Home / Product Reviews / Soccer Shoes / Soccer Shoes Archive

 

Adidas adiNOVA II TRX FG Review

You don’t always have to pay through the nose to get a decent pair of leather soccer shoes, and these Adidas adiNOVA’s prove that point. At only $35.99, they’re affordable for any budget, and have all the best features you’d want in any soccer boot. The black with sun color goes well with any kit, but especially a Liverpool jersey. There’s just something about the contrast the makes it really pop.

The upper is made of a full-grain leather and is designed for a soft feel and good touch. You can’t beat real leather for touch and connection on the ball. There’s just something about the way natural leather functions, and fits to your foot that can’t be matched by even the most advanced synthetic compounds. The asymmetrical loop lacing system give a better ball contact area for more accurate shots on goal, and the instep is cushioned so your passes should be accurate too.

The insole has an EVA sockliner through out which really aids comfort and keeps you feet from getting too sweaty. It also feels good on the bottom your foot, particularly if you have a high arch like me. Support is always an issue, but with this sockliner and the lacing system on thee boots, I find my feet get the support they need.

The cleats are blades, and they work well on any hard natural surface you may be playing on. They’re also fine on damp surface or wet grass, but I wouldn’t recommend you use them on a muddy, water logged pitch. The blades work great on hard surfaces because of their long, narrow surface area, but this also makes them liable to slip out from under you in muddy conditions. Overall, this is a great pair of soccer cleats at a low price, I’d definitely recommend them to anyone who needs a decent pair of shoes but can;t afford to shell out $200 plus dollars.

Written by: Matthew Wall, editor, soccerprose.com

Looking for SoccerProse updates? Like us on Facebook or subscribe to our RSS feed so you get your updates how you want. Sweet deal.

Nike Superfly III Photo Blue Review


Alright sports fans, I know you’ve been waiting with baited breath for the new Nike Mercurial Superfly III’s, and we’re lucky enough to be able to bring you a first hand look at these sick new shoes. Now images of these boots have been floating around the web for months, and there has been a lot of speculation as to what changes Nike have made, how they’ll actually look, and how they feel.

First of all, Nike haven’t changed much. The shoes still sport all of the features that have made the Superfly the lightweight striker’s shoe. You’ll be happy to see that Nike have not added a lace cover to the Superfly III’s, as some had thought, and we can confirm the Vapor version will be without one as well. Honestly, I’d be happy if they never included a lace cover on anything again as the thing get in the way of mending your laces if they break, or adjusting the fit of your shoe during a game. The upper itself is made of Teijin synthetic leather which contours to your foot like real leather, while not absorbing as much water as a natural soccer shoe.

The Superfly III also sports the same pressure activated studs that have made these soccer shoes famous for traction on any surface. These let your really take advantage of the fiber glass out sole to get maximum off-the-toe acceleration. When you start to take off running in these shoes, you can actually feel the sole plate flexing back to catch your heel and move with you, giving you that extra force behind your run.

These shoes also retain their shape well, even when cutting sharply to the side, with the help of the flywire technology in the upper. The placement of the flywire alos give greater durability so your soccer shoes will last longer and perform better over the long term. I’m glad Nike decided to keep this feature as the new Adidas F50 Adizero Prime‘s suffer from a lack of arch support on the sides. You can see some professionals taping the boot around their foot to help this problem, and for my part, I don’t know how Messi plays in them.

Overall, they’re a great speed shoe for any striker or midfielder. At $399.99, they aren’t cheap, but this is definitely a case of getting what you pay for.

Written by: Matthew Wall, editor, soccerprose.com

Looking for SoccerProse updates? Like us on Facebook or subscribe to our RSS feed so you get your updates how you want. Sweet deal.

Nike Total 90 Laser III K-FG Dark Obsidian Review


A new colorway for the Nike Hypervenomis slated for release on April 1st, and, thankfully, this colorway comes on a kangaroo leather boot. What is this new colorway, you ask? Well, it’s “Dark Obsidian and Metallic Silver.” What that really means is that it’s black, dark blue and gray.

The boots are predominately black with a few elements being dark obsidian and metallic silver. On the outside of the foot, the boot is black from toe to heel, with a couple of detours along the way. The Nike Swoosh is silver, outlined in blue. This is actually a good touch, and I think it works far better than if the colors were swapped for one another. Underneath the tail end of the Swoosh, at the heel, we see those characteristic Laser heel cup squares as well as the heel of the sole in dark obsidian. The inside of the foot, however, is dominated by a dark obsidian colored friction plate. Keeping in line with previous Laser renditions, these boots have 5 flat touch pads that are black islands among the sea that is the dark blue friction plate. You also of course have the stitched “T90” emblem on display at the inner heel, which actually looks pretty suave on this colorway. Given all these elements, I’m really glad Nike chose to make this edition leather. The look of the leather texture just adds so much character and class to the boot that synthetics have yet to replicate. Sure, I may be a leather “purist” if you want to call it that, but it’s a legitimate point. It’s the same kind of difference as a cast iron pot versus Teflon; sure, the Teflon has the technological advantages, but, at the end of the day, the cast iron pot holds in so much character and flavor that, in the long run, makes it a better item. Anyway, let’s move on, shall we?

As I just mentioned, the boots are made of leather, which means they’ll take a small time to break in, but once broken in, they’ll be the most comfortable pair of soccer shoes you own (unless you own another leather pair of shoes, in which case, it’s a tie). Also previously mentioned was the ShotShield area on the instep of the boot; this is the combination of the friction plate and the touch pads. If you haven’t seen or heard about this aspect of the Lasers, let me bring you to speed: the touch pads allow for greater control on distribution and receiving while the friction plate allows for greater spin and accuracy on the ball. Basically, it’s all about touch. Combined with the leather material, the friction plate and touch pads give the wearer an elevated level of touch on the ball. Will it make you a superstar by itself? No. Will it help? You betcha. Another high point with these boots is the level of balance and stability provided by the cleat pattern. The cleats themselves are a kind of ribbed blade design that allows for better traction even in softer ground. What lends a lot of the stability to the wearer, though, is the pattern underneath the balls of your feet. The outer cleats are turned horizontal with two smaller horizontal cleats in between, placed vertically. You will have zero problems cutting, turning, accelerating or stopping at a moment’s notice. If there’s only one thing you find attractive about these boots (which there is definitely more than one, in my opinion), it should be the cleats. I haven’t come across too many boots that felt this stable right off the bat.

With all that said, here’s the straight dope, as Michael Scott says. There’s a lot to like about the new laser colorway, but I don’t think it will convert anyone who isn’t on board already. If you’re a fan of the lasers, then you should continue with them; however, if you’re a detractor, then I don’t see anything that would necessarily change your opinion. They’ll cost you about $180 or so, which is definitely a fair price given the other boots on the market. They’re at least worth giving a shot if they fall within your price range. What’s the worst that can happen?

Written by: Kris Dyer, Lord Admiral of the starship Laser, soccerprose.com

Looking for SoccerProse updates? Like us on Facebook or subscribe to our RSS feed so you get your updates how you want. Sweet deal.

Nike CTR360 Libretto II FG Red Review


So you’re looking for a new pair of soccer cleats for the season, but you don’t want to spend over $200 for decent cleats. If you fit into this category, I feel your pain, and have a cure for what ails you. The Nike CTR360 Libretto. These cleats are cast in the same colors as their high end cousins, and look stunning. The red color really pops against the white tops and the white cleats, but what’s really important, is the quality and touch of these shoes.

