A Traditional Approach: adidas Copa Mundial & Nike Premier
For years the adidas Copa Mundial has been regarded as the dominant boot choice amongst traditionalists, but now there's a new kid on the block - the Nike Premier. Naturally players have been comparing the two and with pre-season just around the corner Nike and adidas are poised to go head to head in their latest battle.
Nike have launched the Premier to rival the Copa in terms of design, price and durability. The Copa has competed at the very top of the game since it's release in 1979 and is rightfully referred to as the ultimate heritage boot for firm surfaces but now the Nike Premier has landed on the scene to take on the classic Copa.
The Nike Tiempo has shaken off the retro tag over the last couple of seasons by adopting modern colourways and introducing new technologies, so Nike have deemed the time right to land a timeless classic that they hope will go on to build a reputation and following as prestigious as the Copa.
The Copa Mundial has survived generations of releases and is still going strong, everyone's had a pair, even if they're held together by tape in the bottom of your kit bag you just can't bring yourself to throw them out. Players that wear vibrant colourful boots will always be on the end of heavy tackles but there's a certain unspoken respect for players who wear heritage boots.
To touch, the new Premier certainly feels softer but the Copa comes across as tougher and more durable. Weight wise it's the Premier that comes out lighter, tipping the scales at just under 250g whereas the Copa lands in at just over 300g, not a lot in it and to be fair you really wouldn't notice the difference. The Premier will however, on average, set you back an extra £20.
Visually it's hard to favour one boot from the other, for the Copa it's the famous tongue, whether tucked under the laces or left above and the retro adidas stripes and for the Premier it's that huge sweeping swoosh that wraps around the boot. We honestly can't split them. If you're contemplating which boot to buy then the dilemma you face is, do you opt for the new Premier or do you stick with the tried and tested Copa?
Modern boots are constantly introducing new technologies to enhance players' performances but both these classics are a timely reminder how good a stripped back leather boot can look. What they lack in technology they make up for in quality.
Which pair are you favouring? The Copa Mundial or the new Nike Premier? Let us know. Join the conversation online, on Twitter and on Facebook.
