Up-And-Coming: Live Breathe Futbol

I recently had the opportunity to connect with a very special brand that of course embodies my love and passion for Footy. Many times in life we as individuals see our fashion and style/design shaped by our love or passion for a certain object. In my case, it always has been the sport of soccer. Since the age of four, when I first started kicking the ball around, I fell in love with the sport. Soccer ultimately shapes my daily life. Through my passion for the game of soccer, I have been able to create and combine that with another passion of mine which is soccer boots. That is how Footy Guru evolved. My love for the sport of soccer combined with my passion for soccer boots. With Footy Guru, I eat live and breathe soccer boots because for me it has always been about the boots.

Furthermore, I recently experienced a similar taste of a brand that also lives for the game of soccer. The creator and founder goes by the name of Ebun and his up and coming brand is called LBF. It is a simple acronym that stands for Live Breathe Futbol. The new urban soccer inspired clothing brand is a mixture of culture and is driven by the game of soccer. Ebun, who is also a footy fanatic, decided to combine has passion for design and footy by creating a brand that pays tribute to everything futbol; the fans, stadiums, and the OG legends. Ultimately, the clothing brand captures some of the best moments in futbol which is why it hit home with me. The brand which has been the story of my life incorporates the simple fact that as long as you have a soccer ball you can play the beautiful game anywhere. The motto of the brand is simple " LIVE BREATHE FUTBOL".

A perfect example that hits home with me. 

LBF presents the video called " Shit Fifa Players Say"...

Although I embody the LBF motto, I am a big fan of individuality on and off the pitch. I have never been a big logo guy because usually I roll up to the field or bar in the same jersey or shirt that someone else is sporting. In addition, the odds are it sports the Swoosh or three stripes. Do not get me wrong, I love both companies and the apparel they produce but as a soccer player I like and enjoy being different on and off the pitch. The cool thing about Live Breathe Futbol is that Ebun does not mass produce shirts, so once a shirt is sold out it is done. When ever I go to play Footy and to hang out with my friends I want to have my own personal style. That style usually revolves around my passion for Footy. I am a die hard futbol fan and with brands like LBF it gives you the chance to pay tribute to the game you love while being unique.

Having never heard of LBF before, Ebun through instagram and email filled me in on his brand and what it was all about. As you can see from the boots I receive, I have never been one to turn down free swag. So Ebun sent me some shirts asking for my opinion and to produce an honest review.

And the truth is once I received the shirts they have quickly become my favorite tees on and off the field. In terms of the quality, they are awesome in terms of the fit and feel. The shirts are very well made and the attention of detail and design/inspiration behind each shirt makes me proud to sport the shirts. Why is that you ask? Because of the message and the motif the brand is built around. Everything about the brand involves and pays tribute to the game of soccer. For example, in the inside of each shirt reads “This garment is designed with the history, character, and flair of the beautiful game in mind. Wear with pride. Remember it’s about moments.” Or better yet there is no Swoosh or three stripes and I am the only one sporting/wearing the shirts in Portland. 

Reppin LBF at the Timbers vs Galaxy Game

I received the LBF Independence Edition (shown in the video) and my current favorite which is the standard 'XXI' Heather T-shirt. Both shirts are awesome but what really set the product apart was the attention to detail of both the product and packaging. My package arrived with a large LIVE BREATHE FUTBOL sticker which sealed the package. In addition, on the outside of the package the words " Footy Guru" were written. Along with the detail on the outside, in cased was a hand written note which speaks volumes about the brand and the artist.

LBF is based on the combination of art and the game of soccer. It is a beautiful combination because when I opened up the package and first put on the shirt. I felt like I was representing a brand that meant something. In the end, LBF embodies the meaning and passion that surrounds the game of futbol.

I am proud to announce my partnership with LBF. To show my passion/respect for LBF I have posted a link to the site. Check out the  Live Breathe Futbol website to join the squad/LBF movement. 