The CTR 360 is known for being designed as midfielders boot, and has technology to aid in your control and distribution of the ball. The upper is made of full grain leather, and offers a superb touch on the ball and has stitched touch pads on the surface to aid your ball control. These work by using the material itself to cushion your touch on the ball by absorbing some of the force when it is played to you. There are also touch pads on the instep of the shoe which help the ball roll off your foot to give it a more direct trajectory when you pass it to another player.

The inside of the shoe is one of the most comfortable I’ve felt in some time, and doesn’t wear away like on an Adidas F50. The EVA sockliner that runs underneath is what makes the shoes so comfortable, but also aids your touch as it cushion the ball impact on your foot.

The sole plate is durable, and is actually molded form the same piece of material as the cleats. This means the cleats won’t split or fall off easily so you’ll get many months of decent wear out of them. The cleats are patterned to allow with stability in mind. For quick pivots and acceleration you can’t really beat these shoes.

Overall, I like the look, feel, and touch of these boots, and at $49.49 on soccerpro.com, there a great buy.

Written by: Matthew Wall, editor, soccerprose.com

Looking for SoccerProse updates? Like us on Facebook or subscribe to our RSS feed so you get your updates how you want. Sweet deal.

Adidas Adilette Sandals Review: A Soccer Lady’s Perspective


Spring is right around the corner and what might that mean…Adidas Adilette sandals! You can’t be a soccer player and not own a pair of these bad boys.

We have all made the mistake and purchased the Velcro sandals that end up never staying Velcroed. Luckily a new season is here and you can make your mistakes right with the new adilettes. Adidas released a bunch of crazy new colors and they are sweet. There are tons or pros to these perfect slide ons. They are super comfortable, and great throw on after a game. You want to make sure you keep a pair of these in your soccer bag. Wearing these before and after games and practices will help protect your cleats from being damaged by hard surfaces.

I have the black and white pair but I’m purchasing the warning with purple. I’m not usually the type to wear flashy colors but these are pretty sweet, plus I needed an extra pair to slide on when I’m running late for class. The Adilettes are an awesome price and offer a lot of different color options insuring there is a color for everyone.

Written by: Blair McNamee, super-powered soccer chick, soccerprose.com

Looking for SoccerProse updates? Like us on Facebook or subscribe to our RSS feed so you get your updates how you want. Sweet deal.

Nike Tiempo Legend III SG Review


Soft ground cleats aren’t something you see a lot on pitches in the USA, but we try to cater to everyone here at soccerprose.com, so we gave these Nike Tiempo Legend III soft grounds a run out. THe first hting you have to know about these boots is while they have been tweaked over the years, the design has remained more or less unchanged since 1984. Nike seemed to get it right that year, and have been making them ever since. To give you an idea, these boots have been on the pitch at the highest levels since before Ryan Giggs made his debut.

The first thing I noticed about these shoes was the coloring. I think the white all over with red outlining the black swoosh looks classy, and they really look well against the green grass of the pitch. The other thing that is an obvious difference from the hard ground shoes is the soft ground studs. They’re removable, and will give you superior traction on wet, mucky surfaces where the blades tend to slip and slide in the ground.

The upper is kangaroo leather all over, and fits to the foot without any need to break the min. The touch is soft, and light, and only gets better as you wear them. I found that the boots form to fit your foot after repeated wear, like any k-leather shoe, and are truly comfortable. The other area that provides a lot of comfort is the insole and sock liner. The insoles itself is made of Poron, and thicker than what you’d find on a bladed cleat shoe. This cushion the impact of the hard metal studs on your feet making sure you won’t get blisters or soreness in the feet. They passed my usual test of running 800 meters on a running track without hurting my feet.

Last of all, the lightweight TPU outsole uses fiber-glass and flex grooves so you won;t find these boots stiff, even on the first wearing. The nylon studs with aluminum tips also allow for maximum traction without any slipping as the aluminium allows fro more friction than steel or other metals.

Overall, there a great pair of boots, and tend to run a bit cheaper than their firm ground cousins at $119.99 at soccerpro.com due to less popularity. I’d recommend them to anyone who plays on soft ground, particularly in the Pacific northwest, or any wet climate. Just be sure to check with your league before you buy them as some regions have banned metal studs.

Written by: Matthew Wall, editor, soccerprose.com

Looking for SoccerProse updates? Like us on Facebook or subscribe to our RSS feed so you get your updates how you want. Sweet deal.

Nike Tiempo Legend III Video Review


Check out this sweet review of the new Nike Tiempo Legend III soccer shoes. For my part, I think the white and light green colors look class. They’re Nike’s heritage boot, and they’ve been around forever, but its nice to see they’ve improved the stability with some bladed cleats in the center.

Posted by: Matthew Wall, editor, soccerprose.com

Looking for SoccerProse updates? Like us on Facebook or subscribe to our RSS feed so you get your updates how you want. Sweet deal.

Adidas Predator X Stealth Video Review


Here’s a new video review of the newest color of the Adidas Predator X. Its all black, and thy’re calling it the stealth. Pretty smart looking boots.

Posted by: Matthew Wall, editor, soccerprose.com

Looking for SoccerProse updates? Like us on Facebook or subscribe to our RSS feed so you get your updates how you want. Sweet deal.

Nike CTR360 Trequartisita 2 Review


The Nike CTR360 Maestri is the shoe to have at the moment with everyone seemingly rushing out to grab a pair. But, if your a recent college graduate like me, or just stuck for money in this recession, then they’re simply out of your price range. So, I had a look at the cheaper version of the same shoes in the same color scheme, the Nike CTR360 Trequartista 2. I tried them on compared to the Maestri 2’s we have here at the site, and honestly, they don’t play that differently

The upper on these shoes made of a synthetic leather substance that feel good on your feet and contours to them well once you break them in. It should take 2 or 3 match to get the fit is just right. The touch pads on the toe of the shoe aren’t as pronounced as those of the higher end Maestri, but I feel like they still get the job done. The touch dampers on the instep are also without the fins you’d see on the elite version of these Nike soccer shoes, but still work for me. And honestly all the fancy touch pads in the world won’t help you if you lack co-ordination.

The heel of the shoes features a heel cup which help your feet stay in place in the shoes and a strengthen plastic sole plate runs along the bottom. The studs aren’t TPU injected, but are arranged in the same pattern as the elite version so function the same.

Overall, these a re great pair of cleats with the best aspects and spirit of the Maestri II elite within them. But, at $80.99, you can actually afford them, which is a big plus for me.

Written by: Matthew Wall, editor, soccerprose.com

Looking for SoccerProse updates? Like us on Facebook or subscribe to our RSS feed so you get your updates how you want. Sweet deal.

Diadora Kobra LT 14 Black and Yellow Review


These Diadora soccer cleats are the latest out from the venerable Italian boot maker, and and I have to say, they’re comfortable and have a great touch. Now most of the clothes and shoes out of Italy are too flashy for my tastes, but these boots fit right in with my need for color without having to wear an absurd animal print pattern (thanks CR7).

The upper of these boots is full grain leather at the forefoot, and a mesh material on along the back of the heel and midsole. The leather has the same water resistant coating on it that you’ll find on any other modern soccer shoes, and it offers a reasonably good first touch. In my opinion, the leather is one of the softest I’ve seen in some time. Excellent leather has always been a trademark of the Italian soccer industry, and these boots carry on that rich heritage. The upper also has a lace loop and tongue cover which is held in place by velcro to maximize the kicking surface.

One really unique feature on the inside of the upper and heel is the shock absorbing foam. It’s designed to aid ball control, but I find it also cushions the impact of another players studs on your foot. The stud pattern is also unique to these shoes and is designed for quick turning stability at any angle not, just speed. You can this feature under the joint right behind your big toe. The circle on the bottom of shoes with bladed cleats running around it means the boots take advantage of your bodies natural control surface. I find the decreases the amount of blisters and heat that build up on the bottom of my feet.

