Boot Review Database *READ 1ST POST FIRST*

[Skizz]

I've made a list of all the boots that have been reviewed so far. The links are clickable so have a look - if you need any more info, post in the thread or PM any user who has written a review. Obviously if the boot you are looking for is not here, feel free to post a request. Here's the list:

http://www.abae.co.uk/Images/adidas_tcm97-59214.gif

+F50
DarrenOHooligan (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7507139&postcount=35)
biggSKIZZ (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9000211&postcount=121)

+F50.6
appleCORR7 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7784913&postcount=39)
blastoff (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7857324&postcount=53)
f50/r10...4life (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10662177&postcount=246)
terrylee79 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10492580&postcount=235)

+F50.7
Raja Casablanca (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=11055818&postcount=293)

+F30.6
DarrenOHooligan (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7873472&postcount=58)

Kaiser Cup
MBvdv (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9182631&postcount=142)

Predator Absolute
Swoosh9 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7171657&postcount=4)
Shrapnac (Rugby Absolutes) (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=11047986&postcount=292)
kaitster (Swerve Absolutes) (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10980012&postcount=283)
DarrenOHooligan (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10643941&postcount=243)
striker09 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10496370&postcount=236)
mo786 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9464712&postcount=185)

Predator Absolado
bronxjragon (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8797031&postcount=102)

Predator Pulse
Juventus_supporter (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7171859&postcount=6)
metropolis2k (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8463223&postcount=78)
MBvdv (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9182774&postcount=143)

Predator Pulse A3
bronxjragon (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8797091&postcount=103)

Predator Pulsion
bronxjragon (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8796857&postcount=100)
bronxjragon (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8796896&postcount=101)

Predator Mania
DarrenOHooligan (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9142616&postcount=138)

Predator Monando
wei_wei0_0 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8026010&postcount=60)

ASICS

Tigreor
Cassano (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8422381&postcount=72)
AHCL20 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10274352&postcount=196)

DIADORA

Attiva Star RTX
barthez4 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7845983&postcount=52)

Maximus
DarrenOHooligan (x2) (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=11034885&postcount=290)
AHCL20 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10828153&postcount=272)
larciel (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10287060&postcount=202)

Totti Pro 10 RTX
xcjumpx (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9326932&postcount=163)

HUMMEL

Silver Anniversary
nvan_football (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7171869&postcount=7)

LOTTO

Zhero Evolution
davey5737 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8542161&postcount=81)

Zhero Gravity
Echo_ (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9227971&postcount=149)

MIZUNO

Neograde Wave II
goolin (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9756185&postcount=192)

Wave MD
Cassano (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7375940&postcount=27)

http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/folha/galeria/images/2004053106.jpg

Air Legend
vanity_soccer13 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7373445&postcount=26)
soccersouth (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9192634&postcount=144)
bojinho (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=11627047&postcount=31)

Air Zoom Total 90
Affliction (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9336561&postcount=167)

Air Zoom Total 90 II
Soccerdude_14 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7647498&postcount=37)

Air Zoom Total 90 III
biggSKIZZ (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9000164&postcount=120)
DarrenOHooligan (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9142422&postcount=137)
Ronaldob4hegotfat (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10983182&postcount=285)
goolin (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9730102&postcount=190)

Air Zoom Total 90 IV Supremacy
SCP_16 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9325919&postcount=162)

First Touch II
qiansong99 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10582653&postcount=240)
Case (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10212192&postcount=195)

Mercurial Talaria II
nik-united (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8144049&postcount=66)

Mercurial Vapor K
iamaredneck13 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9298124&postcount=157)

Mercurial Vapor II
furyboy999 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7860690&postcount=55)
biggSKIZZ (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9000049&postcount=117)

Mercurial Vapor III
biggSKIZZ (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8989648&postcount=115)
biggSKIZZ (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8999957&postcount=116)
ronaldob4hegotfat (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=11039577&postcount=291)
biggSKIZZ (Comparison of SG and FG) (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10500795&postcount=238)
ALEX408 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=11395121&postcount=18)
bojinho (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=11617030&postcount=30)
Pkauffma (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=11673893&postcount=36)
SoyOllin (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=11675799&postcount=38)

Steam
Arsenal-FC (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8429347&postcount=73)

Tiempo Brasileiro
ALEX408 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=11291423&postcount=329)

Tiempo Natural
Alexio92 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=11674112&postcount=37)

