Twenty years on from one of the most iconic goals to have ever been scored in an Umbro boot, the brand have paid homage to that Michael Owen strike against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup by releasing the 'Speciali 98'.
The Speciali 98 is a new model which is inspired by a magical goal scored twenty years ago. One that lives long in the memory, especially for Michael Owen, that iconic goal marked the beginning of a fantastic international career for a player that would go on to win Ballon d’Or among many other accolades. Now twenty years since that goal, Umbro have reissued the 1998 model of the boot as part of the Speciali 98 collection.
The new model features a super soft, water repellent K-leather crafted in Italy to the same specification as the original. A special tanning process is used which allows the leather to be very thin but extremely strong, resulting in a lightweight boot with excellent touch and feel on the ball. The famous fold over tongue is also produced to the same dimensions as the original boot.
The TPU outsole uses Wishbone technology in the midfoot to aid support, while Memory Flex grooves in the forefoot mirror the natural movement of the foot. A pre-moulded sockliner provides the supreme comfort and support that the Speciali became known for worldwide.
The boot is accompanied by a complete Speciali 98 collection, inspired by the boot and the era in which Michael Owen first made his mark on the pitch. With tees, jackets, shorts and pants featuring large logo branding and colourful trims, the apparel collection has a 90s feel that makes it perfect to wear on or off the pitch. Continuing that 90s inspiration, the Speciali 98 collection is completed by the reintroduction of the iconic Umbro Italia backpack and Ceramica ball, both familiar pieces from the era where the Speciali made its name.
The full Umbro Speciali Collection is on sale here, now.