The insoles are also pretty comfortable, and the shoes are surprisingly light overall. I’d say they weight about the same as my old pair of Nike Mercurial Vapors, but only cost $52.49 on soccerpro.com. Basically, if you want a high performance shoe at an affordable price, these are the way to go.

Written by: Matthew Wall, editor, soccerprose.com

Looking for SoccerProse updates? Like us on Facebook or subscribe to our RSS feed so you get your updates how you want. Sweet deal.

Nike Women’s Tiempo Legend Review

Hey girls,

Cristie here again and this time I’ve got some classy Women’s Nike Tiempo Legends that I reviewed courtesy of Nike. Now like most of us soccer chicks out there, I’ve spent years buying men’s shoes because I can’t get a decent pair of women’s cleats, so I was excited to see these come in the door. The first thing I notice about these soccer shoes is the red tag on them that says “crafted for women” on the top of the laces. I was pretty skeptical of these shoes, but as soon as put them on I changed my mind.

The upper of the shoes is made of calf leather just like the men’s Tiempo Legends I’m so fond of, but the fit of the shoes is completely different. They are shorter and narrower than the men’s versions I’m used to, and fit a lot better around the sides of my feet, hugging them tightly, but not so much that they feel cramped. I also like the look of the shoes, the black is great compliment to the white swooshes and lines, and highlights the stitching in a way that gives them fashionable lines. The long toe also makes you feet look long and slender in the while the lace cut across. And I love the red accents.

The inside of the shoe has a sockliner, so your feet won’t wet or sweaty cause no girl wants that, and the heel cup really help hold your foot in the shoes while giving a little extra protection. Comfort is the most thing for me, and these definitely pass the test. The insoles are super soft. and I can’t feel the cleats through the shoes even on concrete. The cleat pattern is the same as the men’s Tiempo Legends and I don’t have any problem running, stopping, or cutting in them.

Overall, I like the look of these soccer shoes, the way they fit me, and how comfortable they are. You will need some time to break them in, but the only real downside is they tend to get heavy when its raining, but that no surprise.

Written by: Christie, futbol fashonista, soccerprose.com

Looking for SoccerProse updates? Like us on Facebook or subscribe to our RSS feed so you get your updates how you want. Sweet deal.

Adidas F50 Adizero Review (White with Radiant Pink)


Scope this new video review of the new color on the Adidas F50 Adizeros as worn by Adebayor last weekend.

Love it, hate it, let us know.

Posted by: Matthew Wall, editor, soccerprose.com

Looking for SoccerProse updates? Like us on Facebook or subscribe to our RSS feed so you get your updates how you want. Sweet deal.

Puma Liga XL Review


So have in front of me one the most beautiful and durable shoes in the history of soccer, and its feels good. The Puma Liga XL has been around for years and its always been known for its quality and touch. The boot borrows heavily from the venerable design of the Puma King and features many of the same things that made those so famous.

The upper is a soften full grain leather which, for me, makes the shoe. There’s no matching the touch and fit of a full grain leather upper. Once broken in, it hugs your foot like a glove and gives a soft touch on the ball that a synthetic just can’t match. The upper is also double stitched at all the stress points so it won’t rip or tear easily. Honestly, I’ve had my pair for two years and they are still in great condition. It’s just a matter of caring for the leather properly, and they’ll hold up for you too. The lacking is asymmetrical so it won’t interfere with ball control or shooting, and the tongue flap helps wide the control surface on the top of these soccer shoes.

The outsole is also very durable and is TPU injected to give extra strength while preserving flexibility. The studs are conical, not blades, so you won’t get your cleats caught in the turf as easily, or stub your boots when your quickly slowing down to make a cut. The insole is also really comfortable and is more like something you’d find on a pair of indoor soccer shoes. The insoles are build for comfort, and I’m a big fan. The shoe also features a heel cup, which helps hold your foot in place, and also gives you a little extra protection.

Overall, its a workhorse shoe that will last you for years. It doesn’t really excel in any area, but its great across the board and will work for any player, or even a ref, and at $41.99, it well worth the gamble.

Written by: Matthew Wall, editor, soccerprose.com

Looking for SoccerProse updates? Like us on Facebook or subscribe to our RSS feed so you get your updates how you want. Sweet deal.

Adidas Adi5 X Review

When I look for shoes nowadays, I’m always out to find something distinct and a shoe that will stand out from the sea of boring black and white soccer shoes. I’m also looking for something relatively versatile and a shoe that will hold up for a while, since I don’t want to get new shoes every 6 months. Adidas listened to my cries for help in creating the brash and awesome Adidas Adi5 X.

Let’s just right into the looks. The shoe is bright orange all over so you’re either going to love it or hate it; no two ways about it. If you do get past the orange color just simply love it already, the shoe is really unique in a good way. Diagonal grip-groove lines don the front of the shoe and provide you with a great soft touch on the ball as you receive and distribute the ball around the pitch (whatever that may be). 3 Black classic Adidas stripes line one side of the shoe while the other side of the shoe has a soft section of cushioning for extra control for your touches. The lower half of the shoe is adorned with a stylistic Adi5 logo with several black contour lines leading Adidas to coin the section  a “Touch compound”. Essentially, the section of the shoe give you even further increases of control on your touch. The heel of shoe is lined with grip lines that are black all over and help bring the shoe together a bit more. Did I mention these shoes are extremely comfortable?

In a classic move by Adidas, they lined the shoe with an Adiprene sole, a durable, soft cushioning so with each step you feel like you are stepping on a pile of ducks (I’d imagine that’d be soft since I’ve never personally tried it). The sole of the shoe is quite versatile for nearly any surface you decide to play on. Originally designed for turf environments, the rounded grip “studs” can also work great for indoor surfaces or stingy hard outdoor field surfaces. I felt as if I was playing with a cleat on my foot with each step, no matter the surface, as I found my turns to be executed with pinpoint, quick accuracy.

Overall, it’s a bold shoe. You’ll love or hate the look of it but almost anyone can love the performance of this soccer turf shoe. A great value and one shoe that will last you a while for a good price.

Looking for SoccerProse updates? Like us on Facebook or subscribe to our RSS feed so you get your updates how you want. Sweet deal.

New Adizero Color Released First on soccerpro.com


Check out this new White, Radiant Pink, and Blue color of the Adidas F50 Adizeros , up for pre-order now on soccerpro.com I think there quite striking especially once your on the pitch. The white of the shoes, along with the blue tongue and pink stripes looks class with the green of any field. The shoes themselves feature the same technology that has made the Adizeros so popular.

The upper is made fro ma single piece of Sprint Skin synthetic leather to give you great touch on the ball. And in my experience it molds to your feet very well once broken in. The other thing thats great about the upper is the fact it won’t get heavy when wet. This can be a really problem with kangaroo leather boots, or natural-synthetic composites that feature on a Nike CTR 360 Maestri. It also got internal TPU bands running along the sides of the foot which add extra support for your arches and hold the boot on your foot better.

Another feature of these soccer shoes is that they contain an ultralight sockliner. IT help keep your feet dry, as even wit ha synthetic leather, the inside of your boot can still get sweaty and slide around your foot.

Probably the best feature on these boots, and the true game changer, is the sprint frame construction and geometric cleats. The sprint frame is super light, to the point where it seems absurd when you actually hold them, and the cleats really bite into the ground. The genius of the cleats is in their triangular shape as no matter what way you move in the boots there is always a control surfaces that bites in to the dirt. The fact the point of the triangles are pointed in also means the boot is extremely stable, and while you may feel a tackle on the top of your foot, you slip and fall in these soccer cleats.