Tiempo Ronaldinho
IOwnBuffon@Keeping (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10319654&postcount=214)
israbeckham (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10324028&postcount=216)

http://www.gyroworldwide.com/site_images/puma_lg.gif

Cellerator Zero 4/5
DarrenOHooligan (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7171418&postcount=3)
ipkuok13 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7180836&postcount=21)

Esito II
R&W (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10674477&postcount=248)

King Exec I
iamaredneck13 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9298371&postcount=159)

King GC TDi
iamaredneck13 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9298288&postcount=158)

KSL
R&W (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7174618&postcount=12)
DarrenOHooligan (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7507216&postcount=36)

v1.06
R&W (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7228091&postcount=22)
appleCORR7 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8374682&postcount=69)
biggSKIZZ (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=11033303&postcount=289)

v1.06 K
Devil500 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9324560&postcount=161)

v3.06
yellowtruck61 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7865618&postcount=56)

v5.06
R&W (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=10332303&postcount=220)

REEBOK

Pro Rage
backline (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9846219&postcount=194)

UMBRO

Elite X-Lite KTK
DarrenOHooligan (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7177796&postcount=18)

Revolution X Boot
ReyesIsMyMate (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9531062&postcount=186)

Speciali
Jc18star (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=11394678&postcount=16)

X Boot Destroyer
7killer7 (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=11574630&postcount=19)

X Boot KTK
DarrenOHooligan (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7301881&postcount=24)

X Boot II KTK
DarrenOHooligan (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7649576&postcount=38)

X200
DarrenOHooligan (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7175177&postcount=14)

Obviously this list will be kept up to date as often as possible. So get reviewing…again!

WRITING A REVIEW - TIPS

When writing a review, we all tend to focus on the following categories:

Sizing: How do the boots run in comparison with other boots you own? It may be helpful to list your other boot sizes for the purpose of comparing.

Aesthetics: How do the boots look to you? Do they change colour when wet? Try to keep the “lauding” of your boots to a minimum though, we all know you think they look good - you wouldn’t have bought them otherwise!

Value: Are they worth the money you paid for them? If you got them on a discount, would the lower price be a more accurate reflection of the value of the boot? How much do you think they are worth?

Comfort: How do the boots feel when you first put them on? Do they need to be worn in? Have you got any blisters?

Performance: Do the boots keep you comfortable through the match? How did you lace them? Do they keep your feet cool? Do they let water in? Do they perform consistently across all conditions?

Durability: Did they hold up well to the full match? Do they get scratched easily? Have you had any further problems with them? Are there clear signs of wear?

Accessories: Did you get any freebies with the boots?

Overall Evaluation: Sum up the boots in a few sentences. Grade them overall, and say whether you would recommend them. If not, if there’s another boot they are similar to you WOULD recommend trying, put it here.

Boot Cleaning Advice from biggSKIZZ (http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=11594271&postcount=20)

[ALEX408]

Here's my Review:
Nike Mercurial Vapor III

Well I upgraded from the Tiempo Braseilro because I had some personal issues with the shoe. But I ordered these Vapor III's for $90 online. I got the Red/White.

Aesthetics (10/10) These Red and White Vapors are very nice. Especially since they are shiny. The shoes are easy to clean.

Comfort (10/10) Well I had to break these shoes in to actually get the potential of the shoe. For example, my foot was hurting right when I put these on and we started running and jogging in place (during practice). I have a wide foot and I wear 10.5 with the tiempo, but I ordered 11.5 with these Vapors. When I put the shoe on, the fit was like a glove. Very comfortable shoe. My main concern is that when I put these shoes on, the top part of the heel cup cuts my heel. But no biggie. Just put some tape on.

Performance (10/10) Awesome shoe, very good performance. Lightweight and the Teijin material does give you good touch on the ball. The studs at the bottom of the shoe have good traction and let you cut in a split second.

Durability (?/10) I only played with these shoes once for practice (2 hours long). So I will update later.

Value (10/10) Well for what I got them for ($90 NIB), it was a complete steal! :eek: I was going for the Red/White Talaria III's until my friend told me about some Vapors he found for $90. I canceld my Talaria order and got some Vapors. :D But if you get these Vapors for at all, you BETTER BE GOOD!

Overall (10/10) The best cleat I have ever worn in my soccer life! Lightweight good touch and the best shoe ever!

