New US Home Jersey 2012 Released

US Home Jersey 2012

Nike released the new US 2012 Home jersey today, with a red/white striped design offering a new look for the national team. Nike actually dropped one off with us today to check out, and I personally like it a lot. The look is very different to recent US jerseys, including the recently released 2012 Away jersey, and offers a very distinctive look.

The replica jersey is currently available to pre-order for $84.99 at Soccer.com.

Here are details from the Nike PR:

The new USA home kit combines heritage and patriotism in a bold new design that both the Men’s and Women’s teams will debut on the pitch this summer. The jersey utilizes the colors of the American flag with a blue crew neck collar and a body featuring red and white stripes.

The shirt also features a tonal sash to echo the same design on the shirts worn by the US Men’s National Team when they famously defeated England in the 1950 Finals in Brazil.

Both kits are visually identical but the women’s kit is designed specifically for the female athlete to enhance range of motion creating a uniquely feminine silhouette. The American Stars and Stripes flag, affectionately known as ‘Old Glory,’ is placed inside the back of the neck of both versions to inspire pride.

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Nike Vapor Deal, Take 45% Off – Why Not!

Nike Vapor 7 Deal

When a new series of a boot is released, it means older versions start to drop in price – and this is currently the case with the Nike Vapor VII and VIII.

With that in mind, we have a deal set up with WeGotSoccer that will score you a pair of Nike Vapor VII for $120 – which equals a whopping $100 off their original retail price! Technically, that is a full 45% lower. Include free ground shipping, and it makes for a deal you are not likely to find anywhere else!

  • The offer is good on both the Trace Blue and the Court Purple colorways.
  • When you add the boots to your cart, use discount code SC101-VAPOR7 to drop the price.
  • Timing is key here – the deal is good through this Wednesday 4/18/2012 (midnight PST) or until sizes run out.
  • Deal can’t be combined with any other offer, normal terms and conditions apply.

Nike Vapor 8 Pre OrderWant the Nike Vapor 8 Instead?
Remember the pre-order deal we ran a few weeks back? Well, through Wednesday, that offer is back on for those of you looking to trade up.

Order a pair of Nike Vapor 8 and you get a pair of Mercurial Lite shinguards for free! To take advantage, all you need to do is mention SC101 in the note section during checkout and indicate your shinguard size. The guys at WeGotSoccer will then add the guards in to your order. It is that simple!

The “Best Boot” Bracket 2012

Bracket

What is the best way to find out what the best boot on the market is? Run a knockout bracket of course and that is what we are going to do!!

Over the next few weeks, we will be putting boots up against each other, head-to-head, and you will decide which boot is more popular via our Facebook page. The rules are simple, the winner of each round advances, while the loser is knocked out.

Above is the bracket we are using with the first round of fixtures penciled in. The current line-up of positions was created by matching our internal stats on each boot with general feedback from players. Rather than running category of boots against each (Power, Speed, Lightweight etc) we are leaving it completely open so that most popular boots end up in the final 4. I will be updating the bracket throughout to keep you updated – click on it to see a larger version.

How to Vote
On our Facebook page, I will announce the 2 boots competing against each other, and in each competition I will let you know how to vote for your chosen winner. Whoever gets the most votes, wins. It is that simple!

To start things off we ran some qualifiers to fill 4 open spots – #23, #27, #31, #32. The following boots went through:

  • #23 – Economical Winner – Nike Miracle III
  • #27 – Top SL Lightweight – Adidas adiPower Pred SL goes through.
  • #31 – Economical Runner-up – Nike Trequartista II
  • #32 – Other Brands – Pantofola d’Oro Lazzarini

Stay tuned for further updates and the first few rounds to take place! The bracket above will be updated along the way.

Umbro Geometra Pro in Black/Sharp Green/True Red

Umbro Geometra Pro Black (1)

Here is another solid colorway release in the Umbro Geometra Pro range that continues to increase the appeal of the control boot. Coming in a Black/White/Sharp Green/True Red, this will be seen as one of the more traditional variations that you will see, although that Sharp Green really pops on the primary black upper.

