Before seeing the ad, I had never heard of the Power company before and after spending some time searching online I can’t find many details about them or what happened to the company. The boots are a pure heritage design and look like they had a lot to offer top players. If you have worn a pair or know more about them, feel free to leave us a comment below!

Click on the image below if you want to check it out in larger scale!

Information via the image:
“Sierra is a high quality soccer boot at the right price. It’s a British-made shoe that gives a full leather upper plus all the built-in Power features, including the fabulous Kent sole system that can’t be beaten for efficiency and comfort”

Features:

• Dimpled Luxury Tongue – for instep comfort
• Polypropylene Laces – weather resistant
• Full Toe Facing – for durability
• Polyethylene Heel – overcomes heel collapse
• Leather upper – for durability and comfort
• Texon Insole – overcomes insole disintegration
• Kent Sole System – Nylon sole with nylon studs

For those of you that don’t know, I went to college at UC Santa Barbara, and had the joy of playing in front of some of the most passionate soccer fans in the country. Every game, the Gaucho Locos would be there in the stands singing soccer chants and slagging off opponents. In a sense, they were (and continue to be) the 12th man!!

We won the National Championship in 2006 – meaning this season, 2011, was our 5 year team reunion. This past weekend I made the trip back to Santa Babara with 15 of the players from that team for what turned out to be a great celebration. And, as a bonus I decided to document the trip. It is less soccer cleat related and more of a cultural insight into what college soccer is all about, particularly at Harder Stadium!

UCSB won 2-0 (match highlights) and will play at home in the semi-final of the Big West tournament. If you want to keep up to date with how they do, follow the UCSB Men’s Soccer Facebook page.

During your playing days what boots did you wear?
I wore Puma Kings for most of my career and loved them. I had a contract with Puma while I was at Liverpool, but there was no money involved, it was only for gear and boots. Money contracts only started in the early 90′s, my first was with a company called High-Tec. Not the greatest boots at the time, but they did the job.

How many pairs would you go through in a season?
About 3-4 pairs during the season. Now a days players have more options and more pairs available to wear so you will see them change more frequently.

What are your ideal pair of boots?
Something simple with old school metal studs! Nowadays the fields are a lot harder so players are less likely to be able to wear them.

Anything you are not a fan of?
As I said, I am a big fan of studs rather than blades, which I think don’t give players enough grip on surfaces. I don’t like the flashy boots released nowadays but I guess that’s what sells, I prefer the old school boots – keep it simple.

Have you ever wanted to tell a player to change the boots he was wearing?
No not really. It is up to the player and whatever they feel best wearing. As long as they are comfortable that’s the main thing.

What about Shalrie Joseph?
Yeah, Shalrie likes to wear those turf shoes on all surfaces. I understand on turf but he ends up wearing them on grass. I don’t agree but its what he likes best and he always performs in them.

Any advice for players?
Go for comfort first, its the most important thing. Once you have a pair you feel comfortable about it is one thing less to have to worry about on the field.

Finally, you are the king of “soccer horse shoe” (stopping the ball beside a water bottle). Whats your secret?
Haha, practice through the years and a little bit of psychology. All you need to do is get in their heads!

Thanks to the Steve for taking the time to chat and share some information. If you want to learn a little more about the Gaffer, check out the video below where other players describe what he was like on and off the field. It also illustrates his goalscoring prowess – 36 Liverpool career goals as a right back (including a memorable hat-trick against Newcastle) is not a bad return!

1. First up, the article that actually drew my attention – Original Boot Game. Below is just an excerpt from the article, where Bean’s gives his thoughts on the development of boots over time, in particular the color (pointing out the fact that players in the 70′s wore white boots quiet often). Great article!

“Writing this post has made me think about my own preferences towards boots and whether I prefer the classics from my childhood, or the new technologically advanced boots of today. For me, the answer is a bit more gray than it is black and white.