Footy Guru Pele Trinity Review

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Pele Sports Trinity Review

Footy Guru adiPure IV SL Review

Footy Guru adizero F50 Review

PUMA PowerCat 1.12 Review

The Good: The Puma PowerCat 1.12 is a mixture of control and power. Weighing in at 10.4 oz the boot is built to last and offers superior comfort similar to that of its competitor the CTR360 from Nike. It also features a kangaroo upper and off center lacing which are keys to a great fit. The boot features 3D power shooting technology in the strike zone. The technology is two densities of TPU which aids in responsiveness and rebound/power when striking the ball. Boot currently retails for $180 which is a steal because with this boot you get all of the tools that you might find in a premium boot that would cost you around $220.

The Bad: Depending on your position the boot might seem heavy at 10.4 oz. However, I would recommend these boots to a center mid or a defender due to its protection and comfort. In addition, during testing I noticed that the k-leather wears easily and after a short period of time the boots were no longer pearl white. So if you are a neat freak this color way may not be for you. Overall negatives are the weight and the white upper which takes/shows a beating right off the bat.

The Bottom Line: One of the most underrated boots on the market. With this release you get a hybrid boot mixed with power and control that offers supreme comfort. From the moment I put these boots on it felt like a boot I had owned and broke in for six months. This boot is one of the most underrated boots because for what you get in terms of its overall value. At $180 you get a k-leather upper, extreme comfort, technology which aids in power/control. In addition, this boot runs a little wider so it allows that midfielder or defender with fat feet an opportunity to be comfortable on the pitch.

Comfort/FIT: 9/10

Out of the box these fit like a glove. I have a short and fat foot so during testing I wore a US size 9. The PowerCat has two main features that I think are vital to the fit and comfort of a boot. The upper is made of k leather and the lacing is off center which hugs your foot much like your girl would during happy time. With the Cat I needed little to no break in time because of the upper and the shape of the boot. I wore them the first time doing an individual training session and throughout the session I never once thought about the boots which is weird because usually I need to get used to a boot. If you have a wider foot and seek a comfortable boot then I think the PowerCat would would for you and your game.

Another part of a boot that can either make or break it is the outsole. The outsole on a boot is much like that of a mattress that you would sleep on. You can sit on a bed and be comfortable but sleeping is a whole other issue, kind of like running or playing footy. Some boots offer a great upper or light weight but when you try to sprint or run in the boot the outsole can seem stiff and uncomfortable. Perfect example of this right now is the Vapor…

However, with the PowerCat the outsole flexes in just the right spots and also offers stability and a lot of comfort. Comfort is one of the most underrated aspects in a boot nowadays it seems like, and if I am buying a boot I want to be comfortable and not sacrifice weight for comfort. WHY? Because at the end of the day the boot does not make the player nor does it make you faster. If you are fast you are fast and if you are slow you are slow. It is that simple.

Performance: 8/10

The PowerCat is a mixture of control and power. The boot is marketed as a power boot and at the end of the day as a consumer you need to ask yourself what kind of boot suits your needs. Your options are classic/heritage, power, speed and the newest category that has emerged is control.

If you want power this might be the boot for you. I have always been a fan of power boots because there is just something orgasmic about hitting a shot and getting that unexplainable feeling when you hit that shot that makes you think did that really just happen. That moment of disbelief where you ask yourself was that all me or did the boots maybe help too. Everyone loves a laser and with these boots you can make that possible if you hit a decent ball/shot.

On the Cats Puma uses a PST also known as a Power Shooting Technology. It is made up of two separate regions of TPU overlays that have two different densities made for both control and power. One is slightly thicker and softer aka the (blue TPU) while the other is thinner and harder aka the (gold TPU). Furthermore, both elements combined together allows for an awesome rebound power/sweet spot feeling. When I say rebound power I am referring to the power generated between your foot speed and the ball will be increased. With this extra technology I enjoyed hitting shots and hitting long balls in these boots and many times I found it easier and believed the technology aided in my ability to spray the ball across the field. I must admit that before I tested these boots along with other power boots I am always doubtful about the possible gimmicks that many of the boot companies come up with. They promise power, curve and control but you never know until you personally test the boots out.

In the end, I found that the Puma Power Shooting Technology does add another dimension to your game if you have the tools. I noticed that the TPU overlays aided in control and gave me a little extra burst/amp when I shot the ball. The technology does in fact work and after wearing the boots for a couple of weeks I have noticed compared to other boots it adds confidence in my ability to the long ball. Maybe it is a mental thing but I did notice the TPU overlays during my tests.

