Footy Guru 2013 Year in Review:
This year we saw some new releases in the boot market and whenever new releases drop or new silos drop it's a big deal... It can make or break the market. Furthermore, The market and products come and go and with certain products companies can push there way to the head of innovation on the boot market. This year the reoccurring theme that we saw companies innovate and change was the upper on boots. For the longest time we saw companies be stagnant with the boots and just change the color/graphics of the boot.
However, boot nerds/consumers are smarter and now seek fit over weight in many situations. This does not mean that the speed race is over because in terms of innovation making a feather light speed boot will always get consumers attention along with the rest of the market. The main connection in the fit theme is the upper on the boot. And that is what is trending and matters right now for consumers. It's the point of difference for many consumers buying habits when it comes to their next pair of boots. In terms of performance, the upper plays a big key in performance and the fit of the boot.
So we saw both Nike and Adidas reinvent the materials they use in order to further improve the fit of their boots. In 2014 look for this theme to change, if I was Nike or Adidas I would innovate the crap out of the boots outsole because that is another aspect that many companies have not experimented with. A perfect example or statement product in the market that is ahead of its time is the Pele Trinity. The outsole configuration is a game changer so look for Nike or Adidas to do something similar if they are smart. At the end of the day, this post is just a run down on some of the best boots on the market in 2013 that caught my eye.
Footy Guru Boot of the year: Nike Hypervenom
Hands down this boot was a game changer. The Nike Skin provided a unique barefoot fit and feel that every footballers has ever dreamed of. Never mind the fact that Nike marketed it as a agility boot because what this boot was all about was an all around product made for both sides of the pitch with touch, fit, and weight being big motives behind the boots development it's success.
This boot is all about the fit and the touch it provided compared to other boots on the market. The upper was so unique that no other boot on the market came close to its fit or feel which don't forget is trending. Fit and feel and the upper on the Hypervenom was a game changer. The boot really simulates the fit and feel of playing barefoot. Along with the fit the boot has an amazing balance of weight to go along with the boot. Coming in at around 7oz the boot was a perfect balance of speed and stability. Big fan of the outsole used on the hypervenom in terms of performance and overall stability.
Negatives: the boot upper stretched uncontrollably and with the upper being so thin it had its durability problems. For the first two months the boots fit and performance was fantastic but after that love period the boot quickly lost its performance and fit which resulted in a sloppy fit and feel on the pitch. A more elastic upper would do the trick especially on the forefoot.
Footy Guru speed Boot: NEW F50 adizero
Many of you Nike fans will easily fall in love with the hype the vapor offers but the new adizero is actually a better boot in terms of fit, feel and pure speed. The hybrid touch they have implemented on the boot has provided a supreme touch and feel. The in hand experience of this model did a 180 release and I even thought it was more pliable than the Hypervenom.
Along with the new upper which seems like it took decades for Adidas to change it... The outsole is something that I prefer on the F50 compared to the Vapor IX speed outsole. The Vapor outsole is at times too flexible so many times I think the boot lacks the proper torque in the outsole. Another point of difference about the F50 is the weight ratio. In a speed boot I want a concept boot that is light as possible so with the Vapor coming in at 6.7 oz in my opinion that is outdated. While the F50 is lighter by a mile coming in at 5.3 oz I think it has the overall advantage in terms of the upper, fit and overall performance aka speed.
Negative: Adidas has really struggled with innovation in 2013. Although they put some new upper on some of their boots they are still rocking the same outsole on all of the silos. Kills innovation and each boots point of difference on the wall. Adidas needs to innovate while still keep their boots classy and unique. Dropping a purple heritage boot with a new silo is risky and kind of cheapens the boots overall value especially if it is not kangaroo leather. Innovate or die Adidas.... If it was me I would look at the adipURE III release and follow that boots innovation value and fit and feel because as a company I thought that boot represented Adidas soccer as a whole. But since then each silo has been slowly losing traction with the Predator and the 11 pro leading the way.
Best heritage boot: Nike Tiempo Legend IV
When it comes to class and touch. The Nike Tiempo ran away with this title easily. The 11 pro with it's sprint frame outsole and calf leather upper was a disaster from the beginning. So what I am saying is that the Tiempo has not had a lot of competition the past couple years.
If you want a leather boot i would go with the Tiempo legend. The kangaroo leather upper along with the straight lacing are the keys to this boots success. The durability along with the $160 price point were also factors of the boots success. Many times when a hypervenom or speed boot didn't last consumers would go with something they knew which was most of the time was the Nike Tiempo.
Negative: Like any other leather product kangaroo has the ability to stretch and lose its performance very quickly. Not only does it stretch but it also holds excess water in wet conditions which is a big negative in my opinion. However, there has never really been a synthetic boot that truly replicates the fit, feel and touch leather provides. Also along with the feel it is hard to replicates a leather boots durability. In most cases the Tiempo in terms of overall value and durability was on the top of the list in 2013.
Best value of 2013: Nike Premier
Many times when people are balling on a budget and price is a big factor in picking their next boot I usually give my two cents. Not everyone buys the elite boots and many young footballers buy the down grade. The best boot of 2013 in terms of overall value was hands down the Nike Premier.
It's simplicity, price and weight were all involved in my decision to name the "Premier" the value boot of the year for 2013. With this release Nike was able to create a lightweight old school boot that was affordable by both young and old consumers. They nicknamed this boot the copa killer and it has just done that. Coming in at 8.6 the boot is light and traditional and very affordable coming in at $100.
