Adidas are not a company that are afraid to push boundaries and they definitely don’t sit by the wayside after releasing a new boot. Case in point this new colorway release in the Adidas Predator LZ range – officially listed as a Super Pink/White/Black, and yes it definitely is a men’s boot! It is a radically different release from the initial colorways and offers players a very unmistakeable look on the field.

We have been anticipating this DB colorway’s release after David Beckham debuted them in style last weekend and they blended in with the Galaxy kit pretty well. Lets be honest, it is definitely a look that will only appeal to a certain taste and you have to be pretty brave to wear a pair. But having seen the extreme popularity of recent Pink releases, I have a feeling that these boots will do pretty well!

As for the Predator LZ, we just got done testing a pair and were left pretty satisfied with what they have to offer. There is a lot to take in at first, especially with 5 different Lethal Zones, but once you adjust to what they have to offer, they work a treat. One aspect of the boot that has caused quite a stir is the fact that this boot now falls into the control category, rather than power like we traditionally associate with Adidas boots. It is an all new type of hybrid boot that features 5 Lethal Zones designed to help improve ball handling, control and feel.

Retail wise, this version of the Predator LZ has an initial retail price of $219.99.

Puma has just launched a very special and limited edition boot to the market, with only 50 of the unnamed speed boots available to purchase!

What a smart ploy this is by Puma! We regularly see players sporting blackout prototype boots, but Puma is taking it a step further by pre-releasing a limited number of eye-catching boots to really drive media attention ahead of the real boots impending release. Because of the unique pattern on the boot, it is extremely difficult to make out what they are all about – technically, they have nothing to lose.

What we do know about the new range is that they are a speed boot that weighs in at 6.4oz and it will feature a new monolayer microfiber upper. The stud configuration has also been radically altered from what we normally see on Puma releases.

Check out more images and details below….

Those eagle eyed boot fans out there might have spotted Sergio Aguero training in these last week, with the Man City striker currently being one of Puma’s primary players. No doubt he has played some sort of role in this boots development!

Again, there are only 50 pairs that are available in the US and soccer.com has every one of them! They will have a retail of $184.99.

There are certain expectations that come with every new Adidas release, especially in the popular Predator range. Yet on this occasion and the Adidas Predator LZ (or Lethal Zones), Adidas has dramatically changed things up. The result is a boot built for 90 minutes of control rather than the much expected power. The design is very eccentric and the lightweight nature of the boot makes things even more confusing! I had the opportunity to take in the Predator LZ launch event in Los Angeles last week and it turned out to be a very educational experience. With that information in mind and having already worn the boots in 5 games, here are my thoughts on the new release. For testing, the extremely visual Blue/Red colorway was used in a size 9US.

What does LZ stand for?
LZ stands for Lethal Zones, or the 5 performance areas that sit across the upper. Each zone has been strategically positioned to help improve ball control, handling and feel for increased precision and accuracy with every touch. The five zones include: First Touch, Dribble, Sweet Spot, Drive and Pass.

Breaking In
These boots came straight out of their box and into a training session, and the following day I used them in a game. No problems to report. When you can put a pair of boots on barefoot and feel comfortable, you are off to a good start. The inside of the boot is lightly padded and very smooth. On release, there was controversy that Adidas had dropped a leather upper and PowerSpine for Synthetic and SprintFrame, but when it comes to comfort, they work out to be just as effective. In face, the SprintFrame soleplate offers a more natural level of flexibility. It only takes a few sprints and quick turns to have them performing at the level needed come kick-off.

The 5 Lethal Zones
Its quite obvious that the primary strategy for this release is the 5 Lethal Zones. Combined, they make up a new type of Predator that is designed for Control rather than Power. In a sense, this boot is more of a Hybrid that takes on a whole new category of boots. You might have spotted this summary on the Predator #UNLEASH post, but I think it sums up each zone effectively.

1. The large First Touch zone has recessed ribs to cushion impact and stop the ball. It’s a vacuum effect for instant control.
2. The Drive zone has a raised and thicker 3D shape following the natural curve of the instep to help create rebound distance and open the game.
3. The Dribble zone is designed for quick contact with the ball and close control.
4. The large Control/Pass zone is memory foam with a sticky coating on top. This ensures consistency, precision and killer passing.
5. On the Sweet Spot zone 3D ribs ensure longer contact with the ball to generate speed and spin.

