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SoccerPro
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Puma Tottenham Away Jersey 2011-2012 Review
Feb 1st
Salutations, readers. Today’s agenda sees a break from the boot reviews produced over the past few days as Tottenham slides into the limelight. I’ll be looking at the Tottenham Away Jersey in all of its purple sherbet glory. Purple is certainly a somewhat bold choice because it can be a disaster if pulled of poorly, but Puma did it correctly with the proper shade and proper design features. With that said, let’s do this.
The first glance at this jersey might yield a somewhat inauspicious result as it doesn’t have much going on outside of the sponsor and team crest, but that’s precisely why I find this jersey so appealing. First, the shirt’s toned down mauve color catches the eye simply because there’s no other soccer jersey with a similar color. Puma could have left it at that and said, “Welp, it’s a unique color, ship it out!” Good thing they didn’t. Two crucial elements seal the deal on this shirt. The collar and sleeve cuffs are accenting white, and they both give closure to the shirt as well as draw the eye around the entire jersey. Some jerseys get boring once your eye ventures out of a certain area, but that isn’t the case with this shirt. Anywhere you look, your eye will thank you. The second element, which is much more subtle, is the alternating mesh/solid piping throughout the torso; it isn’t apparent until you get relatively close, but once you do, your brain will immediately think, “say whaaaat?” (Maybe not, but it’s close to that). Add in the puma logo on the left sleeve and you’ve rounded out the shirt; it’s simple, it’s sleek, and it’s beautiful.
This shirt is made of 100% polyester, so it’ll hold up for quite some time with proper care. You also won’t need to worry about it shrinking in the wash, so that’s a bonus. In fact, the care instructions simply say, “Wash when dirty.” Touché, Puma. If you’ve worn a replica jersey, then you know they fit a little tighter as a default; this jersey is no different. If your other jerseys are a medium, feel safe getting a medium with this jersey as well. The subtle alternate piping also allows moisture to leave your body quicker, so yep, you’re going to stay cool and dry. The season is hitting the home stretch, so there’s less opportunity to rock this jersey during Tottenham games; however, you’ll score some points for wearing an older jersey as seasons wear on. The other bonus is a reduced price, which is currently $63.74 over at soccerpro.com. This is one of those jerseys where both fans of the team and fans of the sport will enjoy this jersey. I highly recommend this jersey for any fan.
Written by: Kris Dyer, soccerprose.com
Euro 2012 Glider in Slime with Dark Indigo Review
Jan 25th
Today we break away from boot reviews, folks, as an influx of balls has reached our docks. With that in mind, we’re going to look at the adidas Euro 2012 Glider in slime with dark indigo. As the name suggests, the ball is modeled after the Euro 2012 ball but is obviously of lesser quality and is a fraction of the cost. If you’re in the market for a ball that can be used in practice or for pick-up games, then you’ve found a viable option with this soccer ball.
Everyone has had Runts candy before, right? Or at the very least, you’ve seen the candy> Good. The pervasive color on the Glider is a green akin to the lime Runts, albeit a shade or two lighter. Meanwhile, the accents are a little darker than the newly (relatively) introduced blue raspberry Runts (note: the blue raspberries are the worst). It certainly isn’t an electrifying ball with its low contrast and toned down colors, but I still think it’s appealing in that understated, in the background kind of way. It’s the kind of appealing you see and think, “Not bad. Not bad at all.” Here’s the one kicker, though: it’s green. Even though the green is lighter than grass, I can still see where it might present problems. With that said, this ball would be great for those practices that happen on a public field with patches of thin grass and plenty of brown dirt.
