Nike Total 90 Laser Elite Firm Ground Football Boots - Purple/Black/Orange EC Edition

Introducing the new 110g lighter Nike Total 90 Laser Elite, part of the Elite Pack range. Featuring Nike's signature Metallic Mach Purple/Black/Total Orange colourway for the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa these boots will be showcased by England's talismanic Wayne Rooney and Spain's El Nino, Fernando Torres.

A re-engineered sole-plate and upper incorporates Vapor lightweight construction, intricate design and carbon-enforced strength with high contrast Metallic Mach Purple and Total Orange colours, engineered together for enhanced performance, visibility and a 110g lighter boot! 

Nike's world renowned flagship accuracy boot T90 Laser Elite edition weighing 265g features a specially designed synthetic upper, renowned for it's comfort and feel. A side lacing system combined with the alternate eyelet holes creates a cleaner kicking surface. 

Fins across the front of the boot are designed and positioned at different angles and varying heights (0-3mm), allowing the player to better swerve and control the ball, allowing for excellent multi-directional passing and shooting.

A memory foam surface underneath the 1st metatarsal and tongue area evens out pressure on your instep bone structure, increasing kicking accuracy; these areas work in combination with 5 longitudinal and flexible instep pods designed to accommodate any possible kicking area and movement by lying as flat as possible to your foot, once again reducing pressure. 

Meanwhile, a super-strong and lightweight carbon fibre soleplate places studs at the best locations for structural reinforcement and traction on the pitch.

Nike Total 90 Laser III K-FG - White/Blue/Charcoal

Nike Total 90 Laser III K-FG - White/Blue/Charcoal

Introducing the latest K-leather Nike Total 90 Laser III, Fernando Torres' weapon of choice.

Featuring a premium lightweight kangaroo leather upper, renowned for it's comfort and touch and a side lacing system combined with alternate eyelet holes for a cleaner kicking surface, you'll be able to ping passes and smash shots with deadly accuracy! 

Fins across the front of the boot are designed and positioned at different angles and varying heights (0-3mm), allowing the player to better swerve and control ball, allowing for excellent multi-directional passing and shooting.

A memory foam surface underneath the 1st metatarsal and tongue area evens out pressure on your instep bone structure, increasing kicking accuracy; these areas work in combination with 5 longitudinal and flexible instep pods designed to accommodate any possible kicking area and movement by lying as flat as possible to your foot, once again reducing pressure. 

A lightweight TPU outsole places studs at the best locations for structural reinforcement and traction on firm ground surfaces.

Wear your Nike Total 90 Laser III K-leather Firm Ground Football Boots just like the professionals with our Boot ID personalisation service.

Messi's Adizero Released

Lionel Messi has again been given the honor of having his own personalized soccer boot created. This version of the Adidas F50 adiZero comes in aMetallic Gold/Black/White color that looks very similar to the Sun Yellow version that the likes of Jose Altidore wore at the World Cup in South Africa. The only real difference is the trim and some detailing…and of course the fact that they have been tailored for Messi!

The detailing on the boot comes in a very unique, almost mustard, color. Adidas have chosen to go with a black tongue and laces, along with black studs to polish off the design. They come in the synthetic version, so you are getting the ultimate lightweight boot at 5.8oz.

Personally, I am not a huge fan of the colors. The mustard/gold really throws it off in my opinion. But then again, who am I to question what Lionel Messi wears on his feet. Having tested the full adiZero range, I can tell you that they are a great boot performance wise, and they are surprisingly comfortable to break in for being a super lightweight cleat.

T90 Tracer Ball Review

This past July, Nike released the T90 Tracer ball to be used in some of the top leagues around the globe for the new season, leagues that include the English Premier League, Spain’s La Liga and Italy’s Serie A.  It took Nike two years of extensive research to create this new ball,  working with players and teams to come up with the finished program. After a month of testing it myself in training sessions and games, I can tell you that the process was well worth it! There is something special about this ball, especially if you compare it against other topsoccer balls currently on the market. Here are my thoughts on how it performs.

Initial ThoughtsFrom what I had heard about the ball before testing, I knew there was going to be something special about it. One of the first aspects you notice about the ball is the actual design, with very unique looking graphics that circle the ball. Like the Nike Elite range, there is a strong “visual” premise behind the ball that I was eager to try out. After testing it out Atletico Madrids Sergio Aguero stated that “the T90 Tracer always feels the same no matter where I strike it. It’s responsive and easily controlled in every situation.”