Overall, they’re a great pair of boots for a striker or winger, and at $199.99 there a good buy available exclusively on soccerpro.com.

Written by: Matthew Wall, editor, soccerprose.com

Looking for SoccerProse updates? Like us on Facebook or subscribe to our RSS feed so you get your updates how you want. Sweet deal.

Puma King Finale Review

Puma is known for making quality, non-flashy boots and sticking by their standards. The company has stuck with its classic style with their new (amazingly more flashy) Puma soccer shoes, the King Finale. It’s a highly durable boot that is simple yet elegant (can I say that about a soccer shoe? I don’t care, I’m doing it anyway and you can’t stop me). Let’s dive into some sweet features.

The Puma King Finale is a Kangaroo leather boot, meaning that you will get a shoe that will conform to your foot’s exact specifications, have extreme comfort, and have an extremely soft touch on the ball. The shoe also has patented AptoLast technology. What’s that mean? Well, glad you asked (because I certainly was wondering, too, when I read about the technology). Essentially, the shoe is made to last even longer thanks to this sweet patented technology. The shoe is injected with the stuff so you can wear this shoe for multiple seasons. At under $130 for a starting price point, that’s a deal I can get used to quickly. Did I mention this shoe was comfortable? Conical studs help you achieve maximum control and comfort with each step you take on the pitch and suede ankle linings help you keep your feet cozy in any condition. But how’s the shoe look?

Some may argue that the shoe is a bit plain and I could agree with some of the points. The King Finale is black all over with its kangaroo leather but has some nice accenting features that help make the boot stand out a bit. A white k-leather tongue with a Puma logo help add some quick class to your look. Two thick white accenting lines adorn either side of the shoe and look nice against the black k-leather. Finally, yellow accent lines are laid out all over this shoe so you can add a bit of style to your game quickly. The yellow is a bit neon but certainly works decently with the black and white primary color scheme.

Overall, the shoe is a classic fit for a classic player. If you’ve got the old school mentality for a boot that will last and look classy, check it out. You won’t be disappointed by the Puma King Finale

Looking for SoccerProse updates? Like us on Facebook or subscribe to our RSS feed so you get your updates how you want. Sweet deal.

 

Nike Tiempo Mystic Review

There’s no denying it: the Nike Tiempo Mystic III IC in Black is about as classic as you can get, both in terms of performance and styling. If you’re looking to wear a respected indoor soccer shoe based off the Nike Tiempo Legend series, you’ve come to the right place in your search. Let’s break down the classic Mystics.

During testing, I found the shoe to be an awesome performance. Soft full grain leather covers the majority of the boot (my personal preference) so you can have a soft touch on the ball when receiving and distributing around the field. The ball provided excellent touch and felt quite comfortable as the leather conformed to my foot nicely. On the mid-sole, an anatomically contoured Phylon piece with high-density, recycled EVA sockliner helps keep your feet nice and cozy while running around. On the sole of the shoe, articulate gum rubber (sounds crazy technical but really it’s just a special grip rubber) lines the shoe along with reactive traction pods so you get optimal grip on the pitch while making some intense cuts. To aid your body control on the field even further is a herringbone pattern on the outsole for precise grip on those rough indoor surfaces. The outsole also is non-marking, so you know you won’t scuff your shoes or the floor beneath you. Overall, it held up well in testing and felt like I was wearing a quality soccer cleat rather than an indoor shoe, a testament to Nike’s commitment to quality.

For looks, the shoe mirrors the Nike Tiempo Legend III in it’s black all over look. Three Nike swooshes line the shoe (two big ones on either side of the shoe with one small swoosh on the tongue) and look pretty classic with a white fill and gold trim. The tongue is lined with a Velcro piece so you can keep your laces in place while you run around the pitch, a nice feature. Other than that, the shoe is pretty plain Jane, a make it or break it deal for most people (with all the flashiness of soccer shoes as of late).

If you’re looking for a reliable classic shoe for indoor play, the Mystic is for you. At under $60, it’s also affordable. I’m a classic kind of guy myself so I’m keeping my test pair. You should get some, too.

Puma Womens Powercat Review

Although the womens soccer shoes line has a relatively limited selection, the new Puma Womens Powercat is a great boot that can compete with some of the top mens soccer cleats around.  It’s an affordable, high quality soccer shoe that is simple yet stylish. Let’s delve into some details.

First, the shoe is made up of some pretty high quality materials. The upper uses a beautiful full grain leather that is high durable and comfortable to wear. Full grain leather has always been my preferred material with soccer shoes, as it provides the cleanest and softest touch when receiving and distributing the ball around the pitch. Full grain leather also molds to your foot’s shape so essentially players can get a custom fit boot on the cheap, a humongous plus. Spring Tech foam (a Puma technology) also helps players spring faster and harder with each step taken on the field so you can beat opposition to the ball on a consistent basis. Testing showed that this technology is true to its claims time and time again so I’m loving that. Another great feature on the cleat is the TPU injected external heel piece, which adds extra protection on this already durable cleat. The cleat pattern is also exceptional. A pointed stud configuration allows for simple and fast cuts on most styles of field (whether you are playing in a field with more dirt than grass or playing on a rainy wet field). The shoe is also really lightweight comparatively to many soccer shoes out there. A shoe built for speed and durability? Sign me up. But, does the shoe look good? Absolutely

As long as you are willing to clean your shoes on occasion (with the white all lover leather), this shoe will look fantastic for a long time. The shoe is adorned with simple, but stylish cyan lines on the upper of the boot, which help dress up the cleat a bit. On tongue and either side of the heel piece, the Puma logo sits and looks surprisingly professional.

Overall, the Womens Puma Powercat is a great looking cleat that is durable and affordable for all the great features Puma has packed into the cleat. If you’re looking for a great cleat that will last, look no further than the Womens Powercat.

Adidas Top Sala X Review

Colorful? Check. Durable? Breathable? Check check check. All the makings of my ideal indoor soccer shoe have come together in the sweet new Adidas Top Sala X. The shoe looks great and will last you forever with some great built in features and a respectable price point.

Let’s start with the looks of this indoor shoe. The shoe itself is green all over in very similar shades which blend well together. The toe section is hard plastic black piece coined as a TPU toe cap and looks slightly bizarre but not awful in any respect. Three classic white stripes line each side of the shoe to give it that classic Adidas feel that is on most Adidas products. The shoe also screams breath-ability, with vents all over the place so you can make your feet are nice and cool during an intense game. To round it all out, the shoe has a professional looking black trim surrounding the “open” sections of the shoe to make it one sweet looking package.

As for features, Adidas has gone all out to make sure you perform at the highest level on the indoor field (with several awesome coined phrases from Adidas). The upper includes high-abrasion resistant adiTUFF zones provide terrific protection for your foot and are highlighted by the breathable zone all over the shoe. The shoe is meshy all over and are made of synthetic materials that are surprisingly durable. The shoe’s sole is made of a “Grip Compound”, which essentially is a synthetic leather compound which provides terrific flexibility for great cuts. The shoe also doesn’t leave any marks when cutting, like most indoor shoes do, thanks to the sole’s materials. The shoe is also outfitted with adiPrene inserts in the heel for extra comfort and shock absorption. Finally, the Sala features a pre-molded EVA midsole for extra comfort.

Wow. Tons of features. Good price point. Great looking shoe. Totally worth every penny you would spend on these.

