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Sokito Devista Review: Light on the feet AND the conscience

Edward
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2
Sokito Devista Review: Light on the feet AND the conscience

What Sokito says about this boot: An eco-friendly all-around leather boot 

Boot style: Traditional Leather

Weight: 214g (7.5oz) for a size US 9.5

Companies have become increasingly environmentally-conscious when designing football boots, using recycled or vegan materials to aim towards a more sustainable output, but there’s one company that lives by these values from the ground up, and that’s UK-based Sokito. They’re doing things differently than the rest by incorporating sustainability principles in their entire production process, starting with their first boot: the Sokito Devista. 

Game-changing boot production

Everything from the leather to the laces to even the threads have been meticulously reverse-engineered to ensure that sustainability is optimised for the Sokito Devista.

Amidst the tech gimmicks prevalent in today’s leather boots, the Devista takes a refreshing approach by keeping things simple. 

However, do not let its unassuming build deceive you, for within its minimalist design lie surprising attributes that make it a standout in the world of eco-friendly football footwear. Recycled materials like bottles (interior lining, thread), polyester (insole lining, laces), carpet (midfoot upper), beans (soleplate) and more. They even use recycled aluminium for their SG variant, and take pride in keeping tabs of the sustainable materials used. 

Starting with one of my favourite parts of the boot, the Sokito Devista has an eco-suede liner that is plush and soft to the touch. Using 85% recycled polyester sourced from plastic bottles, it’s both grippy and comfortable, even when I wasn’t using my grip socks. 

This lining also covers the top of the eco-foam insole, which is surprisingly a good level of firmness and has some moderate arch support (I’m forever grateful for this) on the instep. Compared to modern-day insoles, this one definitely has more cushion and really emphasises Sokito’s focus on comfort. 

At £150, it’s more expensive than its counterparts the Nike Premier and the Adidas Copa Gloro, but you can rest assured that you’re getting one of the most sustainable boots available. So much so that even UEFA has recognized Sokito’s efforts in sustainability, including a recycle-boots program.

The Sokito Devista is the most eco-friendly leather boot on the market

The leather at the front feels padded and is stitched in a similar way to the Tiempo Legend 3, where the multiple overlays prevent overstretching of the leather. 

Unlike the Vegan alternative, this boot uses K-leather in the forefoot as a bi-product of the Australian government’s effort to control kangaroo population growth. Even the scrap leather from producing the boots is recycled into fertiliser. The toe box leather provides a cushioned, pillowy touch, more than your everyday “modern” leather boot, and extends back almost towards the midfoot area, providing ample leather coverage. 

The upper of the rest of the boot is made from a vegan upper created from recycled carpet, and to be honest, you can’t tell between the vegan and the K-leather uppers. The midfoot leather is definitely smoother while the forefoot K-leather is grainier, which I believe helps with the stretching of the boot. 

The vamp slopes down very low at the front of the boot, and I know leather boots are meant to fit snug, but trying on my usual 8 UK/9 US felt like my toes were being compressed down too much, and for that, I would recommend going a half-size up. 

Considering this is a leather boot, it’s actually quite light. In comparison to the Nike Premier, the closest comparison to the Devista, the former weighs 235g (8.29oz), while the latter comes in at a lightweight 214g (7.58oz) for a US9.

All-around performer with a focus on comfort

As a mobile centre-back, I prioritise comfort and fit above all. Taking these out to training with a friend, I knew that I would get both of the above in spades, but I was excited to see how much. 

In the past, I’ve used Nike CTRs, Magista Obras, a range of adidas Predators, Puma Kings, and my current rotation includes two Puma Future Zs, so all are aligned with aforementioned priorities. 

Once I slipped on the Sokito Devistas, it only took a few minutes before I felt them moulding to my foot, and by the end of training, they had a 1-to-1 glove fit. It wasn’t a barefoot feel but the Devista felt more like a part of my foot instead of an extension of it.

I could ping long balls as well as facilitate on-ground distribution with a clean touch, and there is definitely something nice about having a clean connection with the ball without any rubber fins or knits. Call me old fashioned! 

There’s good lockdown along the midfoot, with off-centred lacing opening up a larger surface on the instep for a cleaner touch. Passing and receiving the ball was a breeze, as I could feel a cushioning on the instep, and also felt comfortable fizzing a long ground pass.

One thing of note for me was the vamp toe issue. I normally like my toes to be right up to the front of the boot, but because of the steep drop in the vamp and going a half-size up, there was a bit of space at the front after the boot stretched out. Even knowing this, I would still stick to my half-up size as I like the comfort that the space gives me.

Light on the feet, light on the planet

The FG soleplate, made from castor beans, has moderate stiffness with a traditional layout of seven short, conical studs in the forefoot, and four in the heel. Even when pivoting hard, I didn’t feel any stud pressure due to the low profile of the stud pattern. 

The standout for me however, was my movement in the boot. Chasing down wingers and jockeying an incoming dribbler are strengths in my game, and the Devista was able to deliver big in these departments. 

The ground was damp but firm, so the short studs were able to dig in quite well. There was a decent amount of bite in the traction, but what I really enjoyed was being able to rotate and pivot with ease, as the studs released from the ground quite well. 

I felt a lot more comfortable jockeying with my training partner because I could shift my feet a lot easier with the shorter studs. I imagine on the baked summer pitches or AG, the same principles will apply, and the thick insole will deal well with the stud pressure. 

This design feels influenced by the rise of artificial pitches, and it gets our AG stamp of approval.

Sokito Devista: A classic feel, a modern twist, and a unique construction

Sokito has taken a bold stance against the other boot companies in making a product that’s not only efficient but also easy on Mother Earth. 

The Sokito Devista’s wow-factor doesn’t lie in any fancy technological advancements, but instead it’s in its production where Sokito has pushed the envelope on sustainability. 

That being said, the Devista is also a solid boot that can suit many players’ needs: a lightweight, comfortable leather boot that has minimal impact on the planet? Light on the feet AND the conscience.

If you enjoy all-round efficient leather boots like the Sokito Devista, you’d like these as well

Leather-boot fanatics and fans of the Sokito Devista would also like the Nike Premier, the Adidas Copa Gloro, and New Balance 442.

Sokito Devista
Sokito Devista Review: Light on the feet AND the conscience
Who is this for?
The Sokito Devista is made for the eco-friendly leather boot enthusiast.
Upper padding (1 for thin, 10 for thick)
7
Width (1 for slim, 10 for wide)
5
Value for Money (1 for less value, 10 for great value)
6.5
Stud Traction (1 for slippery, 10 for grippy)
7
Lockdown (1 for loose, 10 for secure)
8
Sole Rigidity (1 for natural, 10 for responsive)
8
Reader Rating2 Votes
8.2
The Good
Comfortable, streamlined upper
Environmentally conscious production
Minimalist, no-fuss design
Lightweight for a leather boot
AG-friendly soleplate
The Bad
Pricey for what it is
Very low toe vamp
8
out of 10
Buy the Sokito Devista below
Sokito

Mizuno Morelia Neo IV Beta Japan Review: Small improvements go a long way

Andrew Lockhart
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0
Mizuno Morelia Neo IV Beta Japan Review: Small improvements go a long way

What Mizuno says about this boot: Timeless appeal fused with the latest advancements
Boot style: Speed/Comfort
Weight: 195g/ 6.87 ounces (US 9/27cm)
Previous model: Mizuno Morelia Neo II Beta

When Mizuno first introduced the Beta series with the launch of the original Mizuno Morelia Neo II Beta, it was met positively enough that Mizuno decided to make the Beta series part of the mainline Neo series.

