Boot Nerds Go crazy...

Footy Guru 2013 Year in Review:

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.

Boot nerd photo of the day:

Simplicity never looked so good on the pitch... Boot nerd photo of the day features the #Tiempo Legend from @nikefootball. Boot features a kangaroo leather upper and offers tremendous value at any position on the pitch. Would like to thank @fafm for the photo of his boots. To share your boots with fellow boot nerds tag your photos #footyguru. As always many of you will apply but only a select few will make the cut.

Boot nerd photo of the day

Boot nerd photo of the day features another Hi Vis release that features the Nike Tiempo Legend. I am a fan of the Hi Vis collection not only because of the story but more importantly the presence all the boots will have on the pitch. Each boot features a touch of volt to definitely make it a point of difference. Personally I am feeling the #hypervenom and the #tiempo out of this pack. Would like to thank @j_anibaba from the Chicago Fire for the photo of his new boots. Your shirt is on the way homie. As always many of you will apply but only a select few will be chosen. #footyguru

Nike Tiempo Legend IV ' Stealth' Unboxing

#FOOTYPORN

The definition of #footyporn to a boot nerd. Customized boots with flag, initials and number. #footyguru #tiempo 

Boot nerd photo of the day:

Boot nerd photo of the day features one of the hottest boots on the market in terms of color. The Sunburst Tiempo has quickly grabbed the attention of boot nerds because of its unique color and overall value. Kangaroo leather combined with the $160 price tag the Tiempo is one of those few boots on the market where you get the most bang for your buck. Would like to thank @nosliwharris for the picture of his new boots. Welcome to Footy Guru @nosliwharris. As always boot nerds, many if you will apply but only a few with be chosen. #footyguru #footyporn #tiempo

Footy Guru lifestyle.

Shout out to @mexicanguru33 for living and representing the Footy Guru lifestyle.

Boot Nerd Photo of the day: Its all about the boots and individuality here at Footy Guru. Shout out to boot nerd Adam Stewart.

Boot Nerd photo of the day:

Tiempo IV Love.

New ACC Tiempo IV in the blue color way is definitely a banger. 

Boot is simple and the blue upper is super classy. 

Tiempo IV Teaser via Alex

Recently submitted by Alex was this picture of his white/blue Tiempo IV 's complimented by the blue laces which really complete and show off the blue accents. In terms of overall value, the Tiempo is one if the best heritage boots in the game and comes at a realistic price point of only $160. Would like to thank Alex for sending it my way.

Like if you like...

Tiempo IV ; Nike's Heritage Boot

Yay or Nay?

The year of 2011 Footy GURU style:

The year of 2011 Footy GURU style:

Summary of 2011

Taking a look back at 2011 we were blessed with some great boots and saw silos improve and others fall behind due to the lack of change and innovation. I would not call 2011 the year of the speed boot race like we saw in 2010, because adidas pretty much ran away with the trophy. It did not help that Nike failed to innovate the Vapor and just changed the color again and again rather than the boot itself.

However, in 2011 we saw the big guns in the footy market change the price, color, and technology of their football boots in order to sell boots and separate them from the competition. Every year it is a battle and some boots kill it and other boots sink but usually every company creates a good boot that beats the others depending on what you are looking for. Do you want a speed, control, power or a heritage boot because each company had a boot of 2011. Here is a look back at the boots that caught my attention and why.

Most disappointing boot of 2011: Vapor VII

The Vapor 7 came in a variety of color ways but although it looked pretty it did not produce and was not improved in 2011. The upper along with the outsole remained stiff which many consumers complained about. The lockdown affect was almost non-extant in the boot; meaning that the boot did not conform to your foot due to the stiff upper and outsole which are both outdated. I am not sure why Nike would not give consumers an option and make a k leather option or even a kanga-lite option which has more give/feel then the current upper. At the end of the day, as a consumer I am more concerned about the fit of the boot rather than the weight and from experience the fit of the Vapor needs to be much improved.

