Need help deciding on next boots to purchase

[RIO17]

Guys:

I need some help. I only buy boots about once every year. The time has come for me to purchase another pair.

To give an idea of my playing style:

- I'm a midfielder, and I mostly play in the center or the wings
- I'm a playmaker and I like to distribute the ball
- Touch is very important because at times I may need good control for dribbling, or a good flick
- I tend to push the ball ahead and drag back very often, so I need shoes that are good for gripping the ball quickly
- I make long crosses often

So far these are the boots that have served me well in order of performance:

- Diadora Brasil
- Nike Air Zoom Roma
- Diadora Italica
- Nike Mercurial Vapor

Because I can't splurge like I have in the past and I have to save money to move soon, I have turned to the always awesome Final-Score.com and narrowed my choices down to the following boots:

Diadora Brasil (White)

http://www.final-score.com/catalog/productdetail.cfm?TID=5555-45050517010445170591933-0&module=home&action=shoeSizeSearch&supercat=home&sku=5589520&model_nbr=24594

Puma Cellerator GCI FG

http://www.final-score.com/catalog/productdetail.cfm?TID=5555-45050517010445170591933-0&module=home&action=Shoes_search&supercat=home&sku=17013108&model_nbr=35791

Kelme Men's Miura M

http://www.final-score.com/catalog/productdetail.cfm?TID=5555-45050517010445170591933-0&module=home&action=Shoes_search&supercat=home&sku=56899172&model_nbr=49560

Puma Men's Icana FG

http://www.final-score.com/catalog/productdetail.cfm?TID=5555-45050517010445170591933-0&module=home&action=Shoes_search&supercat=home&sku=10026101&model_nbr=33181

However, I have never tried Kelme or Puma boots at all, so if you guys can help with that, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Also, I'm a huge Kangaroo leather fan, so I'm kind of skeptical about how mesh on the Pumas and the regular leather on the Kelmes may perform. But conditioning the Diadoras may also be a drag, because I only conditioned my other ones for a year before I gave up.

Decisions, decisions !

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

- Joe

[dienasty]

Id go with the Kelme, they always fit me great and sound like a reliable boot for what youre looking for.

[Paul.eta]

To give an idea of my playing style:

- I'm a midfielder, and I mostly play in the center or the wings
- I'm a playmaker and I like to distribute the ball
- Touch is very important because at times I may need good control for dribbling, or a good flick
- I tend to push the ball ahead and drag back very often, so I need shoes that are good for gripping the ball quickly
- I make long crosses often
as long as the boots fit and are comfortable then the information above is irrelevant
So far these are the boots that have served me well in order of performance:

- Diadora Brasil
- Nike Air Zoom Roma
- Diadora Italica
- Nike Mercurial Vapor
you've heard the saying don't fix something that ain't broke? we'll stick to what worked well in the past (i.e. brasils)[/quote]
Because I can't splurge like I have in the past and I have to save money to move soon, I have turned to the always awesome Final-Score.com and narrowed my choices down to the following boots:

Diadora http://www.final-score.com/catalog/productdetail.cfm?TID=5555-45050517010445170591933-0&module=home&action=shoeSizeSearch&supercat=home&sku=5589520&model_nbr=24594]Brasil (White)

Puma Cellerator GCI (http://www.final-score.com/catalog/productdetail.cfm?TID=5555-45050517010445170591933-0&module=home&action=Shoes_search&supercat=home&sku=17013108&model_nbr=35791) FG

Kelme Men's Miura (http://www.final-score.com/catalog/productdetail.cfm?TID=5555-45050517010445170591933-0&module=home&action=Shoes_search&supercat=home&sku=56899172&model_nbr=49560) M

Puma Men's Icana (http://www.final-score.com/catalog/productdetail.cfm?TID=5555-45050517010445170591933-0&module=home&action=Shoes_search&supercat=home&sku=10026101&model_nbr=33181) FG

- Joe
I havent tried any of those so I'm of no help. But I would go with brasils if I were you since it's been a good performer. What size do you wear? I have some brand new adidas f50s (black.zest.metallic silver) in 9.5 I might consider selling.

edit: the puma's and kelme's are calf leather. thought you might want to know since you prefer k-leather

[RIO17]

as long as the boots fit and are comfortable then the information above is irrelevant

Can't expect anything less on BigSoccer :D

Always guaranteed to receive dismissive answers like the one above.

Shoes make a big difference depending on the position.

Lighter, minimalistic shoes are great for forwards.

Stronger, more reinforced shoes are good for defenders.

Also, the shape helps with shooting and taking free kicks.

Trust me, I've used many different shoes and each one allows me to do things a bit better than other pairs.