Adidas Adilette – Warning with Purple Review

I’ve been looking for a quality pair of soccer sandals for a while after playing a tough match or two. Problem is that most sandals today are real boring looking or just plain uncomfortable, a real shock considering the way soccer cleats have been going to flashy colors lately. That’s why I’m labeling the new Adidas Adilette (Warning with Purple) as my new savior.

When I first saw the color of the sandals, I was a bit skeptical at first. Purple and bright orange? That’s a pretty bold move by Adidas. After slipping these bad boys on my feet with ease, I was proud to wear them. The sandal colorway is based off the original black and white classic colorway that is seen on so many iconic products from the company. However, this is where the comparison ends in terms of looks. The sandal is orange all over and while some may scoff at the flashiness of it all, I’m a big fan of standing out in a crowd and actually recognizing my shoes from the rest of my team’s sandals. The purple accents the orange stripes on the upper overlying section of the shoe and make everything else pop. But what’s the point of having a sweet looking sandal if it’s not comfortable? Adidas thought of this one too.

One of my main requirements for sandals is how easily they can be slipped on and off your foot. Adidas has perfected this feature, thankfully. Not only that but the sandal is incredibly comfortable. It’s like putting on a pair of pillows on your feet. That feeling couldn’t be more needed after an exhausting match or practice involving sprints and marathon runs. The shoe is also very breathable, with the only pieces covering your foot being the sole of the shoe and the overlying purple and orange piece so the shoe actually stays on your feet. Besides that, you can let your stinky, sweaty feet breath with ease. Overall, it’s a flashy sandal with a ton of comfort. If you’re ready to stand out from the crowd with your new pair of sandals, look no further than the Warning with Purple Adidas Adilette.

Women’s Predator X Review Video


Here’s a sweet video review of the new Women’s Predator X soccer shoes. Honestly, I think they look better than some of the colors on the Men’s versions.

 

Posted by: Matthew Wall, editor, soccerprose.com

Nike Superfly II Review (Black with Orange)


Check out this video review of the new Nike Superfly II’s. The black with orange color really pops and I think they look class.

Posted by: Matthew Wall, editor, soccerprose.com

Umbro GT Pro Sky Blue with White Fade Review


Well the new Umbro GT Pro is out, and the color way is stunning. The sky blue fading to white look amazing on the boot, and even better against the green grass of the pitch. Since being bought by Nike, Umbro have gone through a lot of changes, both in terms of kits and shoes. You can really see the Nike influence in these boots.

If nothing else, the bright colors and fading cutting edge design should let you know Nike got a look in on the development of these boots. Also, the shoe features the Teijin leather upper, which is apparently Japanese, and forms to fit your foot after you break them in. For my part, I picked up a pair because at $140 USD, you can’t get a better quality pair at that price, and my Vapors had split more or less in half so I need some new ones. I was pretty surprised when I finally got them on and played in them.

I’ve never been a believer in Umbro cleats, and for the record I think the new jersey fabric is atrocious, but these boots may have converted me, They have the A-frame technology that Umbro pioneered years ago, meaning the boot really locks your heel into the hell cup and gives you great traction and sure footing. The problem I always with Umbro was the long studs they used in conjunction with the A-frame meant it was easy to roll your ankle, but thank to the new bladed cleats on these GT Pro’s that no longer an issue.

I also found the touch on the ball was great in these shoes as the Teijin leather makes them play like a pair of Superflys. They may not have flywire, but the A-frame serves the same purpose with only a bit more weight. Granted at 243 grams they aren’t going to stand up against an Adizero Prime or v. 1.10, but they’ll also provide better protection for your foot. Its a pretty competitive market out there right now, but if they keep making boots that perform and look like this one, I’d look for Umbro to become a big player in the future.

Written by: Matthew Wall, editor, soccerprose.com

Nike Windchill Vapor Review

The new Nike Mercurial Vapor color has hit the streets and it’s a classy pair of shoes if I ever saw them. They are slatted for the main man himself, Cristiano Ronaldo, as a replacement for his somewhat ill received Safari print Superflys. This isn’t to say the Safari color was unpopular, it was just controversial and a lot of people really loved it, or really hated it.

Nike have gone with a more conservative approach on this shoe, using a two toned design on the instep of blue and deep purple. The rest of the shoe is white with a black swoosh across the fore foot, and looks pretty classy with the icy blue interior. The main problem with these shoes is they will get dirty quickly, just like the whiteout Adizeros, so I’d look for some patches of green on the shoes after you wear them on the field the first time.

I love the feel of the soleplate, and comfort in these shoes. The Teijin synthetic leather on the upper allows me to be comfortable during the match, and molds itself to my foot making sure I can get a good touch on the ball. They have also added a touch compound on the forefoot of these soccer shoes that is supposed to make the ball stick to your feet better. This allows you to control the ball not just tap it away when your on the run
.
As for the chassis, is made of glass fibre, which means it’s lightweight, but flexible. And no, you won’t get glass in your foot. As for the studs, they are injected in order to add inner strength to them so you’re not slogging through with the thick heavy ones Nike have used in the past. Apparently, this reduces the weight 12% from the previous version, and while I didn’t actually put it on a scale it feels loads lighter. The cleat pattern itself is designed for stability and traction when sprinting so it won’t give a direct speed boost.
However, it will let you apply more force to the ground the right places to let you get the bite you need to take off quicker. The insole is comfortable, and I can’t feel the cleats on my foot too much during a match, other than that they look amazing.

If you can’t afford a Superfly like me, at $239.99, the lowest price I was able to find on the web, at soccerpro.com, and that’s a pretty good deal compared to the other sites I saw. Overall, they’re defiantly worth picking for their high quality at a lower price.

Written: Matthew Wall, editor, soccerprose.com

Adidas Super Sala Review

Last season’s Adidas Super Salas were super dominant in my eyes. They had all the right aesthetic design qualities matched with superior comfort in the adiprene inserts, and they seemed like decent shoes for a light rec league season. Unfortunately, I was unable to pick up a pair before the shop ran out, so I patiently waited for the new Super Salas to arrive. On first glance, the new Lemon colored shoes seemed like a let down, but after strapping them on my feet, that all changed.

This season, Adidas swapped the orange and white color scheme for a lemon and white scheme. Like I said, it was a little off putting at first. However, once I got them on my feet, I came around to the idea. The blend of mesh and synthetic leather on the upper part of the shoe is solid, and I like that Adidas kept the contact area of the shoe completely synthetic leather. This is going to keep the toe from tearing and ripping on you, which is of course a plus. Another design change with this rendition is that the 3-stripe design is only represented on the outside of the foot. The inside of the foot has been altered to be the beginning (or end) of a sort of sonar signal design that wraps around to the front of the toes, just before the 3-stripes. It’s basically a distorted elliptical design with seven concentric gray lines that start out fairly thick on the inner part and abruptly thin out between the first and second toe. I didn’t think I’d be too excited about that design, but it’s definitely grown on me. It looks good when the shoes are actually on your feet.

Aside from the color scheme changes and minor aesthetic changes, these shoes provide a solid amount of comfort. The shoes would be great for a rec league, but they can also double as a sweet pair of casual or work shoes. If you have to be on your feet for an extended amount of time, these shoes will keep your feet comfortable and keep your feet from hurting. The only thing that might be an issue with the shoes is the toe being glued to the upper instead of stitched. I can’t say for certain how long they’ll last; Adidas may use some super strong adhesive, I don’t know. From what I’ve read, the shoes will be good for a season or so if you’re playing in them fairly consistently, so keep that in mind. You can get a pair for $44.99 right now, which is a great price for a season of consistent use. In my mind, that price is definitely fair for the high aesthetic appeal in the market and the amount of use you’ll get from the shoes.