Touch and ControlOne of the advancements to this ball is a unique 5 layer casing and construction that improves consistency on touch. One thing that is noticeable is the feel of the ball. When you hold it your hands it has a solid feel, as it does when it touches your foot. But, the difference lies in the fact that it actually has a rebound effect off your foot. It feels really smooth on contact, great feeling overall! Initially, I took the ball out for a knock around, a little jog while dribbling and some toe-taps. Dribbling, the T90 Tracer is great as it moves easily in sync with your boot as you move.

Whats up with the Dimples?
The dimples are part of the micro-textured casing material that is designed to equal the flow of air around the ball as it moves in the air. The ball still feels smooth as you rub your hand over it, it feels like they are “micro” dimples!

Created for AccuracyIn testing, Nike have stated that the T90 Laser is the most pin-point accurate soccer ball in the world, consistently hitting a 3-foot in diameter bulls-eye while the leading competitors were only able to hit a 6 foot diameter bulls-eye. It’s tough to actually test this on your own, but from fellow player feedback (who used the ball) it is very consistent when shooting. I think this is integral to a good ball. My personal opinion on the Adidas Jabulani (even though I called it the“Tiny Dancer”) was that it failed to help players do what they wanted with the ball. It might have been a nightmare for goalkeepers, but what use is that if top players can control it when shooting or spraying long balls? This is one area that I think the T90 Tracer excels as you are able to knock it where you want with confidence.

 

DesignEvidently, the circle graphic seen running around the ball does serve a useful purpose! In technical speak “the high-contrast asymmetrical graphic generated a strong visual signal, which captures peripheral vision and focuses central vision more rapidly.” And I agree! When knocking this ball around, it is quick easy to spot as you move, especially as the ball circumnavigates the field.

As seen in the English Premier LeagueAlready this season, there have been 86 goals scored in 30 games – an average of 2.9 goals per game. That is a pretty good return, particularly after thedrought of goals at this summers World Cup. And the goals being scored have been spectacular. One of the issues at the World Cup was that players couldn’t seem to keep shots on target, but that does not seem to be an issue with the T90 Tracer.

Summary

In closing, I am a huge fan of this ball and it is probably one of the best currently on the market. Companies are spending large amounts of money on developing a soccer ball that ranks amongst the highest available on the market. And with the Adidas Jabulani achieving almost cult status during the World Cup, it was important that Nike released something that rivaled. And in my opinion, the T90 Tracer exceeds the quality seen in other releases. The main difference for me is the consistency that this ball offers on the field. If you are in the market for a new match ball, this is a great option!

What are the most comfortable Socks?

 received a great email earlier this week asking a very simple question, what soccer socks do I think are the best? One critical piece of equipment you need is a good pair of socks that fit properly and are comfortable. Having the wrong size, or a sock that slips, can cause some unnecessary discomfort.

To be honest, I don’t have a comprehensive answer to this question right now, but it is now something I am going to work on getting further information to you about.

What I can tell you is that I have worn several different types of socks over the last few months including Umbro, Adidas and Nike with mixed results. I currently use a pair of adidas Formotion Edge Sock that have been working out really well. I have always seen them as a go-to sock because of their price and reliability. Adidas use their patented Climalite technology to manage moisture, and they use compression in the ankle and arch for added comfort. With that being said, different players look for different attributes and I will try to put together a comprehensive review of what options are available.

Stay tuned for more information on soccer socks over the next few weeks. In the meantime, let us know below if there is a particular sock that you wear that you think works best!

Nike CTR360 Trequartista Review

esh off the review of the CTR360 Maestri comes the review of its younger brother, the CTR360 Trequartista. Up until a few weeks ago, I had passed on reviewing the CTR360 range, and I can tell you that I regret waiting so long now! Built with quality and value in mind, there were times when I actually found it difficult to differentiate the performance of the Trequartista to the Maestri. As reference, Trequartista is an Italian term for attacking midfielder, so before wearing them you can already tell who they have been designed for. I wore a size 9US in the Red/Black colorway during testing.

Breaking In
The Trequartista was a breeze to break in. From the first time of wearing they felt super comfortable and throughout testing I encountered no problems. Before breaking them out in a game, I wore them for one training session and that is all I needed. You are pretty much going to be able to take these from box to game (pending you have the right size of course.) In terms of fit, they are absolutely true to size.

Comfort and PerformanceOne area where you can tell a difference is in the insole, where there is not as much support as in the Maestri. But, overall I felt that these offered a very high level of comfort. They are created using a super soft natural leather, so there is some room for the boot to stretch and mold to your foot. The one thing I was impressed with was the all-around feel of the boot, and to be honest I would say that when you have a pair in your hands you will question why they are available at such a competitive price! In terms of on field performance they were spot on. Running, cutting and changing direction resulted in no problem, with the boots always feeling extremely snug on my feet.

