The Boot Room

The Premier League season is upon us and with every new season comes the latest boot. Kids are looking to see which make and model their favourite player is wearing and then begging parents to cover the expense. Boots are expensive these days and kids want a new pair every season. So for all the young and old defenders out there, here is my ‘Boot Review’ for the 2011/2012 season.

Nike CTR 360 Maestri II
Price: £134.99 €162.42 $215.78

Although worn by defenders Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson, this product is made for a midfielder who likes to control a game. Cesc Fabregas and Iniesta are just two of the names that you will be seen wearing this product in the upcoming season. Unlike the Vapors, the Maestri II has the feel of a boot made of leather, with the new cushion zones that has been implemented.  Overall a good boot, being durable and the fact that Ashley Cole wears them is a plus. The problems are that Nike does not offer a totally black boot and Glen Johnson wears them.

Defensive Discussions rating: 7/10

Nike Mercurial Vapor II
Price: £149.99 €180.47 $239.76

A very light boot, in all sorts of colours and is built for a winger. This product is not one that should be seen at the back. Nike has used a synthetic material to make it one of the lightest boots ever created. From personal experience, a defender wearing vapors is about as safe as walking into a fire with your pajamas on. I fractured a metatarsal in my foot, therefore would recommend to defenders to look elsewhere and let the glamour boys rock them.

Defensive Discussions rating: 3/10

Nike Tiempo Legend IV
Price: £119.99 €144.37 $191.80

A leather boot that is built like the Nike CTR’s, made for good control and pin point passing. Made from leather, have predominantly black version, and Manchester United's Javier Hernandez wears them…….I like this boot. The only down side is that they sponsor Gerard Pique and are very expensive (just like the previous two). But if they help you play like the Barcelona centre half, give me a size eight.

Defensive Discussions rating: 8/10

Nike Total 90 Laser Elite
Price: £134.99 €162.42 $215.78

Rio Ferdinand wears them, enough said……..No, Nike’s heaviest boot that has really evolved over the years. They used to be light but not rigid enough to support a player going into a tackle. The 2011 version is lighter but the leather is much more rigid. This gives support defenders support and last longer because they are not putting as much pressure on the seams that hold the boot in place. Very expensive and kind of ugly with its new design, but can last up to three seasons.

Defensive Discussions rating: 6/10

Adidas Predator TRX
Price: £154.99 €186.48 $247.75

The players that Adidas have wearing their product do not wear the original black and red version of this boot. This upsets me, because when I think of predator that pretty sight of David Beckham in the gorgeous looking red and black accelerators. They do offer them in red and black, but feel like the predator has aged like a Golf GTI. It was the coolest car ever in the nineties but over time has aged and lost it's appeal.

Defensive Discussions rating: 6/10

Adidas adiPure IV TRX
Price: £124.99 €15039 $199.80

A heavier version of their adiZero’s or Nike Vapors but supports a defender perfectly. Last season, I had two options for which boot I would wear for the season ahead, and the adiPure was one of them. In the end I chose the classic Nike Tiempo 94’s but the adiPure looks great, very comfortable, and offers a predominantly black boot. As you can tell that is a winning ingredient for me. The boot moulds to your feet very quickly and any footballer knows that is a good thing, especially during pre season.

Defensive Discussions rating: 9/10

Umbro Stealth II
Price: £49.99 €60.15 $79.91

Umbro have been making boots for top class, English players for years. I remember the Umbro Speciali worn by Alan Shearer, which was black, leather, and an all round classic shoe. The latest shoe is not black, leather, and worn by the shamed ex England captain John Terry. Great defender and has that cockney swagger about him, which helps him pull off the white boots. I just don’t like defenders following the trend and wearing coloured boots, plus these particular boots are pretty ugly. On the plus side, they are the cheapest boot we reviewed and Umbro boots always last forever.

Defensive Discussions rating: 5/10

So we have looked at the new boots on offer for the new season ahead and which professionals are wearing what model. At least six of the seven from the list are good choices but none of them are the Defensive Discussions ‘Boot of Choice’. What can it be?Nike do not off the 94’s and neither do Umbro offer the Speciali’s, so it cannot be them. The boot of choice is not a new model, but is a classic boot and here it is…………………

"Phenomenal"

Puma King’s are as old as your grandparents, as cool as David Beckham, and as classic as an E-type Jaguar. The very sturdy, black, and leather boot with the white tongue is just a fantastic combination. You might not find a Rio Ferdinand wearing these but go to any non league game, and every ‘meat head ‘centre half will be rocking a pair. They are cheaper than most of the products on our list ( £124.99, €150.39, $199.99) and are an all round outstanding purchase. 

I would like to thank Vince Scaravillo for helping me with this review. Good luck with the season ahead Vince!