@boothype

Speed, comfort and an improved fit. Review of the Morelia Neo 4 Beta Japan now on BOOTHYPE.com #soccercleats #footballboots #mizuno #mizunofootball

♬ Lazy Sunday – Official Sound Studio

The introduction of knit on its predecessor, the Mizuno Morelia Neo III Beta, gave Mizuno a killer knit boot to compete against the bigger brands in the boot market.

With the newest Mizuno Morelia Neo IV Beta Japan, Mizuno have addressed some of the issues with the previous model, with the newest one getting a stiffer soleplate, more premium (and Japan-made) knit as well as redesigned heel counter. While the changes are minimal, the improvements are noticeable and make for a better boot overall.

New knit, tighter fit

One thing that Mizuno always excels at is the leather that they use on their boots and the Morelia Neo IV Beta is no exception to this. The leather is among some of the most premium found on any boot on the market and has a perfect balance between thinness, plushness and comfort.

For those who have never tried a Mizuno boot, you would be blown away by how good the leather is. There is a reason why Mizuno boots get hyped up so much and time and time again they deliver with the quality of the leather used.

Something that has changed compared to the previous generation is the knit.

Previously, Mizuno used a non-Japan made knit that came across as cheap considering the price point and the premium nature of the rest of the boot. The newer knit is now made-in-Japan and there is somewhat a noticeable improvement in the quality. But interestingly, even though the same last is used as the previous generation, the newer knit has led to a change with how the boot feels through the midfoot.

The fit is tighter and makes the Mizuno Morelia Neo IV Beta Japan feel like more of a focused experience.

Mizuno Morelia Neo IV Beta Japan: Still speedboot-esque

What this means is that the fit feels more like a knitted speed boot when it is compared to the previous generation of the Beta. While the Mizuno Morelia Neo IV Beta is technically no longer considered a speed boot in Mizuno’s lineup, the nature of the fit makes it feel like one.

Another reason why the boot feels like a speed boot is the incredible lockdown on offer. The newer knit produced does make the fit tighter on the sides, but also on the top of the foot as well which means the lockdown is excellent. It might almost be possible to wear the boots without laces, but it is not recommended as some of that great lockdown will be lost.

One positive thing that has carried over from the previous generation is the excellent fitting forefoot. Of course, one expects the leather to be exceptional on a Mizuno boot, but another thing Mizuno is always praised for is the fit. And the forefoot still ranks as one of the best on the market.

Unfortunately, there is something negative that has been carried over which is the heel fit.

While the shape and padding of the heel are decent, the newer heel shape does have hot spots through the initial few wears. This does go away, but it is disappointing that Mizuno has still not figured out the heel on the Beta.

This is a shame because it does hold back the boot from being almost perfect and considering the regular Neo IV Japan has an excellent fitting heel, one would think that Mizuno could just figure out how to do the same on a knit boot. Well, something to hope for with the next generation.

On the flip side, while the midfoot is tighter, this means that there is a good amount of support on offer and the arches of the foot do not feel tired during wear. This is the advantage of the way the Morelia Neo IV Beta Japan is built, which is that there is support and it does not tend to wear out over time.

As far as sizing goes, I still went a half a size down versus my normal size and found the fit to be excellent. So, if you have worn the previous generation, get the same size.

Barefoot and direct touch

As one would expect from such a superb leather upper, the touch on the ball is brilliant. It is soft and follows the contours of the feet almost perfectly which translates to an awesome feel for the ball.

The leather is not overly thin but not thick to the point that one cannot feel the ball. It is still one of the best barefoot sensations on a leather upper you can get on the market. If you have not experienced a Mizuno leather boot before, you are definitely missing out.

Interestingly, because of the raised and textured Mizuno logo on the midfoot, there is some sort of pass pad here. But the material of the logo is stiffer than a traditional pass pad there is not any of that dull feeling on the ball that normally occurs. Instead, it is sharper, and your touches are more precise. It is kind of an interesting juxtaposition from the softer leather forefoot.

When it comes to dribbling, the soft leather in combination with the symmetry of the leather forefoot means that the Mizuno Morelia Neo IV Beta Japan provides a lovely feel for the ball and there are no distractions between your foot and the ball. It feels as if the boot allows you to express yourself more without worrying about any weird shapes and textures on the upper.

The right balance when hitting the ball

In a lot of ways, the Beta is about balance. There is a balance between the suppleness of the leather and how thin that same leather is. Another place where this occurs is when passing the ball around, as there are not any gimmicks to worry about, there is just the ball and your foot.

The leather is just thin enough to feel a pingy sensation when hitting the ball with power that one would normally expect from a synthetic boot. Yet, at the same time, the leather has just enough padding so that the foot does not feel the brunt of the force being put into the ball.

Since the upper provides such a consistent surface with which to hit ball, the boot feels particularly good when it comes to hitting the ball in a variety of ways. I like to hit crosses and long passes in a variety of ways so I am always happy when the boot keeps things simple so I can try complicated things.

Good traction but we want more

While Mizuno have changed the soleplate on the Neo IV Beta to make it stiffer, it is disappointing that the brand did not try to extend that stiffness to the forefoot.

The boot would benefit from having more springback in the forefoot to make the soleplate perform at the high level that the upper does. The soleplate can feel overly flimsy after a long time in the boots and while Mizuno does not want to scare away the customers that have the Neo series as their go to, I would argue that a stiffer soleplate would not only benefit the Neo diehards, but also lure in other people who prefer a more responsive soleplate.

As for the studs, they are really good and can be used on a multitude of surfaces and conditions with no issues to speak of. While some may argue that the Neo series needs more aggressive studs, this would probably be a drawback considering how many people rely on the boots for artificial grass surfaces.

Versus the regular Neo IV Japan

While I love the lockdown on offer on the Beta, the fact that the heel and overall fit is better on the regular model makes this choice a no brainer.

I am sure some people would prefer the overall tighter fit of the Beta, for me I cannot get past how frustrating the heel is in the Beta model. And when you add a price premium for the Beta, the regular Neo just makes more sense.

Mizuno Morelia Neo IV Beta Japan: Beta in several ways

Mizuno Morelia Neo 4 Beta Japan review football boots soccer cleats review

Mizuno has made the Beta better.

The newer knit with the fantastic lockdown means that it is a serious contender for anyone who values lockdown and comfort over everything else.

While there are still issues (and the soleplate could be stiffer) there is no taking away from the fact that the Mizuno Neo IV Beta Japan is still one of the best boots on the market. I personally prefer the regular model but this should not sway people from trying out an outstanding boot in the form of the Mizuno Morelia Neo IV Beta Japan.

If you like the Mizuno Morelia Neo IV Beta Japan, you’d also like these boots

It comes as no surprise that if you like the Mizuno Morelia Neo IV Beta Japan, you’d naturally also like other top level Japanese leather boots such as the Adler Yatagarashu, Mizuno Morelia Neo IV Japan, ASICS X Fly 5 and the ASICS X Fly Pro 2.

This review was done in collaboration with Andrew Lockhart from The Lockhart Boot Blog.