Value: 8/10

In terms of value you cannot go wrong with the PowerCat 1.12. The boot offers excellent comfort, K leather upper, and fits anyone with a medium to wide foot. Not to mention, with this boot you get the power element that aids in power/control. At $180 this boot has all the tools you could ever want in a boot and after testing I can now say that I am a big fan. In addition, now that Puma has signed Fabregas I think many consumers will begin to accept Puma as an option when they get their next pair of boots. In the end, the Puma power element on the PowerCat1.12 rivals that of the Predator and also gives the CTR360 a run for its money in terms of its underrated control/comfort.

Footy Guru Rating:

Comfort/fit: 9/10

Performance: 8/10

Value: 8/10

Overall Score: 8.3

(Good) This boot gets a 4/5 star rating from FOOTY GURU

(Boots supplied for review by Puma)

PowerCat 1.12 Preview

Puma PowerCat 1.12 Preview...

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Pele Sports Trinity Review

Pelé Sports Trinity 3E-Review

The Good: Registering in at 5.6 oz the Trinity is a boot designed for pure speed and acceleration. The Trinity is designed to harness your physical potential and strengthen your footwork throughout the challenges of today’s fast paced game. Pele Sports claims, “The extreme position of the rear tripod studs trigger earlier ground contact and stability with high velocity release and the forefoot studs permit excellent traction and explosive acceleration.” In other words, the new extreme tri-pod stud configuration is designed to increase the acceleration of a players reactions/speed off the ground, improve traction, and the help prevent injury.

 

The Trinity which looks like it was designed/developed on another planet at first glance features an extraordinary outsole configuration that is designed to provide the least amount of resistance to your foots natural motion which in turn increases your speed. In addition, the Trinity features a 1.2mm thick microfiber upper which provides a glove like fit and extreme ball feel/touch. After testing this boot, I could not help but notice the similarities of one of my favorite boots of all time which is the Nike Mercurial Vapor II. After the Vapor II the Mercurial range has not been the same but for the footy fans that loved the OG Mercurial Range here is your answer. The Trinity offers a lockdown effect on your foot. What I mean by lockdown effect is that the boot offers a sock like fit. The upper companied by the shape/last of this boot provides an awesome fit that many elite players crave in a speed boot.

 

The Bad: The $200.00 price point could seem too steep especially because Pele Sports is a new brand and many consumers are unfamiliar with it so I think many times consumers are brain washed due to all the marketing thrown at them from Nike and Adidas. In addition, with the price at $200.00 it competes with the other two dominant speed boots aka the Vapor and adiZero F50.  However, in terms of fit I will say I did not encounter any problems at all. In fact, compared to the Vapor the Trinity blows it out of the water in all aspects of the boot especially the fit and a lock down effect. One small problem I also encountered during testing is that I noticed that the laces on the Trinity were unnecessarily long and I found myself triple knotting the laces because there was so much excess slack.

 

The Bottom Line: With this boot/release, Pele Sports has shown they can compete in the speed boot market. If you are a speed boot fan and decide to pick these boots up I guarantee that you will not be disappointed/let down because this is a special boot. So special that I think the unique outsole offers a point of difference in the speed boot market. In terms the Trinity’s appearance, it is easy to see the unique differences of the Trinity outsole compared to other speed boots currently on the market. On the forefoot of the boot, the boot features five front blades and in the heel of the boot it has three studs that captivates consumers.

At first glance, you think to yourself about how it is even possible to play in these boots and if your balance is going to be affected. However, after testing these boots the questions/doubt that I first encountered is nowhere to be found and in a short time I fell head over heels for the Trinity. Furthermore, after testing these boots I believe they made me quicker and more agile in tight spaces and especially noticed a difference in my first step acceleration. With this boot compared to other speed boots I felt that the unique stud mapping technology helped me glide around the pitch with ease and in some instances even later in the games/practice when my legs started to become heavy I still felt like I was not wearing anything on my feet.

