Nike vs adidas Kit Clash
Nike vs adidas Kit Clash
We compare five of the best releases from the two biggest players in the football shirt game. 
The start of the season is nearly upon us, just two more weekends of watching pre-season friendlies and last season re-runs and we're back to the real deal with the Premiership kicking off on Saturday 17th August. So we thought we'd look back at the best kits to be seen throughout Europe this season and pit the two big boys of the shirt world against each other.
Nearly all clubs have now released their strips for the 2013/14 season, most have already been seen on pitch during pre-season matches and it's fair to say there are some pretty tasty designs out there. Nike and adidas are undoubtedly the two biggest fish in the shirt pond, supplying strips to the majority of clubs. We've picked our top 5 from each to see who comes up trumps in the battle of the kits.
Nike - For the coming season Nike have produced classy looking kit after classy looking kit. They might have come under a bit of fire after their first crack at an England shirt but it has certainly grown on us. Regularly Nike have sought inspiration from a highlight in a clubs history, often resulting in stylish retro looking kit such as Juventus away. Here are our top five from the American brand... 
Barcelona Away - After a controversial 2012/13 kit, Nike went back to tradition for the new season shirt bringing back the famous stripes for both home and away. The away kit though was the stand out shirt for us, featuring the red and yellow of the Catalan flag for the first time in the clubs history. An opinion splitter, maybe, but we loved it. 
Arsenal Away - Taking inspiration from the kit the famous 2003/4 invincible squad wore a decade ago Nike produced Arsenal a great looking yellow and blue away shirt that has definitely been one of our shirt release highlights. The shirt features a classic royal blue collar with yellow trim which sits at the top of three yellow buttons to match the cuffs and the blue Nike swoosh and Fly Emirates sponsor. Nice. 
Manchester United Home - Manchester United's new home shirt did away with the gingham check (well at least hid it under the collar) and replaced with a sophisticated looking tailored shirt that represents the city's sense of style. We particularly liked the contrasting black, button down collar that had us reminiscing about the brilliance of Eric Cantona during the club's champion run of the 1990s. 
Inter Milan Away - Two theme's dominated Nike's design for Inter Milan's new kits; the first was Inter winning the cup winner's cup 50 years ago and the second Milan, the fashion capital of the world. It was the second that inspired the white and blue away shirt and more specifically classic menswear, which resulted in the inclusion of a smart contrasting style collar. The end result was a simple and stylish affair that we're a huge fan of. 
Manchester City Away - Nike's first stab at a Manchester City away kit saw them ditch last season's red and black stripes and go back to black with a subtle two tone black and charcoal design. Before becoming Manchester City FC the club played under the names St mark's, Gorton FC and Ardwick AFC and the classy looking kit took inspiration from their colours and designs. A great looking shirt that is bound to be a fan favourite.
Adidas - Not wanting to be out done, adidas have also raised the style bar for their 2013/13 kits. Many have been toned down from last season and given a more simple and stylish make-over. adidas have also experimented with new fabrics resulting in some great looking shirts such as Real Madrid away but also the odd howler like Marseilles denim look number. Our favourite three striped kits are... 
Real Madrid Away - The newly launched Real Madrid Away kit takes inspiration from the successful early years of the club in the 30s ,40s and 50s. For the very first time this new kit uses a "melange" fabric which includes a cotton finish, helping to achieve the retro look that has been inspired by some of the club's former jerseys. Simple and smart, it's a replica shirt that gives off a casual old school vibe.
Bayern Munich Home - New era, new look was the direction adidas took for Pep Guardiola's men with their 1970s Bavarian era inspired 2013/14 home shirt. Characteristic Bavarian heraldic diamonds feature faintly on the body of the shirt and the slogan Mia san mia (meaning 'We are who we are') is printed into the collar, embodying the spirit of FC Bayern.
AC Milan Home - For AC Milan adidas have created two top draw shirts. For the home shirt the famous red and black stripes are thinner than last season and the big collar has been replaced by a smart red and black v-neck design that features the Italian flag. Between every black vertical stripe there's a small pinstripe to add another element of detail to the shirt.
AC Milan Away - The away shirt features subtle black and red details on a traditional white base, complimented by gold versions of the famous three stripes. On the back of the collar, as a proud statement, is visible the Italian flag, which is placed on mesh material to allow increased ventilation. Possibly the best home/away kit combo of the summer, adidas have produced two impressive shirts for AC Milan's 2013/14 campaign.
Chelsea Away - The new Chelsea strip pays homage to the club's iconic white kits of the 1960s. The use of red makes a return with its first appearance on a kit since the 2010/11 season's home shirt, where it featured on the collar. adidas show us how to get simple and stylish spot on, take away the two stripes across the chest and it would look too plain, add anything else and it would be accused of being too busy.
Verdict - Both brands have released some great kits for the coming season and who wins isn't really a question that can be answered. Brand loyalty will always come into play, everyone has their favourite, and people will sway towards their chosen team. Maybe Nike have produced the best looking shirt with Inter Milan's away strip but then again maybe adidas edge it with Real Madrid away. Maybe you disagree with either? We can't decide, you try.
Who's released the best shirt for the 2013/14 season? Let us know your thoughts.