Performance
Through testing, the one thing that I found out about these boots is the each Lethal Zone serves a very valid purpose. Adding to that, each zone actually doubles and can offer players an additional benefits in other areas. For example, the Dribble Zone, which I found to be effective when playing outside of the foot passes (think of the Ryan Giggs left footed cross from the right). The Pass zone also makes for a great region to take the ball out of the air with little rebound. But getting the most out of each zone takes time. Don’t expect to take these out of the boot and have each zone mastered, even if your current skill set is at a high level. There is a certain level of mental training that takes place through the first few wears. You will need to reset your mind in order to accept the zones and not think about them as you are trapping or controlling the boot. Again, there is a lot to soak in.

Adidas has transitioned to a Hybridtouch synthetic upper, which turns out to be very useful. It is very soft and the upper feels supple even with the added Lethal Zone components added on. To find out more, read our “What is Hybridtouch?” post.

As a winger, there were 2 zones that I was able to focus on and reap the benefits of a little more than others; Dribble and Sweet Spot. I used the Dribble zone while making quick turns and taking on defenders. Sweet Spot turned out to be extremely useful addition for swinging in pin-point crosses.

Design
This release is one that immediately catches your eyes, with the Bright Blue/Infrared offering a pretty unmistakeable look. Each of the 5 Lethal Zones has been highlighted in some way, to distinguish it from the rest of the boot. For those that want a more traditional Adidas look, it will be released. Even though the initial release is bold and colorful, Adidas don’t have any plans to abandon the traditional Black and Red colors we expect to see. On a final note, I definitely prefer this release colorway to that used in the F50 miCoach series!

Compared to the adiPower Predator
I feel like we were just introduced to the adiPower Predator, yet the range will go down as the stepping stone between a heavier Power boot and a lightweight Control boot. I am actually surprised the adiPower had such a short reign as I loved what the adiPower had to offer! There is not a great deal of similarities between both boots, other than the fact that they are designed by Adidas! You have a Power zone on each boot, but the upper, soleplate and technology has been radically switched up on the Predator LZ.

How do they Fit?
Because they are built on the SprintFrame soleplate, you are getting a very similar fit to a lot of other Adidas boots currently on market. Length wise, they fit very much true to size. The Hybridtouch upper doesn’t offer a great deal of stretch from first wear, but they are super supple and easily mold around your foot. Players with a medium/wide fit will find them to be ultra comfy. Through the midfoot, the boot looks like it is a medium fit, but there is some overspill that keeps your arch decently well supported – this of course being a pleasant surprise about the boot!

Predator LZ Launch Event
We had the opportunity to attend the LA launch event for these boots and it turned out to be an extremely educational experience. We also got to shoot some footage for KickTV – check out the full episode here.

Negatives
This is a very complex release, with each different zones playing its own role. As a result, you find yourself trying to perfect each zone immediately. Unfortunately, this is the sort of release that needs time to really mold to match your performance. If you are a Predator fan and are going to stick with this release or future versions, it turns into more of a transition phase than a negative! The real negative on this release lies with the insole, which offers little breathability. At times I felt like I was wearing Aluminum foil on my feet, with the warm LA weather providing the oven like heat! It produced a very uncomfortable feel. As a result, I have switched out the insoles with an extra perforated pair I had.

The Skinny Summary
Highlight: An all new type of hybrid boot that features 5 Lethal Zones designed to improve ball handling, control and feel. Hybridtouch synthetic upper and a SprintFrame soleplate replace the tradition Leather and Powerspine seen on previous Predator releases.
Category: In a dramatic switch, the Predator is now a Control boot rather than a Power specific. It is almost a hybrid of sorts.
Weight: A lightweight 8.0oz, allowing for plenty of speed and acceleration.
Would I Buy Them: There is a lot about these boots that would tempt me to buy a pair. The added technology and ideal weight give it a certain aura of sophistication that makes them appealing. I would definitely have them on the “consider” list.
Player Position: Again, they are almost a hybrid of sorts and that makes them an ideal choice for most players on the field. The 5 Lethal Zones have something to offer each player, it is simply a matter of finding the zone that works most effectively for your game. Ultimately, anyone can wear these and reap rewards!

Nike has just unleashed a new range of colorways called the “Nike Clash Collection” that will be used by players in the 2012 Euro Championships this summer. Each striking color design stands out on pitch and delivers performance engineering for some of the best players in the world.

Nike’s Vapor VIII, CTR360 Maestri II, T90 Laser IV and Tiempo Legend IV boots will feature a color clash design of traditional white with a bold second color signifying each boots style to stand out on pitch. As reference, nothing has changed on the boot performance wise, they have simply undergone an upgraded paint job.

For those interested, each boot in the collection is currently listed and available to pre-order on Soccer.com.

“The clash of traditional white with very modern and youthful colors will make a really powerful and disruptive statement on pitch,” said Andrew Caine, Nike Global Creative Director for Football Footwear. “The Nike Clash Collection delivers highly engineered boots with sharp color contrast reflecting the clash of rivalries and competition we will see this summer. We’re celebrating that with distinctive and stand out color.”

