While I was at Soccer Nation Expo a few weeks back, the CleatSkins team shared a pair of their patented product for review. After having a chance to play around with them and try them on different cleats, here are my thoughts.

What exactly are Cleatskins?
Cleatskins is a protector that slips over the soleplate of your soccer cleats to allow you to move from the field to wherever you want to go without having to take your soccer cleats off! They are made of a durable, compression model rubber that acts as a shell on your cleats.

When can you use them?
There are several areas where I can see Cleatskins being very useful:

• Younger players – when it comes to weekend games, younger players can have multiple games split up throughout the day. This can lead to it being easier to slip on a pair of Cleatskins over your cleats rather than changing multiple times.
• Wet conditions -I remember there were several away games I played in Ireland where afterwards there were no changing rooms, and all I wanted to do was jump in the car and get home. Instead of having to stand in the rain and hop on one leg getting changed, you could simply slip on a pair of Cleatskins till you get home.
• Breaking in cleats – This is honestly where I find these most useful. I have found wearing Cleatskins over new cleats I am breaking in allows me to wear them around the house!

How do they look?
Pretty decent actually! They slipped on my cleats easily and sat flush all the way around the cleat. They also come in several different colors, so you can choose the color that suits you best.

Will it have damage my cleats?
Quiet the opposite actually, I can only see these having a positive effects by helping to extend the life of your studs and they won’t leave any marks on your boots as they are made of rubber.

Negatives
I have one super negative – with the exception of the examples above, I absolutely don’t recommend players wear their soccer cleats anywhere but on the soccer pitch! Wearing your cleats off the field, particularly when your feet are wet and sweaty, only has the potential to damage the skin on your feet. And, who really wants to walk around in wet soccer cleats?

Summary
Cleatskins are a very simple yet ingenious idea, and definitely serve a purpose. But ultimately, in my opinion, they are going to be much more useful for younger players who have several games or practices a day. For their price, they will be a worthwhile investment to help protect and extend the life of expensive soccer cleats. I wore a size large on my size 9US soccer cleats and they fit perfectly. The large size is designed to fit a size 9-10.5US.

Actually, one thing that caught my attention when looking at the Cleatskins website is that they have a golf version available – and that is who I feel these would serve the greatest purpose for, where players need to protect they shoes when walking anywhere off the golf course.

If you decide to buy a pair, use this exclusive code cleats10 to save 10%.

The Skunkies team just sent me over a batch of their latest updated product a few weeks back – and I am loving the upgrades they have made.

For those of you that have not heard of Skunkies, they are a scented insert you place inside your soccer cleats or bag that are designed to eliminate odor and absorb moisture, which helps prevent bacteria. Basically, they are the ideal solution if your bag or soccer cleats stink!

We first tested the Skunkies in October of 2009 when the product had just been launched. I have consistently used them since that time in my soccer bag and I regard them as one of the best solutions if you suffer from smelly shoes/cleats. The best thing about this new version is that they smell fantastic! I’m not sure how the Skunkies team came up with the scent but I love it. Add to that some new designs and they are a product worth considering. I recommend ordering a pair (for $5.99) when you buy a new pair soccer cleats – they will keep your boots smelling good and for the price that can be well worth it!

Giveaway
Of course, we made sure we got a few extra pairs sent over to giveaway to readers – so I have 4 pairs up for grabs right now. If you are interested in getting your name in the running to win, all you need to do leave a comment below answering the following question:

Do you soccer cleats smell? If so, what do they smell like? (keep it clean!!)

I will pick 5 winners on Friday (Jan 28th), normal rules apply and open to US residents only.

With a current trend from footwear companies towards creating lighter soccer cleats, there is a serious need in the market for new products that can help protect feet from impact and tough challenges. So many players get injured from front foot impact, mostly when they come in contact with studs from another players soccer cleats. One product currently on the market that is designed to protect the front of your foot is Hot Shot Gels. The idea is simple, a small gel compound that sits between your foot and the oppositions studs! A few weeks back, the team that have created the revolutionary Hot Shot Gels sent over a few pairs for review. Here is a full breakdown of the product.

What exactly are Hot Shot Gels?
Basically, these are a rectangular piece of what feels like a quarter inch piece of jelly. They are designed to offer protection to the Metatarsal area on top of the fore foot, from both cleat and ball impacts. The materials used are FDA approved and safe for all to use.