Background:

The recent release from Pele Sports called the Trinity 3E has “harnessed the ability to perform a dual task: maximizing a player’s game and speed potential and actually training your muscles as you play.” With this boot Pele Sports brings something completely new to the boot game by “Tackling the 3rd element”, the Pele Sports team focused on injury prevention as well as what they call “propulsion performance”. Studies at the Duisburg-Essen University in Germany revealed a high statistical significance level of the Trinity 3E, allowing significantly faster movements compared to alternative high-performance boots. For instance, “The boot gives the player the advantage in a small or tight space scenario,” Professor Ewald Henning claimed, as head of the Biomechanics Laboratory. “For longer maneuvers, players can have an advantage of being up to 1.5 meters closer to the ball on the field.” Unlike any other boot on the market the team from Pele Sports worked with Formula One engineers to include the lightest weight materials, the Trinity 3E also focuses on a unique stud geometry that harnesses force generation and triggers improved ground contract. The asymmetrical stud pattern, which looks like something off the planet, helps to enable increased muscle stimulation, with a tactile area under foot improving speed and agility movements. Furthermore, through this unique stud configuration along with tools/products used that you might find in a formula one racing garage allows the player to react faster, enhance ball control and increase force/speed in which you play the game. Pele Sports are referring to this boot as the beautiful revolution because until now we have not seen any other boot like this.

        

Comfort/Fit: (9/10)

The Trinity is by far one of the most comfortable speed boots I have tested over the past year. I have tested the Vapor, Super Fly and the F50 adizero and in terms of comfort/fit this boot gives the most popular boot in 2011 aka the F50 adizero a run for its money.  Many times in order to shave off weight many speed boots sacrifice comfort for weight but while testing the Trinity I did not have any comfort issues at all. The Trinity is very sleek, lightweight and offers a great lockdown effect on your foot. If you have been a Vapor/Nike fan think back to the old Vapor II and this boot offers a similar sock like feel but injected with over a decade of technology/development.

Furthermore, the two aspects that make this boot so unique and a point of difference in the speed boot market are the outsole and the upper material that are used on the Trinity. Both the upper and the outsole combined together make a unique boot and provide an awesome fit. Most outsoles used on soccer boots are made of TPU/ thermoplastic polyurethanes that are standard for many of today’s boots like the adiPure or the CTR360 which are around 9 or 10 oz in weight. After testing dozens of materials, Pele Sports found a hybrid polymer material that is extremely light and especially durable due to its molecular properties. This boot/review at times might sound like a science experiment but with this boot Pele Sports brought something completely new to the boot game and during testing you can feel the difference. Furthermore, with this unique outsole Pele Sports was able to reduce the weight of a normal weight of a TPU outsole by 1/3 which is why the Trinity registers in at 5.6 oz. Unlike the Vapor which has a stiff outsole and needs time to be broken in the Trinity did not need any time at all. From the start, due to the anatomical last the boot contoured to my foot and offered a superior fit and better ball contact/feel then the Vapor and other speed boots I have recently tested.

In addition, contributing to the weight and the comfort/fit of the boot is the upper material called Symbioskin which is a synthetic/microfiber material that is just 1.2 mm thick! If you are looking for a boot that offers an awesome touch/ball feel then the Trinity might be the boot for you. Unlike the current synthetic versions of the Vapor & F50 the Trinity upper is unlike any other boot on the market due to its very unique thin upper. Almost feels as if you are playing barefoot the upper is that thin. The synthetic combined with the microfiber offers a unique combination and adjusts to your foots shape while also retaining its original shape even after the boot has been worn for hours. Many times with current synthetic boots you put them on and the upper is not form fitting. Often times you have excess material in places and the boots crease and does not adapt to your foot which gives you an unforgiving feel when you wear the boots. However, with the Trinity upper and its manipulated ability/capability the synthetic upper stretches and gives depending on your foots shape which is almost mind blowing because forever synthetic boots on the market have been so stiff and unforgiving!

On a side note, I did discover that the boots are running a half a size big so during testing I wore an 8.5 which was just right. I was lucky enough to try the size 9 on prior to testing…However, in most boots I am a size 9 but I found that the Trinity runs longer so when ordering these boots go down half a size so you are not swimming in them.

