Bringing back the soft leather, blended into a fold over tongue and finished with a wishbone outsole. The Speciali 'Eternal' from Umbro is with us once more, stitched in class. Folks, it's time to get the dubbing.
A boot synonymous with so many heroic moments, you can't blame us for saving a special place for this classy and tasteful re-introduction. With the help of Roberto Carlos, It could be argued that this boot introduced a generation into the possibility of curling a free kick around a wall. A year prior to that, Alan Shearer wore the Speciali earn the golden boot on home turf in Euro '96 and a year post, Michaels Owen's jaw dropping mazey run stunned Argentina in World Cup '98.
Since then, the Speciali has been produced in a range of renditions, though now, with more class than any 90's comeback band could ever dream of, it has returned as a permanent fixture in Umbro's boot collection.
No carbon copy, The Eternal is a Speciali that has been re-engineered to meet the needs of the modern elite game. A lightweight soft leather upper offers supreme comfort and durability. Factors that made the original so famous have been paramount to creating a boot that surpasses its predecessors.
Further technical advancements include Umbro’s A-Frame overlay offering exceptional support and stability, while the iconic fold-over tongue also returns but with a touch fastening to keep it in place. A dipped Achilles heel tab reduces foot fatigue and pressure, and the pre-moulded sock liner gives enhanced fit and support.
A game changer in its day that has proved to stand the test of time is the original was the ‘Wishbone’ outsole. The new ‘Wishbone’ technology allows for controlled support throughout the full length of the soleplate providing increased rigidity in the mid-foot and controlled flexion in the forefoot. Finishing it off in subtle but all encompassing beauty is the matt finish on the outsole.
Real Madrid defender Pepe will give the Speciali Eternal its on field debut on 18th July in the pre-season friendly against AS Roma in Melbourne. The boot will be released in two colourways to begin with 'black/white/clematis blue' and 'white/black/clematis blue'. Both are available globally from Pro-Direct Soccer now.
