Steven Gerrard

CHRISTMAS FOOTBALL BOOTS - TOP 5

Remember - a football boot is for a season, not just for Xmas.

Nike Mercurial Vapor IV

Probably considered ‘the Daddy’ of boots right now, Nike celebrated 10 years of the MercurialBerry. this year and topped it off with the release of the pink

It’s hard to ignore a football boot which seems to garner such a positive reaction from fans and also from players, who at the top end, include the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba and Theo Walcott.

For sure, it’s going to cost you a few quid, the RRP is just shy of £120, but most fans seem to agree that it’s a price worth paying. A bit like having you in-laws over for a week provided they babysit one night so you can get out for a beer. Get these football bootshere. for £119.99

Adidas Predator PowerSwerve

Another of the big boys and much loved by Steven Gerrard and Michael Ballack. Looks the part as it includes some bang up to date technology with classic styling. May have been replaced by the F50.8 and F50.9 in terms of Adidas hype but still retains a very strong position in the hearts of Adidas traditionalists.

However not great with regards to depreciation as Mick Hucknall found out recently when he offloaded a signed pair of David Beckham’s Predators for a massive loss. RRP is £129.99 order here.

Puma V1.08

Not surprisingly for Puma, their main focus at present is the new v-Konstrukt III which was launched a couple of weeks back. However, it is the v1.08 which makes it in to the Footy Boots Christmas stocking. Nicolas Anelka can’t stop scoring in them and David Bentley is a man reborn in them under Harry Redknapp.

Plus, he did use them to belt in his 40 yarder against Arsenal in that astonishing 4 – 4 north London derby. Always seems to provide players with a decent fit and built for speed merchants. You can get them for £120 this Xmas. Go for the Black/White/Olympian Bluehere. colourway. Even if you’re as talented as eunuch at an orgy, you’ll at least look like you know what goes where, so to speak. Order

Lotto Zhero Leggenda Due

Bit of a left field choice this one but outside of the ‘major’ brands, this is a Footy BootsLotto hit lucky when they signed up Glenn Johnson to wear these. He’s been in great form for Portsmouth of late and turned in a top performance against Germany in Berlin last week to really give Lotto some English based prominence. In signing the deal, Lotto also agreed to support Johnson’s Kent based soccer school. winner.

The Zhero Leggenda Due features Lotto’s Twist’ngo technology (something that John Sergeant managed to achieve last week). A good comfort football boot this one and mid-range in terms of price. The Footy Boots price is £89.99, order here.

Reebok Valde

Footy Boots has been longing for Reebok to enter the market with a serious contender and while the jury may still be out, they’ve at least made huge strides with the Valde Pro. It’s colourful to say the least but it’s real selling point is the technology. Reebok have concentrated on power generation with the creation of a ‘Power Unit’ which allows only one way flexing and stretch, decreasing energy loss on the strike.

Kangaroo leather helps with comfort and fit. Available from the 8th December, these come in at £99.99 leaving you just enough out of £100 to treat the Mrs.

But what about…….

Yes, there are loads of football boots we could have included.

You can’t go far wrong with the Adidas adiPURE and if they’re good enough for Maradona then they should be for you.

Big brand haters amongst you will surely be keen on the Nomis GloveTirosegno from Dirk Bikkembergs. all the way from Oz and for the really outlandish, there’s always the

The Nike Total 90 Laser II’s are much loved by the likes of Rooney, Keane and Torres and but for Nike being already in the list with the MV IV’s, would have made the top 5 as would have the Tiempo Air legend II’s as worn by Fabregas and Tevez.

And we ought to make a special mention for the truly revolutionary Concave’s, which probably caused more conversation and argument than any other football boot released in 2008.

Fancy another boot this Chritmas, check the boot room here.

Comments (0)

ADIDAS UNVEIL NEW LIVERPOOL KIT

They’re a busy old lot at Anfield.

Not content with preparing for their weekend trip to Birmingham then the Champions League semi final second leg against Chelsea, their top players, in association with official sponsor and sportswear supplier Adidas, have found the time to reveal the new club home strip for next season.

ORDER YOURS NOW

The new stylish kit is in classic Liverpool red. An embroidered Liver Bird is positioned on the back of the shirt and the inner neck of the shirt has a red chequered area inspired by the flags of The Kop. The shirt also carries a “This is Anfield” inscription, inspired by the famous Anfield sign.

The new shirt collar is ribbed with a v-neck which has always been well received on shirts from the past.

As always for Adidas, technology is at the forefront of the kit design. The shirt incorporates the world-renowned ClimaCoolTM and ForMotionTM technologies which allow heat and sweat to escape and giving the athlete the freedom and movement to perform.