Mizuno Morelia Neo 4 Beta Japan review
Who is this for?
The Mizuno Morelia Neo 4 Beta Japan is ideal for the leather lover who wants more lockdown and a speedboot-like fit.
Upper padding (1 for thin, 10 for thick)
5
Width (1 for slim, 10 for wide)
4
Value for Money (1 for less value, 10 for great value)
7
Stud traction (1 for slippery, 10 for grippy)
6
Lockdown (1 for loose, 10 for secure)
8
Sole rigidity (1 for natural, 10 for responsive)
7
The Good
Excellent lockdown
Comfortable fit
One of the best k leathers on the market
Ideal for multiple surfaces
Great boot for almost any position
The Bad
Soleplate needs to be more stiff
Overall concept is showing its age
Hot spots around the heel
9
out of 10
Buy the Mizuno Morelia Neo IV here
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adidas Copa Pure 2 Review: Copa Mundial Reincarnated

Jason
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0
adidas Copa Pure 2 Review: Copa Mundial Reincarnated

It has become almost a tired cliché at this point, but the modern leather boot is arguably the toughest space to exist in right now, to the point that two of the biggest three brands have thrown in the towel and given up on natural leather boots in the name of “sustainability”. Despite this, adidas have persevered, launching the new Copa Pure 2, their 2023 take on the legendary Copa Mundial.

@boothype

Lovely comfort but do we need another all round leather boot in the market? Find out why we feel it’s time to retire the Copa on BOOTHYPE.com #adidas #footballboots #soccercleats #adidascopa

♬ Natural Emotions – Muspace Lofi

The modern Copa silo has been the very definition of a mixed success, with very high highs such as the Copa 19 and 20+, and less convincing lows with the Copa Sense which was alright, but lost a lot of the Copa’s soul.

With the adidas Copa Pure 2, adidas have gone back to the basics, following much of what the Copa Pure 1 was, but with some tweaks with one direction in mind – comfort.

adidas copa pure 2.1 review

New upper pattern, same luxurious Fusionskin

When the adidas Copa Pure 2 first launched, my football boot group chat burst to life with one theme – “It’s surely the return of the adiPure!” The adidas Copa Pure 2 has a much cleaner looking forefoot, with a pattern that reminiscent of arguably the best modern leather boot adidas has made – the aforementioned adiPure 1.

The adidas Copa Pure 2 also puts an end to the laceless model, which was a bit of a shame for us considering how incredibly good the Copa 19 and 20+ laceless were.

In its place, the + model now has a one piece construction with a Primeknit collar and tongue that’s further secured with laces. The .1 model continues what the Pure 1 started with a traditional u-throat construction, but with a more padded heel, akin to what many pros customize their boots to have.

The adidas Copa Pure 2 is all about comfort, comfort, comfort

As a leather boot aficionado, I’ve come to expect out of box comfort as a given. But despite having worn some of the best leather boots on the market, I continue to be surprised at how comfortable the adidas Copa Pure 2.1 fit out of the box on my feet. I went true to size in my usual US9 and my feet felt like they were in a warm hug despite being a tad bit snug.

As you would expect, touch on the ball was excellent, with that nice velvety padded feel on the ball when it comes to controlling and passing the ball. You also get a satisfying oomph when striking the ball hard, with the thicker upper taking away much of the sting of the ball.

Run the midfield in the adidas Copa Pure 2

Here at BOOTHYPE, we’re not fans of the whole “boots by positioning” spiel, but even I had to acknowledge that the boot’s characteristics shines brighter in certain play styles. When I played my usual game as a defensive midfielder or a box-to-box midfielder, my touch and passing felt enhanced by the padding and comfort of the boot.

I was also happy to scrap into my robust tackles thanks to how protective it felt.

On the flip side, when I did a job on the wing as a left winger and then a left back, I started to feel some of the weaknesses of the boot. The lockdown wasn’t bad, but I could definitely feel that bit of sloppiness and sluggishness when trying to make quick cuts – a trait reminiscent of the legendary Copa Mundial as well.

And in many regards, it really does feel like a modern Copa Mundial, with all its strengths and weaknesses. A nice comfortable, and padded upper that trades off on aggressive lockdown and responsiveness.

Get the HG tooling for multi-ground use

The adidas Copa Pure 2 continues to carry the Lightweight TORSIONFRAME tooling that’s adapted from the Nemeziz Line. The half-moon shaped studs provide a nice aggressive grip on natural grass, but I did find them on the longer side for AG surfaces.

Instead, we went with the HG (hard ground) tooling which has a more traditional conical stud pattern that will work on both natural and AG surfaces.

adidas copa pure 2.1 review

What’s next for natural leather boots?

I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t disappointed at the general trend of brands moving away from natural leather in general.

While that creates space for boutique brands like Mizuno and Adler to carve out their own identity as having expert leather craftsmanship, but there’s also that danger of what we saw with mobile phones, where brands moved away from a headphone jack after Apple led the way on that front.

I really enjoyed the adidas Copa Pure 2, I can’t help but wonder what its role is in the current adidas line up. I love the comfort and padded-ness of the boot, but could that not be something that’s built into their Gloro silo instead?

The Gloro comes in at a more affordable price-point that appeals to the type of no-nonsense player who’d go for such a leather boot.

adidas copa pure 2.1 review

In today’s market where much is expected from brands to constantly innovate, perhaps adidas could consider retiring the Copa silo, or making it into a more budget friendly silo replacing the Gloro.

A full leather option could instead be part of limited-edition packs that feature on their other silos, the X and the Predator. This would retain the mystique of leather and comfort, without over burdening the brand to constantly update and innovate on a leather silo.

 A win-win situation for both leather lovers like myself who still want to experience the latest technologies, while keeping things fresh for the next generation. And ultimately, it relieves adidas of the burden of having to over-complicate their leather line.

adidas copa pure 2 review
Who is this for?
The adidas Copa Pure 2 is built for the classic leather boot lover.
The Good
Comfortable
Nice padded feel
The Bad
Moderate lockdown
7.5
out of 10
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Nike Tiempo Legend 10 Review: Nike CTR In Disguise

Isaiah Lee
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0
Nike Tiempo Legend 10 Review: Nike CTR In Disguise
0
out of 10
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Leather innovation redefined

The Nike Tiempo Legend has long been a staple in Nike’s football lineup and also the long standing silo for the brand.

The silo has always been synonymous with kangaroo-leather (k-leather) but in the recent releases we have seen Nike push innovation boundaries with added materials and technology while diminishing the role of leather on their Tiempo boots.through various modern technique and technology ‘add-ons’ to the Tiempo line in bid to benefit the modern player. The biggest change in this edition sees the Nike Tiempo Legend 10 pushing boundaries by replacing k-leather entirely and featuring a new synthetic leather upper called FlyTouch Plus.

@boothype

Hot take – The Nike Tiempo Legend 10 is the CTR reincarnated. Read the full review on BOOTHYPE.com #football #footballtiktok #nike

♬ Dough – Key Glock

Will the Nike Tiempo Legend 10 thrive as the first synthetic Tiempo, and how does it stand against its predecessors?

The Nike Tiempo Legend 10 embraces change

The standout feature of the Nike Tiempo Legend 10 is the reinvention of its upper in the form of FlyTouch Plus. The leather, straight out of the box,is supposed to be lighter, softer and stronger which makes it more durable and resistant to waterlogging in wet conditions.

The upper itself features textures which mimics the grains on natural k-leather, perhaps to appease diehard k-leather fans. If you were to pick it up at a shop, you might even think it was made of k-leather. The texture is not for vanity’s sake but serves a functional purpose of adding an abrasive coating enhancing your touch on the ball.

Notably, indents are added on the upper which provides flex in the right area of your foot for a seamless fit and avoids bunching up which is often a problem with synthetic leather. 

