BigSoccer Boot Awards 2007

[Skizz]

The time has come for us to discuss the boots that made us happy and sad in 2007. Yes indeed, it’s the BigSoccer Boot Awards 2007, sponsored by Case’s Du-Rags – remember, if it’s not worn by Case, it’s just a rag.

We’re looking for your winners (or losers) in the following categories. Don’t just say crap like “they look good, OMG best boots ever!” We want genuine reasons for your selections. The winner will be inducted into the “185 Hall of Fame”, with the rest being chucked out into oblivion, never to be mentioned again. The categories are:

Boot of the Year

Most Overhyped Boot of the Year

The "man, I'm so disappointed" Boot of the Year

Value Boot of the Year

Colorway of the Year

The niketalaria “Rip Off” of the Year

The rules are as follows. All boots nominated must have been released during the calendar year 2007. The nominations must not count for specific colorways, with the exception of the “Colorway of the Year” category. The “Value boot of the Year” category includes all boots valued at under £60 ($120) WITHOUT ANY DISCOUNT, IE Recommended Retail Price of less than £70/$140. The “Rip Off of the year” and “Innovation of the year” can count for any piece of equipment, including but not limited to, boots.

If you want to post pics go ahead, double posting will be allowed in this thread only but don’t take the piss. Anyway, let the voting begin!!

[Skizz]

What the hey, I’ll do my nominations first.

Boot of the Year

It’s a tough one for me, I don’t think there’s been any boot that has really stood out this year as they’ve all had various problems. There has been one boot that I tried this year that was different to anything I had ever experienced before. Offering unprecedented levels of touch and power, it is the only boot that literally made me feel I was playing barefoot. It is therefore for this reason that I have gone for the Puma v1.06. I got them in the wrong size but damn they were good. They are like Vapor II’s with an even better touch. The boot of my dreams, and as soon as I get fit I will be buying more of them!

http://www.prodirectsoccer.com/prod_images/zoom/PDS002010035.jpg

Most Overhyped Boot of the Year

This is a runaway. The Reebok Sprintfit. With Henry and Shevchenko as the faces of the boot, I surely thought this would be a boot to really rival the old Vapors. What did we get? Some plastic sack of crap that gives more blisters than a prostitute with herpes that also manages to glow in the dark. What am I, ten years old? Is that what you take me for, Reebok? F*** you with your try-hard v1/Vapor combo!!

http://www.prodirectsoccer.com/prod_images/zoom/PDS002019434.jpg

[Skizz]

The "man, I'm so disappointed" Boot of the Year

Easy, easy decision even if this did go back a fair while – the Nike Mercurial Vapor III. WHY did you change the material? WHY did you make them wide enough for wank footed people? WHY did you ruin everything I ever loved about this boot!!! I hate you!!! The fact these bloody boots got punctured last season and cut my foot still riles me. What, I hold a grudge!!

http://www.prodirectsoccer.com/prod_images/zoom/PDS002009582.jpg

Value Boot of the Year

A few here, but still difficult to choose because I don’t really buy value boots. Purely on the basis of other people’s reviews and aesthetics, I plumped for the adidas F30.7+. They are basically a more solid version of the F50 in my opinion and you can’t really beat £65 in terms of value.

http://www.prodirectsoccer.com/prod_images/zoom/PDS002001878.jpg

[Skizz]

Colorway of the Year

Really tight here as the v1.06 Freestyles were boots I really, really liked, but just for the fact they are so different I went with the Nike Mercurial Vapor III Cactus. Really came out of nowhere and stand out, I’m glad to see Nike going with a few different colorways on what was essentially a crap boot.

http://www.prodirectsoccer.com/prod_images/zoom/PDS002009170.jpg

The niketalaria “Rip Off” of the Year

Again, easy choice – Reebok Sprintfits A glamorised Safeway plastic bag and you want to charge £120 odd quid for them? How dare you! How stupid do you think I am? How many pairs of those boots have you sold, like two? It makes me laugh that these boots were reduced to £50 within about three months of release. Pathetic.

http://www.prodirectsoccer.com/prod_images/zoom/PDS002019434.jpg

And that’s me done.