ORDER YOURS NOW

Comments (11)

ADIDAS - DREAM BIG

Adidas have launched their latest campaign “DREAM BIG” where some of the world’s biggest football stars meet the world’s smallest football teams.

Rather than focusing on the big football superpowers for Euro 2008, adidas have decided to focus on some lesser known football teams with the notion that anyone can “Dream Big”, no matter what their ranking.

Kaká, Messi, Gerrard and Beckham are amongst the all-star group of footballers that were sent out, along with their football boots on missions to Andorra, San Marino and the Isles of Scilly (UK) to inspire and coach local teams.

A small number of young boys and girls in the three locations took part in what they thought was a straightforward documentary about football - and were totally unaware of the star players’ involvement. This surprise element led to some extraordinarily charming and real moments between players and kids.

San Marino - being one of the lowest-ranked national teams in Europe - receives specialist coaching and advice from stars such as Kaká, Xabi Alonso and Robin van Persie. The stars work side by side with the young players answering questions and passing on advice. What follows is an intimate, light-hearted and inspiring series of football films.

The second location in the series sees adidas stars sharing their knowledge in the world’s smallest football competition. Just two teams make up the Isles of Scilly league and the young players here could really use some outside help. Much to the surprise of the local residents the likes of, among others, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Patrick Vieira and Michael Ballack turn up to pass on tips to the islands’ youngsters.

In the third location, a team of talented juniors from Andorra set off on a road trip of a lifetime to the Spanish capital Madrid. Tickled by the idea of helping out the 179th ranked country in the world, Super Coach José Mourinho arrives for a special coaching session with the future of Andorran football, before sending the boys off on their journey. Along the way the boys are met by Lionel Messi, David Villa, Lukas Podolski and Arjen Robben.

“Dream Big” is what unites the staged players and the kids - both of them having big dreams, being united by their love for football. The campaign also further enhances adidas’ brand statement of ‘Impossible is Nothing’. Even if you come from a small place you can still dream of conquering the impossible.

F50 TUNiT Footballers
ANDORRA LOCATION

Lionel Messi, Lukas Podolski, David Villa, Arjen Robben, José Mourinho

Predator� Footballers
THE ISLES OF SCILLY LOCATION

Steven Gerrard, David Beckham, Anderson, Michael Ballack, Patrick Vieira, Andriy Voronin, Daniele De Rossi.

adiPure Footballers
SAN MARINO LOCATION

Kaká, Robin van Persie, Yoann Gourcuff, Xabi Alonso, Philipp Lahm

See the video promo for the campaign.

Comments (1)

RONALDO IS PFA FAVOURITE

Last year’s winner Cristiano Ronaldo is the strong favourite to win the PFA players player of the year after the nominations were announced today.

The 23 year old Manchester United star has scored 37 goals this season and has been nominated alongside the Arsenal duo of Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor. Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard and striker Fernando Torres along with Portsmouth’s David James complete the list.

Ronaldo, Fabregas and Torres are also in the running to be the PFA young player of the year - a title which Ronaldo also walked away with last season.

They are joined by the Aston Villa pair Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young and Manchester City’s England defender Micah Richards.

Comments (0)

ENGLAND TEAM FOOTBALL BOOTS

Back in the spring of 2006, as we waited for Sven to lead England to World Cup glory (ahem) Footy Boots brought you the definitive list of boots worn by the England squad.

Two years on and with the cream of the Premier League about to be unleashed on the Parisian public, we thought it was high time to see how things have changed, particularly with the announcement of the new Nike Total 90 Laser II as worn by Wayne Rooney and the new colourways from Umbro for the SX Flare, Michael Owen’s football boot, and the SX Valor, the choice of defender John Terry.

So, after exhaustive research which involved at least 3 emails to a couple of mates with nothing better to do over Easter, here’s our guide to who’s wearing what in Fabio Capello’s 23 man squad to face France.

Of course, if you know better, we’d love to hear from you.

