Thursday, May 23, 2013

Boot review: Nike vs Adidas


The Ultimate Speed Boot
Mercurial Vapour IX vs. Adizero F50
  





Having recently acquired the Adidas Adizero F50 FG and the Nike Mercurial Vapour IX, I got to test arguably the two most advanced football boots available to the mainstream market. Nike and Adidas have been going neck and neck for almost a decade to give football loves the perfect boot to suit their game.


First up was the Nike: Mercurial Vapour-Fire berry, the ninth edition in the Mercurial vapour series and definitely the best one yet.  The most striking thing about the boot is first and foremost the colour way. The perfect boot for the player that (like me) likes to stand out and to be noticed, not only for their footballing ability, but their style as well. It’s no coincidence some of the games most charismatic characters chose to wear the Mercurial Vapour. The new “golf ball’ like design was something that had never been seen before. It helps improve the touch of its user when running at defender at full speed. Definitely an added advantage especially when combined with ACC technology for wet conditions.
I found the boot extremely light and comfortable, sometime forgetting I’m even wearing any footwear yet protecting the foot when striking the ball. Something that gives you a psychological advantage when running at speed. The boots very comfortable even and fits well considering it’s a narrow boot and I have a wide foot, which in the past has been an issue.
Rating
Design: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Price: 8/10

The Adidas: Adizero F50-Vivid Yellow Leather boot really surprised me. It took a quick run out to get used to leather version of the boot. Surprisingly is its still very light and provided a more natural “padded” fit compared to the Nikes. The leather allows for a good touch o the ball even in wet conditions and keeps water away to prevent it getting heavier as you play. And couple that with the famed Sprint Frame, it allows you greater traction and change of direction while keeping your foot from moving too much.
The soft ground version of the boot is perfect for wet weather, but my main concern with it is that Adidas do not provide you with replacement studs. And having done some searching on the net it seems once you lose a stud, the boot is practically useless.

Rating
Design: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Price: 8/10
In conclusion I would say that choosing between these two boots is an impossible task for me personally, as they both have many positives and very few negatives. Ultimately it comes down to your personal preference, and with that I can honestly tell you whatever your choice may be, you definitely won’t be left disappointed in your purchase.


So get yourself down to CrosstrainSA and get yourself a pair. Before you know it defenders will be admiring the bottom of your boot while you leave em chewing up your dust.

To discuss more on boots, players or the beautiful game in general follow me on Twitter.com/Tumelo13

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