NEW hummel 2007 Football Boot Collection

[rkuchinsky]

OK all,

Here's the some news of the hummel 2007 Football collection, to be released Jan 2007. As well, more pics and info are already posted on my footwear blog, First Pullover (http://pullover.blogspot.com)

The 2007 collection (as was 2006) is focused on 3 top models, for different kinds of players. Rather than based only on position, or features (ie. lightweight, etc.) it is based on personality and "Character", and all offer a wide variety of exciting technical and performance features. More on these characters to come (or feel free to dig up some of the posts I made last year about the concept).

The 3 (top) models are...


4.2 Concept FG/SG
For 2007 this boot features a new type of military-spec Goat Skin Leather which makes the boot 22% lighter than the Copa, and 5 times more breathable. Ultimate natural touch and softness, and feel.

6.2 Concept FG
Fully synthetic boot as per 2006 with new colorway for 2007.

8.4 Concept FGX
This boot is 100% new (new last, design, outsole) and our biggest story.
Inspired, in part, by all those posts about trying to get the "perfect fit" with using all kinds of crazy methods (showers?!), and in part by the personalized service we offer professionals, this boot features a true user customized fit.

Using a special sockliner technology that can be custom molded to fit your foot using heat, and a new wide last, this boot is perhaps the best fitting, most comfortable boot on the market.

Additional features include super soft and abrasion resistant Goat Skin Leather, glass fibre reinforced heel coutner, fully customizable lacing system and an all new hybrid traction/classic stud outsole.


Additionally, based on the success of last year's limited edition (6.2 Concept FG Pony, 1923 pairs worldwide), there will be two new ultimate special edition boots.

Stay tuned for more info and pics coming up!

Cheers,

R

[Kbulldog3]

does hummel have a website??

[rkuchinsky]

Please click one of the Quick Reply icons in the posts above to activate Quick Reply.

www.hummel.dk

[DaRonaldinhoFan15]

i have a question about the tommasons. i want to buy them, and im a size 9 in pulses, size 9 in AZT2K's, 9.5 in AZT3s, and 9 in Lotto vento concepts (all US sizes). only 8.5 and 9.5 are available where i want to get them. do you think i could squeeze into 8.5s, or should i go with the 9.5?

[jon_mac90]

I've got both Adidas and Hummel and I've found Hummel to come up a half size smaller. I take an 11.5 in Adidas Preds and a 12 in Hummel Silver Anniversary.

[rkuchinsky]

FYI, some more info, reprinted from my blog (http://pullover.blogspot.com)for BS members-

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1822/1270/1600/g02.jpg

As mentioned earlier, one of the most exciting things about the new coming 2007 hummel football collection is the development of a 100% new boot, the 8.4 Concept FGX.

The boot was designed from the ground-up (or inside out, depending how you want to view it), and features a number of revolutionary new innovations designed encourage the best fit and performance possible.

One of these important developments, is the new FGX outsole.

Build around a completely new, wide fit, anatomical last, the new FGX outsole was designed foremost to offer the maximum balance of performance in comfort and traction.

Featuring a combination of stud shapes, the FGX uses rounded blade studs for grip and control on the majority of the studs. These studs are constructed with a visible dual density TPU column in the center, that helps transfer energy and impact to the internal midsole.

To help protect against the traditional concerns of traction blades, ACL injuries, the FGX outsole features a unique pivot point design in the medial forefoot area, with 3 conical studs as typically found on a classic round stud design.

This pivot point and use of round studs, help enable good grip and quick direction changes and avoids the problems of over-traction that ocurr sometimes with bladed designs. The result is a safer and more comfortable performance.

In addition to these features, the FGX outsole has been designed around a DYNAsymm internal latice chassis. This support grid offers good strength, flexibility and reduced weight. Using a truss-like X beam structure, like a bridge beam construction, a minimum of material can be used to provide great strength. Unlike lightweight carbon fibre, which can have too much spring, and is prone to snaping under extreme loads, the TPU DYNAsymm chassis will evenly flex and bend and responds more like a normal outsole.

As well, for top quality durability, the FGX outsole has 4 metal rivets per outsole, including one placed in the medial forefoot, and a custom metal logo rivet in the heel. Most boots have only 1 or two. These rivets help protect against delamination.

stay tuned for more info and pics coming soon!

R

[Dr Leather]

For 2007 this boot features a new type of military-spec Goat Skin Leather which makes the boot 22% lighter than the Copa, and 5 times more breathable. Ultimate natural touch and softness, and feel.