In many ways, classic boots are like classic cars. They have some great styling and they are not over thought. If you pop the hood on a muscle car from the 1960’s, you’ll notice how little is actually under there. But what is there gets the job done remarkably well. Older boots are like that to me. Soft leather, some stitching, fold down tongue, molded or removable studs. That was pretty much it. Not a lot to them, but they did the job ever so well. If you need any examples of this, look no further than the adidas Copa Mundial and the adidas World Cup.

As boots continue to become more technical, the claims continue to be made that they can enhance the attributes of players. If this is the case, I’m all for that. Technology has played a huge role in the development of athletes in all sports. Players are stronger, faster and arguably better than their predecessors. If soccer boots can contribute to the continuation of better players, then I’m all for it. And if they can even help me in my game, then they are certainly doing something right.”

2. A second article that caught my eye highlighted a bunch of really cool old school boots. Check out the selection of images at Inspired By – Throw Back Boots.
3. The final post is called Stomping Grounds. This is less of an actual boot post, and more one built on memories of where you have played growing up. It appealed to me because I thought back to the boots I wore as a kid, boots that included Puma Kings(a preferred choice) and many pairs of blue Lotto’s. I actually never owned a pair of Adidas Predators until I came to college, even though ever other player I grew up playing with had a pair at one stage or another. It also got me thinking about my team growing up – Castle Villa!

So, after several weeks of brainstorming and testing ideas I am exciting to announce the release of a whole new experience – Cleatology.com

Cleatology basically means “the study of soccer cleats” and it is designed to be a review resource for soccer players, by soccer players. The only way the site will survive is through your input. The idea is to give you the freedom to write about your experiences for other players to read and over time, as we add many more reviews, players will be able to scroll though many reviews to get an accurate feel for how well the pair they want will match their needs.

If you submit your review, you not only get the opportunity to be featured on our home page but you also automatically get entered in a monthly drawing for a new pair of soccer cleats!

If you are interested in being featured, head over to the submit review page and send in your details. After checking out the site, let me know what you think of the concept below!

I reviewed the CTR360 Maestri a few months back, but a second opinion can always be useful when deciding if a boot is right for you or not. Here are Motagalvan’s thoughts on the range:

For this review, I wore a size 9US in the Black/Challenge Red version of the CTR 360 Maestri.

Initial Reaction
Coming from a guy that only wore Adidas boots all his life, I made a transition and gave the Nike CTR360 Maestri a chance. Fortunately for me, the initial pair I wore were already broken in by one of my teammate, who let me borrow his extra pair.  After getting a good feel for them, I was able to get my hands on a new pair. At first the boot is really snug and tight, and I did suffer some slight discomfort.  However, it only took two training sessions to really break them in and mold to my feet. From my experience, this is really good timing as some boots take longer and some boots never really mold or break in to your feet.

Once again, like I mentioned above, I have always been an Adidas guy. After testing the CTR360 Maestri, my opinion is that the boot sizing is fairly close to those of any Adidas boots I have ever worn.

Design
I think that the design on the boot is very clever. The CTR360 Maestri gives the player an amazing feel for the ball while controlling and passing. And they look good also. One of the complaints I have and I know people on my team that wear the boot have is the stitching. The boot rips pretty easily over time on the side, especially playing on turf. I think instead of gluing the shoe they should stitch it and or make the plastic sit higher along the front of the boot.

Who do they suit?
In my opinion if a player is looking for comfort over style they should definitely give the CTR 360 a chance. Overall, I think the CTR360 is suited for every kind of player. It will be especially effective for players who care about there touch and feel on the ball better, those who are fast and flashy would have trouble with these boots in wet conditions as they can feel heavy.

Summary
All in all, I believe that the CTR360 Maestri are one of the best boots out right now on the market. They are extremely comfortable and give you an amazing touch on the ball. I have worn Predators, adiPures, Copas and in my opinion this shoe ranks amongst them if not better!

If you have any thoughts or questions for Motagalvan leave them below in the comment section. Get your hands on a pair of Nike CTR360 Maestri FG in White/Cyber/Black.

