We pick the 4 that we want to see more of.
T-minus 2 days until the World Cup takes over our lives for the month. Expect sleepy faces at work and school in Asia as we stay up to watch matches starting at 2am but hey, if we’re not going to watch Spain v Portugal what’s the point of living eh? The players have been preparing for years for the World Cup and the same can be said for the brands. From the launch of the new Adidas X18+ to Nike’s Just Do It pack, the beautiful game will also play host to a parade of colours on feet.
We explore the boots that we’re most hyped to see in Russia.
Mizuno Rebula 2 MIJ – High Risk Red
The Mizuno Rebula has been one of the industry’s most underrated boots due to the waning popularity of leather and Mizuno’s position in the brand ecosystem. But don’t be fooled, the Rebula is the premier leather boot which promises a buttery soft upper that moulds to your feet with little to no break in time. The second generation Rebula has improved the fit and comfort levels of the boot for the player who covers every blade of grass – very important for a draining tournament where the player takes to the pitch every 3 days.
The Japanese are very loyal to their local brands and expect to see Japan’s stars, ex-AC Milan playmaker, Keisuke Honda and Leicester City’s energetic forward, Shinji Okazaki lacing up in these bad boys.
Neymar in the Mercurial Vapor AGs
Easily one of the most marketable faces in Russia, Neymar is the face of the Mercurial Vapor 12s. Since coming back from injury, he has been wearing the AG variation of the boot instead of the SG format for the soft pitches of Russia. This has sparked conversations about the less popular AG variation and its ability to reduce wear and tear in your feet and joints. Is it good enough for traction on natural grass? Does the increased number of studs help reduce pressure? Is this just the better but less sexy sole plate configuration?
One thing’s for sure, Neymar will play a big part in any stigma attached to AG boots and we can’t wait.
Puma One – Illumination Pack
Handsome Frenchman Olivier Giroud is spearheading the French attack and he does so in the Puma One 1. We’ve had some reservations about the Puma One 1 in our first impressions article but this does look like a good step forward for the big cat. An engaging colour sported by other lethal strikers like Kun Aguero and Romelu Lukaku, this boot might just be a sleepy hit.
That said, we won’t be surprised if Lukaku switches out to another boot mid-way through the World Cup. Just saying. ¯_(ツ)_/¯
Adidas Glitch 2.0
For the uninitiated, the Glitch is a customizable boot based off the X17+ which allows players to switch out the external design (outer skin) while keeping the same internal base (inner shoe) consisting of the sock liner and sole plate. Adidas has issued a new upgrade, possibly on the inner shoe’s structure and weight.
The boot is marketed at a younger audience with youth stars like Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson sporting them in matches. To further market its “underground” appeal, it could only be purchased in France, Munich or London via the Glitch app with a “Glitch code” – issued by influencers only. It seems that the World Cup is going to be their coming out party with newly signed player, Paulo Dybala, being the face of the campaign.
We’ve also seen French stars like Benjamin Mendy and Presnel Kimpembe wearing them during training. Let’s hope the Glitch 2.0 is ready to meet the rest of the world.
What are you most keen to see at the World Cup? Let us know in the comments below.
[…] predicted in our “boots to watch” article, Neymar has kept on his AG boots for the match against the Swiss. He did not seem to have issues […]