As I said earlier, this ball is more of a practice/pick-up kind of ball rather than a game ball. This is reflected in the stitching, which looks a tiny bit looser than its more expensive counterpart. The paneling is more or less the same on each ball, but the Glider’s panels are a bit more flexible and lack the texture found on the Tango match ball. At the same time, you have to take the $14.99 price tag into account. If you’re in need of a ball, get a couple of friends to pitch in a few bucks and voila, game on. The ball gets the job done when you’re in a quick pinch, and it’s extremely affordable. If you’re in that situation or a similar one, then be sure to look at the Glider in any of the current colorways.
Written by: Kris Dyer, soccerprose.com
Puma King Indoor IT Boot Review
Jan 25th
Hello again, folks! Hopefully you’ve had time to grab a drink and snack after reading Eric’s review; I’m going to keep up the boot trend by taking a look at the Puma King Indoor IT boots in the classic black and white colorway. Are the soccer shoes flashy? Nope. Are they built to take abuse and perform night in and night out? Absolutely.
We won’t spend too much time on the look of the shoe because, as I said, it’s classic. The upper is all black with the signature Puma swoosh in white on both sides of the boot, with an additional white and black puma logo stamped into the heel. Add in the (almost) trademark white flipped tongue with Puma King on it, and you round out the boot’s style. It’s simple and doesn’t mess with tradition; why take a heritage boot and add bells and whistles? The Puma King is one of the most recognizable boots on the market, regardless of playing surface, and I’m glad Puma kept it traditional. The look is maybe about 30% of these boots’ value in my opinion, with the other 70% coming from the construction.
The upper is made with 100% leather. This of course means a softer feel on the ball with a higher comfort ceiling once broken in. The upper is a bit stiff at first owing to the high profile of the shoe, but don’t let that scare you away from the shoe—it will break in after a couple of weeks. Moving down, you’ve got a stalwart of a sole which is thicker at the heel, presumably to absorb some of the shock of the harder indoor surfaces. Everyone knows how painful an awkward landing can feel on your heel, so good on Puma for making the heel more protected. You can’t feel it through the intertubes, but trust me the sole is firm and durable. Basically, it creates a solid barrier between you and the playing surface without sacrificing touch. My main (and really only) gripe with the shoes is the insole. The texture just feels a bit rough still, and I think it’s something Puma could tackle without scrapping the boot’s traditional look. It may just be my personal taste, but the insole could use something a bit more flexible. All-in-all, though, the boot is sturdy, built to take a beating, and provides solid touch on the ball.
As with most Puma shoes, these boots run a little small. I’d suggest going up a half size from normal, but as always, it’s best to find a way to try a pair on in person. A pair will run you about $90, so you’ll want to make sure the boots fit properly. I don’t think the shoe will win over new customers necessarily, but fans of the indoor Kings will not be disappointed.
Written by: Kris Dyer, soccerprose.com
adidas adiPower Predator TRX FG – White with Predator Sharp Blue Metallic Review
Jan 20th
Good afternoon, dear readers. Today’s agenda sees a split from the news trend of the past few days as I take a look at the adidas adiPower Predator boots in the white with Predator sharp blue metallic colorway. White shoes are always an interesting beast because there rarely seems to be a middle ground; either they’re pulled off very well, or they fall completely flat. This boot is one of those rare instances, I think, because it will not fall victim to the inevitable grass stains white shoes incur. Yes, the stains will happen, but the shoe still has plenty of style to push on through the stains. With all of that said, let’s get into these bad boys.
