Goalkeeper Gloves: a brief history

Come the final of the  FIFA World Cup 2010 South Africa one thing for sure is goalkeeper gloves will be in full view. Very much part of a keeper's kit there was a time not too long ago it was the exception for goalies to wear gloves. The first pair of goalie gloves to be patented was in 1885 by William Sykes. Sykes made footballs but his glove patent featured an India (latex) rubber layer, to give the goalkeeper protection from the ball. Goalkeeper gloves were not especially popular and it took until the 40s before Argentina's, Amadeo “Tarzán” Carrizo started wearing them when keeping goal for River Plate. Keen to keep up with Continental and South American trends the first reported use of goalkeeping gloves in the UK came in 1952 at an Airdrie vs Celtic match. Whether the goalie had them on the keep his fingers warm is not recorded.

An early convert was Italian goalkeeper, Stefano ‘Stanno’ Andreotti who after a dismal game in wet conditions let the ball slip through his fingers and drop into the goal. Determined to improve his performance he designed a fingerless glove with ropes of leather on the outside to improve his grip. Later he substituted bits of rubber on the outside improving the grip further and providing the game with the first goalkeeper gloves specific to the task. He encouraged others to use his gloves and started the brand name “Standreo.” He later changed this to ‘Stanno’ for ease. Despite a growing number of keepers wearing gloves sales were poor and the company changed from glove manufacture to making football boots and footballs. “Stanno” goalkeeper gloves were reintroduced in the sixties and remains among the more popular gloves today. Other companies keen to compete in the glove market during the late sixties and early 70s were Sondico , Reusch (Est. 1934) and Uhlsport (Est. 1948) .

Televised events such as the World Cup saw attitudes gradually change and by the early seventies, about the same time boots became more streamlined, goalkeepers started wearing gloves. German company Reusch worked with goalkeeper Sepp Maier (FC Bayern Munich ) to develop quality goal keeper gloves. Individual keepers like Neville Southall (Everton and Wales) were experimenting with gardening gloves and washing-up gloves to improve their goal keeping skills. Since the 1980s significant advancements have been made in the design of gloves, which now feature protectors to prevent the fingers bending backwards, segmentation to allow greater flexibility, and palms made of materials designed to protect the hand and to enhance a player's grip.

Depending on the way the glove is cut and stitched determines its properties. The ‘cut’ refers mainly to different ways the glove palms are stitched around the fingers. There are three basic styles: Flat palm gloves, Roll finger gloves and Negative cut goal keeper gloves. Other styles are made up of a combination of these three types. Flat palm gloves are the more traditional cut and make a continuous flat surface between the hand and the goalkeeper gloves. Roll Finger goalkeeper gloves have extra latex foam between the fingers which allows grater surface contact with the ball than the palm alone. Wider area to distribute force reduces peak pressures on impact. Alternatively the negative cut goalkeeper glove gives a ‘glove like’ fit between the hands and the ball. Negative cut goalkeeper gloves fit more tightly to the hands. Like Roll Finger goalkeeper gloves these have latex between the fingers for greater contact. Unlike roll finger gloves have stitching on the inside of the glove on the palm side to pull the latex closer to the fingers. Goalkeeper gloves come with the option of latex foams in widths of 2mm – 5mm, plus backing foam, and goalkeepers have different preferences about which type of glove they feel best in. There is an optimal mix of latex foam and spacer fabric to protect the hand without interfering with natural movement. Gloves are often lined with latex to prevent slipping and some cold weather gloves have an inner fleece to keep the fingers warm. The three main functions of catching, punching, throwing are catered for in the hi-tech designs of modern gloves.

Goalkeeper gloves improve grip on the ball as well as protect and cushioning the keeper’s fingers, palms and wrists. The ball travels at astonishing speeds and goalie needs to protect and shield hands and wrists. Better quality goalie gloves are engineered for feel not durability and because the quality materials usually mixtures of new polymers are less durable than cheaper materials the gloves wear out quickly. To give better grip, gloves are internally stitched with no outside seams on the fingers or palms. adidas were one of the original pioneers of the finger protection gloves which they launched in the early 90`s. To allow better grip in wet conditions gloves may include minute titanium shards in the foam for added traction. Some gloves incorporate removable curved bones which provide optimum finger protection without affecting the flexibility of the hand. Others include extra EVA foam cushioning around the ‘punch zone’ for painlessly clearing the ball with the clenched fist. To help backhand flexes most gloves are now lined with foam on the back of the glove. Most professional goalkeepers have two or more pairs and keep their favoured gloves for games.

Goal keepers gloves need to fit the hand snugly although the dimension of the gloves must be physically bigger than the hand to give extra surface area to catch the ball. Most gloves strap on at the wrist or have a full-wrap bandage style wrist closure. Glove designs now incorporate ventilation for added comfort.

No self respecting keeper of the goals would dare play without their hi-tech gloves today. Indeed Portugal's Ricardo Pereira was heavily criticised in the Euro 2004 tournament when he dared remove his gloves in a penalty shoot out against England. Not only did he save the penalty he also scored the deciding penalty to send Portugal to the semi-finals.

Not over until the sound of the whistle

The list of 19 referees released by FIFA to officiate from the quarter-finals onwards does not include Italian, Roberto Rosetti (red carded Harry Kewell in the Socceroos' match against Ghana) and the referee who allowed a goal by Argentina's Carlos Tevez against Mexico. Other referees who found themselves at the centre of embarrassing blunders were also relieved of duty including Uruguay's Jorge Larrionda, the man who missed Frank Lampard's `goal' in England 's 4-1 defeat to Germany. Over the noise of the vuvuzelas one sound prevails on the park and that is the referee’s whistle. The piercing sound is used to signal commencement or restart of play, to stop or delay play due to an infringement or injury, or to indicate that time has expired in the half. Before the introduction of the whistle, referees used a handkerchief to indicate their decisions. No one is quite sure when the referee’s whistle was first introduced but the inventor was Joseph Hudson a musician who played the violin. One day he accidently dropped his instrument and as it smashed to the ground he heard a curious sound, fascinated he decided to replicate the sound with a pea whistle. Soon after Hudson learned the police in London were looking to replace the hand rattle and so set to developing his distinct sounding whistle for the Bow Street Runners. He established the Hudson & Co in Birmingham, England in 1870. Hudson saw the potential to use his whistle at sporting events and the Acme Thunderer became a firm favourite there after. The use of whistles was not mandated by the Laws of the Game (LOTG) until recently. In 2007, a full page of advice on how best to use the whistle was introduced. Referees now have a free hand to choose which whistle they prefer albeit in previous World Cups they were restricted to specific types i.e. in the 1998 World Cup France the pealess (airfast) ACME Tornado 2000. The Tornado 2000 was considered to be the loudest whistle.
At the World Cup in South Africa 2010 all the disciplinary card (yellow and red) will be made in Trechtingshausen (Germany) by B+d Allzweck Sportartikel. All the disciplinary cards have rounded corners to prevent catching on the referees clothing. B+d Allzweck Sportartikel is currently working on an innovation: an electronic match report pad complete with recording device so that referees no longer need to note anything down.

