Along with the launch of their main colourways, Nike has launched a set of support colourways for the T90 Laser IV, CTR360 Maestri II and Mercurial Superfly III. The new collection is set to make their on field debut this weekend and although expect to see most Nike supported players wearing the main colourways, we are sure some will opt for these alternate colourways.
The new T90 Laser IV Dark Grey/Solar Red/Black colourway doesn’t seem to go with any kit however this K-Leather version screams Manchester United or Liverpool. We know Wayne Rooney won’t be in this Red/White/Blackcolourways – despite them being a perfect match for his Nike Manchester United kit.
Nike have gone for a slightly more understated Blue/White/Blue colourway for the CTR360 Maestri II than we are used to and followed that up with this Dark Shadow/Volt colourway. We expect to Manchester City star Mario Balotelli wearing this colourway as he was spotted training in them this week.
We have already seen a host of players showing off their new Metallic Purple/Silver Mercurial Vapor Superfly III boots on their Twitter accounts but we have no doubt that a few will opt for this great looking White/Blue/Voltcolourway. One player we are pretty sure will wear this colourway is Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric who seems to favour white colourways.
Nike unveil their new collection of football boot colourways ahead of the holiday period. All their silos receive a colour update and we must some of them are truly eye-catching.
NIKE MERCURIAL VAPOR SUPERFLY III – Metallic Purple/Silver
Featuring an adaptive traction system that provides extra grip, traction and responsiveness the seventh generation of the Mercurial boots ensure fast players capitalize on the tightest of scoring opportunities. Directionally positioned blades maximize cutting and allow for quick changes of direction, while secondary toe traction provides added toe-off power for those first critical steps to generate explosive speed. Collectively, these design details allow greater speed and quickness in all directions. The second generation of Nike Flywire technology incorporated into the boot’s streamlined upper provides a lightweight, strong and more dynamic fit.
NIKE T90 LASER IV – Dark Grey/Solar Red/Black
Focused on adapting to the technical demands and movement of a highly mobile striker the T90 Laser IV is 20% lighter than the last version and features a streamlined silhouette that provides enhanced fit and feel on the ball. The forefoot area features a newly configured adaptive shield design in which the key contact zones are broken up into flexible strips to enhance the natural power and accuracy of the foot while the swerve zone fins reduced in size and height allow a closer feel to the ball providing friction to curved shots.
NIKE CTR360 MAESTRI II ELITE – Loyal Blue/White/Blue
The Nike CTR360 Maestri II Elite is designed for the player looking to master control on the pitch. Controlling the tempo with accurate passing, dictating the pace and creating chances are necessities for the midfield maestro. A Kanga-Lite synthetic leather upper ensures optimal comfort and fit; cushioning zones and receive and pass pads give great first touch and improve ball control and precise distribution. The unique asymmetrical lacing design creates an expanded ball control surface for enhanced touch. Finally, the plate offers incredible energy return and strength, with bladed studs for optimal traction and stability.
NIKE TIEMPO LEGEND IV ELITE – White/Metallic Red/Silver
The Tiempo Legend IV Elite’s premium leather is strong and soft, giving the player extra comfort, touch and control. Combine the unmatched touch and feel of the boot with innovations such as a carbon fiber plate, Flywire technology upper and stud configuration and you have a legend reborn. It is also the lightest Tiempo yet, coming in at 20g lighter than its predecessor.
All the new colourways will make their on field debut this weekend and are available for preorder now, hitting retail stores around the world on 2012 January, 1st.
The FA Cup is certainly a magical competition and Thierry Henry could hardly have had a more fairytale start to his second stint at Arsenal. The French striker has returned to the Gunners on a two month long loan from MLS club New York Red Bulls and made his second Arsenal debut in their victory over Leeds United in the FA Cup third Round.
Henry came off the bench in 68th minute to a roar of cheers from the Gunner’s faithful who still appreciate what he did for the club before departing to Barcelona in 2007. With the score line still 0-0 Wenger needed a goal and 11 minutes after coming on Henry rolled back the years as he coolly slotted home with his right foot to earn the club a spot in the 4th round.