Best concept/elite boot of 2011:adipure SL

The best concept boot of 2011 was hands down the adipure SL. Adidas somehow managed to recreate a boot of the past and infuse it with current technology which hit home with consumers. The boot was k leather, offered a reasonable price, had untouchable classic/unique style and somehow weighed an astonishing 7 oz. As a soccer boot fanatic, I seek boots that offer/bring a point of difference to the soccer market and this boot did just that. Overall, the adipure SL is a hybrid boot made for today’s modern game but adidas made sure they stuck to their roots and kept the boot leather and kept the style like an OG adidas boot that many consumers love and affiliate with adidas soccer.

Best Power boot of 2011: adipower

The adipower took the boot world by storm in 2011. Completely reengineered, adidas made this Predator release a mixture of power and speed which is something we have never seen before. With the insertion of the sprint frame adidas were able to drastically decrease the weight of the boot to 7.8 oz which had the market and consumers in a buzz. In addition, as the year went on we saw many pro-level footballers in all positions change boots and endorse the adipower Predator. I have always had a love for power boots and with this release adidas were able to keep the key things that make the Predator the Predator. For example, adidas were able to include the silicon power zone and keep the powerspine which makes the boot rigid and aids in increased power.  Overall, the adipower Predator was a good release by adidas and I appreciated that they kept the predator elements while also making the boot lighter and more agile. I thought they killed the predator with the Predator X release but with this release adidas reinvented/innovated the boot and it hit home with consumers and predator fans.

Best Control boot of 2011: CTR360

One of the most underrated boots on the market in 2011was the CTR360 II. In terms of value, comfort and durability the CTR is by far one of the best boots Nike has created in the past decade. No other boot on the market offers or has what the CTR has and with a price point of $180 it is a steal. Unlike most boots the CTR offers off-center lacing/ an athletic fit which allows players with wider feet a chance to sport the boots. Usually Nike boots run very narrow but the CTR is wider and has all the tools you need in a elite boot. By far it is one of the more comfortable boots on the market. However, it is a little heavy weighing in at around 10.5 oz but for the price and comfort it is hard to turn the CTR down once you slip your foot in it. Overall, in terms of comfort, durability, and value the CTR360 once again ruled the control department.

Best heritage boot of 2011: Tiempo IV

With this boot Nike did all off the small things right. They drastically improved the fit of the Tiempo IV and updated the exterior of the boot which was in need of a makeover. They also improved the performance and fit of the boot by changing the outsole which helped the boots flexibility and comfort. In terms of value, this boot kills it on the market because at $150 you get a k leather boot that is around 9 oz. Consumers both old and young wanted the services of the Tiempo IV in 2011 because of the great value, comfort and OG look/feel. The Tiempo IV was my classic/heritage boot of 2011.

Best NEW speed boot of 2011: Pele Sports Trinity

I was able to test the Trinity in 2011 and after testing the boot I was blown away at what the boot had to offer. That is why I am putting it on the 2011 best football boots. It was light, sleek, offered a unique style and offered a point of difference on the market in my opinion. Thought by many as the OG Mercurial Vapor reincarnated, the Trinity has a unique stud mapping system that enabled you to be a better athlete. 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 referred to this boot as the beautiful revolution because until now we have not seen any other boot like this. In 2011 my ranking for the speed category looked like this:

 First Place: F50 Adizeo-----Second Place: Trinity 3E----------------Third Place: Vapor VII

Best Boot of 2011:adidas aidZERO F50

 This is the best boot of 2011. Even though it was a late release it is smart by adidas to release it right before the new year. I have been testing the boot for almost a month and to be honest this boot is much improved in terms of the fit/lock-down affect on the boot.  If you notice the yellow warning strips all around the boot and are wondering what it is you can stop wondering and searching because it is called Sprint web and it is basically put in place to increase durability and to improve the fit/comfort of the boot. This webbing is basically a TPU overlay that provides support and durability to weak points in the boot. I have seen many times on the current model consumer’s blow through the toe or the outside of the boot which has been a problem. However, with this launch adidas have focused their attention on the faults of the last adiZERO and really tried to improve the boot which is awesome for fans. Rather than just try to change the color of the boot adidas has obviously listened to consumers and tried to make a better/smarter product with this release. Not to mention the glove like fit, the boot has a brain and is miCoach compatible which is definitely a point of difference on the boot market. Review will be posted soon but based on my testing this is 2011 boot of the year.