Written by: Kris Dyer, soccerprose.com

Adidas Adizero Prime Review

So the newest iteration of the Adidas F50 Adizero is out, and is called the Adidas F50 Adizero Prime. This is not to say it named after a giant CGI robot that wanders the planet blasting Decepticons, but its about as advanced, and just as cool. These shoes features two big changes from the original and hugely popular F50 Adizeroes, but Adidas haven’t really taking any risks here.

The first new feature, and probably the most important, is the fact the shoes now only 4.9 ounces, one ounce less than the original. This make the Primes the lightest shoes on the market right now, lighter than even the Puma v. 1.10 SL’s. With a Sprint Frame outsole that uses less bonded layers and no longer has a stiff insole board, these shoes are also more stable and more flexible than the last version. The lack of flexibility was a real problem with the original Adizeros, and led to many of the shoes ripping and tearing along the line of the instep. Also, the shoes bite into the turf better with the more flexible upper, allowing you to take full advantage of the geometric cleat designs patterned traction.

The upper is also another place where weight has been further reduced with the introduction of carbon fibre into the construction. This gives the shoes added strength while allowing for less material, basically its the same principle as the Nike Flywire on their Superfly’s, just don’t tell Nike I guess.They are calling the new upper technology adiLite if you want to Google it for yourself. Other than that they have the same featrues and soft touch that we’ve all come to love from the Aidzero line. At $299.99, there not cheap, but you get what you pay for and they are a top quality shoe for a top drawer player.

Written by: Matthew Wall, editor, soccerprose.com

New Adidas F50 Adizero Colorways Review

Well we just got a peek at the new Adidas F50 Adizero colorways, and I’ve go to say they look class. The leather version is my favorite of the two, with the bright electricity lime color running down from the top of the tongue then flaring out along the toe inot a hash pattern. The area around the back of the heel and laces have also been dipped in the electricity color, which means the color runs right along the back up to the tongue giving it a seamless look. The rest of the shoe, except for the “F50” lettering and the studs are jet black, just like the previous leather Adizeros, with three white Adidas stripes on the outstep that really pop.

As for the specs on the shoe, there’s nothing new here. The Adizero is still the premier superlight boot, and this one is no different. While the Puma v1.10 SL’s maybe lighter weight, F50’s remain the overwhelming choice of the pros and for me thats all the proof I need. When I put them on, they feel soft and light on my feet, as you might expect, but I can really tell how the natural leather makes a difference. When I put on a pair of synthetics boots, the first thing I always notice is how tight and uncomfortable they are. Granted, the same can be said for leather shoes, but real leather breaks in faster and holds its shape better over time. This gives these Adizeros a longer shelf life, as they won’t wear out as quickly as the synthetics. They are made of Goleo calf-leather, so it’s still light weight, and the shoe only weighs in at a minuscule 165 grams.

They still feature the Adidas Sprint Frame and cleat pattern to give you that extra bite when you are taking off down the pitch. They also have all the same touch characteristics we’ve come to love from the Adizero, and a boot shape ideal for taking the ball down on the run. Overall, they are a great pair of soccer shoes, and if there good enough for Messi, then there good enough for me.

Written by: Matthew Wall, editor, soccerprose.com

Nike Mercurial Vapor IV Black/Orange/Black Review

Well the latest color in the Nike Mercurial line is out, and I’ve got to say I like it. The bright orange on black looks classy, and really makes the Nike swoosh pop. I know many of you reading this will already be fans of the Mercurials, and have a great grasp on their features, but here they are again.

Perhaps the best know feature of the Nike Mercurials Vapor is its lightweight, speed design which is built with the speedy striker in mind. For my part, the boots are very light on my feet, and do really like that feature. Near the end of the match, my legs are always tired, and the difference of only a few grams feels like several pounds less on my feet. These boots are no different, and weight a paltry 230 grams. The upper is another part of the shoe I’m a big fan of.

Often in soccer shoes I love the fell of the soleplate, and comfort, but find the touch lacking. In these boots, the Teijin synthetic leather on the upper allows me to be comfortable, but way it molds itself to my foot makes sure I can get a good feel for the ball. They have also added coating on the forefoot of these soccer shoes that is supposed to make the ball stick to your feet better on the run, allowing to control the ball not just tap it away from your opponents.

As for the chassis, is made of glass fibre, which means it’s lightweight, but flexible. And no, you won’t get glass in your foot. As for the studs, they are injected in order to add inner strength to them so you’re not slogging through with the thick heavy ones Nike have used in the past. Apparently this reduces the weight 12% from the previous version, and while I didn’t actually put it on a scale and compare it to a Vapor V, it is loads lighter. The cleat pattern itself is designed for stability and traction when sprinting so it won’t give a driect speed boost, but you will be able to apply more force to the ground in all the right places. The insole is comfortable, and I can’t feel the cleats on my foot too much during a match, other than that they look amazing.

Overall a great shoe for a great price, $239.99 at soccepro.com

Written by: Matthew Wall, editor, soccerprose.com

Nike Total 90 Laser Elite Review

So the new Total 90 Laser’s are out, and I have to say I’ve taken quite a shine to the colors used. The majority of the boot is a deep glossy black color, with the element staying mostly black as well which makes the green color on the touch pods really pop. Also, the swoosh is bright white, and outlined in the same bright green on the touch pods meaning the boots arte muted, but still flashy. For my part, I’m more of traditional color kind of guy, so they really appeal to my sense of the classic football boot, but at the same time have the splash of color that I need to keep them interesting. Just because I don’t want to wear the recent Safari Edition Superfly, which I think are the soccer equivalent of a Dolce and Gabana handbag. Anyway, the boots look class.

As for the feature, we’ve all heard about the inspiration behind these soccer shoes by now. Supposedly, the brief and inspiration for these shoes comes from clinical research that shows you can reduce the energy a player need to expend per step if wear lighter shoes. I could have told them that for less than they spent on the research, but it’s good to know the R&D department at Nike won’t be unemployed anytime soon. This is supposed to give players the edge at the end of the match. Of course if everyone is wearing superlights, than everyone is doing about the same, and if you had trained your players properly, this wouldn’t be an issue in the first place. Maybe I have a future at Nike after all?

As for the fins and other technology, it seems to actually work. The fins on the instep do help me get spin on the ball, but where I notice the real improvement is accuracy on the volley, which ideal for a tall person like me who often jumps in on the run to slot a quick one into the net. The touch pods help with getting the ball to stick to your feet, and the nearest thing I can compare it too is the touch compound on an Adidas futsal shoe. It creates increased friction in order make the ball slow down and stick to your foot, basically it’s like playing with sticky tape on your instep.

The carbon fibre soleplate is another nice feature as its super flexible and when combined wit the sockliner I don’t get blisters from the cleats when I’m on the run. I also like the cleat pattern as it’s designed for stability and help when you are cutting on the run. Overall, it a great shoe, with some decent technology, and the new color looks great. At $200.00, I still think they are a great deal.

Written by: Matthew Wall, editor, soccerprose.com

Adidas Predator X FG Electricity Review

I am feeling the full adipower Predator X electricity’s as I hold them in my hand. They are out and like the Nike Safari Superflys, if you like, or can get past the color, they area classy pair of boots for the serious football player who wants some adipower in his shot.

Posted by: Matthew Wall, editor, soccerprose.com

Adidas AdiNova v. Adidas Copa Mundial Video

So would you rather be caressed by the Adiprene insole of a Adidas AdiNova turf shoes, or feel the history of a storied Copa Mundial boot on your feet?

