Without a doubt all eyes are on Brazil, but with a few matches still to play in the Spanish domestic season and UEFA Champions League to look forward to, the intensity for glory on the field is still there.
Nike
The old battle between Nike & Adidas is back, stronger than ever. Earlier this year I was able to test the two speed boots under the F50 & Mercurial Vapor range. Every team needs a captain, we all know the two big front runners for these mammoth brands are Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
The final Mercurial for 2014 was made by Nike earlier this year, the boot was broken in by Cristiano Ronaldo, Nike's lead face for the Mercurial elite series in 2010, is the only player to wear the boots. The Portuguse front-man has been due an update, having worn the Mercurial 'Flash-Pack' boots since January, wore the boots in this years El Clasico at the Bernabeu.
Four years ago South Africa witnessed Nike's most ground-breaking boot pack to date, featuring breakthrough innovations never seen before and unique color combinations designed for increased visibility. The collection became an instant classic. The boot is a normal Mercurial with Talon studs inspired by a Cheetah's claws, without a doubt this was the best boot pack that Nike had launched since the Euro's in 2008.
The inner sole of the boot shows the moment of which the newly released boots were inspired, Cristiano Ronaldo was named man of the match in all three group stage games in South Africa in 2010. Many fans might question bringing back a boot thats already been launched, but if you have purchased this boot do you not only have a decent Mercurial Vapor, but a piece of history.
Wrap Up & Rating
I must say I really enjoyed playing with these boots, it reminded me of the World Cup in South Africa. Nike had a plan and it worked, it wasn't meant to be a new design or new boot. The only differences were that Nike used the new dimple technology for these boots, including the stud design. Performance wise its nothing different to how the MV usually performs, but as the final Mercurial of 2014 I would have liked for Nike to perhaps do a different type of send off. All in all it was a pleasure to test these out, like I said before to many will it as just a boot, but it is a piece of history without a doubt.
XTBootBattle Rating : 7/10
Nike's Race For Glory
How do Nike rate in terms of their build up to the World Cup?
Nike's biggest asset is their marketing team, this was clear to see with their incredible 'RISK EVERYTHING' advert for the World Cup.
Without a doubt this has been one the best adverts/commercials Nike have made in a long time, building up to the World Cup its certainly put the heat on Adidas. The World Cup kits are also very well marketed, some designs better than others, but the big 3 stars' sides (Ronaldo - Rooney - Neymar) can't complain about how their sides will look in Brazil. Their new boot color ways for the World Cup look great as well, launching a couple new boots and designs. Without question Nike are certainly ready to battle Adidas in Brazil, on and off the pitch.
Adidas
Mr Messi's much anticipated boots, the Samba color clash...must say on first view this is a beautiful boot. Every angle looks amazing, I've been fortunate to test out all of Messi's custom boots and this has to be my favorite.
Speaking on the boots inspiration, adidas Senior Product Manager Antoine Hadjimanolis explained: "The design inspiration is taken from the energy sources that inspire Messi and where these come from. He gets his energy from friends, family, team-mates and the people of his country and each of these four are incoprorated into the Samba colours in a way that looks like they're coming from the ground into the shoe."
As usual the packaging is outstanding, apart from a boot bag, Adidas hit the sweet spot once again. Many players around the world will look at these boots with great envy, not only does the magic Messi get to wear them, it has his name right there for all to see.
The boot has had a few changes, its more styled on the recent F50 revamp. There is slightly more padding, but overall its exactly the same F50 boot design. The Samba splash colors are unique and keeping up with Adidas' goal of making visual assaults in the football boot market.
Wrap Up & Rating
I'm a very big fan of the Messi boots, each one has bettered the previous and its exactly the same with these. The comfort, weight and traction are all incredible and until I started testing the Messi boots I considered myself a Nike man. Adidas have really cracked the code in making a boot that looks great and performs well. These boots are all special, if not for playing they are certainly a collectible.
XTBootBattle Rating : 9/10
Adidas' Race For Glory
As a start, it doesn't hurt to be the official sponsor of the tournament...in that regard Nike can't compete. As usual at this time of year both brands lock horns, marketing wise Adidas have done their level best to catch up with Nike's master powers.
They recently launched their 'Battle Boot Pack' with their World Cup slogan 'All In Or Nothing'
Spread across all four of adidas' silo's, the adizero F50, Predator LZ, Nitrocharge and 11Pro have all been given a unique black, white and gold update that is a visual representation of the adidas “all in or nothing” 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign. Each boot is exactly 50% white and 50% black and the fiery gold colour of the three stripes represents the FIFA World Cup trophy.
The black and white patterns of the boots have been inspired by the warpaint of native warriors and the iconic pavement patterns of ancient Mesopotamia perfected on the Copacabana beach. The individual patterns are designed to express the attributes of each boot, as well as the attitude and abilities of the player type who wears them as they fight for victory.
Adidas have always held the advantage over Nike in terms of making better products, kits and boots, but Nike have been catching up. Adidas have pushed themselves beyond all expectations for the World Cup, technology wise and style of their products. The showdown of who will perform better is certainly something that wets the appetite, the world is counting down the days to the World Cup.
I hope you enjoyed this special #XTBootBattle blog, many thanks to Soccer Bible for some great information and a selection of pics. If you would like to follow Boot Bible on Twitter or on the web, you can do so here
- Twitter : @Denisao4
Thanks as always for reading and make sure not to miss out on our next blogs, UCL Final and World Cup build up.
