The List | Our Top Ten Boots of 2013
The List | Our Top Ten Boots of 2013
We pick out our top ten football boots from a year of big releases.
As 2013 comes to a close we take a look back at a huge year of boot releases to pick out our top 10 football boots. Next generation boots, completely new silos and limited edition releases make their way onto our list as we finally settle on a final order counting down from ten to one.
We've seen innovation barriers smashed down time and time again, brands taking weight reduction to new levels and a whole host of epic launch events involving some of the world's best footballers. Right from the first big launch of the year, the Nike Mercurial Vapor IX in February up to the latest boot to drop, the Tiempo Legend V in December, we recap the past 12 months to bring you our top 10 boots of 2013...
10. PUMA evoSPEED 1.2 - Kicking off our countdown is the PUMA evoSPEED 1.2. Launched in May as the second generation evoSPEED the boot was inspired by the smooth curves and dynamic airflow lines found on race cars and has been worn by some of Europe's top strikers including Sergio Aguero, Falcao and Olivier Giroud.
PUMA had re-designed their evoSPEED to feature a bold brand presence on the instep of each boot as well as focusing on technology to add GripTex, a 3D transparent print which delivers extra grip to improve touch in wet conditions.
9. adidas adiPURE 11Pro - In at our no.9 is the reworked adidas adiPURE 11Pro model launched as part of the Samba Pack in November. The modernised 11Pro was the sixth generation adiPURE in a collection that stretches back to 2007. Quilted with a premium, ultra-soft Taurus leather the adiPURE was crafted to deliver premium comfort using memory foam to allow your foot to mould into the boot for a custom fit.
The build of the 11Pro took a step back to the silos heritage roots with the classic three stripes on the side of the boot and the banishing of the miCoach cell. The adiPURE was given further identity by adidas adding '11Pro' wrapping boldly around the heel.
8. Nike Mercurial Vapor IX - The first mainstream launch of the year came in the shape of the Mercurial Vapor IX as Nike revolutionised the landscape of their speed silo. The Mercurial IX was engineered with a completely new upper using Nike s Speed Control texture to give players enhanced friction that combined with a snug and responsive fit.
The Mercurial Vapor IX has since been released in an abundance of colourways and limited edition versions. Built for players looking to perform to their maximum acceleration football's first speed silo is still one of the most popular boots amongst professionals.
7. adidas Copa Mundial White/Black - At the end of September adidas shook up one of the greatest boots of all time by introducing a second white/black colourway to the Copa Mundial, a boot whose classic black/white appearance had been untouched for 31 years.
The Copa Mundial is adidas' best selling boot having been picked off the shelves over 10 millions times and the release of the white/black limited editions caught a few people by a surprise and split opinion on whether a classic such as the Copa should be tampered with. For us though, it's one of the most distinctive and landmark launches of the year and rightfully drops in as our number 7.
6. Nike Premier - As the 12/13 season finished Nike launched the Premier; a beautiful leather boot wrapped up in classic Nike style. A stripped back boot focused on comfort with an old school look, the visual inspiration from the Premier came from the iconic 1994 Tiempo Premier and the first shoe to ever carry the Swoosh, a 1971 boot called 'The Nike'.