[oconnor16]

Boot of the Year

For me, even though they're definitely an underdog in this category, I'd have to say the Puma King Execs. Yeah, so they weren't released in '07, but half of bigg's choices weren't either. All around, they're a really well-performing boot, and they're seriously underrated. They have amazing touch, and they really suit any foot, because they're completely k-leather, as opposed to a lot of modern boots.

Most Overhyped Boot of the Year

Hands down, this one goes to the Adidas Predator PowerSwerves. I have not met a single person who has liked them, and they haven't lived up to the predator name. All year long, we'd been hearing about all the new technology in them, but at the end of the day, that was a load of bulls**t. The only thing I give them is that with the success of the Manias, Pulses and Absolutes, they had a lot to live up to.

The "man, I'm so disappointed" Boot of the Year

I doubt many people will agree with me on this, but I think this one goes to the Puma v-Konstrukt IIs. When I ordered them, I expected them to be completely k-leather, but the only part that actually was, was the toebox. The heel on them was so stiff, I had no movement at all. Overall, they didn't fit my foot well at all, and I didn't feel they were worth the money I paid.

Value Boot of the Year

This is the category I'm most sure of. Absolutely, hands down, this one has to go to the Diadora Maracanas. They're only $80, and they're k-leather. That should say it all, really. They have great touch, they last long, and anyone who's owned them will tell you it was the biggest steal (boot-wise) they've ever had.

Colorway of the Year

Well I'm not sure if this one really counts, as it was sort of in 2008, but the new colourway of Reebok Sprintfits Henry was recently spotted in, that match Barca's away kit, is STUNNING. I've never seen a pair of boots complement a kit so well before.

I won't do the last one, because I don't really understand it. :S

[Devil500]

Bigg said it best I think you summed it up!

[appleCORR7]

Here we go ....

BOOT OF THE YEAR

Everyone knows me by now, so im sure my choice of boot will come as no surprise. Its the Puma V1.06, i actually can't decide whether i like the k-leather version of the material version best. My opinion tends to differ on that one. But its a great light boot with an amazing touch. I'm very sad that the V1.08 has been changed so much because in my view, if they had of addressed the ripping problem and kept a similar design then Puma would of had a much better boot!

MOST OVER HYPED BOOT OF THE YEAR

Hmmm ... it depends if we are talking over hyped by us as bigsoccer users or as the advertiser. I think id probably go for the Adidas Power Swerve though. Adidas have made some great boots in the past and you think of 'predator' and think quality. Sadly, i just think the PS looks messy and weren't worth all the hype.

THE ''MAN, I'M SO DISAPPOINTED" BOOT OF THE YEAR

I think it would have to be the Nike Laser. This boot just looks fantastic. The perfect eye catching design as far as boots go. I was all for getting a pair. But the rubber on the top of the boot just felt too thick. I couldn't feel the ball when i kicked it so decided against it. If only nike had made that rubber slightly thinner .... hmmm ...

VALUE BOOT OF THE YEAR

Hmmm ... i think that the Nike Talaria is always a good boot with a good price tag for those who want a boot to look and feel like vapors but don't want to shell out that extra bit of money for the gimmicks.

COLOURWAY OF THE YEAR

I think it would have to be the Puma V1.06 frosted grass colourway. I love it.

THE NIKETALARIA "RIP OFF" OF THE YEAR

HARSH!!

But i think id have to say the Adidas PS I think that for the quality of the boot. Adidas are charging waaaaay too much. The quality just hasn't been there with predators for me since the manias.

appleCORR

[quixoticelixir42]

Boot of the Year
Nike T90 Laser. They may be a little heavier than some people prefer, but it's a good looking and with Nike's first with some arch support. Also, Nike put it out in both K-leather and microfiber, with good colorways for each, to fit any players desire. The vents in the rubber work very well, and IMO it has a wonderful touch and strike.