The Goalkeeper

It would be safe to say the loneliest people on the field of play would be the goalkeepers. After all, for them there are no mistakes only those misjudgements which result in a goal. Research shows between the FIFA World Cups of 1982 and 1998 75% of penalties were converted and that figures increased in 1998 to 80%. This world cup would record a lower percentage but the odds still favour the penalty taker. Studies indicate the goalkeeper needs to anticipate the direction of the ball before the attacker kicks it. The adidas Jubulani TM, can travel up to 85 mph, which does not give the give the goalkeeper much time. Again research would support training makes little or no difference to a player's perceptual anticipation. This would appear to be consistent with the thought people are born goalkeepers and not developed from the general pack. Few players move from an outpost position to become a goalkeeper in their career, whereas some goalkeepers do make credible conversions. Many goalkeepers come from a family line of goalkeepers, which may account for both physical aptitude and perceptual intuitiveness. The physical requirements of a goalkeeper are mobility and quickness, flexibility and agility, quick reaction speed with a high level of physical fitness, strength and stamina. A good goalkeeper needs a high pain threshold because of the injuries associated with vigorously defending the goal. In the relative few published works on goalkeepers there appears to be a high association with temporal and spacial occlusion and their ability to react quickly to block and control the oncoming cannon ball, then redirect to other areas on the field. All within a very short span of time. Generally goalkeepers fall into two personality types, those who are extrovert and outgoing or those who are quiet and unassuming. Grade A goalkeepers have extraordinary physical strength, some thick set whereas others are lean and mean. One other distinguishing feature of a goalkeeper is they need to want to be hit by the ball. This is often the most difficult fear to overcome. A good goalkeeper reads the game and can switch defence to attack with a well-placed kick to a waiting striker. The keeper sees the complete field of play and requires to communicate with teammates. Under these circumstances his/her voice can be heard around the ground. Confidence and optimism are important characteristics as these are infectious and help teammates raise their play. Goalkeepers undergo extra training and are coached separately from the rest of the squad; few professionals enjoy the physical effort of training and prefer to play. This can frustrate the keepers. Also many clubs retain second and third goalkeepers on the squad and this can add to the frustration of the individuals because they cannot get a match but have to stay in tiptop condition as understudies. Some goalkeepers will drop a level to play regularly. This may be explained in part by the belief no training schedule can match game experience. Experienced keepers make fewer mistakes because they learn from them and this accounts for older players appearing as first choice in high level competition. Goalkeeper by their very nature are risk takers and will temp oncoming attackers to aim for empty space in their goals, before springing into action to close down the opportunity. A good keeper will have a range of skills, which are not too predictable for the opposition. Mastery of these does result in mistakes and experience is the most highly valued asset of a goalkeeper. Throughout the duration of a game, keepers are only as good as their defence. A mediocre keeper can look brilliant when his teammates raise their game and vice versa. It is often harsh to judge a keeper's performance in a vacuum.

VIDEO: World Cup ball: study in motion

VIDEO: World Cup ball: study in motion

History of Shin Guards (Shin pads)

Shin guards made an appearance in 1874 and were made from large cricket pads to protect the front of the leg. As the speed of the game increased these grew smaller and many players discarded them altogether. Tired players preferred to play out the later stages of the games with their socks rolled down. This prevented cramp and gave them extra freedom. When the rules of the game no longer allowed this shin guards made a re-appearance. Shin guards protect by spreading loads over wider areas of the skin. The force of the initial impact is reduced as peak pressure is dampened down. The properties of the materials display energy absorbing characteristics, which further protect the player's leg from injury. Modern shin guards are made with a hard outside casing and a soft inner layer. Outer surface is crafted in thermoplastic materials with shock absorbing inner material made from Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA) or other foam type material. Shin guards do not absorb large quantities of energy and so are unlikely to prevent bone fractures from high energy type trauma. New age shin guard have integrated compression sleeves for muscle support to limit fatique.

Player's Superstitions

To be a top class goal scorer a player needs not only to be able to score when the opportunity presents but even when there is only half a chance. Scoring from the slenderest opportunity places an exclusive band of goal scorers far above the average striker. On a simple goal tally it is obvious more goals are scored in the modern game than was the case in early times. How much of this relates to improved soccer boots and ball technology remains unknown. Players are however, by nature, very superstitious and will go to extraordinary lengths to maintain their run of luck. Most of their actions defy common logic and some so bazaar as to be noted here. Whilst most admit to being superstitious and doing silly things, like soaking themselves and their new boots in a bath before allowing boots to dry around their feet, many are as quick as to dismiss these beliefs. When the accumulation of coaching, training, skill development and fitness are complete all that is required is for the player, is to go out and play. Or so you might think. The surreptitious nature of the game and likelihood of suffering an injury combined with the abject fear of public disgrace particularly when seen by 37 million people puts intolerable pressures on the players. According to Morris (1981) these factors contribute to why soccer players are so superstitious. They are not alone in the sporting fraternity. The power of superstition is all in the mind and for some players the magic rituals take on astonishing intensity. In the main team mates respect each other's rituals and all avoid tempting fate. Ritualistic behaviour starts days before the game. Many well known players will only wear certain shoes and socks, and like a young bride, place a sixpence (lucky coin) in their shoes. Some personally polish their playing boots in preparation before the match. This menial task is usually reserved to apprentice players or boot boys. Alcohol, usually spirits, plays a role, and Desmond Morris, the anthropologist described one player who insisted on dosing the tips of his boots, one with whisky and the other water. Players will be careful to travel to the stadium observing all taboos as a means of not tempting fate. The most intense time for ritualism is in the changing rooms. Rigidly observed procedures involve those connected with changing clothes. Lucky shoes, socks, and even laces all form part of the rituals, religiously followed by those seeking the good fortunes of fate. The manner the clothing is put on often become ritualistic. Some players are known to put on socks and boots and nothing else well before the game. They sit quietly psyching themselves up to a peak performance. This might involve a nip of whisky or their favourite tipple to further concentrate their mind. Some players insist on eating and Billy Bremner (former captain of Leeds United and Scotland) was famous for eating a plateful of baked beans before every game. Putting on the left sock first before the right, or the right boot before the left. Lacing boots can become a ritual with players lacing and unlacing their boots multiple times before the game. Morris reported the clothing of others could also become a focus to the superstitious. For example some players needed to see their coach wear socks of their lucky colour before they would take to the field. This fetishism extends to the shoes worn by the coach and the author described a ceremoniously fastened of the coach's shoe by one of the players as pre match necessity before the team would leave the dressing rooms. Some players insist on entering the changing rooms in a particular way most of, which involves walking through the boot room. Players will carry lucky charms including a rabbit's foot or lucky heather. The absence of pockets in playing kits and restrictions on wearing jewellery for safety mean the talisman are slipped into the shoe, or in the case of goal keeper such paraphilia are tossed into the back of the goal. Players are ritualistic even in the tunnel leading to the pitch. Some players will head or kick the ball a certain number of times or bounce it off the wall before running onto the field. Once on the pitch another set of ritual behaviour might take place. Players will take their boots off and put them back on again. Many insist in replacing the boots and some even kiss their boots for luck. Players will roll the chewing gum they have been chewing into a ball and attempt to kick the ball. A successful contact means a good game but when the player misses then bad luck will follow. Why so many superstitions involve boots remains unclear but such behaviour as preferring the right or left has been known since antiquity. In Roman and Greek times the left side was considered lucky with one exception and that was when entering a home. Only the right foot could cross the threshold if good luck was to prevail. In rich domiciles there were servants whose sole function (excuse the pun) was to direct all visitors to use their right foot first. They were called footmen and position is still with us today. By the Middle Ages the left side was more associated with bad luck. The origins of "By the left quick march" for example refer to a clear indication no mercy will be extended to the enemy. Soccer players may be extending the same charity to their opponents. For most people left sides are weaker. This is partly explained by neonatal compression of the left leg against the mother's spine in the womb. Attendance to the right foot first may be to favour the stronger side. This would be reversed in the case of left-footed players. One other reason to explain the boot ritual may be the misfortune awaiting those who place their right foot in a left shoe. History records this happened to Augustus Caesar.
"Augustus having an oversight
Put on his left shoe for his right
Had like to have been slain that day
By soldiers mutinying for pay."

