The Want List - Top Takedown Boots
The Want List - Top Takedown Boots
Our pick of the six best budget football boots.
When it comes to choosing your new boots, all sorts of factors play their part in your decision, type of boot, weight, durability, fit, the list goes on, but the main deal breaker for the majority of us is price, and understandably so. If you're after a decent boot but don't want to break the bank then here's a collection of our top budget boots that might just make your decision a little easier...
The quality of takedown boots has dramatically increased in recent years. If you're not familiar with the phrase 'takedown' then it's simply the cheaper option of the full priced version. There are differences between takedown boots and top end boots but these differences are becoming fewer as brands look to deliver the best possible boot for a more realistic price. The introduction of complete leather uppers, mixed sole-plates and virtually identical visuals means that takedown boots are now more enticing than ever.
adidas f30 Leather - The new f30 is the first of it's kind to feature a full leather upper, the same soft Goleo calf leather found on the top end f50. It may not have a sprint frame sole plate but the f30 is a serious contender, especially when you consider the fact that Messi favoured the take down version for some years. Visually it's only the heel that makes you realise they're different to the f50 but for £70 cheaper it's a tempting boot and one of the best takedowns on the market.
PUMA Spirit - The PUMA Spirit is the takedown model of the famous King series and is presented with a soft calf leather upper in comparison to the King's k-leather. An almost identical look to the King, you'd do well to spot that these are actually the cheaper versions and with some retailers you'll get change from £60, not bad if you're reluctant to break into the triple figured price tag on the King. 
Mizuno Neo Zen - The Mizuno Neo Zen has a slightly chunkier heel than the Neo but again, it's another takedown model that features a leather upper and similar sole-plate that comes £50 cheaper than it's top end brother. Out of all the boots featured in this article we reckon the Neo Zen is the most different visuals wise from the Neo proper. It looks more like a takedown but performance wise you're getting a decent all round boot for your dollar.
adidas Predator Absolion LZ - The Absolion continues adidas' trend of impressive cheaper alternatives, we have to admit we were seriously impressed with the Absolion LZ. To the untrained eye the boot looks exactly the same as the Predator LZ, the Lethal Zones are identical to those found on the top end edition. One of the only differences is that the Absolion, which rocks up at £65 cheaper, doesn't give you a micoach option. 
Nike Mercurial Veloce - Nike have upped their game with the launch of the Mercurial Veloce, as with all takedowns it's a couple of paces behind the Vapor but still features a mixed sole-plate and lightweight, ultra-thin Teijin synthetic upper built for players to fulfil their top speed. The Veloce doesn't feature Nike's ACC tech but, again, the visual similarities are near exact, easily mistaken for Vapors and your wallet will be £80 heavier. 
PUMA evoSPEED 2.2 - The evoSPEED 2.2 is another top takedown boot for under £100. The 2.2 uses the same PUMA GripTex material to improve control in all weather conditions as the top end evoSPEED but lacks the internal EverFit cage found on the evoSPEED 1.2, which allows a super close fit around the foot. Looks wise, you can barely see the difference between the two, it's just a few features performance and comfort wise that you'll pick up on when you lace them up.
Would you be tempted in by a pair of ever improving takedown boots? All the featured boots are available at Pro-Direct Soccer. Let us know your thoughts.