How were they developed?
After working with one of the EFX specialists that worked on the Avatar movie, the HSG team came up with a product prototype that suited what they were looking for.

How do you use them?
Basically, all you have to do is slip them in the front of your boot, either above or below the tongue…..and play! Because they have a jelly feel and a slightly sticky underside, they sit comfortably in place while you wear them.

Testing them out
So, I was lucky enough to be able to test out several pairs over 1-2 months. I figured the best way to start would be to place them on a boot with limited protection – where better to start than the Puma V1.10 SL (seen above). They are really easy to apply, for this review I put them between the tongue and the laces. I found them to be simple to put in place and they stayed there throughout testing without moving. I also tested them on the Adidas Copa Mundials I was wearing a few weeks back, this time between my foot and the laces. Again, they worked out really well, although I found there was more movement when they were placed underneath the tongue.

Do they protect?
My answer is yes, they offer a completely unique level of protection that you are not going to get from a regular boot. They act a lot like you would expect jelly to react on impact, it softens and absorbs the majority of the force. They might not stop you from being injured, but they certainly lower the opportunity. I found the best part was the fact I could wear lightweight boots knowing I was well protected, and I could then interchange the Hot Shot Gels between different pairs of boots. While wearing them in the Puma V1.10 SL, they didn’t remove the lightweight feel but they did give me extra confidence in the fact I had an additional layer of protection.

Do they take away touch?
I found that you do feel less while wearing them, but it is not like these take away all the feeling. The important thing to remember is that the Hot Shot Gels are made out of a jelly rather than a plastic so they still are not stiff, and they still allow you a certain level of feel as the ball impacts your foot.

Who do they suit?
They suit all players – but if you are a parent looking to ensure your child’s safety while playing these are a great addition to their game. It is the extra layer of protection that could protect your future stars foot at any moment. I also recommend them to any player who has suffered a foot injury and is looking for an added layer of protection.

Negatives
They do take a few minutes to get exactly in place. I found that the sticky underside was tricky to move along the tongue – then again this helps ensure they don’t move during the game. Other than that there really are no other negatives to report!

Recommended?
I do recommend these – primarily because of the price. You can get a pair for $10, and having the added knowledge of extra protection for that price is well worth it, especially when you can take them in and out of different pairs of boots! I can assure you that the majority of players who test these out will continue to wear them as they won’t notice much of a difference while they are in. For $10 they are worth the gamble even if they don’t work out for you.

If you have had the opportunity to test out a pair leave a comment below telling us what you thought.

This past July, Nike released the T90 Tracer ball to be used in some of the top leagues around the globe for the new season, leagues that include the English Premier League, Spain’s La Liga and Italy’s Serie A.  It took Nike two years of extensive research to create this new ball,  working with players and teams to come up with the finished program. After a month of testing it myself in training sessions and games, I can tell you that the process was well worth it! There is something special about this ball, especially if you compare it against other top soccer balls currently on the market. Here are my thoughts on how it performs.

Initial Thoughts
From what I had heard about the ball before testing, I knew there was going to be something special about it. One of the first aspects you notice about the ball is the actual design, with very unique looking graphics that circle the ball. Like the Nike Elite range, there is a strong “visual” premise behind the ball that I was eager to try out. After testing it out Atletico Madrids Sergio Aguero stated that “the T90 Tracer always feels the same no matter where I strike it. It’s responsive and easily controlled in every situation.”

Touch and Control
One of the advancements to this ball is a unique 5 layer casing and construction that improves consistency on touch. One thing that is noticeable is the feel of the ball. When you hold it your hands it has a solid feel, as it does when it touches your foot. But, the difference lies in the fact that it actually has a rebound effect off your foot. It feels really smooth on contact, great feeling overall! Initially, I took the ball out for a knock around, a little jog while dribbling and some toe-taps. Dribbling, the T90 Tracer is great as it moves easily in sync with your boot as you move.

Whats up with the Dimples?
The dimples are part of the micro-textured casing material that is designed to equal the flow of air around the ball as it moves in the air. The ball still feels smooth as you rub your hand over it, it feels like they are “micro” dimples!

