Player spotting [7] - all pics of players in new boots/gear here!

I must say he is a brave man by, the age of 42, use this stud configuration in a synthetic field.

 

All the players actually used normal FG boots / soleplates on that turf, seems like no problem for them so far, I mean so far no bad injuries and things like that. But in here where I live, it's common for players to be wearing FG studs on synthetic turf.

 

I think it is common in most places its just not recommended. It makes more sense because you only have to buy one pair of boots that you can use on both turf and grass but then you end up going through boots faster and putting yourself at risk for injury.

 

I think the biggest risk about his boots is that there are only 2 studs on the heel of each boot. That, coupled with his age, is the concern, but since he has years over me, and is an experienced professional, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

 

In that photo, Duric is playing his last tournament. The tournament, AFF Suzuki Cup has ended with Singapore being Champions (winning Thailand with a 3-2 Aggregate) and with that, Duric has retired! But anyway, it is a common sight for the professional players here to wear FG on synthetic turf. Maybe it's not their culture to wear turf shoes on synthetic ground...

 

Down here in Tas we only have one synthetic turf (a second is currently being built) but we all wear FG's. I've even seen one guy wear SG's, out of ignorance probably, since we only have the one turf field, and no stores stock AG or turf shoes down here.

 

Derbystar and gsII's

 

Btw, did anyone notice that RvP did not change his boots at all and still sticks by his Predators? IMO, I think it is some lucky boots maybe thats why he has never changed it. Or does anyone know why?

 

Obertan switched to Adidas from Nike.

 

He's done it ever since his dreadful Euro's campaign.

 

I actually just got home from the UPS store where I returned my size 12 black/black/green zest Predator LZs. They were practiced in, and match worn for 25 minutes on artificial grass... I just can't do it. The Lethal Zones are drastically different from my blackout Predator AdiPowers. I think there is NO comparison. I had issues mostly with the first touch and dribble zones. The first touch definitely works... against my first touch. The wafer thin 'sweet spot' is basically foam... and looks like it belongs as an accessory at Michael's or Jo Ann Fabrics. I did like how thin and seamless the upper was VS leather. Definitely more modern. With the Traxion 2.0 I felt more comfort and stability, however the flexibility of the AdiPower sole I prefer.

I am eager to get my hands on a pair of the new NitroCharge. With every gimmick adidas puts out there is always beauty, and I can definitely see that they follow in the foot steps of the AdiPower, which is a very smart move for adidas. I am a 6'2" size 12 wearing 40+ yard shot taking midfielder who has been true to the predator since the Accelerators. I can see why Van Persie sticks with his (custom sole plated) adidas comfort level, even if they are "slime" colored.

As fun as it is to anticipate and participate in the NEWEST adidas boots... it is even more disappointing when you lace up a pair that hinders your backspin juggling ability (I am shocked I have not heard a single player complain about the first touch zone). I actually believe that more of the wear testing professional players do is for themselves, VS the boots that actually get released to the general public. It honestly could be that Van Persie has been wearing his own version of the NitroCharge in disguise since the summer. Who knows... after the Beckham Clima Cool, and Predator X, I will gladly consider the Predator LZ the end of my adidas Predator subscription.

 

I think you hit the nail on the head with this bit JC.

I was one of the first people in the UK to get the LZ, and never once did it strike me as a 'Power' boot. I'd just been an avid wearer of the Laser IV before that (it's not often I stick by a boot, but the Laser IV was top notch!) and the contrast in feel between the two was amazing.

The LZ fits like a speed boot. Tight around the ankle, very figure hugging around the midfoot. Alongside the AdiPower, these were the best fitting boots I'd ever worn. The Laser IV just felt like a power boot though. Padded, thick, yet still lightweight. The LZ was a shell, the Laser felt like a battering ram.

Personally, and I said this in my review, the zones felt a little useless to me. If I could choose which ones to take off, it'd be the dribble zone, 'sweet-spot' (that name is so unbelievably inaccurate it's untrue) and the pass-pad. All three felt in the way, it didn't feel right using them. You know when a boot suits you when you just play football, but it felt like I had to 'adjust' my game slightly with the LZ.

Now before you slate me - let me explain. Because of the extra grip you received from the 'dribble' zone, I found the ball caught under my feet slightly. Therefore, I had to dribble more with the toes, than the outside of my foot. The sweetspot seemed to hinder me curling my shots. I don't know whether it's psychological, but I never felt comfortable and it just didn't work. The pass-pad was bleeding awkward to kick with too.

In comparison, I loved the AdiPower. It's a shame they literally didn't last me more than a month in either pair (I had two). Both fell apart seemingly instantaneously. With no apparent explanation. I'm hopeful that the NitroCharge does indeed replicate the AdiPower, but it strikes me more as a Pred X feeling boot than the AdiPower. I hope I'm wrong, and I imagine this will be the lightest Predator ever.. But having a boot like the AdiPower and the LZ would just seem to me like adidas would feel the two boots are way too similar.

This is all theoretical though. I'm eagerly anticipating Mercurial getting his pair of NitroCharges.

 

McClean in vapors iii's i believe

 

Anyone know what boots Kagawa's wearing? I know he was wearing F50s, but I can't tell what these boots are.

 

Can anyone tell me who used to wear these boots? Better still, some photos?

 

Gareth Bale in the primes

 

I love Bale.

 

He made them to go along with the miadidas campaign in November, but then got injured so adidas had to shelve his involvement - a real shame, but it's great that he's getting some wear out of his custom boots!