It doesn’t take long for your brain to recognize the pervasive whiteness of these soccer shoes, maybe less than a second. This fact would be worrisome if not for one saving grace—the metallic luster. The diffused look of the luster saves the boot from being ridiculously reflective while still maintaining a suave shine, so spectators can admire the boot without scorching their retina. On either side of the foot is the 3-stripe design in a cool metallic blue kind of color. In fact, the color kind of resembles Crest toothpaste for me, and I don’t know about you, but I’ve always loved the color. Another, and maybe better, way to think of it is a slightly less vibrant sapphire. Anyway, from there you have bright orange (think of highway safety vests) accents at the outer heel with “Predator” stamped into the leather, the back of the heel with the adidas logo, and on the soleplate with the powerspine and diamond cleat. Blue and orange aren’t exactly bold choices as they complement each other, but adidas picked the proper spots. Swap the two colors’ positions, and this is one hard to handle shoe. Even with proper positioning, this shoe would feel incomplete if not for the black strip lining the soleplate and topping the heel up as well as the black tongue and insole. The high contrast makes the border between black and white interesting to the eye, and it’s certainly where my eye keeps coming back for more. Sure, the blue tipped cleats add some pizzazz (yep, I used that word), but the black elements of these boots are what complete it. My verdict on this colorway is that these boots look decent on the shelf and marvelous on the feet. Even after grass stains, these boots will continue to deliver style on your feet.
The boots are still constructed the same way with the same materials and elements, so no worries on that end. The upper is made of Taurus full-grain calfskin and somehow still weighs a little south of 8 ounces; it’s not as light as an adizero, but it’s in the same arena. A flexible yet resilient soleplate ensures that you get your money’s worth in terms of performance and durability; splitting shouldn’t be an issue, and the powerspine gives your shots that extra oomph. As always, the bladed cleat shape with tiny teeth delivers proper traction, even in those damper environments. In terms of protection, the heel cup should aid in staving off major injuries from wayward kicks, while the boot’s lip should lessen blows to your toes. The verdict on this end is that the boot is properly constructed with great stitching, and it’s capable of handling a beating on the pitch. Be confident that these boots will perform with and defend your feet game in and game out.
The adipower boots retail for $199.99 but are $179.99 over at soccerpro.com. They fit more or less true to size, give or take a centimeter or two. As a size 9 wearer, a size 9 adipower is perfect, especially for my wide foot. If you’re in the same boat, go ahead and give these boots a try; just be sure to take care of them, and they’ll last for quite some time.
Written by: Kris Dyer, soccerprose.com
adidas F50 adiZero TRX FG – Leather – High Energy with Electricity Review
Jan 10th
We’re back today with another installment in the new boot reviews; this time we’re checking out the adidas F50 adiZero in High Energy with Electricity. “But Kris, that shoe colorway already came out,” you’re probably saying to yourself, and you’re definitely correct. The difference, ladies and gentleman, is that this edition is the leather edition. Nine times out of ten, I’ll take the leather over synthetic for a shoe. This is one of those nine times.
The colorway will be familiar to most adizero fans out there, but let’s take a moment to make sure everyone is on the same page. Save the white stripes, there are two colors on this boot—a vibrant red-orange and what is basically a highlighter yellow with less luster. The best way I know to describe the layout is that it looks like a boot wearing light armor. The red-orange leather presents a diffuse lustrous look in a relatively toned down fashion while the electric yellow boasts a sharper look with a rubberized material overlay. While the colors are certainly not my speed, I do have a soft spot for the design itself; this is truly a step up from previous adizero soccer shoes. My only gripe with the look of these boots is with the toe. From either side of the forefoot, a wide yellow band begins and moves inward to the toes; as it goes inward, it gradates into the red-orange leather. Instead of this gradation, I think a solid yellow bar with tuned down opacity would have served the boot better. It would have kept up with the hard lines present in all the other aspects. On the other hand, I suppose if that is my only gripe with the boot, then it’s a pretty good looking boot indeed. If you’re like me and love this design but pine for different colors, be sure to look at the slime with silver and black colorway.