Anyway, I appreciate the opinions. I definitely have never used Kelmes, but I'm leaning towards them because they're at a good price and I won't have to care for them as much as K-leather

[Paul.eta]

Shoes make a big difference depending on the position.
...
Also, the shape helps with shooting and taking free kicks.

Trust me,

umm no. lol

you can believe in the "hype" behind a pair of boots, but what's comfortable is the top priority in choosing a pair of boots. i've like many others (maybe including you) tried more than a good share of boots and over the years i've settled down to Puma KSLs. first boots I can honestly say that if i were to choose only one pair of boots for the rest of my life it would be KSLs. now the choice is ultimately up to you so choose wisely.

[Damon]

Rio, I agree with another post in that, if you've worn the Brasil before, stick with it. Personally, I'm a Copa guy, but my "real" playing days are long gone and I just wear them because I'm spending loads of time on the field coaching. I've always thought that a player shouldn't get too caught up in the "newest/latest" whirlwind, but some guys like to wear only what they're seeing the pros have on their feet.
Bottom line, stick w/ the Brasils. Or . . . you could always wear Copas if they fit your feet well. You just can't go wrong with them.
Just do me a favor and stick with black.

[RIO17]

umm no. lol

you can believe in the "hype" behind a pair of boots, but what's comfortable is the top priority in choosing a pair of boots. i've like many others (maybe including you) tried more than a good share of boots and over the years i've settled down to Puma KSLs. first boots I can honestly say that if i were to choose only one pair of boots for the rest of my life it would be KSLs. now the choice is ultimately up to you so choose wisely.

I don't believe in any "hype" about boots - I've just worn various boots with different shapes, different studs, and weights.

If I cared about the "hype" about boots, I wouldn't have specified that the Brasil have been my best pair; they have a classic design and molded stud pattern.

I don't know what your playing style is, but it is obviously not the same as mine.

There is a huge difference when I wear a clunkier, fatter, but more comfortable shoe with high studs (RTX12) like the Diadora Italica, than when I wear the lighter, thinner and lower shoe like the Brasil.

Weight makes a huge difference if you run and sprint frequently like me. If I wear shoes that are heavier and have higher studs, I tend to wear down much faster. The drag on the feet takes its toll after a while.

The shape of the shoe makes a huge difference too. The best shoes I have worn for dribbling are Nikes, because the synthetic material of KNG-100 and Nikeskin is sticky and keeps the ball close to my feet.

I've also scored my best free kicks with the Mercurial Vapors and the Air Zoom Romas (now discontinued, unfortunately), because they are very light, very thin, and feel like my feet.

If you have ever played barefoot, you'll understand why it's great to have a shoe that hardly makes its presence known.

Shoes that are fatter at the front like the Diadora Italica also make it harder to shoot than pointed, fitted shoes like the Mercurial Vapor.

Ultimately, it is the skill that determines the skill of a player.

However, if a boot can cause the least interference and come as close as possible to emulating the shape of your foot, it will help in maintaining your performance at a good level, not necessarily "improving" it.

- Joe

[RIO17]

Rio, I agree with another post in that, if you've worn the Brasil before, stick with it. Personally, I'm a Copa guy, but my "real" playing days are long gone and I just wear them because I'm spending loads of time on the field coaching. I've always thought that a player shouldn't get too caught up in the "newest/latest" whirlwind, but some guys like to wear only what they're seeing the pros have on their feet.
Bottom line, stick w/ the Brasils. Or . . . you could always wear Copas if they fit your feet well. You just can't go wrong with them.
Just do me a favor and stick with black.

Damon:

Thanks for the advice.

I used to see many people wear the Copa Mundial when I was in High School and if there is any shoe that carries an unrefutable reputation for greatness, it is certainly the Copa Mundial.

I know what you mean about the latest and greatest deception - I went and bought myself the Mercurial Vapors because they were highly recommended by many, and so many professionals wore them.

I even spoke to a few guys on the Columbus Crew that wore them when I was a reporter and they all said that they had no problems with them at all.

However, I always had a love-hate relationship with them because they tore my feet up beyond belief. They were so painful that I just retired them this month. I just couldn't take it anymore. My toes and heels were destroyed after each game. I think my feet grew in this past year too, and Nikes are notorious for being smaller.

I still won't forget how good they felt at times though. They were so light and running in them was awesome after they broke in. I scored some great goals with them.

Anyway, I want the Brasils so bad because I've always wanted a white pair (sorry, I like white, can't stand black. it's boring, and needs to go away). However, I'm going to have to think long and hard about that, because it's definitely going to be a dent in the student pocketbook.

I'm moving to Denver in July and I'm going to need all the cash I can get :D

[Paul.eta]

We may disagree on the boots theory, but do what you gotta do. I wouldn't blame my lack of performances on the pitch on the boots, but rather my inability to retain focus. Good luck in finding your "pair."