Performance: (9/10)

The Trinity is built for one purpose and that is pure speed. After testing the Trinity it is safe to say that it does its job well! I can say with confidence that after testing these boots that the unique stud mapping technology works and did enhance my force/speed especially my first step. The rear tripod studs trigger instant ground contact through their unique positioning which enables you to get going faster/quicker off the start. While the forefoot studs allow excellent traction and engage your force/acceleration. The highlighted/volt studs on the bottom of the boot represent of each area of the foot as it flexes and rolls working simultaneously to disperse force and improve your grip. In order to prove this to many readers, I am willing to run 100 yards with the Vapor, F50 and the Trinity to see which boot really helps my overall speed! Furthermore, the way the studs are configured ultimately helped my movement especially side to side which I noticed playing on the wing I had to move in tight spaces in order to create space. In addition, never at any point during testing did I feel unbalanced, if anything the way the studs sit offered me a more aggressive stance which I definitely liked and noticed during games and performing quick turns/moves. In the end, I gave this boot a 9 for performance because of its light weight, unique/performance enhancing outsole, and the superior/glove like fit the boot offered.

Value: (8/10)

As an experienced soccer boot consumer, whenever I buy a boot I look at three different categories that factor my decision to either buy a boot or go another direction. I base my decision as a consumer on the comfort/fit of the boot, Performance, and the overall value the boot offers. With this release the Trinity from Pele Sports exceeds in all of my assigned categories. The Trinity in terms of comfort/fit is one of the best speed boots I have tested in 2011 due to its unique thin upper and glove like fit. As for performance, the Trinity has taught me that the classic stud configuration is outdated and by testing these boots/unique stud mapping technology it improved my stance/performance on the pitch. I think that Pele Sports has created a fast, light and dynamic boot that helps accelerate your reactions/speed which is what many consumers are seeking. In the end, the Trinity as a speed boot offers something that no other company has explored and that is how stud configuration relates to improving an athlete’s force/acceleration on the pitch. The overall value of this boot is well worth its price point of $200 and with this boot you are getting a fast, light, dynamic, and durable speed boot that offers/brings something completely different to the speed boot range. Trinity is now available in stores now and I urge you to give them a try. 

Footy Guru Rating: 

Comfort/fit: 9/10

Performance: 9/10

Value: 8/10

Overall Score: 8.6

(Excellent) This boot gets a 4 star rating from FOOTY GURU

(Boots supplied for review by Pele Sports)

Pele Sports 50/50 TF Trainer- REVIEW

Pele Sports are an up and coming brand and in a very short period they have created a buzz within the soccer industry. To say the least, I am a big fan of the boots and the apparel they have been producing. The products are very unique, extremely durable and for each boot or piece of apparel a story is told through that product.

Although, at first many consumers were skeptical of the brand partly because many soccer fanatics are very brand loyal and often times closed minded when it comes to their boots of choice. However, with one of the greatest players ever to play the game of soccer backing the company it seems the skeptics have been pushed aside and consumers are very interested/open in what the Pele Sports brand has to offer.

So without any further introduction, I would like to introduce the new Pele Sports 50/50 Turf Trainer from Pele Sports.

The Good: Built to last, the 50/50 features a full grain leather upper and also includes performance features that include a TPU shank and an internal heel raise which enables you to push off your forefoot faster and provide quicker ground contact which are essentials in small sided games.

The Bad: Only negative I can think of is the price tag. The boots are currently $85 which makes many people skeptical especially if they are unfamiliar with the brand.

The Bottom Line: This is an awesome boot if you are looking for a very durable boot that you can wear in the street and on the pitch. The only other boot on the market I can compare this boot to would be the Nike5 Street Gato but the 50/50 is lightyears ahead of this boot. The boot is built to last and with the TF outsole you can sport this boot out on the town or to the pitch.

Comfort/fit: (9/10)

Compared to other boots on the market like the adi5 boots I have in my closet the 50/50 is very different in a good way. While the adi5 series is thin and light the Pele Sports 50/50 offers a different relaxed feel right out of the box. Designed from the looks of a lifestyle shoe the 50/50 offers a relaxed shoe much like you would get from a casual/running shoe which makes it very unique in the fact I sometimes forgot I was wearing a performance boot at work or playing Footy.