TechnologyThe only piece of unusual technology used in these boots is the addition of built in control pods around the front. They were very effective on the Maestris, but on the Trequartista things were a little bit different. I noticed over the space of a few games, the actual pod seemed to flatten out, unlike in the Maestri where they are still clearly defined and visible after a few weeks. But don’t get me wrong, they serve their purpose adequately on the Trequartista when controlling or striking the ball.

Value
Are these worth the money? ABSOLUTELY! Prices for a pair vary, but you can probably get them for around $70 and they are well worth it! At times, I actually felt like I was wearing an expensive, top of the line boot, making them a excellent purchase if you are on a budget.

 

NegativesIt is difficult to give a negative for a boot like this. If there was one thing, it is related to the fact that these also scuff easily. The red part at the back of the cleat took a few dings and knocks that were noticeable. Other than that, no complaints.

SummaryThese are a great boot for any soccer player out there, but if you are an attacking player on a budget they are a must have! As I said, there were times when I found it difficult to differentiate these from more expensive boots because of the quality they offer. If you happen not to be an attacking player, don’t be put off as I have seen players in positions all over the field sporting these. They weigh in on the high end at 11.4oz, but I wouldn’t let that be a defining negative factor as they are built around comfort and performance. After reviewing the Trequartista I would place them as one of my go-to boots, and rank very highly amongst the current market choices.

Adidas F50 adizero Hybrid Review

Jul 19th, 2010 

by bryan.

To finish up the review series of the Adidas F50 adizero series we have theFG/SG Hybrid version. After reviewing both FG versions of the Leather andSynthetic adizero, it was nice to be able to get to test out something a little different, and specifically on a grass surface. I don’t get to play on a lot of grass surfaces here in LA, so reviewing these took a few extra weeks than normal. For testing, I wore a size 9US in the Synthetic Chameleon Purple/White/Electricity colorway.

What does Hybrid mean?
Hybrid refers to the fact that you can change out the studs and use the boots on different surfaces. When you buy a pair, it comes with the firm ground studs in a pink color and a stud wrench for tightening/loosening. If you decide, you can buy a pair of SG studs that will allow you to play on soft surfaces. The bonus lies in the fact that you are buying one pair of boots for both surfaces instead of two!

Breaking InComfort wise these were great, just like during testing of the FG versions. I wore them jogging a few times before breaking them out into a game just to be sure that they would not cause any problems – especially since I needed to transition to a grass surface. When I did get them into a game, they felt really good. At one stage I was tempted to tape up my heal as I felt like there was a possibility I could blister, but for the sake of reviewing I battled through and things worked out.

WeightThe Hybrid version of the F50 adizero is the heaviest, but for good reason as there is more technology involved to allow for screwing studs in and out. By heavier, these weigh in at 6.6oz compared to the synthetic FG that weighs 5.8oz. It is really not that great a difference, and when you are below 7oz you are still talking absolute lightweight boots! One thing I did notice was that after wearing on a wet surface, and then drying, they weighed 6.75oz. So, they soak up a very minimal amount of weight.

Why buy them?
For a lot of players, the option to buy two separate pairs of cleats are out of the question. So, getting 2 in 1 only makes sense! I had the opportunity to test them out with both FG and SG studs with positive results. For anyone looking to get something for both they are a great option. The one thing to bear in mind is the fact that you are going to need to buy new studs from time to time, I would recommend at least once per season for each set. But with that being said, the studs are far cheaper than another set of boots!

Will the studs fall out?
This is the most common question I have received about these boots and the answer is simple; make sure the studs are tight before each game and they won’t fall out. It is natural for the studs to move a little while you twist and turn during a game, but not enough to fall out! The stud wrench also fits extremely well. One other thing I noticed about the studs is that over time, they lose their color.

Negatives
Only one, and that is the fact that these are not intended for artificial surfaces. You will only get the most out of these by wearing them on a natural grass surface.

Overall
The Hybrid F50 adizero is an excellent option for anyone looking for a boot to use on multiple natural grass surfaces. The fact that Adidas have managed to keep the F50 below 7oz astounds me, particularly when you are adding on the additional weight of Aluminium studs. Having the option to change between both an FG and SG stud can make the difference on any given day, especially if you are not sure what the conditions of a field is going to be like. I know that is an area that I have fell short on in recent times, so I will keep these in my bag for a rainy day (excuse the pun!) In terms of performance, you are not going to find a much better boot on the market. If you need more information on how the leather and synthetic versions compare, check out our Adidas F50 adizero: Leather versus Synthetic post.