Arguably the biggest innovation in football boots since the first ball was kicked back in 19th century at public schools was the introduction of a lightweight silo by Nike in 1998. The boot was designed around 2 time world cup winner and 3 time world player of the year Ronaldo, with main principles of the boot to create a light weight frame with a synthetic upper that reduced weight and gave their athletes a competitive edge. Since the R9 “lightweight” has become a buzz word among boot designers and young football hopefuls worldwide with all the major players within the boot industry having one or more that fits into this category. But has creating “the lightest boots” come at a cost?
There is definitely a market position for a lightweight silo with the likes of Ronaldo and Messi benefitting from the reduction in weight in the Superfly and F50 respectively, giving them an extra bit of pace when gliding past helpless defenders. But have the boots gone too light? The Adidas F50 weigh a mere 165g, to put this into perspective an Iphone 4 weighs 136g making it only 29g lighter. The Nike Superfly III weighs slightly more coming in at 210g. This range from Nike has floated around this weight for a couple of years and it seems to be an optimum weight for the brand combining other elements such as “traction on demand” with the sense studs to offer players more than a light boot. But with a new model due next year will the brand try and compete with the F50 on the scales?
A common trend in recent months is brands redeveloping boots that have already carved themselves out a niche within the market and pursuing lightweight designs. A prime example of this is the new Adidas Predator. Since its release in 1994 the boot has seen some of footballs greats don the boot including 3 times world player of the year Zidane. The early Predators positioned themselves within the “Power” category with features that allowed the likes of Beckham to swing in a mean free kick. Now with the latest edition the boot has jumped on the lightweight band wagon with a 25% weight reduction from the previous model weighing at just 235g and the New Adidas adiPower Predator tipping the scales at just 211g. The new position of the boot is a far cry from its origins and its lead athletes of years gone by such Patrick Viera, who dominated the Premier League for 9 years, now would Viera a robust midfield general class himself in the same boot silo as Nani?
Let’s hope the anticipated release of the new Nike Tiempo Legend IV has stuck to its routes as a boot with a great touch and feel.
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those superflys are fake? you just did an article on how to spot them
These are not fake.
Yea there not fake. The article telling fake from real said that real had 8 holes for the laces, and those above have 8 not 7.
when was this written?
there is an elite version for the tiempo legend IV so i doubt it also the leather isn’t all that in comparison to Mizuno and Adipure since they wanted to reduce weight.
Adidas have become obsessed with lightweight cleats- adipure sl, adipower sl, and adizero prime. They need to focus on a cleat that lasts, one that is comfortable and durable. Not ones like the adipure sl that last 2 weeks before breaking.
Hey Ryan,
I suppose it’s a fair point you’re making, but I think the SL range is also meant to be a stab at Nike for not making lightweight boots. You see, Nike’s lightest boot is only a couple of grams lighter than the Predator SL. While the consumer should be in Adidas’ mind, I think the SL range is targetted to be a warning shot to Nike about what can be done with a SprintFrame. Plus it’s asserted their dominance over them.
I think Nike have the ability to go lighter but they choose not to. The weight of the superfly’s in my opinion is perfect. A friend of mine just bought the predator sl’s and he says the fabric feels cheap. I think adidas have lost sight of what’s important and that’s quality.
I don’t really think adidas is dominating Nike as much as you think. They have the adizero and that’s about it over Nike. I think they’re getting carried away with the lightweight aspect of everything and it’s getting really annoying. Not EVERY cleat has to fit in the lightweight category. I also think Nike and adidas are in the market with different intentions. Nike is all about crafting the best boots for individual position’s needs in mind. A perfect example is the CTR’s. They are the best boot of all time in my mind, and no brand is anywhere near touching them. By changing the adipower to the “control” silo, adidas gave Nike both power and control. Adidas is strictly about making a lightweight cleat. They dominate Nike in that category, but I think overall Nike is a much better brand with the player in mind.
I agree the Adidas seems to have changed the predators from power to control but I disagree with the Nike is making boots for positions in mind and a better brand with the player in mind. You can’t say that Adidas is getting carried away with the lightweight aspect because its the same thing Nike pushed years ago when they had the lightest boots on the market. Look at Nike with their elite line. Some models have very little difference in weight from the non elite versions.
I would say lowering the weight of cleats, in and of itself, is definitely a good thing. However, I feel that the most of the current superlight boots on the market do have more significant compromises than I’m willing to make. I do think that this could change sometime in the future. New materials and construction methods could definitely give us cleats that provide a greater level of comfort and protection at a very light weight.
There has to be a fine balance between lightness and protection/durability.
After all, who would want to lace up a pair of cleats which would severely hurt the metatarsal region of their feet, and only lasting six matches to boot?
Also, isn’t it ironic that the less material used to make a pair of football boots, the more it costs?
The ideal mix of price, weight, protection, and durability seems to be a pair of Mizuno Ultralight Morelias. Although I have never worn a pair, it seems the $175 price tag, along with K-Leather upper and a 220-gram shoe, would be the perfect formula.
Too bad they are not easily attainable in the US.
a fair point about the superflys and also about vier a and nanni interesting read!