An old Jewish custom was to put the right shoe on first without tying it, then the left sock. The ritual required taking the right shoe off and putting on the right sock, left shoe on tied and back to the right shoe. This is seen occasionally when players will come onto the field and during pre-match warm ups and are observed taking their boots and putting them on again. Players prefer to play in boots that are broken in. Not so strange when hidden seams can burst causing painful blisters as well as cuts and abrasions to their feet. Some players prefer to remove design logos from their boots to get an all black appearance. Manufacturers are aware of this and incorporate weaknesses such as hidden seems which tear easily once the company's logo are removed. In 1908 when goal-scoring ace, George Hedley played for Wolverhampton Wanderers he scored a goal against Newcastle causing one of his favourite boots to split. Despite being offered a new pair Hedley steadfastly refused and saw the game to completion with one tattered boot. The player had his favourite boots patched up at least 17 times before eventually and somewhat reluctantly parting with them. Superstitious ritual in sports people is well documented and thought by many experts to be a means of stress relief. Performance is dependent on training, confidence and physical conditioning; all athletes feel they need to be in control and often observing superstitions provides this means. Athletes can only partially regulate their physical conditions but can have total control over their superstitious practices before and during a contest. (Becker 1975) . Observed superstitions cause them to experience less anxiety than they would if they did nothing. When something appears to work, prior to success, then it is common not to change that routine. To minimise conflict between the need for a talisman in an environment where such practice is opposed the superstitious behaviour usually becomes covert.

Campaign to ban kangaroo skin boots

Animal welfare campaigners are again using the FIFA World Cup South Africa to highlight the killing of the kangaroos for football boots. Previously David Beckham bowed to pressure from the campaigning animal welfare group Viva !and stopped using kangaroo leather boots in 2006. Nike, Adidas and Puma continue to use kangaroo skin in the manufacture of their top selling boots. Now animal welfare groups are hoping England players like Wayne Rooney and John Terry will kick their kangaroo skin boots into touch. Efforts are also being made in the European parliament to ban kangaroo leather and meat across the EU. While the controversy rages Australian government sanctioned kangaroo industry deny cruel culling of kangaroos. Currently the industry employs more than 4,000 people and generates at least £100 million a year in wages.

Orange cuties steal the rainbow show?

Everyone may know adidas is the official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2010 but rival Nike prizes itself in topping the popularity list when it comes to under the wire marketing. Whether it be the Olympics or the World Cup adidas puts up while Nike steals the show with clever tactics in ambush marketing . FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010 has been no different and will be remembered not just for the vuvuzela horns but those eye catching orange heels worn by a significant number of players. These are Nike boots and the blood orange colour was picked specifically to stand out on TV. Have a swizz at the New Nike Elite range of football boots.

Thierry Henry: Where's my boots?

French striker Thierry Henry (FC Barcalona and France ) was in a dilemma hours before he took to the pitch because he had no boots to put on. Thanks to Cape Town's intrepid "ghost squad" traffic police for they raced the boots to the star across the town in the midst of heave traffic. The bespoke boots had been detained at customs.

Expensive boots with a luxurious shoe box

Charles and Sandi Martin of Martin Developments are selling the world’s most expensive footie boots including diamonds on the laces and gold-studs for just under £2million. Bargain at half the price but there’s more. The shoes come in their own box - a luxury, state-of-the-art four bedroom home overlooking Torbay in Devon . The £2million football boots will be made to measure and be either for men, or women with diamonds along the back of the high heels, or a combination of the two. The price of the footie boots, which includes the property is also inclusive of Stamp Duty and buyers’ legal fees.

Footbal Theme to Expo 2010 Shanghai China

Expo 2010 Shanghai China is being held in the city of Shanghai, China (May 1 to October 31, 2010). It is a World Expo in the tradition of international fairs and expositions. The theme of the exposition is "Better City – Better Life" and signifies Shanghai's new status in the 21st century as the "next great world city" More than 190 countries and more than 50 international organizations have registered to participate in the Shanghai World Expo. China expects to receive almost 100 foreign leaders and more than 70–100 million visitors. In the spirit of the Zakumi is at hand to be photographed . The walls of the Brazil Pavilion are covered with green wooden blocks to remind visitors of the green colour of football pitches. The pavilion ceiling is made from many footballs, basketballs and volleyballs. There is even a Pelé Coffee Bar and outside the pavilion is a huge screen on which football videogame graphics are shown and football matches are broadcast. Visitors can use their cell phones to participate in the interactive football game displayed on the screen. Football too features prominently in the Argentinean Pavilion with a floor screen showing the scenes of talented Argentine football players such as Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi and the moving moments when Argentina won the World Cup. In the UK Pavilion at the exit is a wax figure of Wayne Rooney. The European Union pavilion is expected to host many famous European football stars both past and present for the Expo European football week in mid to late September. Real Madrid players will visit the Madrid City Pavilion and organisers hope the Spanish football team will accept their invitation to visit the Expo 2010 Shanghai China after the World Cup (favourites to lift the trophy).

Slip-on football boots

The new Zhero Gravity Ultra from Lotto Sport Italia are the only laceless football boot in the world (sic. a fad other manufacturers are likely to follow). According to the manufacturer the lightweight, laceless, Zhero Gravity Ultra fits the foot like a glove giving the wearer optimal sensitivity for controlling the ball. The concave flexible sole moves with the kinetic foot helping preserve energy and supports the foot. The stud formation again according to Lotto brings increases lateral stability to the foot ensuring an improved protection of the ankle. Strategic cushioning helps reduce impact forces and the boots are fitted with slightly larger Twist’ngo studs TM over the first metatarsal (base of the big toe) area. The pivoting stud allows the boot to efficiently follow any rotational movement made by the player. The upper of the boot is made from soft microfiber that guarantees the perfect fit to the shape of the foot. A firm heel counter helps anchor the foot in the boot and is joined to the Flexible Pebax © sole. The boot is available with different soles: SG (soft ground) with interchangeable studs for heavy and muddy grounds; FG (firm ground) with conical fixed studs that include the Twist’ngo system, for maximum stability and traction on grassy and dry surfaces. The laceless football boots are available in white, metal blue night, black, bright white.

Studs are safer than cleats? New research

Researchers at University of Dundee found that the traditional stud was safer in a series of tests involving amateur players. According to the study, the traditional stud helps to distribute the pressure being placed on a footballer's feet while the cleats increase the loading on the front of the foot. Professor Rami Abboud , of the Institute of Motion Analysis and Research, said the study of the differing pressures placed on the foot found that bladed boots were "relatively more harmful" due to the unnatural increased loading under the lateral half of the foot. The study was based on a series of tests conducted with 29 players from amateur football teams who were recruited to try out the different styles of boot. The research team measured the pressure placed on the feet in both types of run. The boots worn were of the same design, only with different cleat patterns – one studded and one bladed. The research has been published in the latest edition of the journal Foot and Ankle Surgery.

Is is a bird, a plane, or the adidas Jabulani?

