FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 is the ultimate catwalk for soccer boots and this blog combines an interest in football with footwear. Soccer shoes have evolved from engineer's boot to cleated slippers which come to represent all that is known in the science and craft of shoe-making. As a shoe historian, I review the evolution of the soccer boot and post related issues.
Recently an old pair ofBobby Robson’s football boots failed to sell when they went under the hammer. The unworn pair of size two boots, believed to have been owned by the England, Barcelona and Newcastle United manager when he was a schoolcboy, did not reach the reserve price of £300 during the auction at Thomas Watson’s in Darlington. The boots were put up for sale by Sir Bobby’s childhood friend, Thomas Robson.
Football boots are becoming more of a fashion statement these days as marquee players make them a focal point for TV cameras. Designs and colourways which might previous have not been out of place on the dance floor are finding their way to the green blaze and all in the name of selling product. The minute you see visible high end footwear on sports persons the more likely the industry has nothing else to offer. Traditionally dark coloured boots were associated with soccer but Hummel changed all that in the 70s with the introduction of white boots for Alan Ball * (England and Arsenal). Took a brave player to wear anything other than black for fear of being picked on by rival fans. “Who's the poofter in the boots?” would ring out from the crowd and low be tide anyone who dared wear coloured boots and have a poor game. Two decades later and high colour became a bi-word for companies like Adidas and Puma who seemed to realise soccer moms like their offspring in visibly fashionable boots. What is good for the amateur must be good for business and endorsed players became fashion doyons. Televised events such as the FIFA World Cups with its millions of viewers have made the football pitch the macho catwalk where the models i.e. players, demonstrate the new look and functionality of the footwear range from the companies that pay them thousands of dollars just to be “seen.” Always good then to see the antics of rival companies outdoing the official sponsor as with the red heels of Nike at the recent World Cup. Being top does not always mean being the best and when the great David Backham wore golden boots for his 100th cap for England (against France), his team lost 1-0 and David did not excel in the game. Now it is the turn of Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) to wow the faithful with shoe and deed as he sports his new safari-themed black-and-white-spotted CR Mercurial Vapor SuperFly II Nikes. I wonder if he may have an Alan Ball moment ?
*After Ball heard a rumour Hummel, were prepared to pay £2,000 to a professional willing to their white boots he took them up on their offer. The boots were uncomfortable and Ball substituted his own adidas boots after painting them white. All went well until the white washed away in the rain during the game and Hummel withdrew their £2,000.
Under Armour have released a limited edition pink (magenta) version of the Dominate Pro for women, in order to raise awareness towards breast cancer research. Moreover, 100 % of the proceeds from the sales of the boot will go to the 'Kicks Against Breast Cancer’ programme Imprinted along the sole of the boot is the slogan ‘Power in pink’, and the boot also has ‘She’s a fighter’ printed along the heel. The latter is a tribute to all women who struggle each day with the disease.
Recent match fixing controversy regarding Pakistan Cricket Team has taken its toll with many of the professional watching where they tred. Umar Akmal has taken it a step further and sports lime green football boots on the Green.
This season’s lightest football boots are produced by two German brands, Puma (150g) and Adidas (164g) , one American brand in Nike (210g), and the British brand, Umbro M(236g). Fashion for speed boots started with the adiZero boot (adidas) but when Puma developed lightweight footwear for sprinter, Usain Bolt (Jamaica) they transferred the same technology to soccer slippers. The Puma v1.10 Lightning SL is the lightest football boot ever made.
Currently the top seller is the Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly II ($427 US). These boots are heavily promoted and endorsed by many of the Nike sponsored players including: Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, Robinho, Nani, Arshavin, Robin Van Persie, Zlatan Ibrahimovic , Theo Walcott , Gabriel Agbonlahor <.a>, Aaron Lennon ,and Adam Johnson .
Next on the price scale is the Puma v1.10 SL lightning (@ $288 US). These are the lightest shoes and have the classic Puma which are most suited to speed players like Samuel Eto’o who currently endorses them.
Adidas F50 adiZero (@ $194 US) are generally thought to be the perfect combination of affordability and weight. These lightweight boots feature state of the art technology (according to the manufacturers) but one well reported flaw is brittle studs which break easily. Players who are paid to wear Adidas F50 adiZero include: Lionel Messi, David Villa, Diego Forlan, Goran Pandev, Arjen Robben, Lukas Podolski, Samir Nasri , Salomon Kalou, Shunsukie Nakamura, Steven Pienaar, and Jermain Defoe.
The Umbro GT (@ $132 US) is bargain basement for speed shoes but at a fraction of the cost of the most expensive soccer slipper many more are likely to join Darren Bent, who currently plays in Umbro GTs.
The vuvuzela is much cheaper than bagpipes and makes equally as much din. So in my stocking this year I want a vuvuzela. One with all the customised decals would be best. If I am really a good boy and eat my crusts I would like remote controlled football boots (read soccer for football Santa since you are American and drink Coca Cola). The kit comes with a ball, 2 boots, a couple of nets and remote controls. Each boot has an electric motor with 4 hidden wheels which allow them to move: forwards, backwards, to the left and right. Each boot transmits a different frequency which allows them to be remote controlled. The boots are colour coded in red or blue with orange. I want to amaze my friends with trick back-heel shots and expert scoring skill. Eventually I can join a team and play Thunderboots Remote controlled football in competition with others. If there are no remote controlled football boots left then can I please have R/C Robot Soccer . The set contains a mini soccer field, one soccer ball and two miniature soccer playing remote control robots. These are fitted with four wheels and move just like the boots.