We will be highlighting each new colorway throughout this week, with the range set to officially debut by Nike players in the Champions League Final in Munich this weekend.

A few weeks back, I received some compression and ice-gear from a company called 110%. There are a lot of different recovery products to choose from on the market, with companies like Adidas and Nike leading the way. But there is something quite different about the 110% gear that puts it at a whole other level, with extreme benefits for players who strive to help their bodies recover in between games and training. After games and trainings, I have been making the most of the gear in order to test out how effective and useful it is for my body.

For testing I used the:

• Blitz Knee Sleeve – Compression+ with cold therapy that targets both anterior and posterior knee. Seamless construction allows for maximum coverage.
• Kick Back Quad Sleeves – Targeting the hamstrings and quads, Kick Back delivers performance enhancing compression during activity. 360° pockets and reusable ice inserts deliver simple, mobile effective recovery.

What is so different about 110% Gear?
There are plenty of options when it comes to compression gear and recovery, but all 110% gear comes with the ability to slip ice packs in between to help you recover. There is a little pocket that allow you to easily slip in thermal ice sheets that perform as ice therapy for faster recovery. Through my career, I have been a huge advocate of icing to help muscles relax and recover, so having the ability to easily use ice with this product is a major plus.

When Should Compression Gear Be Used?
Before, During and After a game! Wearing compression before training or competition has been shown to increase blood flow and prepare the muscles for exertion. Compression gear during training or competition increases muscle stability and reduces vibration, which can reduce muscle fatigue. Zones are specifically woven in to provide targeted support around key areas and muscle groups. Compression gear used after training or performance has been shown to maintain blood circulation and reduce lactic acid buildup. 110% Compression+ is designed with a unique pocket architecture that adds cold therapy to the equation instantly.

How they Fit
I wore a medium in both products and they fit really well. The knee sleeve has a set area where it sits over your knee cap to make it more comfortable without taking away from flexion. The quad sleeve did tend to slip ever so slightly but only as I walked in them. Realistically, when you are icing you shouldn’t be walking.

Benefits of Ice (taken from 110% website)
The elemental power of ice has long been a staple of recovery treatment for high performance athletes. Ice restricts the blood vessels to prevent the accumulation of fluids. It also reduces inflammation and pain. Compression and ice TOGETHER immediately reduces swelling, aids in soft-tissue recovery and helps reduce numb, sore, tissue to decrease further injury in the future. The combination of ice therapy and seamless compression technology makes 110% the perfect gear to use if you are driven to play harder. Only 110% benefits your training before, during and after.

But Couldn’t I Just Use Ice and an Ace Bandage?
Yes – and I recommend players who this product is not financially viable for to continue doing so. But with these sleeves, you simply put them on and slip the ice in, there is no wrapping or bagging ice. Plus, the added compression only helps increase the surface recovery area. After you are done, all you need to do is slip the ice back in the fridge for the next time you need to use it.

Do I Recommend it for Soccer Players?
To be honest, the ability to be able to ice so easily is what I love about this product! I have used these after pretty much every game the past few weeks and I absolutely plan to do so going forward. If you are serious about your game and have the finances to throw down on some gear, absolutely do so – you will not be disappointed and trust me when I say it is a product you will get your money’s worth from!

More Info on the Product
I found the 110% FAQ to be extremely useful in answering questions about the product and how it works – check that are out for more info.

Where to get the Gear?
You can find the gear directly on 110% website, or you can find the a range of 110% Gear on Amazon.

As you can probably tell, I enjoyed testing thie compression gear. So much so that this post is an obvious endorsement for soccer players to use the products themselves. I’m not being paid by 110%, although I did receive the gear for free. But the review is completely my honest thoughts and opinions, and I truly do believe there is tremendous value for soccer players who want to improve their recovery between practice and game!

Last weekend, we hit up the Adidas Predator LZ event that took place at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA. You might have read some details about it during the week on our Facebook or Twitter page, but I know that actually seeing some footage of the event is really what you want! We caught up with Tor Southard for a Q&A session and then took on 5 different challenges that were set up specifically for the boots.

Check out the video below to get a good look at just what went down, and make sure to subscribe to KickTV for more videos.

You gotta love how clean and tidy this latest colorway in the Pele Trinity 3E series look! Hot off the heals of the new K-leather version released earlier this week, Pele Sports has unleashed a completely new look for players who love the Symbioskin upper range. This is the first version of the boot that is not black and is listed as a Snow White/Fiery Red – seems like an appropriate name with the Snow White and the Huntsman movie about to be released!  from initial feedback, it is a real winner!