As the FIFA World Cup 2010 is about to kick off, once again players are complaining about the new adidas football, the adidas Jabulani (meaning to celebrate in Zulu). Apparently the ball is difficult to control and a nightmare for goalkeepers to judge its flight. For the last 11 competitions, adidas has introduced a new ball design and not for the first time it presents frustration among the players. Mastery of the new ball usually takes until the second week of the competition before strikers and keepers feel confident with its flight trajectory and behaviour. Unlike previous competitions, adidas launched the ball last year and players have been able to train and play with it. According to some the ball feels harder and can hurt the foot when kicked. FIFA has strict regulations on the dimensions of their match balls. These weigh between 420g and 445g , and must be between 68.5 cm and 69.5 cm in circumference. The Jabulani weighs 440g and measures 69cm. Adidas have denied the ball is adversely affected by the high altitude although concede different air pressure at altitude will make the ball move faster. The colourful Jabulani has 11 colours (it is adidas' 11th World Cup match ball), and there are 11 tribes and 11 official languages in South Africa. It was developed in conjunction with researchers from Loughborough University and has eight panels (normally a match ball has 14), which are 3D, and spherically together in a perfectly round fashion. The grooved surface of the Jabulani is thought to improve its aerodynamics (more symmetrical in flight) and the improved static friction helps keepers with their grip of the ball. (sic. I suppose in the sense of a wee boy peeved with being beaten takes his football home because it is his ball. The main sponsor of the competition insists in introducing new competition balls in the full knowledge it does upset the players and literally throws a wobbly into the game. Claims have already been made adidas sponsored clubs and players get prioritised advantage but all such claims are denied by the company).

Concave PT+: help reduce injuries?

The Concave PT+ is a football boot which features a concave-shaped sweet-spot layer on the upper made from thermoplastic polyurethane. (sic. Reminds me of my old Tiger boots with a polythene insert in the tongue). Concave have spent $5 million on research over eight years to produce the boots as worn by John O’Shea (Manchester United and Republic of Ireland national team . Independent research by Invetech and Monsah University has shown very positive results.

Surgeon concerned at lack of protection from light weight boots

Health warnings have been issued by Southampton University, orthopaedic surgeon and sports injury specialist, Professor David Barrett concerned the new lightweight football boot may give less protection to the foot and increase the risk of foot injuries. The knee specialist’s concern is sparked by the increase in reported metatarsal (stress) fractures in amateur footballers at A&E. March fractures of the metatarsal bones are usually fatique fractures caused by over use and not by one off trauma as may be implied by the recent newspaper report. High profile players reported with stress fractures of the metatarsals are more likely to have been over training and playing. The new style boots appear to give adequate support to the foot despite the lightness in weight. Specialists at Southampton General Hospital have also reported increased problems caused by footballers wearing the wrong kind of football boots for the prevailing pitch conditions. Injuries in the amateur game continue to be related to inadequate preparing of the players to warm up and warm down.

Personalised boots: The fashion trend

If you are doing nothing this June and live in Scotland you might like to pop into Greaves Sports Nike Store, Buchannan Galleries in downtown Glasgow. Whilst the National Team will not be at the FIFA World Cup 2010 (AGAIN!), budding stars can have their football boots customised. The outlet has the first machine to tag new football boots (purchased from the store – cunning Nike). Punters can have their boots emblazed with their name, squad numbers or national flag. One of the first customers was Dominic Cervi (Celtic), the giant (6’6”) American goalkeeper, had his Nike pair decorated with the stars and stripes. Old Firm rival U-19 keeper, Grant Adam, Rangers U-19 keeper had his boots stitched with his girlfriend’s name.
The fashion to tag boots started with David Beckham and was soon followed by other luminaries in the Premiership and the top European leagues. Now the company hope to attract not just football players but all sports peeps keen to have their own personalised shoes. (sic. I want Oor Wullie on my).

Boots Wars: The new kids on the block

Research has shown the average energy expenditure of an elite football player (75kg) is over 1,000 Kilo Calories per game. Reducing the weight carried by players i.e. boots. Sports scientists believe carrying less weight helps conserve valuable energy over the course of 90 minutes. This energy, they believe, may be put to good use when players need to play extra time or want to extend themselves during normal game time. At this years FIFA World Cup boot designers are keen to demonstrate the theory in practice with the introduction of speed boots i.e. lightweight boots made for comfort and support for kinetic feet involved in stop start accelerated activities. Further boot designers believe the colour way of boots is now very important. Analysis has revealed player use 99% peripheral vision with less than 1% foveal vision (focused vision). Seeing a familiar colour on the feet of a named player is thought to improve passing. Nike designers have analysed the colour spectrum and isolated two high-contrast colours which rapidly picked up by peripheral vision. The perfect blend is Mach Purple and Total Orange. The intense rivalry and fierce competition between the brand leaders has caused a rush for June to produce colourful lightweight boots for the elite players. In the adidas camp Messers Lionel Messi (Argentina ) , David Villa (Spain ), Jermain Defoe (England), Johan Vonlanthen (Switzerland, Arjen Robben (Netherlands, and Shaun Wright-Philips (England ) among others will be sporting the new F50 adiZeros boots at June’s World tournament. With the exception of Lionel Messi the adidas endorsed players will sport the World Cup Black/Sun Yellow colourway. Lionel Messi has his own colourway for the World Cup, which is the Chameleon Purple/White/Electricity. The adidas f50 adiZero tips the scales at 164g for a size 8 boot and according to adidas these are the lightest boots ever made. The adidas designers have incorporated a super light synthetic cover material (adidas Sprint Skin) and polyurethane (PU) outsole (adidas Sprint Frame) with new dynamic shaped studs designed to give maximum acceleration on the pitch. Improved bonding between the outsole and upper with internal TPU Support Bands provides strength stability and support to the kinetic foot encased inside. The surfaces of the adidas f50 adiZero have build in anti-microbial properties which cut down the risk of microbial growth.




Rivals Nike have leading their lightweight stable of speed boots, the Mercurial Vapor Superfly II (210g). These feature a new performance upper and re-engineered outsole to deliver lightweight performance for every style of player. The Mercurial Vapor SuperFly II is 5% lighter than previous models. The marquee soccer slippers will be launched by Sergio Aguero (Argentina) later this month.



Puma too have released their speed boot the Puma v1.10 (235g.). This is a new generation v1.08 with extra support in the heel and a new one-piece outsole design. The carbon fibre inner chassis gives the boot good support and strength according to the manufacturer and the upper (made from lightweight microfibre and synthetic leather) is stitched (not glued) to the sole. The boots are available in bright colour ways of yellow / red which may appeal to the colour blind, according to critics. The overall design has also met with some criticism because the boots are less streamlined than rival brands.


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Let the games begin....................

Mellow Yellow Boots: No spin!

In many professional football clubs “wearing the yellow jersey” in not the same as in cycling where it is reserved for the leading cyclist. In football being given the yellow jersey by the coach is a reminder to all the first team player has not played well enough in the previous game. Of late wearing colourful boots has caught the ire of managers like Sir Alex Ferguson considering anything other than the classic black unacceptable in the junior ranks. Most unusual therefore the new boot catching a lot of attention is ‘yellow.’

Japanese company Mizuno are about to release the new Ignitus featuring mizunowave technology . According to the manufacturers the ‘Wave tech’ improves cushioning and stability in the outsole and combined with the bladed stud configuration gives optimal traction. The ultra lightweight boot weighs approx 229g and has an upper is made from a super soft K-leather material (sic. kangaroo skin?). Featured around the sweat spot (instep) is a panel which again according to Mizuno prevents ‘spinning’ of the ball. The Mukaiten panel is reinforced with wrap around Bio Vamps to give greater control. The Ignitus features a triple density heel counter, designed with the input and assistance of CSKA Moscow and Japan's Keisuke Honda. The triple Pebax density heel counter offers improved fit, comfort and protection from serious injury. The new boots are endorsed by Roque Santa Cruz (Manchester City and Paraguay). According to soccerbible.com ‘expect to pay £110 for the pro level boot, which will be available in both soft and firm ground versions.’ The Ignitus is set for pre-order on 12th April 2010.