It's Groundhog Day!!!!!!!!! Here we go again..........:eek: Proof please on the breathability of the entire boot, not just the leather, from an independent verified laboratory please. Would hate to think that marketing might overcome real results. With the might of Pittards (my old friends) behind you this should be an easy task.

It's easy to say that the leather is more breathable, but as we know Richard all that can easily be negated within the shoe construction.........all the glue:eek: , all the padding:rolleyes: , and all the backing materials;).

Thanks,

Dr Leather

[rkuchinsky]

Please click one of the Quick Reply icons in the posts above to activate Quick Reply.

Well you have to consider that the rest of a boot, aside from the leather uses normal construction materials. That is, as all boots use similar foam, backing materials, reinforcements, etc. a difference in leather breathability WILL affect overall boot breathability. Therefore, any benefit from the leather would be proportional with respect to another boot with a competitive top surface material.

In general, it is standard practice to test the material specificiations, not the finished boot.

The fact is, that the new analine Goat Skin Leather is 5x more breathable than K-leather. period.



R

[iamtomas]

Please click one of the Quick Reply icons in the posts above to activate Quick Reply.

www.hummel.dk


What stores will carry these boots in the USA?

[Dr Leather]

Most reputable brands test the sum of all the components, but I'm not going into names. By developing articles based on individual specifications you can really run into trouble.......can you honestly state that your glues are fully breathable????? Or indeed the other shoe components???? I hope the forum members understand the point I am trying to make here....

Anyway, prove to me the results of this breathability.........it'll be really interesting to see which breathability test you have chosen, as it is well accepted in the trade that there are definite issues with some of the tests. But if it's a full analine leather then whilst your breathability will be good there are sure to be other issues.......trust me:cool:

And also you should be careful not to consider all K-Leather is the same ;)

Look breathability is just one aspect of a far more complex equation in total called moisture management (water vapour permeability and absorption) combined with a number of other factors.

Well no doubt I will check in over the weekend to see your response, but as always I wish you well in your product developments.

Rgds,

Dr Leather

[JEP7]

rkuchinsky,
You may want to change the description for the 4.2 Concept FGC on the website as at present it reads Colour "Black/White/Shite!"

[rkuchinsky]

Darryl,

First off, let me say I of course, I understand your curiosity and "pushing", working for a Kangaroo leather manufacturer, when I mention the better performance of the Goat in some areas over K. But the facts I present are very clear.

By developing articles based on individual specifications you can really run into trouble.......

1. All development is normally done by components. This is a normal scientific method to control certain variables to focus on changing others. It should be very obvious that if the material alone has 5x better breathability, all things being equal a boot using this material will also perform better than a boot using another material if they have the same foams, glues, etc.

Anyway, prove to me the results of this breathability.........it'll be really interesting to see which breathability test you have chosen, as it is well accepted in the trade that there are definite issues with some of the tests.

2. It is in fact very common in the industry to not post test results. I have never seen anything for instance from Adidas to substantiate the claims of the PowerPulse or Predator system, for example.

Of course a consumer must be able to question a source of information. Im only saying that in the end, it really would be of no benefit for me to mislead or mistate incorrect information.

It should be clear that unlike you I am not a leather manufacturer. I do not really have any personal preference to use goat skin over any other leather. The reason that we have chosen Pittards Goat Skin in the first place, is because of these excellent properties. I am only communicating these facts. We have, and still do use other materials such as K-leather, Cow Leather, and Synthetics on our boots.

In any case, here is some more info-

[rkuchinsky]

Anyhow, back on topic-

New for 2007, the hummel 4.2 Concept FGC/SG features an exciting new material > Pittards WR100X Analine Goat Skin.

The military use this leather for the very thin, but high performance gloves worn by the Special Forces who jump out of helicopters and slide down ropes to action. In these high wear circumstances, gloves are required that will give good water and sweat resistance, but also excellent touch and softness feeling like a second skin. It is also very important that these special gloves prevent rope burn and wear.

In our new football boots, these combination of unique features (softness, touch, weather and sweat resistance and high abrasion resistance (20% more than K-leather), make it the perfect material for premium control and performance.This uniquely finished natural aniline offers up to 5 times higher breathability than standard Kangaroo Leather with no sacrifice in water or sweat resistance.

In addition, as it is a very lightweight leather with a unique fibre structure, the resulting boot is 22% lighter than the copa and comparable classic leather boots.