Most Overhyped Boot of the Year
I agree with oconnor, the Adidas Predator PowerSwerve. With so much to live up to and so much hype, it was a failure. Both performance and aesthetic displeasure have come from this boot, and the Predator likely will not be the most popular boot until Adidas releases it's Pred for WC '10, assuming they get back to the pedastal set by the previous models.

The "man, I'm so disappointed" Boot of the Year
Nike Air Legend II. It's a great boot, but I was not pleased that Nike did not change anything except for a few little words on the outside of the boot. They kept it simple and it will continue to please, but I expected Nike to make a couple more significant changes.

Value Boot of the Year
Adidas Predator Absolion. Ok they came out in '06[only cause i don't want to use the PS absolion, cause I haven't used them or known anyone who has seeing as there's been snow where I live since they came out]. Sorry:( For under half the price you got nearly the same boot as the Absolute. Only substitute the K-leather for extremely soft full grain, and take out the little weight in the bottom of the boot, and there's the Absolion. I bought these over the Absolutes for my spring travel and my fall school season, and I was very pleased with them, having played in Abs before. Great touch, and they're a total steal.

[U]Colorway of the Year
Umbro Revolution X II. The boot itself I believe was a flop in sales, but nothing this year stood out to me like this colorway. Obviously advertised for Barca, Deco specifically, and they match the home kit like no one's business.
http://www.soccer.com/Images/Catalog/ProductImages/600/866546.JPG

The niketalaria “Rip Off” of the Year
OK, had to edit this as I thought it was refering to the user niketalaria's ripoffs.:p
Gonna go with the Reebok SprintFit as well, as it was made out to be the non-conformist Vapor, and with big names like Sheva and Traitori Henry, should have been a good boot. But a ridiculous pricetag of US$175, it's not even worth half that. it just looks like a blister the size of Case's contempt for men in scarves waiting to happen.

here's to hoping '08 gives us a good year of boots:D

[Case]

Now im gonna have to think about this for a while, as I have trouble in such things recalling what was actually released in the year, seems im not the only one as I see the V1.06 has been trumpeted by a few of our more esteemed posters:eek: "man if I knew it was gonna be that kinda party ida stuck my Predator Precisions in the mash potato"

Also the innovation category seems to have dropped off from the get go....

[oconnor16]

Just wanted to mention that I'd like to change my "man, I'm so disappointed" Boot of the Year" choice to the Puma v1.08s. From the popularity of the v1.06s, everyone, including myself, expected them to be one of the top boots released in '07, but they were really a flop with their terrible square toebox and their terrible materials.

I'd also like to make the Adidas PowerSwerves my niketalaria “Rip Off” of the Year. Partly because they're wayyyy over-priced, and partly because, like quixotice said, you can get the absolions, which are a much better value for much less.

[Phritz]

Boot of the Year

Puma v1.06

http://www.prodirectsoccer.com/prod_images/zoom/PDS002010035.jpg

Without a doubt one of the nicest boots made this year (And where I am - really underrated). Biggest triumph is that Nike couldn't make the Mercurial SL lighter (claimed weight afaik is 190g, claimed weight of the 1.06 is... 186g...). Some people I play football with complain about how thin it is. I don't. I'm used to thin boots, much better for touch. I don't care if I get stepped on during the match - with the adrenaline flowing I wouldn't even notice.
This boot has got the touch to make it to the top :)


Value Boot of the Year

adidas F30.7

http://www.soccer.com/Images/Catalog/ProductImages/600/015012.JPG

Basically an F50.7 except the studs don't fall off, need I say more?

