adidas drops Samba Pack

Adidas today launched the Samba Collection, Brazilian inspired football boots aimed at celebrating the vibrancy and exuberance of the World Cup host nation. For the first time ever, as part of the Samba Collection adidas has released a new boot from each of its four boot ranges, adizero f50, Predator, NitroCharge and 11pro, with an array of new bright, exciting color ways. Each boot has been designed with its own distinct identity and cutting edge technology, inspiring the next generation of footballer.

The Samba Collection launch marks the start of the adidas “All in or Nothing” 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ campaign. The tournament is the world’s largest event and the ultimate platform, where it will be Game On or Game Over for the World’s best teams and federations. The full roster of adidas star players will be involved in the campaign from Leo Messi and Oscar to Dani Alves and Mesut Ozil.

NitroCharge, the energy-retaining football boot designed for the next generation of footballer as worn by Dani Alves and Ezequiel Lavezzi, comes in a new visually striking lime green colourway. As a boot designed for ‘The Engine’, the player who is always running, tackling and relentlessly powering his team, the Samba NitroCharge encourages its wearer to go Full on or be Gone. With its unique and highly elastic ENERGYSLING around the forefoot supporting sidecut and precision turn movements to sharpen reactions on the pitch, and ENERGYPULSE spring technology providing high energy push-offs and long lasting energy return when sprinting, the NitroCharge combines new technologies to innovate the way ‘Engines’ play the beautiful game.

The adizero f50, long sought after by the fastest players such as Leo Messi, Lucas Moura and Gareth Bale, empowers its players to Fly or Die with an electric sky blue color way. The adizero f50 is all about precision engineering with every aspect of the boot design based around making the wearer as fast as possible on the football field.

With features such as SPEEDTRAXION, an all-new, high speed stud alignment for maximum acceleration and pinpoint changes of direction, and SPEEDFOIL, a revolutionary material that combines lightweight, softness and durability for a comfortable, yet locked down heel fit, the Samba adizero f50 is a boot which ensures these world class players will be faster than ever before in Brazil.

The vibrant pink color way of the Samba Predator Lethal Zones favored by the likes of Oscar, Mesut Ozil and Fernando Torres instructs its wearer to Hunt or be Hunted. Designed with five distinctive ‘Lethal Zones’ of technology to deliver outstanding ball control, touch, accuracy and power, the boot is made to master every aspect of performance.

With a luxury deep purple color way, the Samba 11pro worn by Philipp Lahm, Hernanes and Frank Lampard retains the classic attributes that allow players to Make the Play or Make Way. With its premium, ultra-soft and ultra-light Taurus leather providing excellent fit, performance, comfort and ball-feel allied to an all new outsole with comfort frame for better pressure distribution, as well as optimized stud placement for maximum grip and acceleration, the 11pro remains the boot of choice for the complete footballer.

The latest concept boot to catch my eye...

Hands down this is one of the best concept boots I have seen from @adidasus in awhile. The infrared Predator SL is super clean. Could of been a home run if the outsole was black. Yay or nay boot nerds? #footyguru #predatorsl

Worst Releases this summer.

By far there have been some awesome releases this summer like the infrared F50 and the citrus Hypervenom launch color way is super strong. Many times the color may be strong and that helps drive an average boot. But sometimes I wonder what they are thinking.

There were two releases by both Adidas and Nike that were awful in my opinion. The first one that was jaw dropping was the Predator LZ SL that looks like Adidas let a third grader pick the colors. At first, I thought it was the regular LZ and then I found not only was it the SL/concept version but it was a soccer.com exclusive which was even funnier. A concept boot should be a big point of difference on the market and should definitely stand out but many times companies can over do it and this was a perfect example. I have always seen Adidas as a heritage and classy innovative brand but this boot/color way is just off the planet in a bad way. Not sure why they would not drop the boot in a classy gold or platinum color way to grab boot nerds attention and make it glow/pop on the wall and the pitch. But this paint job is awful in my opinion and makes the boot look very cheap even if it is the SL version.

The other color way that I thought was very average was the blue CTR360 release. That color way is so weak and rather than a unisex color way it looks like only a girl would wear that release. Wait did they forget, the first release in the boot for girls was this boot color way. Even worse, the CTR360 has always been so unique because it had that infamous two tone paint job that really grabs your attention on the pitch. But this release all I see is blue and more blue. Would have loved them to drop a simple black and white two tone boot or a USA inspired CTR360 that has red, white and blue...

At the end of the day, color plays a big part of a purchase of a boot and with these two color ways I thought both Nike and Adidas shot themselves in the foot.

Shout out to boot nerd gbonnell

Shout out to boot nerd @gbonnell_97 for representing #footyguru. Follow him boot nerds! #footyguru #predatorlz #footygurusquad

Boots on pitch

Hernandez- Nike Tiempo IV (White/Black/Orange)

Torres/Mata- Adidas UCL Predator LZ

Santi-Adidas 11 Pro

Sergio Aguero-Puma Evo Speed (Red Blue Color way)

Shout out to Soccer Confidential for the images.

