SoccerBible Gospels: Vote For Your Special Edition Boots of the Season 08/09

The Nike Mercurial SL football boots were a clear winner, and what has not already been said about this fantastic boot? Originally a concept from Nike's labs to test the boundaries of speed, the Mercurial SL was not expected to make it to the public. However, once Cristiano Ronaldo stepped out onto the drenched Moscow pitch last May, demand for this full carbon-fiber boot has not relented. We were lucky enough to get our hands on a pair early on and were hugely impressed with the weight, flexibility and strength these boots offered.

Despite such limited numbers available, the Mercurial SL did enough to be your Special Edition Boot winner.

The v1.08 was already a lightweight pro standard speed boot, but the collaboration with Ferrari took the boot to a completely new level! Presented in a display box almost three times the size of a standard boot box (it has to be seen to be believed!) from the moment you get them out it is apparant these boots are of a different class. Utilising a unique synthetic upper and carbon-fiber chassis, the red and gold colour perfectly matches the Ferrari racing heritage and attitude.

Did the draw of the motorsport giants help the Puma v1.815 Ferrari football boots finish 3rd place.

This was a late entry after only being released a matter of weeks before the Gospels, Umbro stepped into the collectors boot arena with the crisp, clean and pure Speciali England. Famously worn by England Captain John Terry, who scored the first time he wore them, the boots matched the new England shirt and followed the attitude and style Umbro had created for the kit. As with all these boots, a soft, supple leather upper is just a joy to put on giving plenty of feel and touch.

The re-designed Three Lions crest is displayed on the sole of each boot and as is the norm these days a presentation pack provided the finishing touches for this special edition boot, which claimed 4th spot.

One of two adidas original re-issues (the other being the WC78) we just had to include the World Cup '66 boots for their timeless style and classic look. This would be the image of boots most familiar to all, with the distinctive three stripes running down each side of the boot. What made this edition unique however was the inclusion of a special presentation pack, including all you'd need to keep the boots looking pristine and immaculate.

However, should you want to actually play in them, the fixed PU stud sole (finished in originals blue) is more than up to the task, as is the super-soft leather upper and traditional lacing. A true classic, disappointingly could only get enough votes to finish 5th.