In the past couple years the game and the boots have changed. Not only in style but performance as well. The speed boot race is still in full affect but rather than weight many consumers and companies have started to focus on fit first and weight second. Combining with fit is the upper of a boot which seems to be the main point of difference on the market right now. Different uppers provide different performance features and consumers are starting to pay attention to the differences between leather and synthetic. While leather provides that soft conforming feel it does not keep its form and has a tendency to absorb water like a sponge. On the other hand you have synthetic uppers which have been big hits on the market. Both kanga lite and the hybrid touch from Adidas mirror the fit and feel of leather properties but are synthetic which helps reduce water absorption.Furthermore, synthetic boots have a tendency to keep their form and shape longer because unlike leather they have limited stretching. Best synthetic in the market right now is the hybrid touch which is on the Predator LZ boots. Yeah kanga lite is all well and good but in terms of fit and performance I have found that the hybrid touch provides you with that new boot fit and feel consistently.
Another shift that has fallen off is the use of power boots within the market. With the introduction of the CTR360 the T90 sales have struggled and in terms of fit and performance the CTR360 is a better boot. The T90 is a bulky boot and if you look at how fast the game is many players need a hybrid boot which is lighter and provides a more streamed line fit and feel on the pitch.
So through evolution the HyperVenom was born. It is estimated that the Venom will weight around 8 oz compared to the T90 which comes in at about 10 oz. Another main point of difference is that the boot will have the new NikeSkin upper which is a single layer mesh upper. Overall, the boot will be a hybrid between the CTR360 and the Mercurial Vapor. Made for the modern game, the HyperVenom will have the athletic fit of the CTR360 and the upper/weight of a Mercurial. Only so many boot nerds can wear Vapors so with the insertion of the off center lacing you get a boot that mirrors the natural shape of your foot.
It has been awhile since Nike dropped a new silo on us boot nerds and as always Nike does an awesome job at product placement and hype.
The poster boy for the boot will be the boy wonder Neymar and he will be the leader of what Nike are referring to as "A New Breed Of Attack".
Checkout the latest Nike teaser of Neymar and the boots...