Personally, I am a fan of FlyTouch Plus and am excited for its potential for innovation. Synthetic leather allows for more creative execution in terms of textures, functional properties, and design/colourway options.

An improvement to a familiar Tiempo Legend fit

When thinking of the Tiempo, fit and comfort are the two key things that immediately come to mind.

The Nike Tiempo Legend 10 cradles the foot nicely with a good amount of lockdown and provides a close fit through the forefoot till midfoot area. The forefoot features a lightly padded inner lining, while the midfoot incorporates a mesh weave liner for added support and a secure sensation when lacing up the boot.

The Nike Tiempo Legend 10 shares a similar construction with its predecessor, the Tiempo Legend 9, in terms of the mesh tongue and upper implementation. However, the Tiempo Legend 10 introduces two key improvements: reducing the thickness of the inner lining to the new upper to provide a closer feel on the ball and enhancing the mesh tongue with an updated weave pattern for better lockdown. These updates contribute to a great fit and comfort during gameplay.

Breaking in the boots was a breeze, taking only one training session for them to mould to my foot. I opted for my usual US9 (27CM), which is consistent with what I wear across all Nike silos currently available in the market. Go true to size for the right fit.

A new hybrid between touch and control

Putting the boots through its paces, the Nike Tiempo Legend 10 reminds me of an old favourite – the Nike CTR 360 Maestri. The upper does remind me of kanga-lite as I compared the Nike CTR 360 Maestri 3 remake side by side. However on feet, what you get is a thinner and softer upper which was what you would have wanted in a CTR Maestri 4, if they ever came to produce it

Just like a CTR 360 Maestri, the Nike Tiempo Legend 10 has indents in strategic locations that make contact with the ball. These indents offer a unique benefit – flex grooves that seamlessly align with your foot’s shape as you anticipate and flex in response to the ball’s movement.

Another personal favourite would be the large instep area. It provides a clean contact area for you to play those weighted through balls while the thin upper allows you to feel the ball closely. 

The grip dots on the instep also allow some traction when you juggle or take touches off the air. It is not as aggressive as compared to the Nike Phantom GX or the older Nike Phantom VSN but it offers a balanced feel even in dry or wet conditions.

Shooting and crossing feels clean against the surface alongside its central lacing system.

Such interpretation of control truly reminds me of the pass pads on the Nike CTR 360 Maestri 2 and 3 though the Tiempo is much more streamlined and less chunky

A Soleplate Switch To Suit The Modern Game

I am a huge fan of AG soleplates considering the pitch surfaces available to play in Singapore are almost all entirely AG

The AG soleplate in the Nike Tiempo Legend 10 is different from its predecessor’s and instead features one that is very similar to the Nike Phantom GX model.

This specific AG stud configuration provided excellent comfort, grip and mobility which I personally prefer over the Legend 9.

While the Legend 9 AG soleplate gave you a shorter stud length and more contact points on the ground which worked well on older 3G pitches, I felt it was slippery at times on thicker AG pitches which are becoming more common as pitches undergo upgrading.

Design-wise, I personally love the look and build quality of the soleplate. Featuring a translucent tooling and bearing the Nike Tiempo Legend 10 signet, it gives the boots a very premium appearance.

Nike Tiempo Legend 10: Touch and control redefined

While the Nike Tiempo Legend series has been long associated with giving you a ‘soft’ touch on the ball, this very Nike Tiempo Legend 10 has certainly changed how we define touch and control as features on a football boot.

With Frenkie De Jong and Jamal Musiala being the face of Tiempo (and away from their past Mercurial affiliation) this looks like Nike reasserting leather to a new generation of young customers.

As a long-time Tiempo fan, this new edition takes the silo forward while appealing to both k-leather purists and those who are excited by the latest technology.

The Nike Tiempo Legend 10 is comfortable, feels good on feet and feels very familiar. Quite possibly because you’re wearing the Nike CTR 360 Maestri 4, in the guise of a Tiempo.

And I love it.

Who is this for?
For players who wants a close on the ball feel in a modern leather boot.
The Good
Close feel on the ball
Grips well in wet weather
Comfortable mesh tongue
Amazing launch colourway
The Bad
Might not suit wide feet
0
out of 10
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Lila Tan: More than just a pretty face

Hats
-
0
Lila Tan: More than just a pretty face

As I prepared for this interview with Lila Tan, I had no idea what to expect for my first meeting with the Singapore international. You see, she’s not just a good football player, she’s a model too.

We’ve seen our share of footballers turned models (Freddie Ljungberg, David Beckham etc.) but never one who straddled both worlds from the start of their nascent careers.

Having spent weeks arranging a meet through her modelling agency, Lila came through amidst her busy school and training schedules. In an industry full of prima donnas and divas, Lila came across as some who was mature (she’s only 20), smart and a total team player.

So, more than just a pretty face then.

We spoke about balancing both modelling and football, her aspirations in life and women in the sport.

BH: Tell us more about yourself and how you came to reside in Singapore

Lila: I was born Singapore but my family moved us out to Shanghai when I was 2. I studied there though I’d come back to Singapore to meet family every year for Chinese New Year. I came back to study at a junior college (JC) sometime back in 2020. JC’s not for me so I shifted to an international school instead.

I’m now pursuing a degree in business. Entrepreneurship is something I’m passionate about which is why I also have a clothing line now.

BH: How did you get started with football?

Lila: It started with my family. My dad is crazy about football. I have 3 younger brothers too who love the sport. We kicked around a lot and I joined a boys’ club to play with them, and then I joined the women’s football team in the international school I studied in.

I wanted to raise awareness for it as well because despite us having a school team it wasn’t something that was that significant and wasn’t always well supported. We didn’t have a lot of people come watch us play so from there, I felt a strong calling not just to the sport but also to raise awareness of women’s football.

BH: Moving into a new environment in Singapore, how’d you get noticed here?

Lila: My dad knew someone at FAS and they recommended I trial at Home United, now known as Lion City Sailors. We had a friendly game vs the National U-19 team and the national team noticed me. I got called up to represent them not long after that.

I’ve also been loyal with LCS. Been playing for the club for all 3 years I’ve been here.

BH: What are you like on the pitch? What position do you play?

Lila: I’m quite an attacking player so I often play as a forward. So I alternate between a 9 and a 10 though I prefer playing as a 10. Playing as an all out striker can be pressurising so I like the freedom of playing just behind the lead striker.

I’m taller than most girls here so I feel that my physique is one of my strengths. But I think I could be a better finisher and be more selfish on the ball.

BH: How did modelling come about?

Lila: My agency slid into my DMs on social media to ask me to try out for a shoot. They scouted me on Instagram and we have a few mutual friends. And I decided to give it a shot. I used to model freelance anyways, doing projects for friends, but I never took it seriously.

BH: This agency you’re working with, Misc Management, has got quite a diverse portfolio of models. Was this what attracted you to work with them?

Lila: Its inclusivity was the main reason as to why I joined because I wouldn’t want to join a conventional modeling agency where I have to fit in a certain category.

BH: You have more muscle definition as compared to a “traditional” model who are tall and skinny. Was this the inclusivity you were looking out for?

Lila: Yeah exactly. And I hope it’s (the fashion industry) changing soon. There has been some issues with fitting in to some clothes and with zippers. But with our agency, our models don’t have to fit within certain measurements when we work with brands. It doesn’t always make me feel good, not fitting in, but being in modelling with an athletic body is something I want to put out there. And be proud of it.

BH: What lessons from modelling can you use in football, and vice versa?

