Preseason pending!
After all the ups and downs of 2020.
Null and void seasons.
The dawn of a new season is upon us!
And what better way to get prepared then a pair of new wheels (by wheels we mean football boots).
But what boots are best suited for me?
Whether you’re a tricky winger in need of lightweight boots to keep your speed, or a no-nonsense defender who wants some no nonsense boots. We’ve got you with 10 football boots to cater to your needs.
Let’s get started…
The Boot – Puma Future Z Neymar x Copa America
What better way to start than with a bit of samba style!
This special colour edition is to be exclusively worn by Brazilian magician Neymar Jr. during the Brazil Copa America 2021 campaign this summer.
Inspired by the Brazilian colours, this boot also contains Puma’s cutting-edge technology to help improve your game no end.
The Players
Solely and exclusively designed for Neymar Jr.
The hopes of Brazil’s chances of winning the Copa America will fall solely upon the Brazil No.10’s shoulders.
Neymar himself will be hoping to achieve glory after a disappointing season with Paris Saint Germain.
The Technology
First off is Puma’s FUZIONFIT+ compression band. Here’s the science straight from Puma;
“The band was developed using a special combination of polyester and spandex yarns, along with special technical yarns to create the perfect balance of compression, comfort and durability, giving the wearer that second-skin feeling.”
Now for the translation. The FUZIONFIT+ compression band (the yellow section of the boot) provides your foot with a locked in feel. This is what most of us try to achieve when tightening our boot to get a closer feel for the ball.
In addition, the top layer of the boot contains a knitted fabric they have called GripControl Pro. This layer of the boot provides enhanced grip control for those tight pockets of space you have to manoeuvre through.
evoKNIT pro
The Fancy Touches
Motivational laces
The laces contain motivational words to inspire your game.
The right laces contain the wording ‘Dream Chaser’. The left laces contain ‘Tudo Passa’ which translates to ‘everything passes’.
Neymar logo
It seems every football superstar now has their own brand outside of their club. Neymar is no different and has attached his signature ‘NJR’ logo to decorate the sole of this colour edition boot.
His logo is inspired from graffiti found on the streets of Sao Paolo (Neymars home state).
Suitable for what player?
The attacking player who’s game involves quick changes of direction to evade defenders. With its technological advances to improve your agility and control of the ball, the attacking playmaker will find these boots useful.
If you are a player playing between in the 10 role in tight pockets, this boot should be a serious option for you.
Where can I buy?
The boots are available from ProDirect Soccer.
The Boot – Nike Mercurial XIV Elite
This popular boot is no stranger to the football community.
This boot has been part of the football establishment since the days of Thierry Henry and ‘R9’ Ronaldo.
Reenergised with a host of new colours for the season ahead.
The Players
Out and out strikers Cristiano ‘CR7’ Ronaldo and Erling Haaland bang in the goals for fun with these bad boys.
Speedsters such as Kylian Mbappe and Jadon Sancho also show defenders clean sets of heels utilising the lightweight Vapor.
The Technology
Nike Aerotrak Zone
Chevron Studs
Nike Grip and Go
NIKESKIN overlay
The Fancy Touches
This boot needs none! The sleek, minimalist design is part of its lure.
No nonsense, just pure speed!
Suitable For What Player?
Without a doubt the attacking players. Whether you are wide man, or a striker running in behind this boot has been built with giving you the advantage.
Lightweight and built for tight control, there is no surprise to see so many of the attacking superstars pefer the Mercurial Vapor (or its flyknit counterpart) as their boot of choice.
Where Can I Buy?
Available from the Official Nike Website.
The Boot – Puma King Platinum
Perfect for the football historian and lover of all nostalgia!
The first Puma King was released in 1968 and the poster boy for the brand was Eusebio.
The boot has been a classic ever since with the biggest stars in the game showcasing them on the biggest stages.
The boot has been remodelled since those early days, but still bears resemblance to the originals.
If it isn’t broke, why try fixing it?
This remake adds a royal touch with the puma king with hints of gold across the boot.
The Players
Recently Neymar Jr. has been the poster boy of the Puma King remake.
Previous people to don the Puma Kings are
Johan Cruyff
Diego Maradona
Lothar Matthaus
Eusebio
Pele
The Technology
A Rapidsprint outer sole. It helps increase your speed due to it lightweight, reactive nature and external heel counter.
The Fancy Touches
What touches would make these fit for the name PUMA king?
A few royal touches of gold!
The boot has a gold plate on the lower part of the boot that is designed tastefully.
Suitable For What Player?
A classic retro boot such as this can be versatile.
No nonsense defenders, box to box midfielders or edge of the shoulder attackers. This boot has got it all.
Our recommendation? A defender who goes about his business in an unassuming manner or a player who knows his football history.
Where can I buy?
The Boot – Adidas Predator Freak
Alongside the Nike Mercurial stands another OG in the game, the Adidas Predator.
In this seasons edition named the ‘Freak’.
Available with a high sock or low sock, the freak brings a classic collection with a modern twist.
The Players
Paul Pogba
David Alaba
Marco Asensio
Gianluigi Donnarumma
The Technology
Demonskin – Strategically designed to place spikes in areas of the boot where contact is at most with the ball, the demon skin promotes not only better ball control, but a ballspin when striking.
ControlFrame – helps increase ball control both on the top and interestingly the bottom of the boot. With 20% of ball touches coming from the bottom of your boot, this helps improve your overall dribbling ability.
The Fancy Touches
No laces required. The boot has a supportive midcut.
Suitable For What Player?
The playmaker all day!
If you are the man who is dictating the play with your short- and long-range passing skills, this boot has all the tools to assist you.
Other notable mentions should be the ball playing centre halves, who require a good touch and precise passing abilities.