Full Name: ‘The Fan’s Attic’, contributor to UnprofessionalFoul.com

Tell us a little about the Fan’s Attic?
By day, I am a regular professional and by night I blog about the beautiful game at UnprofessionalFoul.com.  Actually, I blog during the day as well to escape the monotony of work.  I just hope my employer does not know that I am being so unproductive.  Unprofessionalfoul.com is a blog dedicated to all aspects of the soccer world from analysis to zany stories only professional footballers could produce.

When it comes to soccer, what position do you play?
I primarily play defender or outside back.  My playing career has consisted of high school  and adult recreation leagues, I have been a main staple with my teams!

As a kid growing up, what types of soccer cleats did you wear?
Growing up, I generally received the bargain bin cleats.  Not necessarily off-brand shoes like Nikey or Humbro, but certainly the sale items.  While the boots I received as a child certainly did not help me ascend the social ladder, the bargain boots made sense when I was outgrowing shoes every six months and my athletic ability was nowhere near the level that I could actually tell a difference between the $100 Copa Mundials or $60 Kaisers.  Frankly, I never got anywhere near either of the shoes until I was a teenager.

How often do you play now, and what cleats are in your bag?
I play twice a week–a weekly early Saturday morning pickup game and a weekly team match.  I wish I could play more, but soccer does not pay the bills and my body is not what it used to be.  The recovery time is slower, my time is limited, my body aches a bit more.  I always carry three types of boots–turf, moldeds and replaceable.  The screw-ins don’t get used much anymore because the blade boots work quite well in the soft ground.  In fact, the replaceable are 10-year-old Puma Kings that are great but certainly could be retired.  Thanks to a good hook-up I have mostly Nike equipment these days and my other boots are the Total 90 Laser II.  I just got the Nike Zoom 5 T-7 turf shoes but  I haven’t played in them yet.

Do you have any memories of specific cleats you wore?
I remember most of the cleats I have worn since high school.  I love to try out different cleats and one pair I had in 11th grade I really liked.  They were Kronos brand I found at a soccer shop in a town an hour away from me.  I have never seen them in a soccer shop before or after.  They had full kangaroo uppers, molded studs that were a little longer than normal and fit like a glove.  I absolutely loved those boots.  The only problem was that the studs weren’t affixed as well they could have been and after 9 months or so the studs started to break off.  A damn shame.

What cleats on the market do you like/not like?
I do not have any list of cleats I do not like but I have really come around on the Nike boots.  When they first came on the market the shoes were not as good as other brands, but in the past three to five years the shoes have really improved.  The Total 90 Laser II is the best shoe I have ever worn.  The touch, the grip, everything is great.  As it should be for a $200 pair of boots!

From your experience, what is the most important feature of a good cleat?
The most important feature of a cleat depends on the player.  Whether you need light shoes for speed, shoes designed for touch, or shoes with great traction, it just depends on your needs.  However, the most important thing you need in a shoe is comfort.  The shoe has to feel good on your foot.  No pressure points from the studs.  Minimal rubbing to lessen chances of blisters.  If the comfort is right then you can worry about the rest of the shoe.

Thanks for taking the time to chat to us the Fans Attic, we appreciate you taking the time and giving us some great info!

Also Check Out:
Cleatology: The Original Winger
Cleatology: The Fullback Files

Brian, as a kid growing up, what types of soccer cleats did you wear?
I always rocked Copa’s…Couldn’t ever go wrong with them and at the time, they were by far the most affordable for the quality. They cost $77 back then and Moms would never drop more than $50 twice a year. So, I’d have to come up with the rest (or all if they tore before Xmas or summer).

How often do you play now, and what cleats are in your bag?
I try to get out as often as possible, but the television travel schedule makes that a little difficult. Every Tuesday it’s indoor and I’ve got on the black Adi Nova’s. For outdoor on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings, the white Adi Nova TRX’s or dark grey Adi Predators.

When I say ‘soccer cleats’ whats the first thing that comes to mind?
Boots.