UNEP-PUMA Play for Life Campaign

As the summer approaches Africa will be at the centre of the footballing world. United Nations Envirment Program (UNEP) and PUMA are in partnership to bring an important message to millions of fans. The UNEP-PUMA ‘Play for Life campaign supports the International Year of Biodiversity by raising awareness about habitat and species conservation among football fans and the general public during worldwide football events. This will include and international friendly games leading up to the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa. The International Year of Biodiversity (IYB) is a global initiative launched by the United Nations for 2010 to help raise awareness on the importance of biodiversity and to encourage worldwide action to conserve plants and animals and the environments in which they live. The ‘Play for Life’ campaign focuses on Africa, a continent that hosts exceptional biodiversity including two of the five most important wilderness areas on Earth – the Congo Basin, and Miombo-Mopane Woodlands and Savannas of Southern Africa. Nine of the planet’s 35 Biodiversity hotspots, the richest and most threatened reservoirs of plant and animal life on Earth, are also in Africa.

PUMA’s new Africa Unity Kit worn by 12 PUMA sponsored African football national teams has been approved by FIFA as the Official 3rd kit and profits from sales of the replica fanwear will help fund biodiversity programs in Africa. There is a host of other designed accessories to generate additional funds to support biodiversity, including PUMA Unity t-shirts and PUMA Lacelets (collectable shoe laces featuring patterns from world-renowned artist Kehinde Wiley). These products all bear the PUMA Yellow “life” Label, which gives consumers an easy way to identify products that benefit projects supported by PUMAVision, PUMA’s Corporate Social Responsibility Program. A portion of the profits from the Yellow “life” label products will also go to fund the biodiversity programmes.

Soccer-uggs: No bovver

To celebrate the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa TM, Isso Mali, has launched a new collection of sheepskin boots called Football Fanatics. The three styles of tall, midi and sidelacing are available in the colours of nineteen different countries (with more coming). The ‘soccer-uggs’ are bound to become terracing accessories for lads and ladettes alike. Football Fanatics are made from pure sheepskin and suede, hand cut and sewn using the softest wool cushioning. Currently these are only available online at the official Isso Mali website (www.issomali.com).

In good voice:Scotland vs England

The largest sporting event in the world will kick off soon in South Africa. Professional sport and marketing are closely wedded and by the time of the FIFA World Cup South Africa we will be wearing the same gear the soccer players wore during the competition. Scotland is one of the oldest football nations in the world (England the other) and fiercely proud of playing in eight World Cup tournaments. They have qualified on nine occasions and in 1950 took the unprecedented decision to not participate because they felt ill prepared and did not consider themselves worthy as British Champions. Despite the nation’s unenviable record the squad have never advanced beyond the first round of the finals competition. Historically they are considered talented and brave hearted with play sometimes bordering on the brilliant, but the efforts of the qualifying Scottish National Squads have always been fruitless. To the Tartan Army failure to qualify to the World Cup competition is a disgrace. Scotland’s failure yet again this year has left all ‘Jock Tamson’s bairns’ melancholic. The last time Scotland qualified for a World Cup final was in 1998 in France. The only positive note to all of this is we have not been exposed to yet another Scottish Football Squad song.
These events kicked off in 1966 when England won the World Cup (and never been allowed to forget it). The tournament had an official song called 'World Cup Willie'. It was sung not by an Englishman, but by a Scot called Lonnie Donegan. The single did not sell particularly well and remains a curio. Jimmy ‘Greavsie” Greaves, himself a member of the England Squad, was less than complementary about the choice of singer at the time and considered him passé. At the next FIFA World Cup Mexico (1970) Scotland did not qualify. The defending champions England went to Mexico strong in squad and with a team song that would top the UK charts. “Back home” was recorded in a tiny recording studio with all the England team present. The song was written and produced by Bill Martin (Scotsman) and Phil Coulter (Irishman) – well it is Great Britain after all. ‘Back Home’ set the bench mark for all squad songs to follow. A lyric triumphantly proclaiming the trophy was pretty much in the bag and there was not much point in anyone else turning up set to a simple tune. England got knocked out in the quarter finals after a major scandal alleging misbehaviour in the camp. By 1974, Scotland were back in the finals which were hosted in West Germany. To celebrate their return to the world stage the Scottish squad recorded a little ditty entitled “Easy Easy.” Although the single got into the UK Top Twenty, Scotland was eliminated in the first round (What’s new?). England did not qualify for the FIFA World Cup West Germany.

Argentina hosted the World Cup in 1978 and horror of horrors, England again failed to qualify. The Scottish manager, Ally McLeod mistakenly talked up his team strongly inferring it was more or less a foregone conclusion they would win the championship. The ever gullible, Tartan Army thought so too and in the resulting euphoria which proceeded the competition saw comedian, Andy Cameron (born in England) jump on the bandwagon. He recorded Ally’s Tartan Army which became a hit. Determined to do succeed the Scotland World Cup Squad engaged the help of another cockney Jock, Rod Steward. 'Ole, Ola' (Mulher Brasilieira) [We're gonna bring that World Cup back from over there], like Ally’s Tartan Army sold well and both charted in the UK Top Ten. Sadly Scotland faired less well on the field and were dismissed somewhat dramatically from the competition at the end of another scandal filled first week. Rod and Andy did like wise were summarily dismissed from the pop charts. Spain hosted the FIFA World Cup 1982 and old rivals Scotland and England were back in contention. The England World Cup Squad released ‘This time (We’ll get it right)’ (co-written by Chris Norman of Smokie) and the Scottish Squad had “We have a dream” written by B.A. Robertson. Both songs charted but while England went through to the second leg of the competition, Scotland was un-ceremonially dumped at the end of the first week.What’s new?

In 1986 the World Cup was again held in Mexico. Scotland qualified this time but were knocked out in the first round of the competition. England meantime lost in the quarter finals. England’s official world cup song "We've Got the Whole World at Our Feet"/"When We Are Far from Home" and Scotland’s ‘Big trip to Mexico’ both faded quickly. The same song writers wrote both songs. The Old Enemies were back at it in the Italian World Cup finals in 1990. Scotland World Cup Squad’s "Say It With Pride" flopped at the lower end of the Top 50 as the Tartan Army’s team failed to make it through to the second week of competition. World in motion by Englandneworder (England and New Order) topped the charts but the England team went out in the semi finals on penalties.
By the time the 1994 FIFA World Cup was hosted by the US (neither Scotland nor England qualified), so there was no song. Four years on the World Cup France 1998 saw Scotland qualify and this time with the help of Del Ametri and their dedicated single "Don't come home too soon." As usual the song did better than the team and the Scottish squad were back home to listen to it in the Top Twenty. The official song of the England National Football Team was "(How Does it Feel to Be) on Top of the World?" by "England United." This was a makeshift ‘supergroup’ consisting of Echo and the Bunnymen, Space, Spice Girls and the lead singer of Ocean Colour Scene, Simon Fowler. The song was written by Ian McCulloch. The song and the team did quite well but England lost again on penalties and failed to make it through to the quarter finals. Scotland did not qualify for the FIFA World Cup South Korea/ Japan 2002 but England did and once again lost in the quarter finals. The official World Cup song did not involve the squad that fell to the golden tonsils of Ant & Dec with We’on the ball. By this time there was a plethora of other songs and music associated with the competition but most were unconnected to the English Football Association. In 2006 Germany again hosted the World Cup finals. No Scotland, but England was there with World at Your Feet" by Embrace as the official England World Cup song. Did well too but England were knocked on penalties in the quarter finals again.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup will be held in South Africa (and Scotland will not be represented). England will be there but no word yet what the official anthem will be. Work has already begun on the official FIFA and since Germany 2006, FIFA have sanctioned a CD of songs by a variety of artists reflecting contemporary music styles. This year the net profits will be donated to Africa-related charities and all of FIFA's net profits will go to the Official Campaign of the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) "20 Centres for 2010."