[DarrenOHooligan]

umm no. lol

you can believe in the "hype" behind a pair of boots, but what's comfortable is the top priority in choosing a pair of boots. i've like many others (maybe including you) tried more than a good share of boots and over the years i've settled down to Puma KSLs. first boots I can honestly say that if i were to choose only one pair of boots for the rest of my life it would be KSLs. now the choice is ultimately up to you so choose wisely.


I'm right there with ya striker. I truly, honestly belive that the one thing that matters most is comfort. If you feel comfortable in a shoe, you will have the ability, and CONFIDENCE to play well. If you can't do something, like I've said before, blame your skill and ability, not the boots. I think it's funny that people always ask about shoes depending on position, yet you see pros in both striker and defence postions wearing pulses, or AZT III.... Anwyays, I've said my piece and like striker says, do what ya gotta do, but whatever you decide, make sure they are comfortable.

p.s. KSLs are definately my desert island boots without a doubt.

[RIO17]

I'm right there with ya striker. I truly, honestly belive that the one thing that matters most is comfort. If you feel comfortable in a shoe, you will have the ability, and CONFIDENCE to play well. If you can't do something, like I've said before, blame your skill and ability, not the boots. I think it's funny that people always ask about shoes depending on position, yet you see pros in both striker and defence postions wearing pulses, or AZT III.... Anwyays, I've said my piece and like striker says, do what ya gotta do, but whatever you decide, make sure they are comfortable.

p.s. KSLs are definately my desert island boots without a doubt.

The greatest thing about your post is that you are assuming that I am having confidence issues, or my skill and ability is suffering.

All of this even though I explained myself fully in my post, and I even indicated that boots have nothing to do with enhancing ability.

But then again, I can't expect anything less from the typical BigSoccer know-it-all goons that just haven't learned how to read properly

It's almost amusing, if it hadn't gotten old quite a long time ago.

Oh, and for a field test for you "boot experts" - go out and wear a pair of cheap $20 synthetic leather Mitre or equally generic brand boots from your local sports equipment store and tell me if you've felt no difference than when you play with a higher quality boot.

I bet you clowns would dance back in here and tell me that there was no difference at all, because they were so "comfortable" :D

If comfort would be the end-all-be-all criteria for buying boots, I wouldn't waste my time with cleats. I'd be wearing basketball hightops all the time :D

Anyway, that being said, I'm done. Although my thread was literred with garbage, I got good replies from some sensible people, and that's all I needed. I've made my choice.

- Joe

[DarrenOHooligan]

The greatest thing about your post is that you are assuming that I am having confidence issues, or my skill and ability is suffering.

All of this even though I explained myself fully in my post, and I even indicated that boots have nothing to do with enhancing ability.

But then again, I can't expect anything less from the typical BigSoccer know-it-all goons that just haven't learned how to read properly

It's almost amusing, if it hadn't gotten old quite a long time ago.

Oh, and for a field test for you "boot experts" - go out and wear a pair of cheap $20 synthetic leather Mitre or equally generic brand boots from your local sports equipment store and tell me if you've felt no difference than when you play with a higher quality boot.

I bet you clowns would dance back in here and tell me that there was no difference at all, because they were so "comfortable" :D

If comfort would be the end-all-be-all criteria for buying boots, I wouldn't waste my time with cleats. I'd be wearing basketball hightops all the time :D

Anyway, that being said, I'm done. Although my thread was literred with garbage, I got good replies from some sensible people, and that's all I needed. I've made my choice.

- Joe

Sorry you took offence to what we were saying. All I was was trying to say is that gimicks and position don't play a part of deciding a boot... FOR ME, everything I was saying was for ME!!! I can't understand why anyone would buy boots due to a gimmick or position when comfort matter most.. TO ME!! AS a matter of fact I did have to buy a pair of $35 budget adidas casue I was out of a job, and had no money, and while they weren't the most comfortable, they did the job ( I dont even remember the model, Granted that a high quality boot will be more comfortable, just proving my point more!!! :D) and I scored twice. Why, because I have confidence that I can take on just about anyone due to my skill, and not my boots. On the flipside I was smoked a few nights ago by someone wearing some no name plastic boots, and he scored a craker of a goal, and the top scorrer in one of my indoor leagues wears adids running shoes!!! I in now way insinuated that you had some confidence issues. I posted earlier in a pred post about the the power pulse elements skyrocketing shots, everyone treid to blame this on the boots, when in fact my problem was that my technique was WAY off cause I had just got the pulses and not used to wearing them, therefore my technique was all messed up. I went out and practiced for about 4 hrs for 2 days, and perfected (almost) my shot. Anyways, I didn't meant to offend you, and i'm sorry. Good luck with your boots.

(p.s. Pumas are the greatest boots on the market.)