Lila: I try to not put that much pressure on myself for everything. That it’s okay to make mistakes, and it’s okay to not be perfect all the time. Both worlds can be mentally taxing. In a match or training, when I make an error, I’m very hard on myself. I can have negative thoughts so that’s something I have been working on – being more positive on the pitch and in front of the camera.

BH: So how do you balance all your commitments right now?

Lila: It’s tough but I train a lot. The women’s league can have a lot of continuous weekly matches and then a long break in between which may not be good for generating momentum. During the season, we have 4-5 training sessions a week. So they’re usually after working hours. If our game’s on Sunday, Monday’s our recovery session. Then we’ll have Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday as training sessions before another match on the next Sunday.

BH: Do coaches, teammates and even fans look at you differently because you’re a model?

Lila: Starting out with the National U-19 team was tough. Not because anyone excluded me or anything like that but I guess there were some cultural difference, especially for me who grew up overseas. I don’t always sound Singaporean.

Sometimes there would a sarcastic joke about me – about not wanting to get injured as I have a model shoot after. I take it light-heartedly.

BH: Football is a contact sport. Do you fear injuries or perhaps a bruise or scarring that could affect your modelling gigs?

Lila: I’ve never gotten an injury, touch wood! I do worry about injuries, not because I’m a model but because I don’t want to get hurt, just like any human being would. I do get bruises and scratches after my matches. If you want to hire me for your shoot, that comes as a package with me.

BH: Who are your closest friends in football?

Lila: I love all my girls. Some notable names are Stephanie Dominguez from the national team. She’s been there for me since day 1. We go out after training and we have a lot of heart to heart talks.

BH: Who have been your toughest opponents?

Lila: Last year, we played Australia in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship. Their stamina, fitness, power – they just stand out. They were always one step ahead physically. They could run and run and run. It was a tough game and we fought really hard. We lost 4-1.

We also played Thailand in the Olympic qualifiers. The Thais are not as strong but they’re extremely fast with the ball. It just goes by so quickly and they have such a strong connection between each players, they know where to be to receive and move into space.

Lila Tan Singapore Women's Football team
The match against Australia was a tough one

BH: Why do you think these teams are so strong?

Lila: In terms of the quality of the training, our coaches have a lot of passion and love and knowledge about football. So I believe they’re giving us the same quality of training as any other coach could.

But these ladies (the Thais and Australians), just have more time to train. They’re full-time. They train twice a day and it’s just going to be hard to match up with the pure volume of hours they put in. We do our best.

BH: Your coach at LCS is also a woman. How important is that in regards to how she relates to you and your teammates?

Lila: I feel that there is a very open two-way street when it comes to communication. If I have questions about tactics or my position, she explains it clearly on the board. No sarcastic comments, she doesn’t berate me for asking such questions.

I’ve experienced giving a suggestion to other coaches and it was conveyed to me that I was trying to go against the team’s plan. With her, there’s nothing of that sort.

She’s honest, straight to the point. And that’s how a coach and player relationship should be like.

BH: If you have to choose a five-a-side team with the teammates that you have played with, who would they be?

Lila: Umairah is a very strong defender. Venetia has good vision, she knows where to pass and she does it at the right moment. Miray from LCS is a good winger, fast and can shuttle up and down. I’d have Wati as goalkeeper. Very vocal, so everyone can hear her instructions.

And Izzati – she’s a goal-scoring machine.

Lila Tan - Lion City Sailors
Lila with Izzati (right) playing for Lion City Sailors

BH: What football boots are you into?

Lila: I don’t have one specifically. I like to try them all! I’m currently using the adidas Predator Accuracy though I go through many pairs due to my many training sessions.

I’ve found the Nike Phantom Luna to be interesting too.

BH: What are you aspirations for your football career?

Lila: Full-time football (careers) is not the norm here in Singapore, especially for women. It’s hard to sustain a career here, as of now. In Europe and the US, that’s more likely. Having a career there was my initial plan. Perhaps get a scholarship in the US, play professional football. But as you can see today, we’re nowhere close to that!

Over the course of my gap year, I realized I do have other passions in life too that I would like to pursue. I want to pursue my academics, fashion, and modelling too. But I’ve no major plans set yet after I’m done with my degree.

In the meantime, I just want more people to recognize the players and our hard work and dedication. Most of us are not doing this for the money. We’re doing this for the passion of the game.

I have the utmost respect for Danelle (a Singaporean female footballer who is pursuing a full time career at Borussia Dortmund). It’s a great privilege to be able to do that. I don’t think I could do that but I’m so proud of her. And I’m sure the whole nation is too.

Maybe if a big opportunity opens up for me in the future, that’ll be great. Maybe one day.

Photos taken from @lilaatan

adidas X Crazyfast.1 Review: Comfort and a clean touch

Andrew Lockhart
-
5
adidas X Crazyfast.1 Review: Comfort and a clean touch

If every there was a silo that was a rollercoaster, the adidas X line is it. It can move very quickly from the sublime (X18.1 and the X Speedflow) to the not so good (X Speedportal).

The adidas X Crazyfast, like its predecessors, look to be another sharp iteration of the X line. A sleek silhouette, those lovely three stripes on the outside of the foot, a translucent midfoot displaying an internal cage and a lovely launch colourway which would be hard to beat visually.

@boothype

A speed boot made for comfort. The X is good again 🙌 #adidas #footballtiktok #football

♬ Dough – Key Glock

Everything points to the X Crazyfast fulfilling its name. But does it feel fast?

What is the adidas X Crazyfast.1?

adidas x crazyfast.1 review soccer cleats football boots

The adidas X Crazyfast sees a return to a speed boot built for comfort, and we love that. While the X Crazyfast+ offers the lightest possible boot without sacrificing performance, the X Crazyfast.1 models seek to offer solid performance while adding a bit more comfort and stability.

The adidas X Crazyfast.1, the model which we’re reviewing comes with the thin and semi-translucent Aeropacity Speedskin upper but it gets a big dollop of padding around the heel and toebox. In this specific model we have, the hard ground soleplate (HG) provided to us by Tokyo Football, you get even more padding around the toes as compared to the regular firm ground model.

The .1 model also comes laceless too, which may appeal to those who buy into the hype (not so much for us).

As with most speed boots, the adidas X Crazyfast.1 comes with an internal cage structure, called Aerocage, to provide support and lockdown as you make quick lateral movements in the boots.

The boots weigh at a respectable 220g in a US9 – pretty decent considering all the padding.

Along with this, the price is much more digestible than the plus model. There is also the fact that the .1s seem better designed to handle more rough surfaces and has a slightly thicker upper that can take a beating. This is why we’d recommend the X Crazyfast.1 over the +.

A little on the narrow side, with extra toe room

One thing that might be a surprise is that the boots still have a fairly thin and almost see through upper. While it is thicker than the plus model, it is still very thin and one can expect the touch on the ball to be almost barefoot, but more on that later.

Something that is fairly surprising is the overall shape of the boot, which differs from the plus model. One would think that both models would have the same fit, but it appears adidas are using different lasts, with the X Crazyfast.1 model having a more rounded toe while the plus is more pointy at the end of the boot and toe area.

The boot’s width is moderate and cuts slightly narrow. It does have a bit of extra space in the toebox, with the HG version offering extra padding around the toes. Unlike the plus model which requires true to size for a good fit, the more rounded toe of the X Crazyfast.1 not only makes the fit more accommodating, but also means the boot runs slightly long.

Go true to size and expect some extra toe space. Going half a size down would be too tight on the midfoot, especially if you have wider feet.

