In today's fast paced game I think a boots weight
plays an important part in on field performance. I like a boot that makes me
feel light on my feet and is not too bulky. The game has become so technical so
why not make products that help with technique and improve fit.
So first and foremost I focus on fit and then take a
look at how light can I can go but still get the same sock-like fit/feel. Many
boot nerds that come into Far Post ask about weight and then compare the boot
they are interested in against other boots weight, then fit and style. A great
example of this is the current Vapor IX compared to the f50 adizero. Many boot
nerds ask about the weight of the f50 and even though it's lighter they prefer
the Vapor because the fit/comfort the boot provides. So at 6.7 oz the boot is
not the lightest but because of the fit/feel many consumers including myself go
with the fit and sacrifice the weight in some instances. However, if adidas improve the fit of the synthetic upper which they will this December it could cause Vapor fans to switch. Only time will tell...
In terms of a boot being too heavy my cutoff is
around 8.5 oz. ideally the perfect weight of my dream boot would be around 7 oz
because at that weight you still have a boot but also speed properties to aid
in quickness on the pitch. The lighter
you go I think the boot is seen as concept and gimmicky rather than useable and
performance driven in the marketplace. We have already seen super light on the
market place… The GS was a gimmick in my opinion and had a nice idea around the
boot but awful execution. From the upper/fit all the way down to the outsole. I
tried the boot on several times but with the lack of fit I could not talk
myself into it no matter how light it was. For example, a boot coming in at 5.6
oz may be feather light but the moment the boot starts breaking down word
spreads fast among the boot community and just like that the buzz and demand
slowly diminishes because they want a boot that lasts and FITS.
At the end of the day, many consumers including
myself research the boot before buying it because with boot prices raising it really
is an investment for footy fans and their parents. The lighter you go on a boot
the more protection you sacrifice and in many times you sacrifice the fit and
durability of a boot which are held in high regards because now days
consumers are smarter and want a boot
that fits and has a weight/style that suits their game.
Will speed boots make you faster? No, however they
will make you feel quicker during the game and in tight spaces. At the end of
the day, the super light weight boots are seen as gimmicks because if it does
not have the correct fit or only lasts two weeks it’s not credible. So yes a boot can be too light on the market and adidas and Nike need to concentrate on fit and actually improving/making players faster on the pitch instead of just seeing how light they can go.