike’s new Maestri has never been more ideal for the maestro that wants to dictate the pace of a match from midfield. It’s the weapon of choice for Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta and Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain so it appears to be strong in all areas of attack.
The science:
- Kanga-Lite synthetic material for an assured touch and durability. 3D control pad on the instep. Asymmetrical lacing system enlarges the area used to control the ball.
Who else wears them?
Jack Wilshere hasn’t been seen on a football pitch since steel toe-caps were in, but it’s the boot of choice for one of England’s most talented midfielders. Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli doesn’t seem to struggle in them either judging by his scoring rate, which underlines the boot’s versatility.
Verdict: 9/10
Mercurial Vapor VIII
The boot for the speed demon that for over a decade has drawn rave reviews, with Cristiano Ronaldo a loyal servant to the design. Its thin layer gives the player a pace advantage as well as more precision striking the ball but it does offer very little protection and support to the foot and ankle.
The science:
- Teijin Microfiber upper – suede-like feel enhances touch. The material is lighter yet more durable than that used on previous incarnations of the boot. Stud placement designed to deliver explosive acceleration and quick change of direction. Glass chassis with double layer composite maximises energy transfer from forefoot to ground.
Who else wears them?
Full-backs will be familiar with the heel design on the Vapor – especially when they are chasing pacey wingers like Theo Walcott and Aaron Lennon. It’s not all about the flanks though as forward Juan Mata has shone for Chelsea in the boots playing a more central role.
Verdict: 8/10
T90 Laser IV
Whether you’re a fox in the box (more Ruud van Nistelrooy than Francis Jeffers) or a long range expert, Nike’s T90 range has been a winner with strikers for many years now. Wayne Rooney scored 38 goals with the latest lighter version last season and the Manchester United star picked up just one domestic yellow card too, so they must also act as a calming influence…
The science:
- Shooting and swerve zones on the instep of the boot flex naturally as the foot makes contact with the ball. Shape correction foam along tongue and top of boot increases instep accuracy for a seamless strike of the ball. Remodelled studs maximise speed, increase agility and decrease chances of slipping.
Who else wears them?
Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge have earned international recognition in them while Fernando Torres will lead Chelsea’s defence of their European crown in T90s this term.
Verdict: 7/10
Speciali 3
Tailored in England and worn by a host of greats in the top flight for 20 years. Andy Carroll will be hoping they can inspire him just as they did fellow Geordie, Alan Shearer. But unless he can convince Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers to give him a go up front, Aston Villa’s Darren Bent is a safer bet to score more goals in them...
The science:
- The upper is constructed with premium soft leather which is extremely strong and lightweight, while still providing a comfortable fit and a great touch and feel on the ball. The conical HG plate provides improved traction and cutting for sharp turns while keeping the traditional conical shape. High performance EVA sockliner provides added cushioning and support that helps reduce stud pressure on the field. Large articulation flex channel in the forefoot to allow a natural movement and flex of the foot.
Who else wears them?
John Terry - the Chelsea captain has adopted the classic boot since he broke through at Stamford Bridge 14 years ago. Even his defensive partner Gary Cahill wears them!
Rating: 8/10
Geometra
It’s all very well designing boots for pacey wingers and hungry strikers but what about the goalkeeper? Gloves may be a primary concern but even keepers need to kick the ball and the Geometra’s focus on producing accurate ball distribution gets a big thumbs up from Manchester City stopper Joe Hart.
The science:
- Memory foam pad for improved first touch and distribution. Silicon zones on the medial forefoot to provide enhanced grip, control and spin when striking the ball. Poron lined collar which offers improved cushioning to reduce the impact on the foot and to minimise the risk of injury.
Who else wears them?
It’s not only good enough for England’s No. 1 but also his heir to the throne, Jack Butland. The Birmingham keeper shone for Team GB at the Olympics this summer and appears just as confident in his overall game than Hart wearing Umbro’s Geometras.
Rating: 7/10
evoSPEED1
The Usain Bolt boot. The eloquent evoSPEED1 are a carbon copy of the same spikes the Jamaican sprint king sported to burn up the track at London’s Olympic Stadium. Perhaps the double-triple gold medallist will get to lace up a pair when he goes for that ‘dream’ trial at Old Trafford...
The science:
- The anatomically engineered lightweight one-piece outsole provides stability and support, utilizing high-tech materials to minimize weight and to maximize its flexibility and reactivity. The evoSPEED 1 features an external heel counter which secures an excellent heel fit and the new PUMA evoAptoLast which provides an industry leading fit.
Who else wears them?
Sergio Ageuro was signed up by Puma last season with the boots going down in Manchester City’s history when he scored THAT goal on the last day of the season to clinch the title.
Rating: 9/10
Hydrastrike II
The new kids on the block (well, sort of). Under Armour arguably pioneered compression clothing worn by players in the Premier League and now the American sports giants are out to officially make their mark in England as Tottenham’s kit suppliers. Spurs defender Michael Dawson will be kitted out head to toe in their gear.
The science:
- H20i water intelligence technology keeps performance leather drier, longer—reducing moisture weight and increasing ball feel. Corespeed chassis supercharges the foot’s natural motion, flexibility, and acceleration, delivering superior mobility on the field. Micro G cushioning delivers light, ultra-responsive, low-to-the-ground performance for better, natural stability, and comfort.
Who else wears them?
Bobby Zamora faces stiff competition for a starting place this season at QPR and he’ll be banking on these boots to the business for him... just as they did in 2010 when he struck 19 goals for Fulham.
Rating: 8/10
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