Comfort and a clean touch

Breaking in the X Crazyfast.1 is fairly quick. The upper has a slightly plasticky feel but within a couple of sessions the boot feels ready for action. In fact, even after one session, the boots felt good enough to be taken into a match situation and they performed with no issues.

The lockdown is also good, as a combination of the padded heel cup, the laces and the knit help produce a very locked in sensation. Even on grippier turf surfaces, cutting and turning does not to seem to affect the lockdown in the slightest and the X Crazyfast.1 does a great job of keeping the entire foot locked down in the boot.

adidas x crazyfast.1 review soccer cleats football boots

The upper is somewhat similar to the plus model in that it is rough to the touch. It is not as grippy as the plus model; however, this also means that it feels less intrusive when playing. There is just enough there to give a little bit extra traction on the ball without feeling super grippy. In wet conditions this is appreciated since it means that the balls sticks to the upper a little bit more when dribbling or receiving a pass.

A uniform upper also means that dribbling with the ball feels easy and unobtrusive. Given the thinness of the upper, the touch on the ball is sharp and thin, as there is still very little between the foot and the ball especially around the midfoot.

Of course, with a thinner upper, one feels everything. Passing the ball is fairly straightforward as there are no pass pads and the like to get in the way. This changes slightly when it comes to longer balls and crossing as that slightly gripper upper means one can get just that little bit of extra grip on the ball when bending it. The grip also does feel noticeable in the midfoot which is great for controlling the ball and is personally preferred over something like a pass pad.

That said, the padding around the toes (unique to the HG model) do offer good protection against opposition studs but may not give you that razor thin feel around that area so keep in mind that the touch would feel different there.

What most people will want to know how shooting in the adidas X Crazyfast.1 is. It’s excellent. There is that ping that most people want in a speed boot. There is a really satisfying feeling to be found when hitting the ball with power and again that thin sensation means that there is relatively nothing to get in the way of hitting the ball. Additionally, there is a nice feeling when catching the ball on the volley as that bit allows one to hit the ball with a little bit more swerve.

The adidas X Crazyfast.1 in HG

The soleplate may no longer have CarbiTex but in spite of that, it still feels very responsive. The boots seem like they are willing you to sprint after every lost cause and of course that slightly upward curve makes it easier to run and reduces the amount of force needed to push off.

This specific HG stud pattern, which is uniform across all their other boot silos, come in a predominantly rounded pattern for ease of pivoting though I’d prefer adidas to have had more studs populate across the sole and have them shorter in length for a true AG/HG experience.

The HG sole works well on AG though it had more bite than expected. Perhaps it’s no bad thing for a speed boot.

The adidas X Crazyfast.1 – My Underdog Boot of the Year

While adidas has sought to give the consumers more just by offering three high end models, by changing the fit and making the prices all different, it only can seek to confuse consumers rather than give them more choice.

At the same time, while the models are all different, it seems clear that for the best performance, bang for the buck, as well as comfort and lockdown, the adidas X Crazyfast.1 laced model is the best one to go with.

The boot can take tackles and feels more well-rounded compared to the other options available. Speed purists may not like the heavy padding around the heel but it does balance comfort and classic speed properties very well. And I really like this.

Even better is that the availability on the .1 model is better and more likely to be found on sale earlier. The boots have even managed to make it into my rotation to a point where, I even prefer them over the X Speedflow.1 in terms of overall fit and performance. These might be the underdog boot of the year so far.

What do you think of the adidas X Crazyfast.1? Share them with us in the comments below.

This review was done in collaboration with Andrew Lockhart from The Lockhart Boot Blog.

adidas x crazyfast.1 review soccer cleats football boots
Who is this for?
Players who want a comfortable speed boot
The Good
Good looks
Excellent lock down
Comfortable, especially around the heel
Accommodating toebox
The Bad
Width not accommodating
8.5
out of 10
Check out the best prices below
Tokyo Football
Soccer.com
Unisport Store
Prodirect Soccer
Amazon
Lovell Soccer

Best Football Boots for Comfort

Zeey Zeey
-
0
Best Football Boots for Comfort

Whether you’re a professional player or simply a weekend warrior, having a comfortable pair of boots is crucial to the enjoyment of your game.

With a comfortable fit, players can move freely and effortlessly without having to go through any discomfort such as blisters or chafing to play their natural game.

Here’s a list of football boots which you can count on to keep you comfortable and focused throughout the entire 90 minutes.

@boothype

Comfort for all 90 minutes. Check out our full list of the best football boots for comfort at BOOTHYPE.com. #football #footballboots #pumafootball #puma #fyp

♬ SILVER TOOTH. – Armani White & A$AP Ferg

Nike Tiempo Legend 10 Elite

Comfort and touch

Nike Tiempo Legend 10 Elite

Multiple stores

A close touch on the ball and great comfort.

It may not be made from pure kangaroo leather any more but the Nike Tiempo Legend 10 is still packing a punch when it comes to comfort and touch.

The leather is soft and comfortable and the ribbed design on the synthetic leather allows for the upper to flex and contour around the curves of your feet more closely, allowing the contact with the ball to feel even closer than before.

ASICS X-Fly Pro 2

Japan's finest

ASICS X-Fly Pro 2

Multiple stores

One of the best speed boots around - in leather.

It’s not very often that ASICS makes this list but the Japanese running shoe makers have impressed us with the ASICS X-Fly Pro 2. Made with a mix of soft kangaroo leather for the forefoot and a synthetic midfoot, this speed boot is not only light for a leather boot (205g in a US 9) but also absolutely comfortable with great lockdown.

A big plus – it also accommodates wide feet and is very AG-friendly. This is as good as leather gets.

Nike Premier 3.0

BUDGET-FRIENDLY

Nike Premier III

Multiple stores

Timeless performance in a stretchable, premium leather upper that offers out-of-the-box comfort.

For those who are looking to purchase their football boots on a budget without compromising quality and comfort, the Nike Premier 3.0 is the ideal choice.

As compared to the Tiempo Legend series, the Premier 3.0 works well as a simpler and affordable alternative while still maintaining a super soft and comfortable leather upper that provides a nice, padded leather feel and adapts fairly quickly to the shape of your foot. And you still get a suede lining that provides ultimate comfort all round.

The Nike Premier 3.0 is definitely one of the most comfortable boots in the market that provides bang for your buck.

Puma Future Ultimate

SOCK-LIKE COMFORT

Puma Future Ultimate

Multiple stores

Best fitting boot on the market

Puma’s Future line has consistently delivered exceptional comfort and fit, and the new Puma Future Ultimate continues to excel in this regard.

Incorporating Puma’s innovative FUZIONFIT360 technology, this boot molds effortlessly to any foot shape through its knitted compression upper, providing a personalized and snug sock-like fit that accommodates any shape or size.

adidas Predator Accuracy.1

ALL THE BENEFITS OF LEATHER

adidas Predator Accuracy .1

Multiple stores

Adds some curl and oomph into your strikes

With the adidas’ ‘Hybridtouch’ synthetic leather upper, the adidas Predator Accuracy.1 is a return to the Predator’s leather roots with comfort and performance reminiscent of the Predators of old.

The ‘Hybridtouch’ upper stretches to accommodate any foot shape but also offers a soft, subtle luxurious feel. Complementing this, the plush inner lining provides an extra touch of gentle padding, effectively reducing the sting of ball impact during those driven shots.

For players seeking for leather-like feel, we highly recommend exploring the adidas Predator Accuracy.1.