The lack of a distinct heelcounter is a huge giveaway.
The goal was Henry’s 227th for the Gunners – most of which were scored wearing Nike Vapor or, late in his career, Reebok boots. Henry recently sign for German brand Puma however and made his debut in the yet to be released Puma King SL – the King Finale’s lighter brother.
Our first thought was that Henry had, like many others, cut the fold-over tongue off his King Finale boots but a closer look revealed they were in face King SL boots. The King SL has been in the pipeline for awhile and are expected to be released in the coming weeks. The SL shares a similar colourway to the current White/Navy/Team Orange King Finale.
It isn’t the first time we have seen the King SL in action as Henry’s Arsenal teammate Mikel Arteta has been in them for a week or two and wore them again against Leeds.
Having successfully released their collection of African nations kit, PUMA have now launched the new official playing home kit of the Italian National Football team. Stefano Caroti, Chief Commercial Officer of PUMA SE presented the shirt to the Azzurri captain Gianluigi Buffon and FIGC Marketing Manager Benedetta Geronzi, at the Centro Sportivo La Borghesiana in Rome. The Italian National Team will wear the new home kit for the first time against Uruguay tomorrow in Rome, a game that will mark the 150th anniversary of the Unification of Italy, and in the lead up to and during The 2012 UEFA European Football Championship in Poland and Ukraine.
The new Italian Football home kit takes its inspiration from one of the world’s most powerful teams, and is designed for the most powerful of performances. The shirt boasts four stars, representing the four FIFA World Cup victories the Azzurri have enjoyed in their history, the official FIGC badge and a classic vintage styling. The slim fit shirt has a 3D graphic embossed print and a welded patch pocket. The 4-way stretch underarm panel, cuffs, and back mesh enhance freedom of movement, fashioned after on-pitch player jerseys. Finally, the flat knit rib collar with contrast tipping and tonal bottomless placket add a bit of retro styling to this modern, fast-forward design. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy, the collar has been personalized with the “tricolore”, the three colours of the Italian flag.
A full range of replica shirt, shorts and socks were also launched worldwide today, along with a merchandise collection. For the first time, PUMA has included a QR code woven label in the home replica shirt, which when scanned takes people on a special journey through the history of the Italian national team, exclusively onwww.puma.com/football.
“Materials, design and graphics change day by day, but the charm of the Italian shirt remains the best expression in the world of football”, said Antonello Valentini, General Director of FIGC. “This new shirt represents the long partnership between PUMA and FIGC, emphasising the common values our brands share, as well as the importance of style and traditions. It represents a new step in our relationship, not only in a commercial sense, but as the expression of a new vision to encourage charity initiatives, and in particular to promote the Italian national team as the ultimate expression of Italian Football”.
Gianluigi Buffon, Italian National Football Team Captain said, “Modern football is such a powerful game, the performance of playing kits is very important, and we are very happy with the new kit that PUMA has created for Italy. It is a great looking kit – we are a proud nation, and the design is also very important to us. In my long international playing career, I can certainly say this is the best kit I have worn for the Azzurri.”
Stefano Caroti, Chief Commercial Officer of PUMA SE commented, “We are very pleased with both the design and performance innovations that have been integrated into the new Italy home kit. Italy is one of our leading Power assets in world football, and we have worked hard with the FIGC to deliver a playing kit and replica wear that meets the high standards we set ourselves. We hope the Azzurri go on to achieve great things in it in Poland and Ukraine next year.”
PUMA has partnered with the FIGC for eight years, a period that saw the Italian National Team win the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
A wardrobe essential for the bona fide Azzurri fan, the Italy Home Replica Short features an official FIGC badge and sporty styling. The gusset increases freedom of movement, complemented by the side leg panels. And for the finishing patriotic team touches, the tonal waistband panel features Italian flag-colored stitching and an embroidered ‘Italia’ script on the belt.
A match-day essential for the bona fide Azzurri fan, the Italy Home Replica Socks feature a sporty styling. The socks have tonal mesh panels, Italian flag-colored tipping on the reverse, and ‘Italia’ wording on the front.