Premium Kangaroo leather; Nike Tiempo IV Elite Teaser...

Chicharito fans will you please stand up! After looking at this color way i could only help but think of Manchester United and the Mexican savior Chichi...So without any further anticipation, i would like to introduce the The new Nike Legend IV Elite WHT/RED color way.  

The boot is made of Premium Kangaroo leather, only available in the Tiempo IV Elite, which is why many of you footy fans are wondering why the elite version is so much more supply/softer then the regular Tiempo. The reason is because it is elite so Nike gives you a little more premium joey.  The upper is made from the softest and strongest high performance k-leather available. The same premium leather was first used by Nike in the 10R collection back in the day as i am sure many of you footy fans remember. Now however the boots have changed and for the Tiempo Legend IV Elite, further advancements have been made making the leather stronger and softer.

Vamp stitching on the upper is one of the key factors in providing the soft touch and feel the Nike Legend is famous for. The boot is all about being simple, classic, and preaches touch. The new diagonal stitching in the new Tiempo Legend IV prevents the boot from over stretching while the clean minimal-stitched area at the front of the boot creates a clean surface for great touch. In addition, the carbon fiber sole-plate on the Nike Tiempo Legend IV Elite features a combination of elliptical and bladed studs that are injected on the composite carbon outsole. Nike's famous carbon fibre sole plates have become an integral part of their Elite range and are scientifically proven to give players an edge in the final stages of a game. However, at first the carbon fiber can be very stiff and actually takes time to break in...

As a top level Nike football boot, the new Tiempo IV Elite's will be priced at around  $350. To be honest with you, this boot is truly a hybrid and a concept boot that is very special and offers a lot of class and style to your game. The boots are around 9.4 which is decent due to the K-Leather upper. The boots drop 1/1/2012 so if you are a heritage/simple guy and can deal with the white upper this could be your next boot! 

Tiempo IV Teaser; Nike's Heritage boot.

Any boot fan would be jealous of this footy collection!

Any boot fan would be jealous of this footy collection!

Blogger note: Thanks Eric for the picture and the support. Best of luck in your trials this coming year!  

BLACK ON BLACK NIKE ID TIEMPO IV....

THINKING ABOUT BITTING THE BULLET AND MAKING A PAIR OF NIKEID BOOTS THAT SAY FOOTY GURU OR SOMETHING ALONG THE LINES.... EVERY TIME I SEE A PAIR OF ID BOOTS I GET EXCITED BECAUSE I WANT BOOTS THAT NO ONE ELSE HAS.... THESE ARE SICK...

FOOTY GURU 2012 Nike LEAK...

Above are the next releases of the Tiempo IV and the CTR360 II. With this next release on the Tiempo IV Nike has chosen to go with a white upper which has been done before unfortunately. Furthermore, a couple months ago I showed a Tiempo IV that was done by Nike ID that had a red upper which looked sweet. In addition, above is the next color way for the CTR360 which is a let down in my opinion because with all of the color combos Nike could do with this two tone boot/design they pick black/white/orange?? suspect...

As for the next Vapor, which is number eight to be exact in the series will rock almost every boot fanatics mind. With this boot which will retail at around $220 is sleeker and is way more form fitting. This generation will have a new lighter upper along with a new out sole to increase comfort. This past generation of Vapor i found very firm and not very form fitting. So with this boot, Nike retooled the design and made the boot to fit like the Vapor I and II's which were sleek, light and simple.

Weight: Estimated 5.6-6 oz
Price: 220.00
Release Date: Spring 2012

NIKEID Tiempo IV Teaser;

I wanted to show you footy fans what the Tiempo IV would look like if it a red upper. Check this boot which was customized on NIKEID. The red looks silky smooth and I must say the boot looks completely different. If you have the extra money to customize your boots I would recommend that you try it because as you can see the options are limitless and if you are like me you want to stand out and be different on the pitch.