Adler Yatagarashu

MORE INSOLE OPTIONS

Adler Yatagarashu

Multiple stores

The best one-to-one fit on the market.

To dedicated fans of BOOTHYPE, it’s no secret that we wholeheartedly love the Adler Yatagarashu.

Meticulously crafted  by Japanese artisans, the Adler Yatagarashu features a soft and thin K-leather upper, paired with a wave-fit lacehole system for a more secure fit.

Adler provides not just one, but two sets of insoles, once again exemplifying its commitment to personalised comfort. The default insole features ample cushioning, while the ReaLine insole provides additional support for the arch.

A great fit (do go half a size down) and an improved insole fit = comfort all game.

We hope you enjoyed Best Football Boots for Comfort. Did we miss anything here? Let us know which football boots should make our Best Football Boots for Comfort in the comments below.

ASICS X-Fly Pro 2 Review: Peak K-Leather

Hats
-
2
ASICS X-Fly Pro 2 Review: Peak K-Leather
ASICS X Fly Pro 2 review
9.5
out of 10
Check out the best prices below
ASICS

ASICS has had quite a mixed experience in the football space. They’re more known for their running shoes, which tells me that they understand a runner’s biomechanics. And by and large, they’ve done well to add small features to their football boots with their running expertise to maximise your performance on the field.

Their football boots have been ergonomical and most of them are solid offerings with the occasional excellent ones like the ASICS Ultrezza AI and the ASICS DS Light X Fly 5.

@boothype

The ASICS X-FLY PRO 2 is mind-blowingly good. Read the full review on BOOTHYPE.com

♬ Static – Jeff Kaale

But I have a big problem with ASICS. I can’t differentiate most of their boots. Most of their names are similar, especially when they have “DS Light” and “X-Fly” in them. And many look quite similar too to the untrained eye. And they’re all leather too.

So when the ASICS X-Fly Pro 2 (not another one!) landed on my desk, I thought “didn’t we just review this a month ago?”. Apparently not.

What is the ASICS X-Fly Pro 2?

To get to this, we need to debunk, clarify and differentiate all the ASICS models once and for all.

Ultrezza – This was their “control” boot line which was first developed with Andres Iniesta. He isn’t working with ASICS anymore but the brand is still producing the “Ultrezza”, focusing on mobility and touch.

DS Light X-Fly – We recently reviewed the DS Light X Fly 5. And it was previously seen as their speed boot line but its latest iteration has seen it morph into an all-rounder, focusing on a good touch.

DS Light – A takedown version of the DS Light X-Fly. An all-round, affordable leather boot that also provides a solid, dampened touch on the ball.

The common factor in all the boots? They’re all kangaroo leather and they all provide a similar soft feel for the ball. It’s no bad thing but they’re all so similar.

And now we come to the X-Fly Pro 2. Primarily, we believe this was built to have a comfortable fit and elegantly soft touch on the ball (just like the others) with the kangaroo leather upper. However, this has the extra caveat of being seen as a “speed” boot with an ultra light weight of 205g in a size US9 – extremely light for leather.

ASICS X-Fly Pro 2 soccer cleats football boot review

The leather also comes with ASICS’ “Mois Tect” treatment which keeps the leather from drying out and keeps it soft and supple to preserve its life.

This is also the boot used by their biggest endorsed athletes like Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu.

The ASICS X-Fly Pro 2 is deceptively wide

At first glance, the ASICS X-Fly Pro 2 looks very slim in profile, as traditional speed boots do. But I had to go half size down from US9.5 to 9 to get the right fit.

The laces do loosen up quite a bit to accommodate my slightly wider fit and before you know it, the entire boot fits like a glove. Slipping on the boot is helped by the more traditional tongue construction. A word about that tongue, it feels so paper thin that I was afraid I was going to tear it. I’m happy to report it is sturdier than it feels, but I always revert to being careful with it. I don’t like damaging my stuff!

The wave pattern of the lace loops help secure your feet even more when you pull on the laces, something that I love as this boot provides optimum lockdown too when I’m running and twisting in multiple directions.

The leather around the foot is thin, but soft and airy. But my favourite bit is the padded and suede-lined heel. There aren’t many boots out there which can provide such comfort and the last time I remembered swearing something this comfortable, it was the ASICS Ultrezza AI 1.

Peak Kangaroo leather performance

The ASICS X-Fly Pro 2 feels absolutely amazing on pitch and I love it. The boot feels extremely light on feet and makes movement feel free and natural in them thanks to its secure lockdown.

The touch on the ball is very close though it feels slightly different across the upper. The mid-foot is the most raw and barefoot due to having no padding whatsoever there. The area is covered by thin synthetic leather on the outside and a light suede lining on the inside for comfort.

The forefoot, however, is made up of natural kangaroo leather with light padding. It stretches out when you put it on, which makes the upper even thinner.

You get the best of both worlds in terms of a soft touch when receiving or passing the ball, but also a close feel when you need it during those dribbles out of tight spaces. Shooting doesn’t sting your feet but you still get a good feel for the ball which the more technical players love.

ASICS X-Fly Pro 2 soccer cleats football boot review

I loved dribbling with the ASICS X-Fly Pro 2, even though I’m not much of a dribbler of myself. I cherished every touch on the ball, especially when receiving it at pace before striking the ball into the bottom corner.

It is the most lovely sensation which I think most players out there would appreciate, save for hardcore synthetic speed boot enthusiasts who hate any form of padding.

ASICS also claims that the upper provides a good deal of rigidity, with reinforcing materials built within. This is to provide a power transfer and a “spring” effect when sprinting, while providing a better fit and suppressing underfoot pressure. I felt none of these things but it doesn’t matter to me.

All I felt was a light, extremely comfortable boot with a thin, padded touch on the ball.

ASICS claims on their site that “the leather is delicate, we recommend that it be used for competitions only”. That hints at a long term durability issue but the boot and the upper feels as sturdy as any other. I’ll be keen to see how it holds up over time and I have a sneaky suspicion this is more durable than ASICS lets on.

Sprinty sole

The Japanese are usually quite conservative with their soleplates. Often, they play on hard ground (HG) which are natural fields but are relatively shallow and, as the name suggests, hard. They share very similar properties to artificial ground (AG).

This is why most Japanese boots are built with shorter, conical studs as anything more aggressive make them too dangerous to use due to high risk of injury.

The ASICS X-FLY Pro 2’s soleplate, tries to push the needle with its aggression by having short conical studs but with angular modifications around it. The angular features are an attempt to provide more traction when sprinting in a straight line without being too aggressive.

For the most part it works well on artificial ground, where I tested on. It never felt overly clingy when I pivoted though straight line traction wasn’t that spectacular either. The studs are short enough for artificial ground, and created little to no stud pressure, even when I wore it on a very thin ground.

For those who are looking for a revolutionary soleplate for straight line traction, you may wanna look elsewhere. This is just a solid soleplate for overall maneuverability on HG or AG. The rivets are also a nice touch for added durability over many years.

A final remark about that sole. Large parts of the sole feature an exposed felt material. I’ve not recalled any boots which has such a treatment and it does feel extremely premium out of the box. It would be a shame to get this wet on a muddy field or a wet AG surface as it’ll tarnish and dirty the gorgeous material.

There’s also the risk that it’ll soak up water and will make it hard to dry the boot, what not with all the suede and padding on the inside. But still, a very classy touch.