Those of you that have read my review of the Geometra Pro will know that I rate them highly, although they still seem to be a sleeper of sorts. It can be tough for a new silo to make a name for itself, especially when it is not in the public eye. We don’t get to see much of them here in the US, with limited players wearing them. But, I can assure you that people wearing them will compliment what they have to offer in terms of performance.

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Nike T90 Strike IV Review (AG Edition)

Nike T90 Strike

For most players that can’t afford to buy high end boots, the Nike T90 Strike IV seems to be one of the next best options. Built as an identical looking replica of the T90 Laser IV, the Strike features some toned down technology in the strike zone as well as a synthetic upper. It is not a boot you will see professional players wearing, but it is a boot that many of you have been requesting a review for in recent times.

In an attempt to add more value of the review, I went with the AG soleplate version. I had not tested this soleplate out yet prior to this review, so it was an added bonus! In terms of colorway, I went with the original Windchill/Total Orange/Black.

Breaking In
Since there is less technology in the Strike, you get a boot that breaks-in pretty smoothly. The upper and soleplate offer plenty of flexibility and a decently natural feel. While testing the Laser, I found the upper to be about as natural as you can get from a synthetic upper. The Strike is slightly different and the upper doesn’t have that complete contoured feel. In terms of comfort, it doesn’t create any problems and the inside of the boot is actually well padded – something that has added benefit while striking shots! Overall, they are an easy boot to summarize – out of the box they are comfortable and keep your feet well protected.

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WorldSoccerShop Boot Week – Take 10% Off!

WSS Boot Week

If you haven’t yet heard, Boot Week is going on over at WorldSoccerShop right now.

What does this mean? Well, for the week you can get 10% off any boots in the entire WSS store – any boots! It makes for a pretty good deal if you are looking to splash out on a new pair. The deal runs through 4/15/2012.

To take advantage, use code WSSBW12 at checkout – browse the entire line-up of boots on offer right now.

Adidas adiZero 5-Star – Can They Be Used For Soccer?

Adidas adiZero 5-Star

On several occasions, I have received queries from readers who are interested in finding out more about the Adidas adiZero 5-Star American football cleat and if it could be considered for use in soccer. It is something that has also intrigued me considering the boots are developed so similarly to the F50 adiZero, but sit at a completely separate price points. In fact, the 5-Star retails for a staggering $100 less than the F50. Looking at each boot side-by-side, there doesn’t seem to be a great deal that differentiates them. But as the saying goes, don’t judge a book by its cover. So, a few weeks ago I asked you guys which pair of 5-Star I should buy to compare to the F50 adiZero and I with them in hand, I set about determining if they are in anyway suitable for soccer players.

5-Star vs F50 – What Are the Differences?
There are several key topics to cover including: the style of the upper, the stud configuration, and the laces. In terms of weight, the 5-Star falls in at 6.9oz compared to 6oz for the synthetic F50.

The Style of the Upper
First thing, the 5-Star is built using the original adiZero boot mold, so they don’t compare to the adiZero miCoach. Compared to the original adiZero they are very similar right through the upper. The only real difference lies in the shape of the lacing system, with the 5-Star featuring a wider design. Instead, they use a tongue that is much more padded through the middle. In fact, the tongue more padded than you will find on any soccer cleat.

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Nike CTR360 Maestri II in Black/Total Orange Released

CTR360 Black Orange

The latest Nike CTR360 Maestri II release to hit the market comes compliments of what seems like a pretty routine look. The colorway is officially listed as a Black/White/Total Orange.

To me, there is something a little mundane about this release, they almost look like previous versions of the CTR360. Looking at them, I just feel like Nike has finally run out of colorway options for this particular CTR360 series. But, for players who are fans of the range, this gives another modern option to choose from and it is the first release in the range since early January. Plus you get the added bonus of having a primary Black upper that won’t scuff easily. I’m going to let the images do the rest of the talking for this colorway!

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