Like most players I am very particular about my footwear and the odds of me wearing a boot without break in time a rare, but with this boot it was like a glove. The leather upper improves with each wear and once it is completely broken in the fit improves and the leather conforms to your foot in just about every angle of your foot.

As I mentioned, the more you wear the boots the more supple the leather becomes and I noticed this with the leather above the toes on the 50/50. The patch of leather above your toes is perfect for a first touch lay off or a snake/double touch to get yourself an extra yard of space. Another important aspect of the boot that has a leather upper is the instep which features patches of leather that improve durability and your touch on the ball. In terms of receiving a ball with a synthetic boot compared to a leather boot there is no question the leather upper offers a better/softer touch which is what the Pele Sport 50/50 offers. To describe this boot and its durability the only word that comes to my mind is premium.

Testing Note: To point the 50/50's durability and comfort a couple weeks ago I was involved in a car accident that left me car less for awhile and I relied on public transportation and in one instance I was stranded and was wearing my Pele Sports 50/50 boots after work. I could either walk home or run and because it was so cold i picked option two. So I ran almost 7 miles in these boot all the way home and had no blisters or hotshots. To be honest, these boots are tanks and the durability and comfort are second to none especially after running 7 miles because there is no way I would have tried that in my Gato's or adi5 boots.

Performance: (9/10)

To be honest, to paint you a picture of how these boots fit and feel they remind me of the old Nike Zoom T5 boots that offered excellent touch and a glove like feeling. The Pele Sports 50/50 is the Nike Zoom T5 boots reincarnated but with more technology and does not come in flaming flamingo colors because the boot is not flashy it is simple made to get the job done on the pitch and lets your play/skills do the talking.

Furthermore, another aspect of this boot that I believe is one of the best technologies/introductions to the boot world within the decade is the off-center lacing or what I like to call it is the athletic fit lacing. With the off center lacing on these boots it hugs the shape if your foots natural shape so these boots really do feel like sock and provide a glove like fit. While the fit is glove like due to the lacing the lacing offers you are bigger striking surface which enables you to really get ahold of the ball which increases the power of your shots.

Another performance aspect that is Pele Sports brings to the soccer market is the internal heel raise that they use in their boots. By raising the heel of the boot slightly it keeps you on your toes toes and allows for quicker ground contact and better force dissipation which means you will always be on your toes which matters in small sided matches/intense game of muff.

With the performance of the boot being exceptional another aspect of the boot that I would like to point out is the detail that many of the Pele Sports boots feature that is unlike any other boots on the market. For example, every-time I lace these boots up I notice minor details on the boot that I never noticed before. For instance, the tab on the back if the heel features two roman numeral fives (V) join together which represents small sides Football while cleverly forming the roman numeral 10 (X)- the number Pele made famous throughout his Footy career. It is examples like this that separate this boot apart from any other TF boot on the market. The boot is covered in rubber symbols that tell the story of Pele and his passion for football.

Value: (9/10)

At $85 the Pele Sports 50/50 is one of the more expensive boots on the market but compared to the other boots this boot is built to last. Sometimes you get what you pay for and if you are looking for a rugged boot that you can wear on the streets and the pitch then the Pele Sports 50/50 might become your best friend.

I put these boots to the ultimate test which you can see from the pictures. I wore them as daily lifestyle shoes, running shoes haha and played multiple Futsal games in these boots. In the end, based on comfort, durability, and overall value the Pele Sports 50/50 are head and shoulders above any other TF boots on the market. The 50/50 is truly a unique boot and I highly recommend this boot to any one in need of a new TF/Futsal boot.

Blogger note: With the weather turning many consumers including myself have been playing more small sides matches and indoor/futsal games and after heavy testing i thought many of you would appreciate this review.

Footy Guru Rating:

Comfort/fit: 9/10

Performance: 9/10

Value: 9/10

Overall Score: 9

(Excellent) This boot gets a 4 star rating from FOOTY GURU

(Boots supplied for review by Pele Sports)