Just Arrived: Predator LZ Slime Release

Just arrived from adidas is the latest color way in the Predator LZ which is being referred to as the "Slime" release. In terms of release color way by far this is my favorite releases by adidas.

The boot fades from a black toe and as it goes to the heel of the boot it turns into a bright lime color way. The color fade along with the highlighted zones really makes the boot pop and makes it a point of difference on the pitch.

When it comes to one of my favorite boots on the market the Predator LZ has to be in the mix. In terms of fit, comfort and performance not many other boots compare in my opinion. With the off center lacing combined with the sprint frame out-sole the boot which comes in at 7.9 is a rare hybrid between speed and power. Nowadays plenty of boots are light but they lack stability and a lock down affect that provides that new shoe feel whenever you go to put them on. With the Predator LZ not only do you get support but you get a tremendous fit that stays consistent!

So when ever a new color way drops I am usually busy emailing trying to get the latest release from adidas because I think the Predator LZ is a special boot. A major point of difference on the latest release from adidas is the new hybrid touch upper adidas has used to make up the boot. With hybrid touch like kanga lite it mirrors the properties of natural leather but provides a more durable upper with less water intake.



Compared to kanga lite used by Nike the hybrid touch upper used by adidas is more durable and form fitting in my opinion. When I first reviewed the Predator LZ I put in well over 40 hours and the upper on the boot stayed consistent and kept its form which really surprised me. Many times especially in Nike boots, the upper seems to wear down and lose its form/fit. However, with the hybrid touch on the LZ the upper is very durable and provides one of the best fits in the game for probably the longest period of time I have ever seen on any boot.



As for the zone technology, I am a fan. I think it is a point of difference and no other boot on the market offers what the LZ has. I believe the zones do aid in control and swerve but at the end of the day if the player does not know how to curve a ball the boots will not do it for them.

Checkout the Predator LZ review below:

Boot Nerd of the Day:

footyguru Boot nerd photo of the day features the latest Predator LZ color way. Paint job pays tribute to the Champions League. By far I think this is the best color way in the LZ so far. At the moment, the LZ based on the fit and performance is my go to boot. Offers one of the best lockdown affects in the boot game. Would like to thank @mattywoodley for the picture of his boots. Welcome to Footy Guru @mattywoodley As always boot nerds, many will apply and only a few will be chosen. #footyguru #PredatorLZ #soccerboots#footyporn

CL Predator LZ Released:

Adidas just dropped another color way in the recently released Predator LZ. With this color the zones are highlighted by a volt yellow and the upper goes from a black and gradually fades into a silver. The boot really does pop and stand out compared to the last three releases.

Coming in at 7.9 oz the the LZ is a mixture of speed and power. At the moment, the Predator LZ is my boot of choice because with the new microfiber upper the boot keeps its form. In addition, at 7.9 oz I do not feel like the boot is too heavy nor is it too light. In terms of its durability, I have not had not any problems and the boot offers one of the most consistent fits in the boot game.  Check out my review below....

Predator on Predator...

Predator on Predator... Teaser regarding the next comparison video. #footyguru#PredatorLZ #soccerboots

Adidas Predator LZ vs Nike Mercurial Vapor 8

Özil Switches to Predator LZ

In one of the most surprising boot spots in a long time the Nike poster boy named Ozil played an entire match in the latest Predator LZ. It is unknown if Ozil contract is up with Nike or he simply had a problem with his Nike boots. Throughout the past major tournaments, Ozil has been one of the big endorsers of the Nike Mercurial series. 

As a boot nerd, I would love to hear what he thought about the LZ compared to the Vapor 8.  Personally, at the moment the LZ is my boot of choice because it is the perfect balence/blend of speed and power. The LZ comes in at 7.9 oz while the Vapor 8 comes in at 6.5 oz. Both boots offer a form of lightweight speed but i feel that with the off center lacing and the extra weight that I get more power from the Predator LZ. 

Ozil a week before rocking the Clash Vapor 8

Here is my video review regarding the Predator LZ.

adidas EURO 2012 Collection.

Yay or Nay?

Sorry footy fans

Sorry footy fans for the lack of updates.

I have been very busy testing the Predator LZ. So far I have a total of twenty hours in the boots! I recently played in a Memorial Day tourney in which I played five games within two days. Unfortunately, I can not blog on the go but if you want to check updates on what is new with FootyG follow me on instagram.

The boots have been amazing and so has the footy. I do not want to give away too much info on the LZ because the release/review will have all that you would ever want to know what I think about the boots fit, the zones and durability. Sorry again for the lack of posts, but now that the tourney is over I will be back on blog mode. In the meantime, enjoy some pictures from this weekend.

Timbers vs Valencia

LZ

Boot Love.

Boots for the weekend.

Golazo provided Energy.

Footy Guru adidas Predator LZ Teaser.

Review dropping soon...

Adidas Predator Lethal Zone Football Boots: First Look

Boots hit stores 6/1/2012

DB debuts pink LZ...

Story behind the LZ...

Sneak Peak: Adidas Predator LZ

DB Predator LZ Teaser.

Over the weekend, it seems as if Soccer.com had a miscommunication. Thanks to a tip from FootyG fan Jeremy. I was forwarded a link to the new David Beckham color way in the soon to be released Predator LZ. Soccer.com accidently pre-released photos of David Beckham’s exclusive boots/colorway and since this weekend they have taken the boot/description down.

Not sure if this color way will hit home with a lot of footy fans. But it will be a first time that adidas has ever released a pink boot. In the end, I am not surprised since David Beckham is a trend setter on and off the field. Why not put him in a crazy color way? Expect these boots to drop in mid June and you better believe that they will be a soccer.com exclusive. Meaning if you you want the boots you have to go through Soccer.com to purchase them. Let me know what you think about the David Beckham exclusive color way in the Predator LZ.

Yay or Nay?

Predator LZ Preview:

Decades ago and 11 boots/generations later Adidas is set to release one of the most unique Predators ever to hit the field. I am sure you have seen the random teaser images floating around the net of the soon to be adidas Predator LZ.

Throughout the release of the 12th Predator adidas itself has teased Footy fans with teaser images of the LZ. Along the way adidas has highlighted each teaser with a component/fact about the boot which I thought was very creative/unique.

The new Predator LZ is designed with five distinctive ‘lethal zones’ to deliver an all around performance on the pitch. The LZ will have a control look and feel to the boot. Many OG Predator fans are unsure what to think about this upcoming release. Rather then preach power. Many consumers have heard the words control, accuracy and touch to describe the Predator LZ.

Many Footy fans are thinking what in the world is Adidas doing with this Predator. But since the release of the CTR360 from Nike, Adidas has had no answer for the boot. Simply with this boot Adidas is competing with Nike in the popular emerging control category that Nike has owned.

Furthermore, the eye-catching LZ features five zones of technology for ball control, touch, accuracy and power. That being said, only time will tell about how well the zones workout or if they actually help. In addition, unlike the CTR360 the LZ will come in at around 7.9 oz. Which from the sounds of it the LZ might be a mixture of speed and control which could be a point of difference in the market place. At 7.9 oz the LZ sounds like a hybrid of speed and control/comfort. The LZ utilizes the sprint frame outsole and a microfiber upper that helps reduce the weight of the boot. But as a boot nerd I am not concerned about the weight. I am rather focussed on the fit and comfort of the boot. The fit and comfort for a control boot is a must because at the end of the day the boot gimmicks known as pass pads and control zones do not matter. What matters is the fit/comfort of the boot and how long it will last.

However, it has been shown within the market place that within the control silo that weight does not necessarily matter. At 10.5 oz the CTR360 is not light by any means but the reason so many consumers are attracted to the boot is due to it's comfort and durability. Furthermore, at 7.9 oz I am wondering how durable the Predator LZ will be compared to the CTR360.

Specs/details of the Predator LZ:

The five zones of the LZ have been highlighted in Adidas teaser campaign and have been designed to help the consumer control the ball within all areas of their Footy game.

The First Touch zone has recessed Predator SL rubber on the forefoot  area of the boot, which acts as a cushioning platform on the synthetic upper to give immediate ball contact. 

The Drive zone has a raised and thicker 3-D shape on the inside vamp of the boot, which follows the natural shape o the instep to create a rebound effect for greater distance an power. 

The Sweet Spot zone has a smaller surface area which has raised ribs on the medial side of the bot with the purpose of generating greater spin and pace.

The Pass Zone is the fourth Lethal Zone and is on the instep o the bots. The memory foam on the medial side of the boot ensures consistancy of passing, and a 3-D sticky print with large surface area increases ball contact time for more precise passing.

The ‘Dribble’ zone is a continuation of the SL rubber from the forefoot, to provide optimum grip on the ball for controlled dribbling. The ribs of the rubber are positioned on the lateral side of the boot and are designed to provide a small contact surface area with the ball which allow for a large number of quick ball contacts, spaced out to ensure optimum grip.

LZ Upper: Another point of difference;
Unlike past Predators the LZ will feature a microfiber upper called hybrid-touch. The hybrid-touch has the properties/feel of a leather boot. But also has the the properties/benefits you get from a synthetic boot; lightweight, water resistant and form fitting.

Overall, I am excited for the boots to release. I think the LZ will be something completely new and fresh for Footy fans to try. The new LZ will hit the pitch this weekend around the world in the superman color way seen above. Boots officially drop June 1st, so those of you that are in Portland stop by the Far Post Soccer Supply and try them on.