November rarely disappoints when it comes to new football boots. This year was no different as brands landed some big releases in time for the holiday season.
Nike Premier SG "Black/White" - Kangaroo leather, a classic colourway and an enormous, over-size Swoosh, the Nike Premier had it all when it launched in the summer of 2013. Finally, this November Nike gave it the one thing it was missing: an six-stud SG stud configuration. Why did it take Nike so long? Well, they’ve been busy. Plus it gave them a good excuse to revisit the classic silhouette in time for the 2014/15 winter months.
PUMA evoPOWER MB45 "Red/White/Green" - PUMA made it Movember with a limited edition, Mario Balotelli evoPOWER exclusive. In all honesty, the timing couldn't have been worse for PUMA, with their Italian striker misfiring in front of goal for Liverpool. Even so PUMA stuck by their man, dropping 400 pair of "MB45” boots, with Mario wearing them for just one game against Premier League table toppers Chelsea. Mario being Mario, we’re surprised he didn’t buy every pair himself.
Umbro UX-1 Concept Black/Black - Out of nowhere Umbro made their case for black-out of the year with the UX-1 concept. The boot was stripped of all colour, leaving an all black, prototype-inspired design that had us drooling. Performance wise, the UX-1 has been met with a very positive response, so it comes as no suprise that when coupled with a black-on-black design, this edition has us applauding the good folks at Umbro.
Mizuno Morelia Neo "Red/White/Black" - Mizuno played another of their hands last month, fleecing their Morelia Neo in a holiday season outfit with the “Red/White/Black” colourway. Nothing to argue with here, with Mizuno sticking to what they know best delivering a another winning Neo colourway to add to the collection.
adidas "Hunting Pack" - Making it a month to remember - for the right reasons or not - adidas released their craziest four-silo pack to date; the “Hunting Series”. Despite 99% of us playing football under well lit circumstances, adidas thought it would be a good idea to kit each of their boots out in a glow-in-the-dark outfit. The pack had a mix reaction but certainly had us all talking. Another check for adidas marketing department, but a questionable move for adidas’ design team.
adidas 11Pro (III) "Black/White/Flash Orange" - Luckily for adidas, November will go down as the month of the 11Pro (III). After a relatively slow year for the 11Pro, the boot returned to its best, fronting a new K-Leather upper and minimalist design, ignoring (if you can) the bold colour strip running through the middle of the shoe. Hey, maybe that’s your thing. Either way, adidas delivered what has to be considered the finest 11Pro in the series so far, with hallmarks of the original adiPURE making a very welcome return.
adidas Nitrocharge (II) "Core Black/Flash Orange" - The Nitrocharge (II) was given another helping of colour, as adidas treated it to a stand-alone “Flash Orange" release. With limited player support, it’s important for adidas that they keep things sharp on the colourways. Mixed with a “Core Black” base and “Flash Orange” forefoot and Energysling, the latest design could be enough to tempt more into the silo.
adidas 11Pro (III) "White/Flash Orange" - One boot wasn’t enough for adidas when launching their new 11Pro (III). Complimenting the stunning “Black/White/Flash Orange” release, adidas added a flashier, two-tone colourway, with a split “Flash Orange” and white design. As expected, Tiempo comparisons quickly followed.
adidas F50 adizero Mirosar10 "Power Teal/White/Solar Orange" - Capping off a busy month, adidas released their tenth signature Leo Messi boot; the adidas F50 adizero Mirosar10. The boots were another wild visual concoction from the adidas studio, paying reference to Leo’s hometown of Rosario. The colours and graphics, intersecting with the “Power Teal”, were in reference to Leo’s first ever club.