Below are the main points that you need to know about the Trinity, or alternatively you can head over to read the full review.

• An all new type of upper called Symbioskin is used on the Trinity. It has been specifically developed just for this boot and is basically a low density, tri-laminate material. Because the material is so thin, you get great feel on the ball.
• At a mere 5.6oz, these boots are designed for out and out speed, matching some of the lightest boots on the market.
• Five blades on the front and 3 on the back make for one of the most unusual stud configurations you will ever see.
• According to Pele Sports, “The extreme position of the rear tripod studs trigger earlier ground contact and stability with high velocity release and the forefoot studs permit excellent traction and explosive acceleration.”

The first important aspect to consider in order to make the most of the Trinity is sizing. I wear a size 9US and tested a size 9US – they fit a half size long. Ultimately, an 8.5US would offer a much more snug fit. If you are going to buy a pair I strongly consider going down a half size.

From reader feedback, a few of you encountered some problems with the Trinity upper separating. I spoke to Pele Sports and they ensured me that this issue has been addressed and resolved. As well as that, the studs have also been altered so that they are stronger and will sustain activity on artificial surfaces (where a lot of players end up wearing them).

In terms of retail, they hit the market for $199.99.

I wasn’t a fan of the Concave PT range of soccer cleats when I tested them, but they definitely drew a lot of attention when they were released and there were plenty of players interested in trying them. About a year ago, Concave actually filed for bankruptcy and since that time the range of boots have seriously dropped in price – but not to the extent of the current sell-off on eBay!

Right now you can pick up a pair of the soon to be unavailable boots with free shipping for only $25! That is what I would call an absolute liquidation event. I found that the performance of the boot was very average, but for players who wanted to test them out, this is a crazy good deal. Plus they will eventually make for a cool collectors edition.

There are tons of sizes and colorways available – check out the full line-up of boots right now on eBay.

*To put your mind at ease, BuySellItems – who list the boots on eBay – are a verified “Top Seller” and they claim the boots are 100% Authentic and Brand New.

We mentioned a few weeks back that Pele Sports had some pretty interesting releases on the way. Well, we are excited to be the very first to bring you details on one of them – the all new Pele Trinity 3E K. This boot features a pretty phenomenal Kangaroo leather upper and weighs in at 6.5o. Everything about these is geared toward speed and acceleration, and the TITAN one-piece upper makes them one of the lightest K-Leather boots in the world. I had the opportunity to see them first hand and was blown away by how they felt. The upper has a fantastic and extremely natural fit across the forefoot. I have no doubt that players who try these out will be heavily impressed.

The K-Leather Trinity in Black/High Risk Red will retail for $229 and is currently available to pre-order from Soccer.com.

The most exciting component of this boot is that unlike many top-selling leather cleats that use kangaroo leather on the forefoot of the shoe, the Trinity 3E FG K uses only one-piece ultra thin leather construction in order to create a glove-like fit, optimal for precise touch and comfort. Combine this with the super-light technology of the trinity, a truly unique stud configuration that features a tri-pod heal design, and you have found yourself a pretty advanced, elite boot.

The original Trinity 3E with Symbioskin continues to gain popularity and will also be available in a new black/red and white red colorway. Maintaining the weight of 5.6oz standing as one of the lightest boots on the market, extremely low density, tri-laminate material designed specifically for the Trinity.

From reader feedback, a few of you encountered some problems with the Trinity upper separating. I spoke to Pele Sports and they ensured me that this issue has been addressed and resolved. As well as that, the studs have also been altered so that they are stronger and will sustain activity on artificial surfaces (where a lot of players end up wearing them). Stay tuned for more images and details as we get them over the next few weeks – we should have one of the first pairs in early June for testing and review!

This posts sits outside the realm of soccer cleats – yet it is a very important one for me! My wife, who is a 1st grade teacher at an inner city charter school in Los Angeles, has a “Donors Choose” proposal currently running, where she is looking to raise money to buy sports equipment for the playground at her school. The school playground is actually a parking lot, and the kids really don’t have any equipment to use. SoccerCleats101 recently donated a bunch of soccer balls (which the kids love) but now I am reaching out to my trusty readers in order to help her reach her goal of $1,180.

Check out the proposal here – I understand a lot of readers won’t be able to donate, but do me a favor and share it with friends on Facebook in case there is someone who can give!

Through today, May 8th, all donations will be matched thanks to the Starbucks – if you enter MORNINGJOE at checkout, your donation will be doubled.

And finally, in an attempt to bribe you guys, I will run a giveaway with several pairs of boots this weekend if there is a solid response!!

Thanks for your support!