Created for Accuracy
In testing, Nike have stated that the T90 Laser is the most pin-point accurate soccer ball in the world, consistently hitting a 3-foot in diameter bulls-eye while the leading competitors were only able to hit a 6 foot diameter bulls-eye. It’s tough to actually test this on your own, but from fellow player feedback (who used the ball) it is very consistent when shooting. I think this is integral to a good ball. My personal opinion on the Adidas Jabulani (even though I called it the “Tiny Dancer”) was that it failed to help players do what they wanted with the ball. It might have been a nightmare for goalkeepers, but what use is that if top players can control it when shooting or spraying long balls? This is one area that I think the T90 Tracer excels as you are able to knock it where you want with confidence.

Design
Evidently, the circle graphic seen running around the ball does serve a useful purpose! In technical speak “the high-contrast asymmetrical graphic generated a strong visual signal, which captures peripheral vision and focuses central vision more rapidly.” And I agree! When knocking this ball around, it is quick easy to spot as you move, especially as the ball circumnavigates the field.

As seen in the English Premier League
Already this season, there have been 86 goals scored in 30 games – an average of 2.9 goals per game. That is a pretty good return, particularly after the drought of goals at this summers World Cup. And the goals being scored have been spectacular. One of the issues at the World Cup was that players couldn’t seem to keep shots on target, but that does not seem to be an issue with the T90 Tracer.

Summary
In closing, I am a huge fan of this ball and it is probably one of the best currently on the market. Companies are spending large amounts of money on developing a soccer ball that ranks amongst the highest available on the market. And with the Adidas Jabulani achieving almost cult status during the World Cup, it was important that Nike released something that rivaled. And in my opinion, the T90 Tracer exceeds the quality seen in other releases. The main difference for me is the consistency that this ball offers on the field. If you are in the market for a new match ball, this is a great option!

Following up on the successful adidas Jabulani review, we managed to get our hands on some other soccer balls to review with the Puma PWR C1.10 being the first. Puma have always been a top brand in terms of cleats and equipment, but I have never associated them with match day soccer balls. But, in the past few years they have become more prominent in leagues around the world. In particular, the WPS (Women’s Premier Soccer) has benefited tremendously from Puma’s sponsorship of the league. Currently, the WPS is one of the leagues that uses the PWR C1.10. I had the opportunity to test out the White/Black/Wild Lime version of the ball in training and game situations.

20 Panel Design
This is the most unique aspect about the ball. It has been designed using 20 high-frequency molded panels that have been placed in different shapes and sizes. 8 of the panels are shaped in a triangular fashion, while remaining 12 are fashioned in a long rectangular shape that separates the triangular panels. Even of the panels are molded together, so there is no stitching on the ball. What differentiates this ball from others on the market is how each panel ridges to the joining. Other balls have a nearly smooth design, but the PWR-C1.10 bumps up and down, leaving large gaps between each panel. I think the image portrays this most accurately.

Spot it in the Air
Along with the 20 panel design, Puma use a visual design that enhances visibility of the ball. 6 of the panels are colored in black, with 3 on each side in an “z” shape. As the ball moves and turns in the air, you have the added bonus of being able to track its trajectory. To be honest, the design is pretty unusual to look at for the first few sessions, but over time you become more familiar with it. I didn’t exactly feel like it was beneficial, for the most part I think it just gives the ball a unique look!

How it Feels
The ball is designed with a double layer that you can really feel when playing with the ball. The outer layer is made of a soft foam that allows for a crisp first touch. If you hold the ball and gently push down on any area it has a very squishy feel that almost feels like a sponge. This allows for superb touch and control when the ball comes to you and is noticeable. The second layer is a compressed foam that essentially rebounds off your foot. When striking the ball, this is how acceleration is increased. In fact, Puma say that the ball moves 4.3% faster in the air than a regular soccer ball. I could definitely feel there was a difference shooting or playing long balls as the ball does ping off your foot pretty easily.

Summing up….
I liked this ball a lot, although I don’t feel like it is the best game ball out there. You can feel the difference when knocking this ball about and it is a fun ball to play with. Controlling a long pass feels good as the ball has that rebound feel on your foot. It is priced around the $100 mark, which is decent for a top line ball. I can see many teams using this as a game ball, but throughout testing I preferred using it as a top line training ball. This is just my personal preference, with reactions from fellow players being mixed. The majority of players like the feel and touch of the ball. If you are looking for a ball that gives great touch and control then the Puma PWR-C 1.10 is a good option. For players that want to test it out, I would say it is worth the price.