Alright, so the one feature adizeros are known for is their weight. It’s almost nonexistent. Probably just behind this is the sprintframe, which is a huge reason for the boot being lightweight. These features are still prominent in the boot, but there are a couple of tweaks that have definitely improved it. First, I want to be sure to point out the new cleats. They’re the same shape, but they now have small divets with teeth on each side. This allows for increased grip on the pitch, and while it may not make a terribly noticeable difference in a single instance, it certainly will over the course of a 90 minute game. Another change comes from the micoach. Basically, the micoach chip tracks your speed, top burst, distance traveled, and other stats, and you can then track these stats by plugging the usb into your computer. This feature probably appeals to higher levels of competition and for those working closely with trainers, but still, it’s a useful tool. It doesn’t take up much space, and you can’t even feel it under your foot. Finally, the toe has thankfully carried over from the blue/slime leather adizeros, so you won’t need to worry about the leather splitting from the sole. The toe has a relatively thick piece of plastic bonded between the two, adding reinforcement.
As always, the adizero is narrower than something like the adidas 11pro, but the length is still true to size. One caveat is that the leather will stretch, allowing a wider foot a little more leeway with the boots. If the Vapor is just a little too snug, then the adizero will be just fine. Expect to pay about $209.99 for a pair, which reflects the micoach inclusion. I wouldn’t be too alarmed at the increase as it’s only $10, so hopefully that doesn’t turn you off completely. The adizeros are one of the greatest lines on the market, and this edition lives up to the history.
Written by: Kris Dyer, soccerprose.com
Nike T90 Laser IV KL Firm Ground Soccer Cleats – Challenge Red with Anthracite and White Review
Jan 6th
Happy Friday, folks! Today we’re going to continue bringing you new colorway releases with the Total90 Laser IV in Challenge Red with Anthracite and White. Be sure to also note that this is the Kanga-Lite version of the boots. Maestri loving fans will also notice the return of the Challenge Red, which from our experience proved a very popular color.
It doesn’t take a well-trained eye to know that the Laser IV is distinctly different from the Laser III. Version IV has a more streamlined look to it with a flow the III just couldn’t match. The initial colorways were ok in my eyes, but they were lacking that extra intangible to push them into greatness. Most of the pieces were there, but there was just something keeping the boot from looking like something greater than the sum of its parts. The challenge red colorway changes all of that. Without a doubt, this is my top colorway for the Laser IV. The diffuse luster of the red Kanga-Lite combined with the white stripe at the toe and an almost dagger-like white inner heel bring my eye back again and again. I’m all about juxtaposition, and the red/white is just perfect. The combination connotes a level of reservation while also giving a wink to flair. Perhaps the most curious thing about these soccer shoes, at least to me, is that they simply wouldn’t be as great without the adaptive shot shield. The black rubber shield gives these boots a necessary level of grit while still being utilitarian. On the whole, you can look at the boot from any angle and it still holds its allure. On the outer foot, you have a white heel that gives way to a white Swoosh, which continues the flow to the toe, and this is all capped by a black leather piece just under the laces; on the inner foot, the same flow occurs between a continually-narrowing white band and the warrior-esque shot shield. Even from underneath, you have crisscrossing gray lines at the arch with gray cleats bordering the sole. Finally, from above, you get to see the shoe in all its glory. The red, the white, the shotshield, the off-center laces, the sock-liner; all of it just draws your eye in. Great work, Nike.
The construction end of things is still top-shelf for these boots. As I said, they’re made with Kanga-Lite, which is always a plus. The synthetic leather will soften up and form to your foot the more you use them. The soleplate is flexible while also sturdy, and the bladed cleats will give you plenty of traction on the pitch. You’ve got a comfortable insole, though not as comfortable as the Maestri and a sock liner with proper stitching to keep the insides together. The boots are narrower than an Adidas boot, but not quite as narrow as the Vapor, so keep that in mind. For $220, these boots are more for competitive play, and you can expect them to last the season with some overspill. I wouldn’t expect them to last a complete two seasons on average, though there will certainly be some pairs that do. If this colorway for some reason doesn’t appeal to you, be sure to check out the traditional T90 synthetic colorway as well.
