Hearing what professional players think about the cleats that they are wearing is always interesting!

Q. What soccer cleats do you currently wear?
A. I am wearing the Nike Tiempo Legend III at the moment.

Q. What’s the story behind you choosing the Nike Tiempo Legend III?
A. I’ve actually not long come back to them. Wearing the Nike Tiempo Legend III coincided with my best ever run of form, and maybe mistakenly I switched to Lotto Zhero Evolution boots instead. I think as a footballer it’s good to try new things, but ultimately you’re dealing with very fine margins of success and failure, so I’d always recommend that if you find the boot that you believe is the right one for you, why not stick with it?

Q. Why did you change to and from the Lotto Zhero Evolution boots?
A. When they first came out I just thought they were really comfortable. I also had a go in the lighter Nike Mercurial Vapors for a bit. As footballers there is often a lot of influence over club sponsorship deals, and obviously with the likes of Flavio Briatore at Rangers there is a strong Italian voice. That’s where the Lotto link came from and, to be fair to the boots, they ticked all the right boxes when I tried them on. However, I felt like a change a couple of week backs, so I went back to the Nike Tiempo Legend III.

Q. There are a range of different colours and styles available in soccer cleats now, but are there any horror shows in the QPR dressing room when it comes to footwear?
A. That’s a tough one really because they all stand out these days. The black boots are pretty rare, it seems, with white, blue, yellow and even pink available now. So, it’s a pretty colourful mix and there isn’t really one in particular that I can pick out as a bad egg.

Q. You came through the ranks at Portsmouth; were you a boot- boy there, and if so, whose boots did you clean?
A. Yes I was a boot boy at Portsmouth and I was quite fortunate in that while I was a YTS because I was looking after another young pro, Luke Nightingale’s, boots. He didn’t complain too much because he knew how hard the job could be when you got a player who liked to make a fuss. However, I did Russell Hoult’s boots and he wasn’t very nice some times when he couldn’t kick the ball straight in them, so I got a bit of grief off him occasionally. To this day he’ll still say it was my fault but I think we both know different!

Thanks to our friends over at Ransacker for sharing this article with us! The interview was conducted by Chris Galea.

Here is the lowdown on the cleats:

• Ball Control Type: rubber-framed power unit
• Insole Removable: yes
• Lacing: Asymmetrical
• Midsole performance features: Ortholite sockliner for cushioning
• Outsole Performance features: carbon fiber
• Primary Upper Material: Kangaroo leather
• Stud Shape: Conical
• Suitable For: Firm Natural Surfaces
• Weight: 11.4 oz.

Now for the available colors. The Valde Pro comes in a Black/White/Athletic Yellow/Red Attack and a White/Black/Cycle Blue/Silver colorway. I am not a big fan of the black version (seen to the left). To me it looks a little cheap and not exactly what I expect from a new Reebok cleat. But the White version (seen above) is a great looking cleat. It is very classy and something that I think looks like a desirable cleat. The retail price of these cleats is $192.49, but there are great prices available to  get these cleats with big savings. Check out the full range at Soccer.com.

Also Check Out:
Reebok Sprintfit Pro II
Adidas Porsche Design S2 Grid

So who was wearing what cleat for the cup winners? No surprisees with choices actually. Ronaldo wore the Nike Mercurial Vapor IV Citron, while Nani chose the Vapor IV Charcoal. Carlos Tevez wore the white Nike Air Legend II. Ryan Giggs came off the bench for extra time and even had an opportunity to slot away a penalty in his Reebok Sprinfit Pro. The ever steady Paul Scholes wore the Nike Total 90 Laser II in white/blue, while center back Nemanja Vidic also came off the bench wearing his Puma v-Konstrukt III.

With the victory, Manchester United have completed the first win in what could be a quadruple for the current Premier League and Champions League winners. There were several games in the Premier League this weekend, with Liverpool losing to Middlesbrough 2-0 at the Riverside Stadium. Chelsea actually over took Liverpool in the table due to goal difference. Overall, a good weekend for Sir Alex Fergusons men!

Also Check out:
Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly Ready to Debut!
Beckhams Powerswerve DB to stay in Milan?
Deal of the day

Robbie Keane in Nike Total 90 Laser II Celebrating

After our recent article discussing Robbie Keane’s move back to Tottenham Hotspurs, he had Irish eyes smiling by scoring two goals in a key World Cup Qualifier. After going 1-0 down to Georgia in the first minute of the game, Ireland left the goals until late on, with Keane bagging both. His first was came from the penalty spot, after the referee gave a dodgy penalty with only 15 minutes left. His second was a diving header five minutes later. Ireland who have a reputation for conceding late goals held on for a victory that sees them draw level with group leaders Italy.

Keane wears the ever classy Nike Total90 Laser II FG – White/Black/Blue Sapphire. Check out more information on the cleats here.
Also Check out:
Beattie and his Puma V1.08
Heskey and Bellamy in Nike

Heskey scores on debut for Ason Villa

In mid-week Premier League games, Emile Heskey and Craig Bellamy scored on their perspective debut! Heskey made the move from Wigan to Aston Villa early in the week for a bargain $5million, a big signing for the Villains as they look to break into the top 4. Man City also stated their intent as they signed Bellamy from West Ham, strenghtening their front line. Both players scored important goals, and none more important than Heskeys, which was the only one of the game.