Unlike reguar-finish leathers, this Analine leather needs no "break-in" period. It is super soft fresh from the box, and will only improve and mold to your feet with wear. As well, because of the Analine finish, the surface of the leather has a more dull, natural similar to some baseball batting gloves or driving gloves.

The 4.2 Concept features a classic round FGC outsole, or soft ground SG outsole, and a great mix of classic style with modern technical advantages included a glass reinforced heel counter, and asymmetrical design.

http://static.flickr.com/62/189354724_62e3d74cbb_o.jpg

Dk. Grey/White/Gold

To be released Jan 2007

R

[Dr Leather]

Dear Richard,

Love your reply........ you should be looking at politics my friend the way you dance around having to present real facts!!!!!!

Look lets take the example of a wellington (rubber) boot. It's made from essentially two components...... rubber (of some sort) and a lining. Let's now suggest that we might run an experiment......OK......I'll try to keep it simple, althouh this example is far closer to the truth that perhaps people realise.

So first up let's look at the materials we'll be using in this experiment:

1. Standard breathability lining. (akin to your standard leather)
2. New super breathable lining. (akin to your new analine leather).
3. Rubber which is non-breathable (akin to the glue, linings and foam all put onto the back of the leather)

OK.......

So, breathability testing of rubber + standard lining = 0
and breathability testing of rubber + new breathable lining = 0

i.e. despite the new super breathable lining the net result is the same!!!!

Thus testing and specs of individual components does not add up to make a perfect combination......... everything (as always seen in nature) is about things working harmoniously. Your glues, foams, etc will impede the gradients of breathability, so much so that just because you 'say' your leather is 5 times more breathable this 'wondrous' benefit is negated!!!!!!

I'm only trying to state facts as well rather than allow forum members to be misled and blinded by skillful marketing. It's simply not fair on these guys who obviously have to work hard, beg, borrow or steal to get their boots.

As for your comments about other brands, well yes there is real data which I get to see. But I'm not asking them as I've already seen their data....... I'm simply asking you send yours.

And remember, breathability is only one part to the moisture management story in total.

All the best with your efforts.

Dr Leather

p.s. Can you do all colours in this analine leather........I bet you can't do metallics......... my guess is black, and other flat colours.....can you help with this question????

[rkuchinsky]

Love your reply........ you should be looking at politics my friend the way you dance around having to present real facts!!!!!!


Wow, you really seem very worried, protesting so much. I guess I can understand it, given your K-leather business will surely be affected once the superior benefits of Goat Skin Leather become common in the market.

To me it sounds like the horse and buggy operators making crazy unrealistic claims against the new technology of automobiles at the turn of the century.

I would suggest that perhaps you spend more of your time answering questions about the things you know...

1.why K-leather always gets hard after wet,
2.why K-leather has very poor abrasion resistance and wears out,
3. why the supply of K-leather in recent years has drastically decreased leading to increased prices and lower quality (ask anyone who has compared a Copa made now vs. one made 15 years ago)

...instead of feeling the need to make untrue statements about your competition. This is not only professionalism, but good forum behaviour. I am here to add information to the forum, not bash on my competitors. It would be nice if you did the same.

Let me first say that your example is nonsense and has nothing to do with the situation.

Facts-

1. The Analine Goat Skin Leather is 5x more breathable than K.
2. Foams are poruos and breathable
3. Lining materials like canvas and nylon are porous and breathable.
4. glues used are not waterproof, as anyone can atest to having soaking wet boots after playing the rain.

Again, if all other things in the boot are the same, I think most people would be smart enough to realize that improving one thing (the leather) would help the overall picture. Use some common sense.


R

[ADIKeeper]

On the one hand, I do agree with Richard. He isn't bashing anybody, he hasn't done anything to provoke you personally, Dr. L...I think. So, coming out of hibernation just to start this crap up again doesn't make much sense.

That being said, personally I think the whole Hummel thing has turned into a marketing scheme. By giving us sneak peeks, making us feel 'ahead of the game' and thoroughly informed. It was allright for a while, now it just feels forced. We know who to go to if we have any questions about Hummel products.

I know both of you are trying to prove a point, but its been going on FOREVER! Both of you are huge wealths of knowledge when it comes to your given fields. But this stupid, bickering one-upsmanship isn't helping anyone. Dr. Leather and Richard might both be a 'little' right, but at this point I don't think anyone cares. Settle it somewhere else if you really feel the need to have it out.

[rkuchinsky]

On the one hand, I do agree with Richard. He isn't bashing anybody, he hasn't done anything to provoke you personally, Dr. L...I think. So, coming out of hibernation just to start this crap up again doesn't make much sense.