In my bag, I carry a pack of Johnson & Johnson Advanced Healing Adhesive Band-aids. I find them to be very effective and they are useful if you have them at the right time. Basically, all you need to do is apply the band-aid over your wound (your foot needs to be dry) and leave it on for a day or two. They are sterilized for use on open wounds and they come with Compeed Moisture Seal™ Technology that helps them stick to your foot really well. I have worn these during games on occasion without them falling off. They won’t take away the pain, but I have found that they do help and they “promote fast blister healing” (according to the box!)

You can find them at pretty much any local pharmacy like a CVS or Rite Aid, with the best part being the price as they are very affordable. You can get a pack of six for around $5.

Brought to you by

band aid advanced healing at Bizrate.com

There are also other options to consider like the Spenco blister kit and the Pro-Tec Liquicell Blister Bands. I have not tested either, but they have different properties that might be useful to help with blister problems. Both are available at Soccer.com. If you end up testing them (or have) let us know how they work out!

Check out the SC101 Jabulani review and watch the video at the bottom of the post that shows the ball in action.

• The number 11 is signified in different ways by the Jabulani ball: 11 lines with 11 different colors are used to honor the 11 languages and tribes of South Africa. It is also the 11th official World Cup ball and if you didn’t already know, there are 11 players on a soccer team.
• 8 thermally-bonded, spherically-shaped, 3-D EVA and TPU panels surround the ball, ensuring the ball is perfectly round and keeps its shape.
• The ball is surrounded by GripnGroove technology, allowing it to be aerodynamically advanced. This provides flight characteristics not seen on any other ball.

Take Some Time to Test!
I have had a week with this ball, and had the opportunity to test it out almost every day. From day 1, you will notice that there is something ratherunique about the Jabulani! I strongly advise that you test it out yourself in a few training sessions before using it in a game for one simple reason; the flight off this ball is extraordinary, and not allowing yourself the opportunity to test it out will leave you looking a little clumsy on the field! Trust me, I am telling you this from experience. I took it out with a few friends for a kick about on day 1, and I spent most of the session trying to work out how to judge the ball’s flight trajectory. This is primarily due to the GripnGroove technology used on its surface. Adidas have added little ridges that surround the ball in many circular shapes that can clearly be felt when holding it. Like the dimples that surround a golf ball, GripnGroove’s function is to improve how the ball passes through air; basically it enhances how aerodynamic the ball is.

My problem was that the Jabulani held up in the air longer than I have ever experienced with a soccer ball. Every time I tried to take it out of the air, it would end up landing several yards past where I expected. Another great aspect to the Jabulani is the fact that it doesn’t have noticeable panels keeping it together. I am sure at some stage, you will have played with a 32 panel ball, and you will be familiar with how you can feel the gaps in between each panel. Well, with the Jabulani, each panel has been pieced together and thermally bonded, so that you don’t get the same gaps in between panels. This leaves the ball a lot smoother, and is another key component to why it moves so fast.

Secret to the Jabulani
I did familiarize myself with the flight pretty quickly, and it became pretty easily to play long balls. Here is the secret to the Jabulani: If you hit a solid, controlled shot that flies straight, it will stay ultra straight. Bonus being, you will get an extra 10 yards out of the ball with a nice little dip at the end. But, if you put some spin on the ball, it moves! When I say the ball moves, I mean it dips, and weaves, and turns like no other! The Jabulani is going to be every goalkeeper’s nightmare, and every striker’s greatest Christmas gift. To be honest, I can’t wait to see Cristiano Ronaldo strike this ball, because when he does it could be spectacular! I spent some time taking shots and it absolutely pings. The Jabulani is a very light ball and when you strike it clean it moves fast. In a sense, it reminds me of a plastic ball and it sounds plastic when you bounce it. Striking it is a different story, as the ball feels like a leather ball, only it seems to encompass your foot when you strike it. When you control the ball off a long pass, you can feel the energy of the ball on your foot. Even though it is super light, there is a lot of power hidden inside!