ASICS X-Fly Pro 2 – As good as K-Leather can be

ASICS always surprises me. They’re not well known for their football line and they’ve done a good job with it. The ASICS X-Fly Pro 2 feels like the best boot you can ever develop with kangaroo leather. It is up there with the ASICS Ultrezza and their competitors like Mizuno.

But the challenge that ASICS and the other brands who are devoted to kangaroo leather (mostly Japanese brands) is that they have reached a ceiling of what they do with kangaroo leather. It’s a material that’s been worked on for ages and any further innovation is going to be very minimal, if any.

This is the reason why the big brands like Nike have moved away from kangaroo leather to develop their own synthetic leather. They claim it’s for ethics and sustainability etc. but the truth is that they’re under pressure to come up with new concepts and innovation often and there is not much more we can do with kangaroo leather. Building their own proprietary synthetic material is also more cost effective in the long run.

ASICS X-Fly Pro 2 soccer cleats football boot review

Hell, even Mizuno are starting to dabble in synthetics with their Mizuno Alpha. And we know how much they love leather.

Another problem ASICS has is that they have too many boots that are hard to differentiate from, so we hope this review helps clean up the confusion. They need to cull their boots and have them look slightly different from one another too.

The last big challenge is finding distributors/retailers that sell this boot. Give the official ASICS online store a try, else you might need to find retailers in Japan who can sell this abroad.

Ultimately though, the ASICS X-Fly Pro 2 is fricking excellent. If you love natural leather boots, you need to give this a try (if you can find a place to buy it from). Not just because it’s excellent. But because this is as good as leather can be.

Where does kangaroo leather go from here? I’m quite keen to see what your ASICS and Mizunos of this world come up with to stay relevant.

ASICS X Fly Pro 2 review
Who is this for?
Lovers of leather boots and those who love comfort.
The Good
The Bad
9.5
out of 10
Check out the best prices below
ASICS

Puma Ultra Ultimate (2023) Review: Much more narrow

Hats
-
4
Puma Ultra Ultimate (2023) Review: Much more narrow

“Wait, didn’t we just review the Puma Ultra Ultimate not too long ago?”

That was my reaction when the big cat dropped a pair of the Puma Ultra Ultimate (2023) on my lap for a review. This boot has got the exact same name as the boot that launched close to a year ago though Puma has launched a sizeable update to their speed boot.

Despite the same name and similar looks, the Puma Ultra Ultimate saw a few changes that makes it feel different from its predecessor.

@boothype

The narrowest boots in the game. Do you have the slim feet to wear these? #soccercleats #footballboots #puma #pumaultra

♬ Pep Step – Chris Alan Lee

What’s new in the Puma Ultra Ultimate (2023)

Puma’s ULTRAWEAVE synthetic material remains as the main star of the show on the upper but it’s now backed by PWRTAPE, a skeletal structure underneath the upper that promises to provide structure and lockdown while you make those quick turns and pivots in a game.

However, compared to last year’s Puma Ultra Ultimate, this iteration of ULTRAWEAVE feels a bit more rigid and plasticky, even if it is ever so thin. It doesn’t have the more velvelty and soft texture of the 2022 version, which I feel gave it a premium gloss.

2023’s boot still looks premium with the futuristic semi-translucent upper but I just preferred the softer touch of the 2022 model.

Looks wise, the boot does look very sleek and the ribbed texture does make the boot look like a serious competitor in the modern speed boot category.

Only for narrow feet

The fit has changed drastically, which is the biggest factor in whether one would choose the 2022 or 2023 Puma Ultra Ultimate model. The last boot has a moderate width fit which required you to go true to size.

The 2023 model however is easily the narrowest boot you can buy on the market.

I’ve got flat feet and I have slightly wider feet. Despite going half size up, I still had the widest parts of my feet (where the outer base of my big toe bone is) pushing out against the side. Sizing up led to extra room around the toebox, which has me conclude that this boot should be worn true to size by players with narrow feet only.

Where it was most tight for me

Despite its width, I didn’t have issues sliding my feet in, thanks to the elastic material across that midfoot that was accommodating. Shame that the shape of the boot didn’t.

Weight wise, the boot is pretty light at 219g in a US10, which would comfortably feel lightweight on most feet.

The Puma Ultra Ultimate keeps you secure

Fit plays a major role in how football boots perform, especially in a minimalist football boot. We didn’t start on the right foot (pun unintended) with my feet pushing out on the sides. And because of this, the bunching up of the upper when flexing was an early irritant due to the nature of the plasticky upper and the uneven fit (huge space around the toes, very tight around the outer parts of my toe bones).

Getting the right fit would reduce the bunching but the rigid upper would still see some bunching when flexing.

A few minutes in and those issues were a thing of the past.

Speed boots have recently been implementing skeletal cages to provide lockdown and PWRTAPE’s ability to provide security was just as good as any in the market. The lockdown was excellent and kept my feet in place as I swivelled and burst into space. The heel was also secure and comfortably wrapped by the synthetic suede lining.

The tight fit around the midfoot and heel does contrast quite heavily with the extra space and roomy toebox. I would have preferred a more uniform fit but a player who loves his/her toes to be free would enjoy this sensation.

The touch on the ball was very close as you’d expect on a thin upper which means your technique has to be on point when passing, receiving and dribbling. The 2022 version of the Puma Ultra Ultimate had some slight texturing to provide a teensy bit of grip in those dribbles. The 2023 version however feels more raw.

And you’ve got to be rapid when evading those tackles because you’ll have close to zero protection on that upper. Though, speed boot aficionados would not have it any other way. Am I right?

No change in the FG soleplate

The 2023 version retains the exact same soleplate as the 2022 model. The chevron shaped studs provide straight line traction with its slightly rounded edges giving you some mobility when twisting.

It’s a good balance while still providing you enough grip for a speed boot. It is relatively grippy on artificial ground though it just makes the cut for us to be AG-friendly. If you’re looking to err on the side of caution with the sole…. read on.

A nifty turf variant

While most turf boots are takedowns, the Puma Ultra Ultimate Cage is a top of the range turf variant to the Puma Ultra Ultimate 2023 for those looking to play it safe on artificial ground while wearing an elite model.

It carries all the same features as the FG, save for the rubberised sole. You get the thin ULTRAWEAVE and the PWRTAPE structure to keep your feet locked in.

The fit is slightly wider than the FG it’s still very narrow. One sensation you might need to get used to is the difference in weight between the upper and sole. The upper is, understandably, ultra light which contrasts greatly with the heavier rubberised sole. On first wear, the weight contrast may mess with your orientation but you’ll be used to it in no time.

A godsend for narrow footed players

Puma Ultra Ultimate 2023

My first impression was that I was disappointed with the fit. Naturally, as a wide footed player, I’ve seen brands accommodate players like me a lot over the years. Many boots out there now fit wide.

But in retrospect, this does leave our more narrow footed friends left in the lurch. With the Puma King Ultimate, and now the Puma Ultra Ultimate 2023, Puma has dedicated boots made for those of slimmer feet.

For years, such players have seen speed boots, once made for them, go extinct as brands built them with a wider fit. Now the Puma Ultra Ultimate 2023 is an option again for those who have been squeezed out of such a fit. There may not be as many clamouring for slimmer boots, but those who are, now have an option that doubles up as a solid speed boot.

Puma Ultra Ultimate 2023 football boots soccer cleats review
Who is this for?
Narrow footed players who look a barefoot feel.
The Good
Close touch on the ball
Sleek looks
Top end turf variant available
Secure lockdown
A rare option for narrow footed players
The Bad
Upper bunches when flexing
No upper protection
8
out of 10
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