The Big Questions 2013
Already 2013 is shaping up to be a hugely exciting year for football boots. The battle between Nike and adidas could really hot up, with both brands looking to introduce new boot silo's into the market. It's always hard to know what's around the corner in this game, but we've taken a brief look at what could be some of the biggest moments in 2013. Let us know what's getting you excited.
One of the biggest questions of 2013 surrounds Neymar and a new Nike silo. Already we've seen the Brazilian testing two variations of the mystery boot - a black prototype and most recently an all white version. The striker is synonymous with the Mercurial line and if Nike are to reposition their hottest prospect, it's certainly a big call. There's been no official word from Nike, but with names including 'Hypervenom' already circulating online, the buzz is growing! Expect the boot to land around June/July.
The arrival of a new Nike silo could spell the end for the T90 line. The boot has been a fading force for some time now. It looks like Nike are ready to call time on their 'power' boot, replacing their fourth silo category with the above featured boot currently being tested by Neymar. If Nike are to dump one of their silo's, the T90 is the most likely candidate to get the sack. It would be a significant shake up of their boot catalogue and would mean repositioning the likes of Wayne Rooney and Fernando Torres into new boots. We've had no confirmation from Nike, but the days of the T90 look numbered. 
It's widely thought that when it comes to Lionel Messi, adidas don't make the most of the greatest player on the planet. In 2013 though, this could all change. We expect adidas to step up their game with a new collection of Messi exclusive products including boots and clothing. From what we know, adidas will unveil two Messi adizero boots in the first half of 2013, with the second being a real stunner! It's unlikely that adidas will go to the same levels as Nike do with their CR collection, but expect 'brand-messi' to get a lot more exciting in 2013! 
Something that has become one of the biggest events of the Nike calender. This year saw the biggest ever launch of a player exclusive range. Unveiled in November, the 2012 CR collection was a huge success, with the boots quickly becoming one of the hottest properties in the game. Nike are now four boots strong when it comes to Cristiano Ronaldo exclusives and don't count on them slowing down. We expect Nike to give Ronaldo his fifth boot design this summer, with a typically exuberant collection to follow. 
What might look like a bit of a gimmick could become one of the most exciting innovations of 2013. We've heard from several sources that a number of companies are developing football boots that reflect the flashing light from a camera or a stadium floodlight. The technology is already being used by adidas with the adizero 'Smoke' American football cleat. This breakthrough could be set for the football pitch in 2013 with Nike, adidas and Lotto all candidates to land the first punch. 
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It's no secret that adidas are working on a fourth boot silo that will turn heads in 2013. The company are looking to expand their three-silo boot catalogue with the introduction of a breakthrough boot model to sit alongside the Predator, adiPure and adizero. We've already seen the boot in testing across Europe and from what we can already gather, it will be aimed at the powerful box-to-box midfielder with new technologies including an energy-enhancing band across the forefoot. Expect the boot - rumoured to be named the adidas 'NitroCharge' - to land around July.
What are you hoping 2013 brings? Let us know. Join the conversation online, on Twitter and on Facebook.