Game Tested
Last weekend, I took the opportunity to use the ball in a game to gauge the opinions of some fellow players. The resulting views were all very similar, with a lot of guys pointing out the fact that the Jabulani moves super fast and ends up playing longer than expected. There is only one way to understand what this ball is all about, and that is to test one for yourself. If you get the opportunity to try one out, you will understand what I mean when I say that putting some spin on this ball makes it move. As I stated above, there is something quiet unique about this ball, and I am sure that future designs will be created using the same technology seen in the Jabulani. Let me finish up by giving you 2 tips; anticipate the ball flying further than you expect, and when you get to shoot remember that by using the Jabulani, you already have an added advantage over the goalkeeper!

Jabulani! Celebrate World Cup 2010 with the official match ball from adidas!

(ball supplied for review by soccer.com)

Over the past few months, we have been searching for different solutions to the very unsavory problem of smelly soccer cleats.

• Shaped like feet, and slip into your cleats.
• Dual Wick Fabric has a two layer patent technology that absorbs moisture.
• Comes in 3 colors (Black, Red and Blue) and 4 sizes (small, medium, large, XL).
• Filled with Eastern Red Cedar.
• Outer cover is removable for washing.
• Work as a ‘prevention’ for smelly soccer cleats.

Scent
Have you ever spent some time outside chopping wood, or been in a forest where some tree’s have recently been felled? Well, that smell is exactly what you get from these guys. The Eastern Red Cedar is a very refreshing smell, and works in eliminating odors in your cleats before they start. One fear I had initially, was that the smell was going to overtake my whole soccer bag and car. But, I am glad to report this is not so. Even though the smell seems strong (when you bring the Stuffitt to your nose the scent is very powerful) it is not overwhelming when left exposed, and you really can’t smell it from arms length away. Over the past few weeks that I have had the Stuffitts, they smell as new as they did the day I opened them….always a good sign!

Size
I used the large size inserts in my US 9 soccer cleats and they fitted nicely. They are shaped just like a foot, with the main area being tightly compacted. The toe area is more loose and has less filling. This is beneficial as it means you are not forcing the insert in, and if your cleats are a half size smaller the toe area has some leeway to bunch up a little.

Technology
The outer cover is made of a dual wick fabric, which has a patent technology that helps absorb moisture. This in turn means that the opportunity for bacteria to grow is substantially reduced. Another cool aspect is the fact that you can take this cover off and wash it. This means it is easily reused in other/new cleats. There is something substantially profound about the red cedar bark used other than the fact that it is rot resistant and holds its scent for long periods! It in fact is extremely absorbent and helps draw moisture from the cleat into the core of the Stuffitt, and this is one of the key attributes of the product. After testing, the Stuffitt has been proven to be 8x more effective in drying shoes than air drying. That is a huge difference!

Price
This in my opinion is the down point of the Stuffitts. To get yourself a pair it is going to cost $24.99. The average price of a pair of cleats is $100, so you are investing 25% to keep them from smelling. For some people (and their parents) this is a worthwhile investment, but for the average player it might be a little above budget. But one thing you should bear in mind is what you are getting when you buy a pair and that is quality that lasts! Since they are reusable, I reckon that the two pairs I have will cover the cleats I review until next summer!

Summary
Overall, I have to say that the Stuffitts work as described. My feeling is that they are best used as a preventative measure, rather than a solution to already smelly cleats. They smell uniquely different, and definitely help to dry out cleats after playing. If you play regularly in wet conditions these would be absolutely ideal to help dry out your cleats, meaning they are ready for the next practice or game. When you buy a pair, they come with a removable strap that means you can keep them together and not loose them. I found the strap to be particularly useful when I was drying them out (hanging them over a clothes line). You are sure to see more about Stuffitts in 2010, and I have a feeling they will be a big competitor in the market-space. To find out more, or to get yourself a pair, head directly over to their website www.stuffitts.com.

If you are suffering from heel pain or injury, I would recommend heading over to their site to find out the exact details on how they work. www.heelthatpain.com. Heel that Pain sells for $24.99, which is a great deal, and in my opinion it is well worth the investment for anybody suffering. They also offer free shipping over $30 and each pair has a 120-day return policy.

Also Check Out:
Skunkies: The Solution to Smelly Cleats?
How to Take Care of Leather Soccer Cleats