Worth a listen
Lonnie Donegan
World Cup Willie (1966)

English World Cup Squad
Back Home (1970)
This time (We’ll get it right) (1982)
We've Got the Whole World at Our Feet" / "When We Are Far from Home (1986)
Englandneworder (English World Cup Squad with New Order)
World in Motion (1990)

Scottish World Cup Squad
Easy Easy (1974)
Ole, Ola' (Mulher Brasilieira) [We're gonna bring that World Cup back from over there] with Rod Stewart (1978)
We have a dream (1982)
Big trip to Mexico (1986)
Say It With Pride (1990)

Andy Cameron
Ally’s Tartan Army (1978)

Del Ametri
Don't come home too soon (1994)

England United
(How Does it Feel to Be) on Top of the World? (1994)

Ant & Dec
We’on the ball (2002)

Embrace
World at Your Feet (2006)

Ricky Martin
La Copa de la Vida'(1998)

Anastacia
Boom (2002)

Diamond encrusted boots: Own goal hat trick?

A star-studded VIP party was held back in December to celebrate the launch of Rio Ferdinand's new charity Live The Dream Foundation for the benefit of under-privileged childen. The event was hosted by actor James Corden and Lord Archer acted as auctioneer. Unfortunately because organisers had failed to put a reserve price on the three most expensive items in the auction they were all sold very much under value. Diamond-encrusted (2576 gems) football boots worth £125,000, donated by Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) were sold for just £18,000. A second pair, given by Chelsea skipper John Terry and covered with a dazzling 2,374 jewels, was sold for £20,000 (estimated value) £135,000. Just to complete the hat trick Lord Archer sold a third pair donated by Ferdinand himself and valued at £125,000, for a mere £22,000. As a result of the blunder Ferdinand's Live The Dream Foundation was short of £325,000.

The boots were commissioned by Embee Jewels of London, who also donated the gems. A staggering 7,444 precious stones were added before the boots were independently valued by official testers at the Assay Office in London.

Boot change mid game: What's a foot?

AC Milan’s David Beckham (on loan from LA Galaxy ) played against his old team, Manchester United in the first leg of the last 16 UEFA Champions League play-off. The former England captain took the unusual step (excuse the pun) of wearing two pairs of boots during the game. He started with his signature, colourway Predator_X’s in the first half, then swaped them for his older all-white Predator PowerSwerves at half time. This is a very unusual event in a game ridden with superstition and the deliberate action might serously suggest Beckham was less than comfortable in his new model shoes. AC Milan lost the game a humiliating 4 nil.

New stud technology:Mercurial Superfly Vapor II

Nike’s Mercurial Superfly Vapor II football boots include new model technology and according to the manufacturer could minimize injury caused by moving from hard to soft ground. New studs with "Adaptive Traction Technology" act as normal studs on hard ground, but have internal pegs that can extend by up to 3mm in soft ground. The sole contains a flexible carbon fibre plate which remains static on hard surfaces so the studs keep their original shape. On soft ground the plate flexes which pushes out cores of the studs. As the mechanism works a transparent coating on the outside of the sole stretches and contracts allowing the pegs the space to extend and return. The coating also keeps rain, mud, and grass away from the mechanism. The boots with adjustable studs potentially help players negociate different pitch and weather conditions. Traditionally clubs had ‘bootmen,’ usually retired players, who advised teams on the best studs for prevailing conditions. Now the new studs on the Mercurial Superfly Vapor II offer greater flexibility but it is yet to be seen if the number of ankle and foot injuries reduce. The boots, were launched recently by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Sir Stanley Matthews' boots for auction

A pair of football boots worn by Sir Stanley Matthews in the 1953 FA Cup final are to be sold at auction. Stanley Matthews nicknamed "The Wizard of Dribble", helped Blackpool to a 4-3 victory over Bolton Wanderers. Matthews’ boots were recently found and are up for auction at Bonham’s in Chester. The provenance is after the final the goal hero give his muddy footwear to a fan called Wilf Coomer who kept them as his prize possession. Stanley Matthews was a tour de force in the design of football boots and in 1951 helped the Co-op produce a new pair of boots.
The player wore them for the 1952 / 53 season.
The Stanley Matthews' Foundation helps youngsters succeed in sport.

PredatorX - just in time for Christmas

The Adidas Predator X football boots go on sale on November 14th and marks the 10th generation adidas Predator conceived by Craig Johnston before selling it to adidas. The design of the latest range were helped by former French international Zinedine Zidane. The new boot has, according to adidas, more power in the kick due to a “powerspine” inspired by Fingersave technology used in goalkeepers gloves. According to the manfacturer the extra leverage to the middle metatarsals reduces the kicking flex in the forefoot area and optomises power to the shot. This is also claimed to help reduce the risk of injury by limiting pressure in the mid foot area. The new Predator is designed to improve swerve in the strike of the ball with the inclusion of a rubber-silicon mix on the ‘sweet spot’. The soft compound provides greater control and accuracy in swerving the ball or so it is claimed. Adidas’s Optifit technology ensures the upper materials are as close to the top of the foot as possible in a good fitting boot. Again adidas clain this creates a natural ball feeling. The new boot is made from Taurus leather (sic not kangaroo skin?) and is available in traditional black/red/white and a new white/black/yellow colour way. The soft ground stud configuration has been changed to a traditional 6 stud set up which still provides maximum ground penetration but with an increased forefoot flexibility. Celebrity endorsement for the new boot include: David Beckham (LA Galaxy), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool FC), Raul ( Real Madrid), Michael Ballack (Chelsea ) and Robin Van Persie (Arsenal ) and Karim Benzema (Real Madrid ). Rather like fashion models they will parading their boots at a stadium near you. But spare a thought for the players at Celtic Football Club who will become fashion models at the up and coming Club Culture event at Celtic Park hosted by the Celtic Charity Fund. Danny Fox, Marc Crosas and Celtic ladies team striker, Karen McInally among others will strut their stuff on the runway to raise funds for The John Hartson Foundation and Breast Cancer Care Scotland. The House of Fraser are providing all the outfits for the night.

Sagem/Puma World Cup Phone

The latest must have app involves a collaboration between shoe companies and mobile technology. Already familiar with the Nike+ fitness app and the Samsung Adidas miCoach F110, now Puma have joint the Maxwell Smart set. In clever anticipation of the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup have come up with a collaboration of their own. Sagem and Puma will launch the Puma-branded mobile phone next summer. Maxwell Smart fan s will be pleased to see the yet to be named Sagem/Puma phone will incorporate a number of fitness features, such as a a pedometer and heart rate tracker, and a resilient rubberised jacket to prevent against damage. Although specifications are still clouded in mystery the phone may have a GPS receiver and 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity. The Sagem Puma phone will be sold through various mobile shops and Puma outlets.

Shod the world:Boots4Africa

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) and Boots4Africa have announced a charitable partnership that will see every member of the PFA donating a pair of their boots in time for the FIFA 2010 World Cup. The PFA has agreed to support the charity, which collects and delivers pre-worn football boots to communities across Africa enabling children and adults alike to play football wearing football boots. Boots for Africa is always on the lookout for donations, so if you can help, or for more information, visit their website

Nomis sells on the road

Nomis has a novel way of selling their boots by travelling around in mobile units.