Do you have any memories of specific cleats you wore?
Other than the Copa’s, I can remember picking up a pair of Perla Negra’s that ripped after two weeks, some Lanzera’s that were soft as can be but warped after one game in the rain and a pair of Lotto’s with the big logo on the side that were pretty good to me.

Dunny, wearing Copa's, getting stuck in!

During your pro playing days, were there any players that you specifically remember for funky cleats?
Back then you had to be damn good to be able to rock any boots that weren’t black. But the young Nike kids started showing up with some boots that the older vets used to just tape together (when they’re back was turned) and throw them in the freezer.

From your experience, what is the most important feature of a good cleat?
Comfort. I love a new pair of boots straight out of the box because they’re nice and tight. I would train in the same boots (2 or 3 different pairs) over the course of the year, but game day were boots I’d only worn once or twice (just to make sure I wouldn’t get blisters) that would never make more than a three game appearance.

What tips/advice can you give to young players in terms of taking care of their cleats?
Make sure you go to the shop and test out EVERY pair to see which boot feels the most comfortable with your game socks on to replicate how they’ll feel when you’re on the field. There were certain brands that I couldn’t wear because they were either too narrow or I felt like I wasn’t getting enough support in my heel.

Thanks for taking the time to talk with us Brian. Also of note, you should check out the amazing Bump Pitch clothing line. This is a clothing range put together by Dunny and fellow soccer enthusiasts Ben Hooper and Ace Harrison. In the past few months, I have seen pics of celebs like Steve Nash and Ryan Seacrest sporting Bumpy Pitch t-shirts, so they definitely have huge appeal! To finish out, you can also find the team on Twitter at http://twitter.com/bp_tow

Michael, as a kid growing up, what types of soccer cleats did you wear?
Ah, the 80′s. Adidas, Adidas, everywhere, and not just the cleats. My standard school shoes were always Adidas flats that saw double duty for indoor soccer in the winter as well. Not being a fancy-pants attacking sort (my blog is called the Fullback Files for a reason!), pretty much the only thing I looked for in a shoe in those early years was “the blacker the better.” And while that generally ended up being Adidas, I do have fond memories of a couple pairs of Diadoras as well.

Do you have any memories of specific cleats you wore?
Oh, those Diadoras! There was one pair I remember loving so much that I wore them well beyond the point where my feet had outgrown them. The blisters were unbelievable! The backs of both heels were rubbed raw. Most of my toes were a mess. The ball of my left (plant) foot was a bloody, puss-filled ruin. But they were worth it. The last time I scored more than once in a game during a competitive match was in those shoes. Of course, that might have been due more to the coach yanking me off the back line and sticking me in attacking midfield for some reason, but I’ll always attribute that final brace to those fantastic Diadoras.

What cleats on the market do you not like?
Nike. They weren’t making soccer cleats during my glory days in the 80′s, but I’ve never been a fan of Nike shoes in general. Why? Because they’re too narrow for my wide German-Irish peasant trotters! So you can imagine my complete lack of surprise when I got a pair of Nike’s to review recently and found that the problem persists. It wasn’t that they were so completely uncomfortable that my feet couldn’t take the pain (I think I established in the Diadora anecdote above that they can take a fair amount of abuse), but I was constantly worried about turning an ankle–the narrow base had me feeling like I was on ice skates sometimes!

From your experience, what is the most important feature of a good cleat?
While I’ve not yet outgrown my youthful obsession with having footwear be as black as possible, my priorities have shifted a bit as I enter my fourth decade of playing the game. Not having the youthful energy I once possessed, a light shoe has become increasingly important. But far and away, the thing that I now value most in a cleat is grip. These days, if my footing goes, I count my lucky stars if I haven’t pulled something in the bargain. The road back to fitness from a tweaked groin is much longer now than it was as a teenager.

If you enjoyed Michael’s humorous approach to all things soccer cleats then hop on over to The Fullback Files, and get the latest on the world of MLS as the playoffs quickly approach! We will continue the series with more interviews later this week. Make sure to sign up to our email updates and get all the latest stories from Soccer Cleats 101!