Written by: Kris Dyer, soccerprose.com
Nike5 Bomba Pro Turf Soccer Shoes – Metallic Dark Grey with Electric Green Review
Jan 4th
The New Year is kicking off wonderfully at the shop, and we’re hoping things continue with the addition of some fresh colorways for several boots. Today I’d like to look at the Nike5 Bomba Pro in Metallic Dark Grey with Electric Green. The Bomba line has certainly seen some ballin’ colorways, but this one takes the cake. Sure, at first glance, there’s not much going on, but that’s precisely why I love it; at times, these low-cut types of boots can get bogged down in chaos, in too many elements, but Nike did a superb job with this rendition.
From the side view, the primary point of attraction is going to be the Swoosh’s electric green border. Given that the rest of the upper is metallic grey, save the green “NIKE” stamped on the inner heel, the primary focal point is no mystery. The metallic luster of the upper certainly causes your eye to float, but it has an alluring quality to it that other principally dark soccer shoes simply do not. The upper almost seems to have a fluid quality to it that would lead one to believe it’s made of something other than natural leather. Rest assured, though, the upper is natural leather. The luster and carefully chosen accenting green elements combine for a sleek boot that contains a classic quality as well as an ostentatious side. The final piece is the boot’s low profile; this conveys agility and speed as soon as you lace a pair to your feet. The green sole accents at the toe and heel are icing on the cake for the boot’s appearance; even if they were gray, I’d still love the look.
As far as construction goes, these are the same as they’ve always been. There’s plenty of grip in the sole, owing to the numerous short studs as well as the rubber. If you’re looking for arch support, well, there isn’t much to be had with these boots. The arch cuts tight and is low, so keep that in mind; those with narrow feet will find these boots right up their alley. Double stitching across the forefoot and heel provides ample reinforcement against friction, while proper bonding between upper and sole wards off premature splitting. All-in-all, it’s a well-crafted boot designed to withstand the abuse of playing turf; if you’re playing pretty frequently, they should last you over a season, possibly approaching two seasons. Don’t expect them to make it through several seasons of frequent play, though.
Retailing at $74.99, these boots would be worth the money for both frequent turf players as well as occasional turf players. The one caveat with that statement is longevity—if you have one or two seasons left before hanging them up, you may want to check out the regular Bombas, which retail for $54.99. If you have several seasons to go, then certainly check out the Pro version.
Written by: Kris Dyer, soccerprose.com
adidas Mundial Goal Review
Nov 7th
The Mundial line from adidas is easily the most iconic line of boots in the market, at least for my money, and at this point, they more or less sell themselves. One look, and people know the boot is quality made and quality designed; it’s built to last and to perform. There’s something about the black, white, and brown theme that just grabs your eye, no matter what sort of loud or exciting boot you hold up next to it. This year’s Mundial Goal is no exception. Once again, adidas delivers a primo boot that’s all class at an affordable price.
At this point, I’m sure everyone knows and recognizes the look of Mundial indoor soccer shoes. The upper is all black with 3 white stripes on both sides and a piece of white leather stitched into the top of the wheel with “adidas” stamped in black. The sole is brown rubber with white EVA foam under the arch and a black suede toe. Not only do the leather and suede combine for the classiest look on the indoor market, they also add a little understated flair to the boot due to the different type of luster produced by the two materials. With the leather, you have a nice shine that isn’t too sharp on the eyes, while you have a kind of diffused luster with the suede. Very smooth. The looks are one half of the boot’s appeal, and they clearly make the grade; you’ll find the other half, the construction, achieve the same marks.
The three main parts of the boot, the upper, mid-sole and sole, are all constructed of high-grade material to achieve lasting durability without sacrificing performance. The upper is made with kangaroo leather, so it doesn’t get any better on that end. The mid-sole uses EVA foam to help cushion your foot while also providing shock absorption, and the sole uses non-marking gum rubber for proper grip without too much grip. It may seem like adidas could have nixed the EVA foam, but it makes a world of difference when you come down hard on your foot for a plant or something of that sort. It takes a lot of the sting from the arches of your feet, which is something not all shoes do properly. Rounding out the construction is three pieces of suede around the upper. First, you have two pieces across the toes; one is stitched into the upper while the other is adhered to the first suede piece for reinforcement. You should have zero concerns about splitting or tearing; the suede will wear down before it splits from the toe. Then the final suede piece wraps from the mid-foot and around the heel as a reinforcing measure. The only worry here should be scuffing from wayward kicks.