Making soccer boots

Socceroos - great start to warm up

Harry Kewell is in superb passing form. Good performances all round against Republic of Ireland.

Nomis Boots: Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!

The verdict is out and subscribers to Footy-Boots.com have voted NOMIS as the winner in the prestigious category “Outrageous football boot of the year 2009”. According to the manufacturer the Spark FG NXGEN has proven popular because of a combination of new technologies including one called Dual Control grip enhancing treatment in the tanning process. This allows hi-resolution design to be incorporated onto the NOMIS leather upper. Laboratory tests have shown the Dual Control Technology provides significantly more grip in dry conditions compared to other standard leather boots. The boots’ leather is soft, strong, and breathable, providing excellent sweat resistance and totally colourfast. Again according to the manufacturer this gives better grip gives more control, power, swerve and ultimate performance. Nomis boots also contain sole plates to protect the metatarsals and other key bone structures whilst allowing rotational movement of the foot. Designers have also changed the shape of studs and repositioned them to give greater pressure distribution across the feet without loss to traction and pivot. The boots are made from kangaroo and quality bovine skins and treated to stay the same weight during game play. The outsole is specially treated to reduce the amount of mud, grass, and dirt collected during normal game play. These technologies was been developed over time and with much consultation as well as extensive wear trials to ensure the boots could stand up to demands of competitive football. The Swiss based company NOMIS Sports AG was founded in Australia by Simon Skirrow in 2003. Using patented technologies and quality materials the company focus on delivering the optimum combination of performance, comfort and modern design in a football boot. Nomis boots are available on-line at shopnomis.com

adidas and UEFA: New deal

For the first time, adidas will be supporting all official UEFA club football competitions after the footwear giant and UEFA announced an extension (until 2012) to their partnership for the UEFA Champions League and an agreement for the newly created UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup.

Girls' top boot: adidas Copa Mundial

According to Justsocca their most popular soccer boot worn by women is the Adidas Copa Mundial. Adidas have recently released brought out the model for women and already they are best sellers. Adidas Copa Mundial is made from kangaroo leather.

Stud Release Techonolgy: Johnston calls for more research

Craig Johnston (former Middlesborough and Liverpool) co-inventor of the Predator has joined a growing band of critics to voice concern at the apparent lack of research in stud release technology. Each season more stud related injuries are reported and many involve cleats. Johnston considers a significant number of injuries are caused by poor stud release leaving players feet vulnerable to injury. Johnston claims the new studs are too long for many of the well maintained pitches and because they do not disengage quickly needless injuries result. Ligament tears and stress fractures have noticeably increased with the introduction of boot cleats.

Old Firm fixture downunder

It's the glorious 12th July and as chance would have it Celtic are on a closed season tour of the Big Brown Land. Their fixture today with Brisbane Roar will see captain Craig Moore (ex Glasgow Rangers) matched with Scott “The Poacher” McDonald (Celtic Captain for the game). The rivals are good friends off field and share positions with the Socceroos, however I doubt whether they will allow their friendship ro get in the way of winning the game. Pity Charlie Miller (former Rangers striker) has moved onto Lierse SK. The wee striker would have loved to match himself again against the old enemy the‘Tic.
Brisbane Roar vs. Celtic at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.

Superlite Boot’ Light on your feet

Now back on the shelves Nike’s Mercurial Vapour SuperLite Football Boot was designed for speed. Using a featherlite (210 gm), aerodynamic one piece Carbon Fibre Chassis the boot is both sleek and supports the kinetic foot. Extra protection and comfort is afforded through the graphite heel cradle. The boots have multi-directional traction studs injected onto the Graphite chassis.

New and improved soccer boots?

As a lead up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa footwear companies will be introducing their new lines of football boots. In a highly competitive industry there are few secrets shared but looking across the current range of available boots remarkably there seems little to separate them other than price. Personally I believe the football shoe has been developed as far as it can with only novelty left to appeal to consumers. Concave, a minnow in the market, are about to introduce a new line which they insist will give players at all levels the ability to increase their ball striking skills. Patented technology on the top of the boot gives players 30% better control and 15% more power, according to an accredited university study. The secret is the upper conforms to the convex shape of the ball which effectively increases the sweat spot by as much as four times compared to traditional football boots. Concave boots have a shank balance stabilizer (SBS) to give support and reinforcement to the mid-foot and help control balance between the rear and fore-front. The presence of the SBS may reduce the risk of stress injuries to the metatarsals. To support the concave upper the shoes and protect the foot there is a flexible MetaGuard layer made of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers (TPU). This might prevent stomping injury. Concave make most of their soccer boots available in a variety of outsole configurations, including soft ground, firm ground, hard ground with blades, and a traditional rounded mold. Meanwhile over at Nike their keenly anticipated Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly met with teething problems when reports were received the boots ripped in situ. Nike recalled the boots from general sale and set to finding out how the boot design could be improved. Now a version that is less tight lasted will be available on general sale from 1st August and will retail at a cool £224.99 ( $367 US).

Nike takes the lead over adidas?

Time was adidas had the lion share of soccer sponsorship gloabally and Nike found it difficult to muscle in but now the tide has turned and Nike plus subsiduries seems to be in the lead. Excellent resource for information on football boots can be found at soccerbible.com

New soccer boots

New soccer boots from Pro-Direct

Boots, boots everywhere: Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United) was so proud of his team’s achievement winning the 2006-07 league title he convinced his team mates to donate their football boots to him as a keepsake. The England defender has kept the £3,000 worth of footwear in his mansion but has no idea now what to do with them. He had planned to buy a display cabinet for them and perhaps donate the collection to the club or national football museum.

Under Armour | Football Boots | UA11

Under Armour | Football Boots | UA11

Soccoroos never looked better

Harry Kewell (Galatasaray and Australia ) made no mistake against Uzbekistan's keeper Ignatiy Nesterov last night (1st April 2009)giving Australia a boost for qualification to 2010 Fifa World Cup South Africa.

Soccer cleats and the Bootman

An essential part of the soccer boot is the cleat (stud) which attaches to the sole of the shoe and gives greater traction against the ground surface as well as improve stability of the athlete in motion. Soccer cleats prevent players from slipping and assist them in rapid changes of direction. The physical nature of the different football codes have resulted in the development of different cleats. Modern soccer cleats are available in different materials and can be either be fixed to the shoe or are removable. At first cardboard cleats were used but these were replaced by rubber cleats in the early days whereas more recently cleats are made from synthetic polymers which are sometimes combined to give added strength. Aluminum tipped cleats has been introduced and seem to be gaining popularity. In the past every major club had a Bootman whose job it was to ensure all the boots were well maintained. The Bootmans' experience was valued as he would impart his knowledge to the younger players on the type and pattern of studs to wear to suit the weather and ground conditions. Cleat patterns (systems) help distribute pressure across the boot. Soccer cleats are usually worn higher on the heel and lower on the forefoot to give the player grip and different types are matched to ground conditions. To avoid slipping on soft, wet grounds cleats need to be long enough that penetrate the surface but without damaging the turf or synthetic surface. Lower softer cleats are required on firm grounds. Injuries related to wearing the wrong cleats are quite common and can involve the knees and ankles. According to experts the most common knee injuries caused by wrong choice of the cleats are those to the ligaments and ankle injuries are usually due sprains. Misplaced cleats on the sole of the boot may result in painful blisters. In recent years controversy has prevailed on the misuse of cleats in accidentally (or otherwise) wounding other players by cutting their skin.