Thank you in anticipation, and who is you most favourite player by the way? Mine is Jim Baxter.
PS
Santa can you please include 10 AA batteries, because they do not come with the kit.
A new season of the Premier League has just kicked off with yet another new football. Nike are the official ball supplier to the Premier League and have been since the 2001/01 season. The new Nike Total 90 Tracer PL Football was developed over two years to develop using Nike’s Geo Technology (sic. whatever that is?) to make the match ball rounder and more balanced. Not to be outdone by adidas World Cup ball , Jubulani , which met with overall disdain, the Nike match ball seems to have been generally accepted with no major problems reported. The almost perfect sphere of the new ball has been created by the clever panel geometry which places hexagons and pentagons precisely together. This is thought by the manufacturers to produce a "360-Degree Sweet Spot." The almost perfect shape is retained by cross-linked nitrogen- expanded foam with polyester support fabric to enhance structure and stability. The evenly distributed pressure across the round ball always responds in the same way when hit. The perfect symmetry allows the ball to fly faster, farther, and be hit more accurately. The ball is encased in a compressed polyethylene layer which helps store energy at impact before releasing it at launch. The black asymmetrical band encircling the ball generates a more powerful visual signal as it rotates, providing a quicker read on ball location, spin rate, speed and trajectory from any angle. The ball’s colourway help fans pick up ball movement as well as promote the Premier League brand on television. Before a new ball can be accepted they must go through vigorous tests outlined as a FIFA requirement. This includes wind-tunnel tests for aerodynamic performance, testing with athletes at the Nike Science & Research Lab (NSRL), and finally, elite athlete testing on the training pitches of multiple Premier League clubs.The Nike Total 90 Tracer PL Football match ball was tested for more than two years in Nike research labs. The new ball will be used not only in the English Premier League but also in the Italian Serie A, and the Primera Division in Spain.
Dancing Shoes: The George Best Story is a new musical about George Best and was written and produced by Martin Lynch and (Sarah) Marie Jones (Stones in His Pockets). Music and songs are composed by Pat Gribben (The Adventures and Starjets) and JJ Gilmour (The Silencers) . The lead role is taken by Aidan O'Neill, who has an uncanny resemblance to the famous Belfast boy and international football player. George was one of the most skilful players ever, with magic feet and hence the title of the show, Dancing Shoes. Throughout his carteer he enjoyed a champagne life style off the park but eventually succumbed to chronic alcoholism. The show had its opening at the Grand Opera House in Belfast and the first performance was met with a standing ovation. The hope is the musical will eventually have a run at London’s West End.
Not from the show but here is a tribute from Don Fardon
Much is made in the media about stress fractures and association with 'light boots' but there is little real evidence to associate the two. The soccer slipper to the best of my knowledge appears to include all that is known about the sport plus the clever inclusion of new polymers. Genuine concerns were expressed when players used the cleats to rip and tear at the flesh of opponents but otherwise despite the focus on high profile players suffering from 'generic'stress fractures there is no independent evidence of 'cause and effect.
Fractures of the middle three metatarsals or March Fracture was well named and historically relates to 'square bashing' (British military slan for drill on a barracks square)in military training. From the First World War on wards preparation for disciplined combat involved marching on hard parade grounds. Many new recruits suffered fatigue fractures from endless marching. As military sartoria developed and over the ankle boots were introduced, fatique fractures of the metatarsals were replaced with shin splints. The more enlightened countries realised whilst boots had their place in combat, physical exercise was best achieved wearing less restrictive footwear. There is reference to this in the literature relating to reported injuries in the Israeli and New Zealand recruits.
Over use of elite athletes has the same effect resulting in exhaustion and in those prone, fatigue fractures. Wayne Rooney is certainly a case in point where the man has such a punishing regime to earn his money he is prone to ‘niggling injuries’ which I would suggest have more to do with overall fatigue, serendipity and trauma with the ball (in the case of Jones' fracture) than anything else. The aftermath was pretty obvious at the recent FIFA World Cup with many marquee players distinctly off form after horrendously long playing seasons.
The media are always keen for a good story and have seldom let the truth come between them and a headlining scoop. The recent works on football boots and injuries from Dundee Univ was quickly picked on and sensationalised somewhat. Good copy because of the impending FIFA World Cup but from what I read little more than conjecture.
In similar mode the disdain of ‘old farts’ (Sir Alec being one on this occasion) uncomfortable with the new light boot (in bright colours) brought a tirade of complaint. No better way to criticise than demonise them as injury causing. No need for hard evidence when there are A & E experts were to hand to extrapolate concerns to the wider population of amateur footballers.
Spain won the 2010 FIFA World Cup > but according to adidas, it was the F50 adizero football boots that scored more goals (41 in total) than any other boot brand during the championship. All very well but main rivals Nike are claiming they made more sales out of the event than the main sponsor, adidas. Sales of the F50 adizero football boots did soar but adidas remain tight lipped by how much. The company have also been silent about the sales of the Jabulani (official ball), which was heavily criticised by players for being too light and unpredictable.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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).
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