Goalkeepers

Paul Robinson - Nike T90 Laser White/Black/Charcoal

David James - Kelme (working with Kelme on the design of a new boot)
Robert Green - Umbro Speciali

Defenders

John Terry - Umbro SX Valor Red/White/Blue

Rio Ferdinand - Nike T90 Laser II
Ashley Cole - adidas F50.8 Tunit (contract) using Predator Absolute
Wes Brown - adidas Predator PowerSwerve TRX Black/White/Red
Joleon Lescott - adidas F50.7 Tunit II White Blue
Wayne Bridge - Puma King Exec - White/Black
Glen Johnson - adidas Predator Absolute Champions League Black/White/Zest
Jonathan Woodgate - adidas Predator Power Swerve TRX Black/White/Red

Midfielders

David Bentley - Puma V-Konstrukt II FG White/Silver/Insignia

Frank Lampard - adidas adiPure TRX White/Black
Joe Cole - Nike Air Legend II White/Black
Steven Gerrard - adidas Predator PowerSwerve TRX Black/White/Red
David Beckham - adidas Predator PowerSwerve TRX FG DB White/Gold
Stewart Downing - adidas F50.7 Tunit II Poppy Red
Gareth Barry - Umbro Speciali Italia Black/White/Red
Owen Hargreaves - Nike T90 Laser White/Black/Dark Charcoal

Forwards

Wayne Rooney - Nike T90 Laser II Black/Green

Michael Owen - Umbro SX Flare Red/White/Black

Peter Crouch - Puma V1.06 K-Leather Black
Theo Walcott - Nike Mercurial Vapor SL Orange Peel

(With thanks to Matthew Hannant)

Comments (1)

Predator PowerSwerve

Predator PowerSwerve, developed in association with Zinedine Zidane

The Adidas Predator PowerSwerve is the latest model football boot in the Adidas Predator range.

New Predator PowerSwerve Launch
The official launch witnessed Steven Gerrard and other pro footballers open an 11 metre high football boot box, and present a giant Predator PowerSwerve football boot to the public.

The players then wrote personal advice notes on the open shoe box, their notes will be featured on the Predator football boot boxes around the world and featured in the Predator PowerSwerve marketing campaigns.

Predator PowerSwerve Developed with Zidane

Zinédine Zidane helped to develop the new Predator PowerSwervefootball boot. After ending his career in the 2006 World Cup final, he worked with the Adidas innovation team in creating the new football boot.

Zinédine Zidane tested the Predator PowerSwerve using his knowledge and experience to improve the quality and fit of this football boot.

This ninth generation Predator is a further improved football boot, paying particular attention to power, swerve and control. Scientific tests have shown that, in comparison to its predecessor, the Predator PowerSwerve can achieve up to 8% more swerve and increase the power behind every shot by around 3%. That may not sound much, but it could give that edge to a player on the pitch.

The new Predator PowerSwerve will be available in the shops in black/white and white/black from December 2007. With further models due in 2008, the year of the European Championships.

Click here to buy the brand new Adidas PowerSwerve football boot from the Footy Boots shop!

Comments (12)

Football Boots Weekend of Weddings

Footy-Boots has the pleasure of inviting you to four premiership player weddings this weekend.

The football boots will remain in the kit bag this weekend, as the country gears up to four premiership player weddings. The lucky men are skillful and powerful John Terry, the dynamic and inspirational Steven Gerrard, the gifted and exceptionally talented Micheal Carrick, and Gary Neville.

So charge your glasses and raise a toast to the football boot hero grooms - and Gary Neville…

Not been invited? Don’t worry - view the new FootyBoots video, by logging in to the members area. Not registered? Click here - it’s free!

Don’t forget about our Competition to Win the Umbro England kit, Umbro X Boot Destroyer Football boots and an Umbro ball! Click here to take part.

Comments (1)

Kaka Football Boots - Champions League Heroes

Kaka leads Milan to Seventh Heaven Against Mis-Firing Liverpool

The Champions League Final between AC Milan and Liverpool saw Milan take the trophy for the 7th time on a night of despair and missed opportunities for Liverpool, who ultimately lacked the quality, decisiveness and ability to beat a classy and experienced Milan team. Liverpool spurned a host of chances and dominated the game for long periods, but even the heroics of captain Steven Gerrard were unable to rouse his team from their slumber, and they were defeated by the clinical finishing of Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi, wearing Diadora football boots.

Adidas Predator Absolute Champions League Football Boots

As we reported, Kaka and Gerrard premiered the new Adidas Predator Absolute Champions League football boots, and were unexpectedly joined by Milan defender Nesta, who also wore the new Adidas football boot.

Champions League Final -The Football Boots

Adidas ruled the football boots in the final, with 9 players out of the 22 (41%) wearing Adidas football boots, although only 2 Milan players wore Adidas, while 7 Liverpool players sported the three stripes. Nike had 6 players wearing their football boots, with the only Nike Total 90 Laser worn by Gattuso, and we would have expected more players to be wearing this football boot due to the guaranteed massive media exposure surrounding the game. For the other football boot makers, as expected for an Italian team, Italian football boot maker Lotto were worn by 3 players, Puma were worn by 2 players (Oddo and Carragher) whilst Diadora (Inzaghi) and Mizuno (Zenden) each had a player wearing their football boots.