CAD/CAM Foot Orthoses: CNC technology

Foot orthoses come in different types from simple insoles to biomechanically calculated platforms to help stabilise the foot during phases of walking. In recent years there has been a sizable industry grown around the manufacture and prescription of the latter which is now estimated at $30 million US per anum. Prescribed foot orthoses often referred to as function foot orthoses are used by sports specialists, surgeons, physiotherapists and podiatrists and prices vary from $20 to $300 per pair depending on the type, time spend and materials used. Over the counter foot orthoses are often as effective as bespoke varieties but due to the material combinations may not always last quite so long. Conditions definitely apply. For over a decade the manufacture of foot orthoses has involved Computer Numerical Controlled(CNC) systems where CAD/CAM software programs are used to produce a computer file that is interpreted to extract the commands needed to operate a particular machine, and then loaded into the CNC machines for production which involes a complex series of steps needed to produce in this case a foot orthoses. CAD software produces 3D scanned design data which can be manipulated to add a range of models, add-ons and cut-outs or corrections to the foot mould. Many companies which supply bespoke foot orthoses use the technology to increase their production. The established method of producing bespoke foot orthoses was both time consuming and prone to human error. After physical examination of the leg and foot, technicians took plaster of Paris moulds of the feet set in a reference position. These negative casts are then filled with setting plaster before drying at hot temperatures. When the foot models are completely dried high temperature plastics are melted over the prepared cast before trimming. The process of creating unique prescriptions for patients suffering from various foot and joint ailments will take anything from 3 days to three weeks to complete. A primary advantage of CAD/CAM manufacture is the time reduced in producing quality foot orthoses as providing prescribed quality foot orthoses in a timely fashion translates well to high profits. Turnaround time is extremely important in the bespoke foot orthotic business. Delcam's OrthoModel , is a new software specifically for modelling and machining custom foot orthoses. Once the information is input into the OrthoModel CAD software, the information is transfered to the CAM component OrthoMill and routed to complete the milling process. Top covers and other finishes are added once the foot orthoses have been milled. Delcam Crispin is a UK based company founded in 1965 and their software includes a series of menus which incorporate the biomechanical terminology used by the industry to describe the various features of the foot orthosis.

Shoe banging and soccer pitches in Cuba

Thong throwing has become a sport in some places and maybe the best thong throwers would have landed their target had they been at the Presidential Press Conference where a journalist threw his shoes at President Bush. Of course the point was made despite the clear miss hit (twice) and now everyone is talking about the meaning of the shoe insult. At the end of ‘official’ hostilities images of ceremonial shoe banging of Saddam Hussein and President George Bush were spread worldwide and in Iraq shoe banging is an insult similar to two fingers, elsewhere. The origins of both are quite intriguing. The ‘2-finger salute’, is where the first and second fingers are spread apart and then, with the back of the hand facing the viewer. The hand is then raised towards the sky sometimes fast or slow depending on whether it is done in anger or as a taunt. The ‘Up Yours’ salute is thought to have originated in the 15th century when Welsh archers at the Battle of Agincourt(1415), demonstrated to the French how devastatingly effective they were with their new bow-and-arrow technology. The strong bowmen used the first two fingers to draw the bowstring back before releasing the arrow with pin point accuracy. The French were so intimidated by the power of the Welsh long bow they threatened to amputate string-pulling fingers on any archer caught. In defiance bowmen responded by waving the two fingers in the insulting ‘V salute’ to aggravate their foes. Feet and shoes were imbued with considerable significance in the Middle East and shoe banging holds two meanings depending on whether you are Jewish or Islamic. Traditionally, the Jewish custom, of shoe banging was used to seal a deal like a gable at an auction. In Islamic tradition, culture determines feet occupy the lowest rung in the bodily hierarchy and shoes are considered unclean. Hence it is commonplace to remove shoes before entering a place of worship; the gesture is to maintain the purity of the place of worship. The same custom is extended to entering a private home because the sole of the shoe is considered the most contaminated. To point a shoe at someone or hit them (or their image) demonstrates a deep insult and means to direct impurity and pollution in their direction. The action is not to physically harm the individual but to remind all there is a greater judgment and the object of scorn should suffer the indignity of the most demeaning punishment possible. The shoe as an insult is used in other cultures too for instance in India unpopular politicians are regularly garlanded with shoes and paraded down the streets. The term “Jooté maro!" (hit him with shoes) is common enough phrase.

Shoe banging represents violation and demonstratively shows deep insult. A famous shoe banger in the 60s was Nikita Khrushchev from Russia. Khrushchev came from peasant stock; and possessed a peasant's shrewdness and wit. He had a garrulous, storytelling gift, which gained him a reputation for being earthy. He frequently referred to excrement. He was poorly educated and always intimidated by intellectual superiority. This frequently showed in his uncouth animation during debate. The classic example was shoe banging, when in at the UN General Assembly meeting in October of 1960, Nikita Khrushchev banged his shoe against his desk, with indignation. The circumstance, as you will no doubt recall related to photographs implicating Russian “duplicity” in Cuba. A U2 "spy plane" picked up pictures of soccer pitches and at that time soccer was not a game popular with Cubans, which implied the presence of personnel of a soccer loving nation i.e. USSR. Instantly reported across the globe as good copy, Khrushchev shoe-banging episode probably did more to avoid global conflict, than the furious diplomatic arrangements, which were going on as Kennedy and Khrushchev faced off each other. In the West the man became a character. The shoe banging episode did deeply embarrass his Soviet colleagues, which inevitably led to his downfall in 1964. The popularity he had in the west however more than likely saved his life and he spent his remaining years in retirement tending his garden like the Godfather. According to his son, Sergei Khrushchev, his father had small feet (size seven or eight), and when he came from Moscow he was wearing ordinary shoes. New York was hot however so he switched to sandals. He was wearing sandals on the famous shoe banging day but happened to have a spare shoe available to express himself. The shoes in John Hay Library are probably not The Shoes, but a pair that Nikita brought with him to New York but never wore.

Barefoot Players

Mohammed Abdul Salim (1904 - 1980) was the first Indian to play professional football in Europe. He came from Calcutta and played for Glasgow Celtic Reserves. Prior to joining Celtic Football Team, Mohammed Abdul Salim played for Calcutta's Mohammedan Sporting Club and East Bengal Club and won five league titles in a row. The player had no boots and played with bandaged feet which was common place in India but raised a few eyebrows in Glasgow, even in the thirties. Celtic manager, Willie Maley was well impressed with Mohammed when he appeared for a trial. Later Celtic had to seek approval from the Scottish Football Association to allow the player to play with bare feet. Christened the “Indian Juggler” by the press, Salim played two 'A' (reserve) matches against Hamilton Accies (5-1), and Galston (7-1). Despite his success he became homesick but the club realising his talents tried to encourage him to stay. In his honour they they organised a charity match and promised him 5% of the total proceed (£1,800). Salim refused and asked the money be donated to orphans. The player returned to India for the 1937 league season and joined Mohammedan Sporting Club again. Despite not becoming a first team player his legend lived on in the form of a short poem called "Indian Juggler".

(There was) "man from India
Where traditions are steep
Stepped onto Parkhead's hallowed turf
Wearing only bandages on his feet."

The first Scottish player to play in bare feet was an Egyptian called, Tewfik ‘Toothpick’ Abdullah who played for Cowdenbeath in 1920. The player had previously played for Derby County.

Reference
Majumdar B and Bandyopadhyay K 2006 A Social History of Indian Football: Striving to Score London: Routledge