These bad boys will definitely last you all season and more, and as an added bonus, they can double as street shoes. They run a little big in terms of length; even though I usually wear size 9 US, I could easily fit into an 8.5 US. Other than that though, these shoes are extremely comfortable and provide solid support. The price tag is $94.99, which is a little steep until you consider the mileage you’ll get from these boots. Like I said, they can double as street shoes, so don’t shy away from them if you’re not playing indoor games.
Written by: Kris Dyer, contributing editor, soccerprose.com
Nike5 Bomba – Black with Cool Grey and Jetstream Review
Nov 1st
In previous months, the shop’s wall was decidedly dominated by firm ground boots. This dominance has since been tempered by the emergence of a plethora of indoor, turf and futsal boots. At the moment, I have the Nike5 Bomba turf shoes in the black with cool grey and “jetstream” colorway sitting in front of me; first impressions were mediocre, but, as per usual with me, time was kind to these boots. I definitely approve of them both in terms of looks as well as feel.
Turf is notoriously brutal on shoes, so clearly you need a shoe built to withstand the beating inflicted upon it. Depending on your frequency of play, this soccer shoe will do just fine for you. If turf is an occasional event for you, then don’t worry about going up to the Bomba Pro or Bomba Finale, but if turf is a several-times-a-week deal, consider the higher end options. ANYWAY, on to the turf soccer shoes at hand; the synthetic leather upper is bonded to the rubber sole with a stitched toe, so separation at the front end won’t be an issue. The tension points at the forefoot are also covered with a piece of fabric stitched over the synthetic leather to reinforce the stress point. The upper is constructed out of 6 pieces of fabric, all double stitched, which means you won’t need to worry about unraveling or tearing.
Given the low-profile of these boots and relatively coarse sock-liner, I wasn’t sure I’d feel comfortable in these shoes, but buddy was I wrong. While the ankle support is admittedly lacking, the boots still felt snug without being constricting, and the insole still cradled my foot without being too giving. It basically felt like a great balance between support and flexibility. I should mention, too, that the ankle support isn’t non-existent; I didn’t feel as if my ankle would break at any given cut, but there are probably more opportunities than normal for a rolled ankle. I wouldn’t let that issue deter you from the boots though, as that’s probably more to do with my own feet than anything.
Rounding out the construction, we have the sole, which is unique to say the least. The rubber hexagon studs are numerous and come in varying sizes to offer proper traction on the turf. Slipping and sliding absolutely won’t be an issue. Again depending on your rate of play, wearing and tearing may come into play. What I love about the sole is that it gives you ample grip without causing you to stick too much, so you can still be swift on the pitch.
Last but not least, we have the look of the boots. It seems reminiscent of the early 90s themed shoes from Nike, with the thick, all-caps NIKE making an appearance in grey over a black heel. From there, we have a grey forefoot with a silver toe-fabric overlaid. This would all be fairly boring if not for the complementing red and light grey sole. My eye is constantly being drawn to the red of the sole, which then causes me to notice the lustrous silver Swoosh on the outside of the foot. Even though the theme’s colors are black, grey, and red, Nike did a bang up job making it appealing and exciting. Kudos, Nike.
Be prepared to spend $49.99 on a pair of these boots, which I think is more than fair if you’re only going to play on them once or twice a week. They’ll last for quite some time while still providing proper touch and fit. Be confident that they fit true to size as well.
Written by: Kris Dyer, contributing editor, soccerprose.com