That being said, personally I think the whole Hummel thing has turned into a marketing scheme. By giving us sneak peeks, making us feel 'ahead of the game' and thoroughly informed. It was allright for a while, now it just feels forced. We know who to go to if we have any questions about Hummel products.

I know both of you are trying to prove a point, but its been going on FOREVER! Both of you are huge wealths of knowledge when it comes to your given fields. But this stupid, bickering one-upsmanship isn't helping anyone. Dr. Leather and Richard might both be a 'little' right, but at this point I don't think anyone cares. Settle it somewhere else if you really feel the need to have it out.

I agree that we should all be adult enough to avoid attacks here and focus on providing useful information for the forums user to do (or not do) what they like with it. Lets get on with it.

In that spirit, I have always believed that my contributions to the boards here have value and interest to many members. As you are well aware that while other brands file lawsuits and try to prevent advance information, my whole idea is that more information is good, especially when you can be sure it is legitimate and trustworthy, and I am very transparent in my presentation so you know where it is coming from.

I am sorry you feel my participation here is "marketing". As I know I've said before, I only hope that I can share some of the great stuff we are doing that I have personally worked on. If the consensus is that this information is unwanted, I suggest you dont read the posts, or I can leave all the exclusive information to another board. I just think that would be very unfortunate for many members who do value my contribution.

Just my $0.02 worth. Getting back on to topic of new boots, FYI I do plan on posting some more pics of 2007 products later this week.

R

[Dr Leather]

Fair enough - I've put my point across :cool: Honestly I have not read such creative marketing in ages..........trust me our technology is right up there;) .

Not here for a war. But just to provide facts.......real facts:D .

Cheers,

Dr Leather

[Echo_]

no offense to you richard but if goat leather is so awesome why arent most companies using it as opposed to kangaroo leather (which has stood the test of time as being "the best")

[rkuchinsky]

no offense to you richard but if goat leather is so awesome why arent most companies using it as opposed to kangaroo leather (which has stood the test of time as being "the best")

A very valid question.

The one thing about innovation and technology is that it always changes. Just like how the cassette tape (remember those) were once the *best* new technology for recording music, then came the CD, digital mp3s have now surpassed both because of many consumer and technical benefits.

The same is also true with the materials we are talking about. The developments we have made working with Pittards are very new and have made new things possible for Goat Skin Leather use in football boots with the benefits already mentioned.

In fact, I would bet if you were able to find a similar forum from 40 years ago you would have someone asking the same question about why "new Kangaroo leather is so good against the proven cow leather that has stood the test of time". ;)

As for other companies using this material, the main issue is one of company size and ability to change. hummel is a very small company compared to even the smalled "big" company, Puma. In our organziation we are very flat (I report directly to the CEO and I am responsible for all design, development, materials and product), and we have the ability to make decisions very quickly if we want (just look at some of the development I do on my blog, where I drastically change designs/colors while in asia).

This is not true of larger companies that have huge heirarchies of structure (footwear designer reports to footwear design mananger, who report to footwear director, who reports to buiness unit mananger, etc. etc.). Large companies also have a more difficult time with managing big logistics chains (ie. materials from many supplier going to many factories, in many different products).

A big company is like a big ocean liner and takes a long time to turn, while we are like a small ski boat and can maneuve very quickly.

We were introduced to Pittards and the potential of this material about two and a half years ago. At that time, and given some issues with K-leather, we made the immediate decision (after testing and further researching the material), to use the Goat Skin Leather. This was for our 2005 collection. At that time, I would guess Nike would already be starting design for their 2007 collection. On average we design/develop our collection about 1 year ahead of the market so can use new materials, while others typically work anywhere from 2-3 years ahead.

In any case, others are starting to see the potential of this new material. As mentioned, for one, it is already (and has been for a while) in use by the Canadian and UK Military. In football boots, I know Mizuno is now also using this material. I also know for a fact others including Nike, Umbro and Puma have started to test this material. So you never know, you may see a Vapor Goat, in the future ;)

If anything, I think it is clear to see that other new materials (both natural and synthetic) are very much starting to grow in use in the football market. The Beckham Absolutes are no longer K. The F50 (Tunit) is no longer K. The new top Zhero Gravity are synthetic, along with the V1's and of course Vapors. Gone are the days where the top boots were guaranteed to be K.

In the end, all I am saying is that there are many options out there and it is important to be open to new things, and challenge "conventional wisdom"!

R