Along with the new kit Puma have launched a a great new campagn called ‘More Than Football’. As the second most successful team in the world with four World Cup wins in 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006 the Italy kit possesses a legacy that goes beyond most teams. In a football fanatic country it is the azure blue kit that brings Italians from all over the world together under the common love for their beloved national team. For Italians the Azzurri blue is more than just a color. For Italians the Gli Azzurri kit is so much more than football.
Nike and Cristiano Ronaldo last year set the boot world alive with the release with one of the most iconic signature boots of all time – the Safari. Now Nike have unveiled the Real Madrid and Portugal star’s newest signature boot – and this new colourway will undoubtedly spark the same excitement as the Safari.
The CR Mercurial Vapor Superfly III signature boot mirrors the performance and style Cristiano Ronaldo embodies with a disruptive graphic treatment on the left and right side of the boot. As CR moves into position or tracks back the left side of his boot reveals a subtle pinstripe effect with a clear screen and pattern treatment. In contrast, the right side features a bold contemporary stripe of Mach blue and Solar red.
Together, the boot graphics will create a striking flicker effect on pitch to stand out in the heat of game day competition.
CR Mercurial Vapor Superfly III features an adaptive traction system that provides extra grip, traction and responsiveness to ensure one of the fastest players in the world capitalizes on the tightest of scoring opportunities.
Directionally positioned blades maximize cutting and allow for quick changes of direction, while secondary toe traction provides added toe-off power for those first critical steps to generate explosive speed. Collectively, these design details allow greater speed and quickness in all directions. The second generation of Nike Flywire technology incorporated into the boot’s streamlined upper provides a lightweight, strong and more dynamic fit.
The new Blue/Red/Obsidian colourway will makes their on field debut this weekend when Ronaldo and the rest of his Real Madrid teammates face Valencia and will be available from selected stores from 18th November.
Having recently launched the all new England Away kit, Umbro have now returned with a special edition Away set ahead of England’s Euro qualifying game against Montenegro on Friday.
The new Away jersey and Anthem jacket feature a redesigned version of Peter Saville’s Modern England pattern, which Saville designed specially for Umbro, and features interlocking crosses to represent the flag of St George.
The new design features on the collar of the navy Away kit while the Anthem jacket is covered in a tonal navy St Georges crosses print.
The navy Jersey is a big change from the traditional red but it still a very traditional English colour and is a throw back to the traditional suiting colour worn by the England team first in the 1930s. Inspiration was taken from the caps given to England players as well as the original British passports, which were navy in colour.
Lightweight and breathable, the special edition shirt has adopted the same performance benefits as the England Away shirt. The shirt uses mesh technology to increase the airflow to the body, updating a style that was first introduced in 1970. The England shirt is made using full polyester on the inside to help draw sweat away from the body and features a cotton outer to provide a smart appearance.
The new special edition Away set will be available from the Umbro website from tomorrow the 7th of October.The England Team will debut the special edition Anthem jacket in their last qualifying game against Montenegro.
Another weekend of brilliant football was produced by the stars of the Premier League. 17 goals were scored on Sunday alone and TRW bring you some of the best boot spots from the weekend’s action.
This weekend saw the new Nike colourways make their debut on the field. We weren’t sure who’s kit the new White/Silver/Purple CTR360 Maestri II colourway would match but it turns it that it goes perfectly with Arsenal’s goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny’s. Szczesny has been outstanding for the Gunners and pulled of some fine saves against Spurs but wasn’t able to keep them all out as his side went down 2-1.
Nike’s Volt/Purple/Retro Superfly III colourway seems to have become an instant favourite with a host of players switching to the new colourway. The most surprising of them was Swansea’s Scott Sinclair. The ex-Chelsea winger has been in White/Black/Pink Superfly I boots for most of the this season and last.
Sinclair scored from the spot and the switched seemed to pay off for Manchester City winger Adam Johnson as well. Johnson made the most of a rare opportunity to turn out for City by getting his name on the score sheet – which made have helped him get his England call up.