[Footfield119]

A+ for effort, though. :p
It's very organized, nice job skizz. I'll probably add some tunit reviews soon, I keep forgetting.

[hwangong]

http://www.soccer.com/Images/Catalog/ProductImages/600/100889.JPG

Anyone tried Puma King Exec IT for indoor?
these cost about $100 but they are on sale for $55.
I have a litter wider than normal foot, especially in toe area.
Personally, these just look okay,
but the fact they are made of k-leather attracts me a lot.

if anyone tried these, let me know how you feel.
let me know how the width is, compare to cleated absolute and legend.

[SoccerNewf]

they all go to the puma cellerator review if you do that :)


Well at least it gets you review. Haha.

[Raja Casablanca]

I reviewed the F50.7's with a month span follow up if you want to throw that on the F50 list

[Its Swanny]

Here's my Review:
Nike Mercurial Vapor III

Well I upgraded from the Tiempo Braseilro because I had some personal issues with the shoe. But I ordered these Vapor III's for $90 online. I got the Red/White.

Aesthetics (10/10) These Red and White Vapors are very nice. Especially since they are shiny. The shoes are easy to clean.

Comfort (10/10) Well I had to break these shoes in to actually get the potential of the shoe. For example, my foot was hurting right when I put these on and we started running and jogging in place (during practice). I have a wide foot and I wear 10.5 with the tiempo, but I ordered 11.5 with these Vapors. When I put the shoe on, the fit was like a glove. Very comfortable shoe. My main concern is that when I put these shoes on, the top part of the heel cup cuts my heel. But no biggie. Just put some tape on.

Performance (10/10) Awesome shoe, very good performance. Lightweight and the Teijin material does give you good touch on the ball. The studs at the bottom of the shoe have good traction and let you cut in a split second.

Durability (?/10) I only played with these shoes once for practice (2 hours long). So I will update later.

Value (10/10) Well for what I got them for ($90 NIB), it was a complete steal! :eek: I was going for the Red/White Talaria III's until my friend told me about some Vapors he found for $90. I canceld my Talaria order and got some Vapors. :D But if you get these Vapors for at all, you BETTER BE GOOD!

Overall (10/10) The best cleat I have ever worn in my soccer life! Lightweight good touch and the best shoe ever!

No offense, but I can't take this review as very credible.

10/10 on everything? C'mon...

:p

[Skizz]

Ok, the review links have all been updated so if anyone find any bugs, please tell me. Thanks.

[ALEX408]

No offense, but I can't take this review as very credible.

10/10 on everything? C'mon...

:p

It's the best shoe that I've worn in years! But I'm going to knock 1 point on comfort because I have a blister/cut on my heel because of those. :rolleyes:

[lolio]

No offense, but I can't take this review as very credible.

10/10 on everything? C'mon...

:p

Wanna know? None of these reviews are credible. Obviously nobody would say something negative 2 days after cashing out 200$, even if the boot is trash.

I'll keep trying my boots in person thanks :D

[DarrenOHooligan]

Wanna know? None of these reviews are credible. Obviously nobody would say something negative 2 days after cashing out 200$, even if the boot is trash.

I'll keep trying my boots in person thanks :D

You see my review of the manias after i forked out 195+tax?? (or the AZTIIIs) There are some credible reviews if you take the time to read 'em.

[lolio]

You see my review of the manias after i forked out 195+tax?? (or the AZTIIIs) There are some credible reviews if you take the time to read 'em.

I didn't mean to say that ALL of them are bogus. Yours and a few others are helpful, but the great great great majority of the comments are like

- bought these boots 2 days ago, used 'em for yesterday training, they're godly, best boots I got since ever -

usually seen on reviews of the latest flashy releases.

You must admit that a sane person can't believe all of this.

[Skizz]

No but you take any review with a pinch of salt. A fair few members put in credible reviews, but everyone will make their own decision - it's not a matter or whether or no somebody believes what they are saying.

[appleCORR7]

The thing with the reviews on here too, is that everyone has different feet (obviously) so what might feel great for someone might feel rubbish for someone else. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion of the boots they have.

And lets face it. Lots of people are bias when they get a new pair of boots because they are all excited and pleased about them. Personally some of my reviews would be different now because ive worn the boots more often.

appleCORR

[vanity_soccer13]

that's why I play in them for a month before making a complete review. you get past the hype and adrenaline of having a new pair of boots.