In terms of cleats, Bellamy wears the Nike Mercurial Vapor IV Citron, while Heskey has been wearing the Nike Legend II cleats. The Citron vapors that Bellamy was wearing are part of the extremely popular Vapor IV range. After selling out in the Berrys, the Citron is still available on a limited time basis. Heskey was wearing the ever classic Nike Legend II. To buy these cleats go to Soccer.com
Late goals help title contenders and Adidas Adipure II
Vidic Steady in Puma v-Konstruckt III

Frank Lampard celebrates his goal

Manchester United and Chelsea left it really late to claim all 3 points in their games with Bolton and Stoke respectively. United’s goal came in the 90th minute scored by Dmitar Berbatov and assisted by Carlos Tevez. It looked like the game was going to end in a boring stalemate, before Tevez wriggled his way through 3 defenders and crossed to an unmarked Berbatov who was grateful to stick the ball in the back of the net. Stanford Bridge saw an even more eventful finish. Down 1-0 from a Rory Delap goal, Chelsea scored in the 88th and 90th to snatch a dramatic victory. Julian Belleti, who was on as a sub put the score at 1-1, before Frank Lampard struck aplomb right on the stroke of full time. At one stage it looked like Liverpoolmight of had the opportunity of stretching their advantage at the top of the table, but in the end they find themselves pinned in between Man Utd and Chelsea, needing to beat Everton on Monday night.

Adidas Adipure II TRX

Frank Lampard is the driving force of Chelsea’s midfield. The English man has scored over 100 goals for Chelsea, and has already bagged 9 in the Premier League this season. Lampard wears the adidas adiPURE II TRX FG. The Adipure range are handcrafted, with a supersoft Kangaroo Leather upper that helps the cleat fit like a glove. What makes these cleats unique is that they do not have an outer tongue, it ends at the lip of the cleat, helping to seal your feet in making the cleats feel like they are connected to your feet. The Adipure signature sits on the white outer portion of each cleat, and also on the soles. In terms of look, these cleats are very classy and sophisticated. There is a lot of detail and a touch of class about them. Kaka, Alessandro Del Piero and Xabi Alonso also wear them. Weighing in at 9.2oz, these cleats are currently available for $129.99 at Soccer.com.

Cristiano Ronaldo

For his votes, England head coach Fabio Capello’s choices mirrored the one-two-three positions but England skipper Terry voted for Xavi first ahead of Torres in second and Ronaldo third. Other votes:
George Burley (Scotland) – 1 Ronaldo, 2 Xavi, 3 Messi;
Barry Ferguson (Scotland) – 1 Ronaldo, 2 Messi, 3 Gerrard;
John Toshack – (Wales) 1 Ronaldo, 2 Gerrard, 3 Messi;
Craig Bellamy (Wales) – 1 Messi, 2 Ronaldo, 3 Torres;
Nigel Worthington (Northern Ireland) – 1 Messi, 2 Ronaldo, 3 Kaka;
Maik Taylor (Northern Ireland) – 1 Ronaldo, 2 Messi, 3 Torres;
Giovanni Trapattoni (Rep of Ireland) – 1 Messi, 2 Ibrahimovic, 3 Ronaldo;
Shay Given (Rep of Ireland) – 1 Casillas, 2 Ronaldo, 3 Messi.

Ronaldo currently wears the Nike Mercurial Vapor IV Citron. There are several types of the Citron cleats available that have different things to offer at different prices. The Nike Vapor SL Citron is the most expensive in the range at over $300. Crafted almost entirely of carbon fiber, (the revolutionary material used in jets that offers unbelievable strength with incredible lightness) it took Nike three years to design and produce this incredible version of the Vapor. The second is the Nike Mercurial Vapor IV Citron, which Ronaldo wears. The upper is made of soft, supple Teijin synthetic leather that adjusts to the shape of your foot. The covered lacing system leads to increased strike zone. Another excellent option is the Nike Talaria IV Citron, especially since it is priced under $100. Lightweight Teijin KNG-75 synthetic leather is used in the upper for excellent ball feel. For less than $100 its a good option.

Beckham scores for AC Milan
Beckham keeps Ronaldinho on the bench

F50.9 Starter Kit

Expect to see Defoe wearing the Adidas Tunit F50.9. In recent weeks, he has been wearing the Running White/Red/Black version. Adidas have a huge selection of F50.9 uppers, including national team colors. The recently released F50.9 has an adiGrip upper, or adiDots that improves touch on the ball. An innovative seamless lace cover design gives an optimal fit and a clean kicking surface. When buying a pair of F50.9′s you need to purchase the starter kit first. After you have the starter kit, you can buy uppers for around $50.

All eyes were on Dubai tonight, where David Beckham started his first game for AC Milan in a friendly with German team Hamburg. Beckham started and played the full first half before being substituted. Milan went on to win the game on Penalties after the 90 minutes ended 1-1.

This weekend, Beck’s could make his first start in Serie A. There has been alot of negative talk about Beckham’s decision to go to Milan, with many seeing the decision as a ploy just to get his place in the England squad. But I say go Becks! With LA Galaxy struggling to Finish anywhere but last in MLS, why shouldn’t he go play for one of the best teams in the world for a few weeks. Lets be honest, it keeps the ‘Beckham appeal’ super high, and in turn that increases the interest in MLS when he gets back. With over 100 national caps, I also wouldn’t blame him for wanting more and maybe set the bar for most caps.

When it comes to cleats, we know what Beckham wears – Adidas Predator’s. In a way, Beck’s(Beckham) has played a huge part in the cleats rise to extreme popularity. ‘Bend it like Beckham’, need I say more! His current cleats, which he has been wearing in practices with the AC Milan squad, are the Powerswerve DB. These new cleats are pretty sweet and very unique, as they blend Powerpulse with ClimaCool technology. There are small vents in the cleats (just like with ClimaCool shorts and jerseys) that have been scientifically placed around the boot to help keep your foot cool, something that took thorough testing by the geniuses at Adidas. Expect the cleats to be available sometime in the next two months. For the current Adidas Powerswerve range Click Here.