One player who may feel hard done by when the England squad was announced is Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor. The Villa striker has been in exceptional form and put in another goal scoring performance this weekend as his side beat Wigan Atheltic.
History was made on Sunday afternoon when Andy Johnson scored Fulham’s first ever hat-trick. The England striker lead the charge as Fulham put 6 past QPR. QPR had no answer for Johnson who scored a hat-trick for the Cottagers in a pair of White/Slime/Blue AdiZero boots.
It was a pretty good weekend for English strikers as Liverpool’s Andy Carroll also found the back of the net. Carroll is yet to truly impress in a Liverpool shirt but would have won himself much favour with the Red’s fans when he opened the scoring against Merseyside rivals Everton. Carrol was in Umbro’s White/Blue Special R boots.
A lot has been said about Frank Lampard and his future over the past few weeks. The headlines this week will undoubtedly read ‘Lampard is back’ after the Chelsea midfielder put in a vintage display against Bolton Wanderers to grab himself a hat-trick. Lampard’s display was pure class, as are his White/Gold/Black Adidas AdiPure IV boots.
There is a lot of great young English talent in the Premier League at the moment. One of the players catching the eye at the moment is Tottenham Hotspur fullback Kyle Walker. Walker’s return from loan has seen him establish himself as the first choice right back for Harry and his wonder goal against Arsenal this weekend will only serve to cement that place. Walker is one of the few people wearing Umbro’s GT Pro range of boots and is currently in the Yellow/Silver colourway.
Danny Welbeck is another player England fans are hoping will help restore the national side’s fortunes. The return to fitness of Welbeck is a major boost for Manchetser United as the lanky striker was instrumental in the fine form United produced at the start of the season. Welbeck has stuck with his Black/Orange Tiemo Legend IV Elite boots.
Our final boot spots of a pair of boots that we have featured a few times on out Boot Spots and arguably one of the most talked about boots at the moment. For a boot that hasn’t even officially been released the Puma PowerCat 1.12 certainly is in demand. Many player such as Barton, Arteta, Carrick, Jones and of course Cesc Fabregas have been spotted wearing white-out versions of the boot and this weekend West Brom’s Chris Brunt was giving them a run out against Sunderland.
Barcelona Midfielder Launches New PUMA Powercat 1.12 Football Boot
PUMA today announced the signing off a long term partnership with Spanish international midfielder Cesc Fabregas, the Barcelona midfielder signing a multi-year contract with PUMA. Cesc will wear PUMA boots on pitch and will become another key performance icon in the sportlifestyle brand’s global football communication. Having unveiled, Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero, PUMA is delighted to welcome Fabregas into a football family that also includes Thierry Henry, Nemanja Vidic, Samuel Eto’o, Mario Gomez, Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Ibrahim Afellay, Lucas Barrios, Mikel Arteta and many more footballing stars.
Fabregas will lead the global launch of the new PUMA PowerCat 1.12, debuting the boot for the first time on-pitch this weekend when FC Barcelona play Sporting Gijon in La Liga. This new boot features the new PUMA 3D DUO Power Shooting Technology, applied to the kicking area on the inside of the boot. Having tested the boots in recent training sessions, the performance characteristics of the PUMA PowerCat 1.12 seriously impressed the talented young international.
Cesc Fabregas said; “I am very happy about this new partnership with PUMA and I am really looking forward to wearing the new PowerCat 1.12 on pitch this weekend. This boot gives me a lot of confidence to compete physically in midfield which is vital. I need a boot that I am comfortable with, that gives me the power and protection to play at my best. This has been a fantastic summer for me, signing for Barcelona and now for PUMA. This brand has a great attitude and has some very exciting plans ahead which make me feel privileged and excited to be an ambassador for many years to come.”
Christian Voigt, Senior Head of Global Sports Marketing at PUMA commented; “This is a very exciting time for PUMA right now and we are delighted to welcome Cesc Fabregas into our growing football family. Cesc is another fantastic addition to our sports-marketing portfolio and will be a vital asset in global football communication in the coming months and years. He’s a supremely talented young player, who has proven himself consistently in both club and international football. There’s no doubt there are big things ahead for Cesc Fabregas, both on and off the pitch.”