Champions League Football Boots Verdict

Adidas defeated all its rivals in the final match of the Champions League, as sponsor of both teams, the match ball and supplying new football boots to the two star attractions on opposite teams, guaranteeing a winning night for them. The night sees a return to form for the world’s leading football boot maker, and sends a strong message to its rivals at Nike, that there is still fight left in Adidas, and with the approaching release of the new David Beckham Predator football boots, their position as the world’s leader in terms of sales and marketing remains intact and unchallenged.

Pre-order the Adidas Predator Absolute Champions League football boots, as worn by Kaka, from JustSocca.com

Comments (1)

Adidas Predator Champions League Football Boots

Adidas Predator Champions League Football Boots

Tomorrow’s Champions League Final in Athens between Liverpool and AC Milan should perhaps be renamed the Adidas Final, as the German football boot maker not only sponsors both teams, but also will be supplying the match ball, the Adidas Finale Athens and the game will feature two of Adidas‘ top players, Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard and Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, better known as Kaka of AC Milan. The two Adidas players are expected to play leading roles in the game, as both have had outstanding seasons so far, with Kaka heading the list for the Champions League Golden Boot award.

Kaka and Gerrard’s New Adidas Predator Football Boots

Taking advantage of the estimated global audience of over one billion people, Adidas has chosen the final to showcase the launch of it’s new football boot, the Adidas Predator Absolute in black and white, which will be known as the Adidas Predator Absolute Champions League, replacing the previous red and white colourway version. Clever thinking by the boys from Herzogenaurach, even though the release date for the new football boot is 12th July 2007, a full 7 weeks away! Both Gerrard and Kaka have been spotted in training wearing the black and white football boot with gives a tantalising clue as to the styling and performance we can expect from this new generation of Predator football boot.

Adidas +Predator Absolute Champions League Football Boots

The +Predator Absolute features PowerPulse technology which shifts the centre of gravity closer to the point of impact. For even more power simply insert the PowerPulse insoles. Want the lightest Predator ever? Then it’s a matter of moments to swap.

PowerPulse technology was developed in co-operation with the University of Calgary and delivers the sort of sweet spot science more usually found in golf clubs. Scientists found that shooting with these boots increased ball speed by 2% compared to the most recent Predator, or by 5% compared to a standard football boot.

The boot comes with two insoles, one with a specially positioned 40g weight and one without. The weight, which has been moved from other parts of the boot, sits behind the foot at the point of impact creating maximum power transfer. The interchangeable insoles allow players to customise to their needs, providing the most powerful Predator ever, or the lightest.

The radical re-design of the boot also applies to the Engineered Predator Technology (the famous rubber fins that create the power & swerve) resulting in a striking new look and snug fit.

Price: £130

Release Date: 12th July 2007.

Our Verdict: An exceptionally classy and impressive colourway and design for the new Adidas Predator Absolute which is a worthy successor to the Champions League edition and worthy of being premiered at the showcase Champions League Final. Adidas is clearly hitting back and hitting back hard following their rivals recent launches, and imperious performances by its stars Kaka and Gerrard could see the new football boot hit the stars on its launch!

See images of the Adidas Predator Absolute Black and White football boots.

Read more Adidas Football Boots articles.

Comments (23)

Steven Gerrard Football Boots - Champions League Heroes

Steven Gerrard scored his 15th Champions League goal for Liverpool, a new club record, as Liverpool beat PSV Eindhoven 3-0 in the quarter-final first-leg at the Philips Stadium Eindhoven.

Steven Gerrard led Liverpool confidently towards the Champions League semi-finals with a comprehensive 3-0 defeat of Dutch Champions PSV Eindhoven.

Fresh from carrying England past Andorra and easing past Arsenal at the weekend, Gerrard hit the first on 27 minutes when Steve Finnan broke free on the right and crossed for Gerrard to head home.

Liverpool got their second on 49 minutes when recently bankrupted, John-Arne Riise smashed in a trademark left-foot volley from 20 meters.

Peter Crouch, the hat trick hero against Arsenal then headed Liverpool’s third on 63 minutes. His seventh Liverpool goal in his last seven starts.

Liverpool, are surely through to the semi finals after they made a side who knocked Arsenal out in the previous round look like a second rate team.

Steven Gerrard Football Boots

Stevie Gerrard wears the Adidas Predator Absolute football boots.

A football boot renowned for power and strength, just like the Liverpool captain.