[Jc18star]

Umbro Speciali Review: I decided to pick these up because although I love my Copa's and they are fantastic boots my left foot was starting to feel a lot of pressure on the outside from the stripes of the Copa and even though I have 17 other pairs of boots I really wanted these and I am about to unload nearly all of my other boots on ebay. I picked up the standard classic all black with a black tounge in FG.

Aesthetics (10/10) I think these are plain and simple and as a result stunning, IMO nothing looks better than a sharp pair of classic boots with mostly black leather. They have a large Umbro logo on the outside and inside of the boot which is simple and nice. The large black foldover tounge looks great and very retro. Overall this is what a classic shoe should look like. There was a pair of these floating around in black and neon yellow which is my second favorite color combo for a boot, I wish I could find them as well. I may remove the Umbro sign from these, I have seen quite a few pairs like that and they look very smooth in all black.

Comfort (10/10) Well right out of the box they were very snug in a 10.5 (fits more like a 10 in the Abs or a 9 in the Copa) but very very very soft and wide. The leather took shape and expanded to my foot in about 5 mins and that was before I soaked them and stretched them even more. Also the tounge is made of a soft felt for thin padding and comfort, the insole is also a softer felt like material that very quickly starts to have an impression of you footprint in it. Also the material grips your sock but allows you to scrunch your foot when striking a ball (unlike the thick rubberish insole in the Legend) The outsole is super flexibile which aids break in time and also causes less foot cramping when running.

In game I have only worn them once but I played 87 out of 90 mins and they were very comfy. I played on field turf and there was zero stud pressue or foot pain. No cramping at all, even though I have fat feet. They have amazing foot to ball comfort and foot to ground comfort. There were no blisters at all even though the shoe is very snug on my foot (I wore my V1's on the same surface and had 7 blood blisters after 80 mins).

Sizing Fit (8/10) I only knock off some points because they are a bit smaller than the normal 10.5 shoe and that can be off putting if you are ordering this boot online.

Performance Fit (10/10) In terms of playing they are great, snug and soft. They shape to the foot in record time and feel totally stable and supportive. The heel is snug but not to the point that it will cause pain

Performance (10/10) After one game and lengthy wear around my apt, I am giving them a 10. I know its early but I get a very clean strike and touch in them. Also they are very light and streamlined which sometimes doesn't happen with classic boots (think Puma King). The traction in these is awesome, the turf was a little on the wet side last night and I had great grip, I didn't loose my footing once except when the lug of a centerback slide through the back of me 4 or 5 times. Because the touch is so smooth in these dribbling and control is an after thought and if you mess up, it's you not the boots. I have the white and silver Vapor and these feel about the same weight and are a much nicer shoe. The leather is also waterproof to the extent that water beads up on the outside of the boot when playing in wet conditions.

Durability (?/10) I can't rate this on a personal leve because I have had them for one game but I know many people that have used theirs for 2-3 seasons of college and/or pro play. They seem to last forever, with their only flaw being that the Umbro logos seem to tear off after extended use (which makes the boot look great IMO, I love blackouts). The outsole is stitched to the upper so it doesn't rip away (like pretty much every Adidas boot other than the Copa). I am guessing that the studs last a while as well being that some of the people I know wore theirs forever on just about every surface you can play on.

Value (10/10) Easy perfect score here. For $115.00 US you get a handmade in Italy full K-Leather upper with a perfect outsole that is firm and secure with the upper. The comfort of the shoe beats the hell out of any $150-$200 boot I own with the exception of the Mizuno Rivaldo Wave Cup and the Japanese Morelia (which were expensive due to exchange rates and on par with these but too much of a pain to obtain). In terms of over all value you can't go wrong here and these should be considered before Preds, Vapors and other similar boots if you want to know what a boot should feel like.

Overall (10/10) An easy perfect here as well. I will ordering the SG model of these as well. They IMO are the perfect match boot and their reputation is well deserved. Alan Shearer wore these for so long and then went back to them for the last few years of his career for a reason, plan and simple they are one of the best shoes around. I think I have found the boot to fill the void left by the downfall of the 1993-2002 Diadora Brasil and Lotto Stadio (which is now made in China, out of crap leather with bad quality). I really don't see myself wearing anything else now beside these, I do want to try the X-boot 3 out of pure interest in the touch of the boot with the Michelen coating but I doubt they will be as good as these classic boots.