Earlier Fabregas had leaked the news via his YouTube page with this video show off his new boots and sponsor.
(With the launch of Fifa 12 today all eyes will be on Fabregas to see what boots he is wearing in the game.)
A. PUMA is such a strong brand with a positive attitude towards both football and life. From the very first time I met PUMA, it was clear they really focused on the emotion and the joy in sport, not just the result. To me this is an interesting and refreshing approach. PUMA made a great impression on me from the very beginning and it was obvious that this was the right move for me to sign this partnership. I am looking forward to working together and excited about the plans for the coming months and years.
Q. What is your opinion of the PowerCat 1.12 Boot?
A. The boot has seriously impressed me. Playing in midfield is so combative and physical, I need a boot that gives me protection and support, but comfort is also really important and this boot offers it all. The PowerCat 1.12 Boot is without doubt gives me a lot of confidence to perform on the pitch.
Q. What do you think about some of PUMA’s other product ranges?
A. The PUMA performance wear is strong and technically very good, but I also really like their lifestyle clothes. There is a style about PUMA that I’ve always admired, so I’m very happy that they’ve sent me a lot of new clothes!
Q. How do you feel about featuring as a key player for the PUMA brand?
A. For me it’s great. The communication plans that PUMA have shown me are fantastic, so I’m really pleased to be incorporated into these plans. PUMA has similar partnerships with many great footballers that I admire and to join them is also really exciting.
Q. What was the main deciding factor in signing the new partnership with PUMA?
A. The performance elements of the boots were obviously very important – I am of course a footballer and it’s so important for me to be successful in my career. Wearing the right boots is a critical part of this.
The PUMA brand is very inclusive, and I believe in the way they work with players and their campaigns. For me, joy and passion is the most important elements of football and this drives me to continually improve myself as a footballer and as a person. PUMA shares these same values.
It’s really important that I believe in the brand that I partner. PUMA has shown me that they are totally committed to this partnership, and right from the start I have felt comfortable and happy with the way things have proceeded.
The rules of the game are about to be re-written as adidas unveils the world’s first football boot with in-built miCoach technology enabling both professional and amateur footballers to analyse their personal speed, distance and work rate during a game: the ‘boot with a brain’.
The new adidas F50 adiZero miCoach football boot is capable of measuring:
360°personal performance data
Speed
Distance
No. of sprints
Intensity work levels
Available at retail from November this year, the adidas adiZero F50 miCoach football boot is the first boot ever to enable players across the country at every level to analyse their game just like the pro’s and compare their performance to adidas professional players, team mates and friends. Are you the quickest in your team? Do you have the highest work rate? And how do you compare to Leo Messi, Gareth Bale, and Ashley Young?
Messi – instrumental in the design process.
To bring the data from playing in the boot to life adidas have created two unique experiences:
Players can download their stats to their smartphone and directly into a newly created platform that will take personal performance stats and build them into the ultimate gaming experience
Players can download their data to the miCoach.com online training hub to see graphical representations of their performance, relevant training programs from the best clubs in the world to help improve performance, and ways of sharing and comparing their performance
Now, not only is the adiZero F50 miCoach the lightest boot on the planet, it is also the smartest. So let your feet do the talking on the pitch, while miCoach backs you up off of it!
The new adiZero F50 boot will be available at adidas own retail outlets and specialist retail stores nationwide from the 15th November, at £200. Additionally, the adiZero F50 miCoach bundle will be available from wholesale outlets at £245 and includes a pair of adiZero F50 boots, a speed sensor and a smart device dongle, miCoach CONNECT, for iPod and iPhone as well as the miCoach CONNECT for PC / MAC.
The new Adidas F50 AdiZero launched in an eye-catching High Energy/Electricity/White colourway which we expect to see on Lionel Messi but this Black/Warning/Electricity colourway will undoubtedly stand out on the pitch as well. Both the High Energy/Electricity/White and Black/Warning/Electricity colourway will be available with a synthetic and leather upper.