[Phritz]

Colourway of the Year:

Nike Mercurial SL

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h274/phritz1515/mercurial2.jpg

I would agree with quixotice with the Umbro Rev's in the Barca colourway, simply stunning but I will have to go with Nike Mercurial SL (If this is too borderline into 2008 just take my vote for the Umbro Rev's). In getting a futuristic look Nike succeded with the Carbon, adidas failed with the F50.8.

http://www.soccer.com/Images/Catalog/ProductImages/600/866546.JPG

[garethchelsea]

Colorway of the Year

Really tight here as the v1.06 Freestyles were boots I really, really liked, but just for the fact they are so different I went with the Nike Mercurial Vapor III Cactus. Really came out of nowhere and stand out, I’m glad to see Nike going with a few different colorways on what was essentially a crap boot.

The niketalaria “Rip Off” of the Year

Again, easy choice – Reebok Sprintfits A glamorised Safeway plastic bag and you want to charge £120 odd quid for them? How dare you! How stupid do you think I am? How many pairs of those boots have you sold, like two? It makes me laugh that these boots were reduced to £50 within about three months of release. Pathetic.

And that’s me done.

you cant realy say that they are a rip off as they are the same company so its more just the downgrade like the f30 is to the f50 apart from its got a crappy rbk badge on the side

[Skizz]

Who's the same company? Nike and Reebok? What the ******** are you talking about?

The boots are poorly made and they charge £125 for them. THEY ARE A RIP OFF.

[appleCORR7]

Plus, the whole point of this thread is peoples personal views Not everyone is going to agree or disagree. Its just everyones own choice.

appleCORR

[finosis]

Who's the same company? Nike and Reebok? What the ******** are you talking about?

The boots are poorly made and they charge £125 for them. THEY ARE A RIP OFF.
adidas owns reecock :D

[finosis]

The niketalaria “Rip Off” of the Year

Again, easy choice – Reebok Sprintfits A glamorised Safeway plastic bag and you want to charge £120 odd quid for them? How dare you! How stupid do you think I am? How many pairs of those boots have you sold, like two? It makes me laugh that these boots were reduced to £50 within about three months of release. Pathetic.

http://www.prodirectsoccer.com/prod_images/zoom/PDS002019434.jpg

And that’s me done.
they really doo look cheap, but the 08 sprint`s look QUALITY http://www.justsocca.com/img/product/mid/00002674.jpg

[Skizz]

adidas owns reecock :D
Yes but the point I'm making is that I didn't mention adidas in that post at all, I mentioned Nike and Puma, which is what puzzled me.

[JJV#17]

The niketalaria "Rip-off" of the year

Why hasn't anyone nominated Lotto Zhero Gravitys?! Why would anyone pay 139.99£ for a boot that has no laces? That's ridicilous. I was foolish enough to pay that prize, and I was so disapointed with them. Zhero Gravity is a good boot, but still, 139.99£ is just too much!

http://www.prodirectsoccer.com/prod_images/product/PDS002005461.jpg

[Sneakerhead]

Boot of the Year
Pantofola d'Oro Dream SG
Wearing these takes me back to my junior school days where I would wear a beat pair of Air Jordan VI's that my mum could not prise from my feet as I had spent the majority of the school day kicking a shrunken hairless tennis ball that looks something like I could only imagine an old mans balls to resemble. It truly is a slipper worthy of this title. I thought that no company could ever take the title from the Adidas Copa, but I was mistaken. The leather is so soft and supple something I imagine Keira Knightleys skin to feel like. I have fallen in love with this boot and have bought 4 pairs just on the off chance that they discontinue it.
http://www.prodirectsoccer.com/prod_images/zoom/PDS002064001.jpg
Most Overhyped Boot of the Year
Adidas f50.7
I really cannot understand why anyone would want to play God's beautiful game in such a ghastly PVC looking and feeling excuse for a boot. This truly looks like a vacuum moulded object used for washing up. If Adidas put as much time and effort into designing a "Football Boot" as they have in churning this joke off the production line and publicising it as the future of football they might have taken some of my hard earned cash. It is a gimmick and people will look back and rank this boot up there with the scratch and sniff t-shirt or those bendy straws that can be worn as glasses and think WHY?
http://www.prodirectsoccer.com/prod_images/zoom/PDS002001876.jpg