Posted by: Matthew Wall, editor, soccerprose.com

Adidas F50 Adizero White Out Review

The new White & Cyan Adidas F50 Adizeros finally came to the shop recently, and I’ve been waiting to talk about them ever since I heard of their impending arrival. The F50 Adizero line is no secret to players and fans—they’re the lightest boot on the market and used by world class strikers, most notably Lionel Messi. Let’s harp on that quality for a second. Before I tried a pair on for myself, I thought, “Ok, yeah they’re super light, but is it worth it?” Then I finally put a pair on and walked around the shop. Holy bejeezus, it was as if I hadn’t put shoes on at all. I obviously didn’t get a chance to use them to their full capacity, but the little personal demo offered a solid amount of incite to the ability of these boots.

You get a supreme touch on the ball with the added bonus of swift movement and acceleration. There’s also a great balance between stability and quickness, owing to the chassis structure and cleat design. The geometric triangle/diamond shape design of the studs keeps your feet from digging too far into the playing surface, and Adidas kept the number of studs to a minimum. You’ll get enough support in key areas like the heel and such, but Adidas kept the amount of studs at the front of the foot low. I think it’s a good move because it will reduce friction with the playing surface and give a little nudge forward with acceleration and top speed. The chassis of the shoe is also sturdy enough to allow quick turning and planting of the foot while also being flexible enough for comfortable movement.

My only issue with the F50 adizero line is the lack of protection on the top of the foot. I do understand that this boot is a striker boot and has to cater to that particular position which especially demands quick and free foot movement, so obviously protection isn’t on the top of the priority list. However, I would have liked to see some sort of security for the top of your foot—it’s hard to score goals with a broken metatarsal. All in all, though, I suppose this is less of a worry for those who rarely get their foot stomped on. The occasional wayward kick will always happen, and, in that scenario, I think a player wearing these boots will only end up with a pain or bruise.

Alright, now for the part everybody’s been waiting for—the white on white with cyan cleats color scheme! Let’s do an exercise real quick. Check out soccerpro.com and look at the white/cyan adizeros. Now look at your shoes. Now look at the adizeros. DIAMONDS. (Thanks Old Spice. Always wanted to do that.) This boot is basically the antithesis to the leopard print Ronaldo boots of, shall we say, debatable likability. It’s slick, clean and simple. The shoe is all around a reflective white color, and even the trademark 3-stripes are white. With the cleats being cyan, the overall effect of the shoe is a somewhat futuristic look. If spacemen played footy, they’d wear a shoe that looked like these boots. At $179.99, I’d look out for these boots in the market. If you decide to sit and wait on it, you might find yourself out of luck. Overall, I like the direction Adidas took with these soccer shoes’ color scheme. It gives a fresh perspective in the market that has seen highlighter and neon colors flourish; I for one welcome this fresh perspective!

Written by: Kris Dyer, soccerprose.com

Adidas Adilette Sandals Review

I know, I know, it’s November and I’m talking about Adidas Adilette sandals. Obviously it’s not exactly sandal season in most places anymore, but they’re still worth discussing. The sandals have been around since 1972, so, yeah, I’d say they’re a pretty classic sandal. Though I haven’t been around since ’72, I can still remember seeing these sandals being around since I was a wee little kid. If I remember correctly, they’re even shown in the movie Dazed and Confused. Don’t quote me on that, though.

Anyway, I picked up a pair of these sandals about 2 months or so ago, and it was easily the best sandal purchase I’ve made. It’s absurd how comfortable these things are right from the start. I seriously think it took me about an hour to get them broken in. The footbed is wicked supportive and comfy, and what I especially love about it is the contour made for your toes. It fits right into the arch of your toes, so they stay put with every step. As a pigeon-toed (that’s right) dude, I often have problems finding a sandal that stays with my awkward way of walking, and I’m so happy I picked up a pair of Adilettes. They stay with my foot while I’m walking or jogging to beat the meter maid, but they are still super easy to slip on and off. I wear them pretty much every morning to put change in the meter and get coffee. The only “drawback” I found with the sandals is that the upper strap kind of digs into your foot for a day or so. It’s not painful or anything, but you can just feel the stiffness of the upper until you get it broken in. Like I said, breaking them in doesn’t take long, so the stiffness really isn’t an issue. These sandals aren’t necessarily the best at keeping your foot absolutely dry, but I’m not sure I’ve ever had a sandal that did well in that department. All in all, these sandals are a classic in style. I’ve received many a compliment from buddies of mine because they had no idea you could still get these sandals. Rest assured, guys (and girls), these sandals are very much alive. Oh, and as I said earlier, I know it’s not exactly sandal weather anymore in most places. Still, the sandals are totally affordable at $22.49 per pair, and I think they’ll make a great gift idea. I’ve only had mine a couple months, but they show no signs of falling apart on me. I’ve stubbed the front of them on the sidewalk so many times, yet they still remain sturdy and in form. Definitely worth the twenty bucks.

Oh, right, they also come in other colors than navy, if that happened to be your hang up!

Written by: Kristopher Dyer from soccerpro.com

Nike Total90 Strike III Review

Nike has created an affordable, intimidating cleat in the Nike Total 90 Shoot III that is both high performing and sexy (yes, I said sexy, deal with it). The younger brother of the Total 90 Laser Elite, the Shoot III is a surprisingly comfortable shoe (I’m normally an Adidas man myself), as it runs wider than most Nike shoes. If you have wider feet, fret not. The cleat fits on like a glove. Synthetic leather helps makes the shoe both durable and lightweight, a priority for most player in this day and age. Though not as lightweight as its older brother, the Shoot III has a superior touch over most other boots available today, thanks in large part to the “strike” material on the instep of the cleat.

The rubbery insole may feel like a cheap add-on to the similar styling of the rival Adidas Predator material, however, this could not be further from the truth. When testing the boot, I found the boot’s accuracy, power, and swerve to be quite comparable to that of an Adidas Predator style boot, if not better. Plus, the shoe runs for under $100, something that Adidas cannot brag about with its shoe. Other parts of the shoe are designed for performance as well. Strategically placed studs optimize traction and increase stability so you can cut with pinpoint accuracy and speed. The molded EVA sock-liner also increased comfort and reduces any pressure the studs may place on your foot. A contoured arch helps comfort and the shoe includes solid heel support for further comfort. Not only does the shoe perform well and feels extremely comfortable, but also the Shoot III looks fierce.

Coming from an Adidas shoe lover, the fact I’m giving the Shoot III a ton of credit for its looks should say a lot. The red color will make your feet pop on the pitch instantly. The grey/black color mixed with the challenge red and the black laces help make the entire shoe stand out even more. My one issue with the boot is the big T90 near the heel. It looks slightly gaudy to me, but is hardly noticeable and in reality, a ridiculous complaint. Overall, this shoe is a terrific value for all you get.

Adidas Youth Predito X Soccer Shoes Review

I can remember back in the day when I was a little soccer dude, and I distinctly recall thinking my Adidas indoor shoes were just the coolest, which of course made me cool by association. Though I rocked the Sambas, I think the Adidas Predito Youth Turf shoes will provide the same level of amazement and coolness for a young dude or dudette. Shoe design has certainly come a long way since I fit into youth sizes. These bad boys share a lot of the same design qualities as their cousin, the firm ground Predito cleats. They’re made from synthetic leather, like pretty much every youth shoe, but they also come with the TRAXION outsole to give the little tikes some added grip and comfort on turf and hard ground surfaces.

Striking surface probably isn’t that important to little kids, but they still built the shoe with a pretty solid striking area just like the Adidas Predator. Kinetic energy is designed to travel along the base of your foot to the ball through the Powerspine so it might offer a physics lesson too. Aside from the technical stuff, this shoe is pretty sweet lookin’. The regular 3-stripe design has been stylized, both on the inside and outside of the foot. The inside changes it up and turns each stripe into a set of 4 thinner navy stripes, and the outside keeps the stripes a solid navy with thinner royal blue lines running through each stripe. Pretty cool.

