Pantofola d'Oro Eclisse Vitello Football Boots - Black // White
Luxe boot designers Pantofola d'Oro have made their first play of 2013, launching the new 'Eclisse' to choice stockists around the globe. The new premium option from the Italian brand features a classic soft leather upper, with a re-styling of the 'Star' branding adorning the side of the boot.
Handmade in Italy, the Eclisse football boots will first be released in these classic black and white combinations. The design is a straightforward one, but the result is effective in delivering a simple and stylish look, which is becoming less frequent in the game. 
First seen on the feet of Italian legend and prolific goalscorer Marco Di Vaio, the Eclisse was an experiment in a return to the large branding we saw in the 70's and 80's. As you can see from the photography Pantofola d'Oro shared back in October, the look has quite a strong impact on-pitch.
The Vitello is an Italian reference to the calf leather the upper is crafted from. We know Pantofola d'Oro tan and dye their leathers in Tuscany, and are selective in constructing a single upper from the same cut of leather. It's this traditional process which sets the brand apart, and has earned them quite a cult following in the boot industry.
Indeed, within the boots community we often find Pantofola d'Oro boots cause some of the most opinionated debate. To the many Pd'O fans, the boots are like a timeless classic car; for example you're more likely to see an old Aston Martin or Ferrari 250 used at a Pantofola d'Oro boot launch, than an equivalent Lamborghini Gallardo as used by the likes of Nike. 
But Pantofola d'Oro aren't just selling a premium product. There's is a story and a brand history which can't be manufactured, and is one for the football romantics. Since the 1880's the founding Lazzarini family have been constructing sport footwear, but it was legendary Juventus player John Charles who first described the boots as 'golden slippers', or in Italian 'Pantofola d'Oro', and so the brand was born.
The latest addition to the family - the Eclisse - comes in a combination of firm, soft and mixed ground sole-plates to offer modern performance. But even the outsole has traditional engineering, as it's stitched to the upper to make the product more durable. A clear intention from Pantofola d'Oro who are not after quick product turnaround in the marketplace, instead, the more durable the product the better the fit and comfort of the leather over prolonged time. 
Pantofola d'Oro football boots continue to be highly sought after and the new Black and White Pantofola d'Oro Eclisse Vitello cleats will be available from mid-February/early March, retailing worldwide for around £100 GBP / €120 EURO / $200 USD. 
Let us know what you think of the latest premium addition to the Pantofola d'Oro Collection, and does the re-styling work for the brand? Share your thoughts online, on Twitter and on Facebook.