[Devil500]

The thing with the reviews on here too, is that everyone has different feet (obviously) so what might feel great for someone might feel rubbish for someone else. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion of the boots they have.

And lets face it. Lots of people are bias when they get a new pair of boots because they are all excited and pleased about them. Personally some of my reviews would be different now because ive worn the boots more often.

appleCORR

Yeah I agree thank God I did not post a Tunit Review they were awful!!

[ALEX408]

Scratch off my previous Vapor III review...

*Replace post with:*

[QUOTE=ALEX408;11314903]Here's my Review:
Nike Mercurial Vapor III

Well I upgraded from the Tiempo Braseilro because I had some personal issues with the shoe. But I ordered these Vapor III's for $90 online. I got the Red/White.

Aesthetics (10/10) These Red and White Vapors are very nice. Especially since they are shiny. The shoes are easy to clean.

Comfort (8/10) Well I had to break these shoes in to actually get the potential of the shoe. For example, my foot was hurting right when I put these on and we started running and jogging in place (during practice). I have a wide foot and I wear 10.5 with the tiempo, but I ordered 11.5 with these Vapors. When I put the shoe on, the fit was like a glove. Very comfortable shoe. My main concern is that when I put these shoes on, the top part of the heel cup cuts my heel. But no biggie. Just put some tape on.

UPDATE: I played with 81 Degrees of heat, and these shoes are microwaves! They attract sun heat like there is no tomorrow. :mad:

Performance (10/10) Awesome shoe, very good performance. Lightweight and the Teijin material does give you good touch on the ball. The studs at the bottom of the shoe have good traction and let you cut in a split second.

Durability (8/10) UPDATE: Well I played with these shoes are a VERY HARD field and the studs took a beating. The shoes scuff like CRAZY! But shoes are meant to be used.

Value (10/10) Well for what I got them for ($90 NIB), it was a complete steal! :eek: I was going for the Red/White Talaria III's until my friend told me about some Vapors he found for $90. I canceld my Talaria order and got some Vapors. :D But if you get these Vapors for at all, you BETTER BE GOOD!

Update:
****Value on Regular Price? (8/10) Sure these are light and all, but the Talaria's will do just as good for the price...$200'ish for shoes is a lot of cash but you get what you pay for...



Overall (10/10) The best cleat I have ever worn in my soccer life! Lightweight good touch and the best shoe ever!

[7killer7]

UMBRO X-BOOT DESTROYER

Sizing (7/10): The sizing on the Destroyers seems to come up a bit big compared to my other boots. I'm a UK size 12, and the Air Legends, for example, fit me perfectly. The Destroyers seem to have a bit of extra room at the toe, although the sizing around the ankle, heel and mid-foot is spot on.

Aesthetics (8/10): The Destroyers look very good - the leather is particularly bright, almost to the point where it looks a touch synthetic. One minor negative is that they lost their shape slightly after I first wore them, so keeping them stuffed with newspaper is probably a must. Since I've been doing that, the shape's been fine.

Value (8/10): I paid £80 ($158) for the Destroyers, which seems a fair price to me. I've seen them selling for £100, which seems a little bit high when all is taken into account. I wouldn't recommend paying any more than the £80, unless you really want them and can only get them above that price.

Comfort (10/10): Easily up there with the most comfortable boots I've ever worn, and probably their strongest selling point. The first time I wore them, I was playing on rock-hard ground (it was supposed to be grass, but it was just hard, dry earth), and they were still more comfortable than any other boots I've worn in the last 2 years.

Performance (9/10): I've only played with them in dry conditions, but they performed very well. Umbro's marketing for the boot seems to be based on how tough they are, and I have to concede that it isn't just a gimmick. My feet felt much more protected for some reason, and I could put that bit extra into my crunching tackles (I'm a centre-back), without fear of injuring myself. The padding on the instep also helps to give a very nice touch.

Durability (5/10): Unfortunately this is the one weak area of the Destroyers. For how tough they're supposed to be, after just 2 matches, there was visible superficial damage to the outermost surface. Not anything that directly affects performance, but to look at them, you would think I'd had them for a year or so already, when really I've only had them for 2 months.

Accessories (0/10): Nothing came with the Destroyers except a lovely dark blue shoebox.