The heel of the shoe has the same look as the outdoor cleats with a silver band horizontally along the heel and some cool little stitching patterns. Overall, I think this would be the shoe that could be used as both a playing shoe and a recreational shoe. Any kid walking into their 2nd or 3rd (or whatever grade they’re in) will definitely be stylin’ and profilin’ when they get to school in these puppies. They’re comfortable, so your kid will want to wear them. They’re durable, so one pair will last quite some time even if used for more than one purpose. They’re only $31.49 per pair, so they’re super affordable and make a great gift idea!

Written by: Kristopher Dyer, shoe dude for soccerprose.com

Nike 5 Bomba Pro Review

If you are looking for a quality turf shoe but have a limited budget, The Nike 5 Bomba Pro should be right up your alley.

The upper is made of natural leather with lacing down the lateral side for optimal ball-striking area. The leather material also make the shoe durable for a considerably lengthy period of time as well as quite comfortable on your feet. Foam pads along the instep also increase comfort for players and help guide the ball to exactly where the player desires the ball to go. Comfort is increased even further with match after match with the die-cut EVA sock-liner adding cushion in the forefoot and heel. In short, putting on the Bomba feels like putting one’s feet in a sea of pillows (It’s a glorious feeling, if you were wondering). The shoe itself is quite light, however does sacrifice the Nike “Kanga-Lite” material used in the Bomba Finale, a relative disappointment. Considering the price difference, Nike had to make sacrifices somewhere and this is a fair compromise for a great deal on the shoe.

The bottom of the shoe is quite unique for a turf shoe but in a great way. The turf design is relatively standard on the black portions of the shoe. Superior traction and ball control come from an artificial grass TPU design and rubber placed in the midfoot. However, Nike highlights it’s best feature with its pink turf studs. The pink studs help significantly with gripping corners and navigating play in tight space. The cuts felt smooth, natural, and precise through testing . This feature is identical to the older brother of this shoe, the Nike 5 Bomba Finale.

The look of this shoe may be “plain-Jane” for some people, with only blacks and pinks used throughout the shoe. However, the shoe does sport a unique feel with it’s instep side, comparable to the predator style look and feel of the Adidas Predator X. The instep design helps increase ball control. Plus, the instep just plain looks unique and cool. If you’re looking for a quality turf shoe that has excellent control and great comfort, the Nike 5 Bomba Pro will definitely fit your needs without breaking your bank account.

Love ‘Em?…Hate ‘Em?…CR7 Safari Superfly Review

The new Nike Safari Superfly has just released and the color scheme is generating a lot of buzz. The shoes are white with black spots cheetah that covers the shoe, even the laces, and an orange Nike Swoosh along the out step over the printed pattern. The shoes are part of the Mercurial Vapor line, and have all of the same features as the Bright Cactus version released in May.

These aren’t really a new type of boot, but a variation on the already existing line of Nike top drawer shoes. The shoe is designed to give you some extra speed with its glass fiber outsole plate. The studs feature the new Vapor traction pattern with the cleats higher on the front outstep and on the instep of the heel to allow you to dig in you cleats and change direction faster.

The upper is made of the Dawoo Synthetic cover that has been on all of the shoes in this class and help ball control when you’re on the run. The interior is made of microfiber, and adjust to the shape of your foot to give you a more natural fell for the ball. Think of a gel insole, but on the top of your foot, and it’s breathable. What’s more is gives you a bit more material between the top of your foot and an opponents cleats so there’s more protection than an Adidas Adizero or a Puma v. 1.10 SL.

If you a more aggressive player like me, this makes them a must have.The insole is made of the same breathable sock liner as featured in the rest of the Superfly boots and helps you stay dry. The cleats on the bottom of the boot are in the Vapor pattern, and are reinforced so they won’t come off unless you take a saw to them. The only problem is this tends to come out of the shoe easily when you take them off after the match as they sort of stick to your wet socks. At $399 a pair they aren’t cheap, but if you’re going to buy a top drawer pair of boots, you can’t beat the comfort and protection of these, and the unique colorway will definitely turn heads.

If you can get past the color, they’re great shoes that will hold up as well as any other Nike shoe. For my part, I think the orange and white of the cheetah actually go well together, but I’d prefer orange laces and to lose the blakc spots. Love them or hate them, they are associated with one of the best players in the world, and if Ronaldo’s scoring goals with them they’re sure to be a hit.

Written by: Matthew Wall, editor, soccerprose.com

Puma v1.10 SL Review

The Puma v 1.10 SL is the lightest boot out right now. Weighing in at a super light 5.3oz the SL is designed for speed and touch. It’s great for those that favor a thin upper, which is made of a premium microfiber. Also, the Puma AptoLast makes the upper conform to the foot’s natural shape giving the SL a glove-like fit. Even though Puma has really lightened up the v1.10, the SL is still a very durable shoe. A ball feels nice against the microfiber. It has a bit of grip which makes it easy to control the ball when dribbling or shooting.

With a Pebax one piece frame, even more weight has been reduced. This has been done by constructing a Carbon Fiber plate for the midfoot. Not only has the weight been cut but the carbon fiber plate is also designed to increase the reaction from flexion while moving. In other words, the boot improves acceleration. The SL has pointed studs and a very small stud on each heel that provides great traction and aids the natural running motion.

The Puma SL is all around a top notch shoe but there is one drawback. Protection has been sacrificed in the SL. The shoe is very durable but has an extremely low profile, leaving the ankles exposed and tops of the feet are open to injury. For that reason alone, I recommend this boot to strikers and midfielders that like to attack. So, overall the SL is one of the best boots currently on the market. It fits great and breaks in very quickly. All in all, a shoe built for speed and looks, not for tackling.

Written by: Providence Tucker for soccerprose.com

Nike5 Bomba Finale Review

Welcome to the Ultimate Futsal Shoe. Nike has decided to go bold in its brand new design of the Nike5 Bomba Finale, available in black. At first glance, the shoe is a terrific design for turf environments. The bottom of the shoe has hexagonal turf pieces in the forefoot and heel of the shoe, which is relatively standard for this type of shoe. However, the real impressive feature on the Bomba is the circular rubber studs on the outer edges of the shoe to give a player further balance when taking sharp corners. I tested this out for myself and found my cuts to be very sharp and movement to be quite fluid.

Off-set lacing in the Nike5 Bomba also help to add a ton of surface area for striking the ball. The lacing does not feel awkward and actually is more comfortable than most symmetrical lacing systems in boots. Did I also mention these are incredibly comfortable shoes? A molded Ortholite sock-liner helps increase cushioning so your feet feel like they are resting on your pillow at home. What a glorious feeling that is, right? But what is the real differentiation with the shoe? The Kanga-Lite upper material.

Kanga-Light is a new material that Nike has developed to keep the Nike 5 Series lightweight and durable, maintaining the fit, feel and stretch of traditional leather but maintaining integrity and fit qualities over the life of the boot. Kanga-Lite’s engineered properties also mean the upper does not absorb moisture in wet conditions. The result is boots that are built light and stay light over the course of a game. Lighter boots over the course of the game means improved stamina in the late stages of matches.

The Nike5 Bomba is an excellent turf and futsal shoe that will hold up in nearly any condition. The lightweight design is perfect for long matches and the Kanga-Lite material provides a great touch on the ball. Overall, I’m loving it.

Written by Chris Behrens, writer for soccerprose.com

 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *