Umbro GT 2 Pro Review
LIKE IF LIKE...
The Good: GT Pro comes in a tidy sleek package that rivals some of the top elite speed boots in the game but is offered at a reasonable price of $150. The GT Pro comes with one of the most stylish/unique paint jobs in the boot game and features teijin microfiber upper, off center lacing and a Poron sock liner which all contribute to it's great fit.
The Bad: Only complaint is at first use the upper is firm/rigid but after one session with the boot the upper broke in very nicely. In the video, it was the first time I ever wore/put on the boots.
The Bottom Line: In terms of overall value the GT Pro is a no brainer because with this boot you get a quality upper along with a fantastic fit at a unbelievable price point. The GT Pro is the most underrated speed boot on the market in my opinion. The boot easily competes and betters the elite speed boots such as the synthetic adiZERO and Vapor. If you are seeking a unique boot at a realistic price that no one else will have on the pitch then the GT Pro will not disappoint.
Comfort/ Fit: 9/10
Unlike other synthetic speed boots the Umbro GT offers a mixture of speed, protection and comfort while many speed boots offer speed but struggle with the fit and comfort aspect. Pieced together with a microfiber upper and complimented with off center lacing the boots hug your foot to give you a sock like fit and an amazing lock down affect. The upper on this boot hugs your foot, during dribbling the touch of the upper acts as a second skin which is key for a synthetic boot.
The main performance aspect that sets this boot apart from other speed boots is the off center lacing that conforms to your foots natural shape and provides you with a cleaner/bigger striking surface. The off center lacing that I refer to as the athletic fit allows the boot to hug your foot and provides a fit that many speedsters desire. Another aspect that I enjoyed during testing the GT was the flex grooves on the forefoot of the boot. Rather then experience a rigid ride the flex grooves on the outsole allow your foot to flex naturally which I noticed when I sprinted and changed direction. The flex grooves along with the carbon fiber forefoot plate provide stability and are not flimsy like many speed boots I have tested. The feel of this boot is rigid and during the run of play I felt that the boot was light but very supportive which is unique for a speed boot.
Performance: 9/10
Coming in at 8.8 oz the GT Pro may seem heavy compared to the current lightweight standards but to be honest the difference of weight is just a figment of your imagination. If you are quick no matter what boot you are wearing you will still be quick the lightweight boot will only be lighter on your foot but it is the player that makes the boots. I was reminded constantly by my dad growing up that the boots do not make the player, the player makes the boots. That is so true and now days you see too many kids sporting boots that are way flashier then their game. Furthermore, for what the GT lacks in weight it makes up in the supportive feel it provides. Unlike other speed boots the GT Pro provides support and is rigid in just the right spots which I really liked. Too many times with a lot of the speed boots you get a boot that is lightweight but lacks support so with the GT it is a mixture of both speed and comfort.
Aiding to the performance of this boot is the bladed out sole and the deep heel cup on the GT Pro. Both the outsole and the deep heel cup provide a low profile stance on turf that is aggressive but at the same time provides protection and stability. Unlike the vapor or the superfly the GT which has Nike tendencies only has carbon fiber on the forefoot rather then the whole out sole. By having the carbon fiber plate on only on the forefoot it provides a more comfortable stance/ride on the boot. Many consumers including myself feel that the Vapor/Superfly are very rigid but like I have stated the GT Pro is a happy medium and feels very comfortable compared to the Vapor series. The GT Pro may not be the lightest speed boot but it's stability and weight provide a unique combination of speed and comfort which is a point of difference compared to the other speed boots on the market.
Value: 9/10
In terms of overall value, based on comfort and performance this boot so far has been the best boot I have tested. I can not believe the price point of this boot! At $150 you can walk away with a boot which in my opinion is easily a $200 boot and maybe more because of the fit and the unique make up/style this boot offers. With the GT Pro, Umbro have created a boot for the modern day game at a very reasonable price. The GT Pro has a unique style which is a big seller in it's self along with a quality upper, sock like fit, and a light weight feel make it a no brainer for the player looking for a durable boot at a reasonable price. This boot easily compares and rivals the adiPOWER Predator SL and adiZERO in terms of it's performance and comfort. Did I mention that is boot only retails for $150 which is a steal for what this boot has to offer. Do not be like everyone else on the pitch and have the same purple/pink boots, be different and give the GT Pro a try.
Footy Guru Rating:
Comfort/Fit: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Overall Score: 9/10
(Boots supplied for review by Umbro)