Overall Evaluation (8/10): I would thoroughly recommend the Destroyers, particularly to defensive players, as they really do make your feet feel much more protected. The comfort factor is the Destroyers' biggest plus-point, making it hard not to love wearing them. However, if your boots looking top-notch for any real length of time is an issue for you, it may be worth considering something else, as mine have become 'used-looking' very quickly.

[Skizz]

To solve the questions about caring for boots and so on, I’m making this post here and linking it to the first page so people can check out this generic advice as to how to clean your boots. Cleaning them and caring for them properly DOES prolong their life, so it is worth getting in the routine of cleaning them if you want to keep them in good nick not just looks-wise, but also for long-term use.

CLEANING ADVICE FOR ALL BOOTS

* Remove loose soil first, you can do this with a stiff brush. If you are using a wire brush, this is not recommended for use on certain synthetic boots as it will scratch the surface, however on leather boots this does not happen so much.

* Use a damp cloth to clean the boots. I personally use a small scouring sponge (the one with the sponge and the scouring pad on the other side) for this purpose - I use the scourer for the sole of the boot (the heavy-duty work so to speak) and the sponge for the upper. I also use a bowl of water and Washing Up Liquid to clean the boots with, however I am told that Johnson’s Baby Wash is quite good to keep your boots supple (leather).

* Stuff the boots with newspaper (or even better, an old pair of socks) so the boots keep their shape. Allow the boots to dry naturally, as drying them with heat can do them damage.

SYNTHETIC BOOT SPECIFIC ADVICE

Don’t use any over-indulgent products on the boots, washing up liquid and elbow grease is all you need to keep them clean. Scuffs like the one below can mostly be removed from the boot using cotton wool and nail-polish remover:

http://img.photoamp.com/i/RYL6Q11YAM.JPG

The simple way to do it is as follows:

1. I would recommend getting "Darn" cotton wool (the type that looks like a big roll stuffed in a packed) as opposed to cotton wool balls. This way, it is less fiddly when you do it.

2. Fold one square of wool back on itself. Then, place the wool on the top of the open nail polish remover bottle. Turn it upside down quickly, then take the wool off. This is the best way to determine how much NPR to use when moving the marks - remember, your elbow grease is the most important tool here!

3. Rub lightly on the top of the mark. The point of this is to determine how much force you need to use to remove the mark - remember, doing it too hard can end up damaging the boot.

4. Rub quickly, and effectively over the mark. Lighter marks may come off easily, darker (or red) marks may take a tad longer. However, if you are doing it correctly IT WILL COME OFF. Remember, if you can feel the mark has not gone into the upper of the boot, it has not done cosmetic damage to the boot.

5. Also take note that each bit of cotton wool should be enough to do one LARGE mark, or a few SMALLER marks. If you find you are not moving the mark quickly enough, just get a different bit of cotton wool - using a dirty bit is not going to get you anywhere!

6. Remember also, that the nail polish remover trick does take some of the colour off the top of the boot. In 99% of cases it is not visible, but if you are going to use nail polish to clean all your boots after two training sessions and one match per week, this will obviously accelerate the damage to the boot. Therefore, make sure that the mark CANNOT be removed by normal washing before you use nail polish remover.

LEATHER BOOT SPECIFIC ADVICE

Many people use leather foods or dubbin on their leather boots. Dr.Leather, a contributor to the forum, is the Technical Director at Packer Leather. He had this to say on the subject:

Being the Technical Director at Packer Leather (the world's largest K-Leather tannery) I would not advise using leather foods on K-Leather. The coatings we use (at Packer Leather) on the leather will not readily accept this stuff as the polymers we use are very high spec and have a low level of absorptrion of oils and waxes. In addition it may be detrimental to the durability of the coatings. However, all K-Leather is not the same....whilst we are the largest, some K-Leather still coming being manufactured in Italy and the far east with inferior attributes from our recent competitor analysis results. Leather food/dubbin is more for aniline (lightly finished/coated) type leathers.

I would only recommend a damp cloth with lukewarm water and a tiny squirt of johnson and johnson baby bath in the water with which you clean it.

What Dr.Leather has reiterated constantly is that these products have a large amount of oils and waxes in them. High-spec leather like that used on the high end boots of Nike, adidas and Puma does not really soak this stuff up, so it is pointless using it. He also points out that using these products can be detrimental to the natural oils found in the leather which keep it self-sufficient, so this may cause the boots to dry out quicker.

If you need any boot-specific advice post it in the thread and we will see what we can advise.