Soccer Cleats 101 Soccer Cleats News and Reviews
We are currently living in a world where flashy, vibrant colored boots are all the rage – or at least that is what we are lead to believe. As companies compete with each other, they are using the most outrageous colors to set themselves apart and make their boots more noticeable.
But, where does that leave the traditional player who wants a no-nonsense boot that simply performs without the need for over-kill visuals? Believe me when I say that I am a fan of heritage boots, even though there is an influx of posts on SoccerCleats101 about the newest boots released. If you check out our “Heritage” section, you will see that there is plenty of content focused on the genre.
This is a post I have wanted to put together for a while – it is a list of the best boots you can currently find on the market that hold a classically inspired, old school look with plenty of Heritage on the side.
#10 – Puma King 2013
There was a wild fight to claim the last remaining spot on the list, with several newer releases stating their claim. But, for me it has to go with the latest Puma King release and in particular, this graceful blackout version. There have been complaints that this latest version moves the range to far away from the King di, which is also on this list, but I say let it be and keep the visuals looking classic.
Release Details: www.soccercleats101.com/2013/02/05/puma-king-2013-blackpuma-silver
Retails for: $149.99 on soccer.com
#9 – Hummel Old School Star
Hummel are an unusual addition considering they have been on a sort of soccer shoe slumber over the past few years. But I have been reassured that is going to change over the next year and with this addition, it is all in the name. Additionally, you can find pairs of the Old School Star on eBay, so they are available. Everything about this boot is about as basic as you are going to get, from the logo to the leather and the soleplate – yet you have to love what they are all about. These remind me of boots my Dad would have worn back in the day!
Retail for: Around $80 on eBay
#8 – Ryal 1946 Classic
This Ryal addition is another prime example of their “Against Modern Football Boots” stance, the 1946 is a classically inspired release that combines modern performance features with old-school design. The addition of gold stitching and “Edizione Limitata” add a nice twist on the primary black upper while you also get the Italian colors thrown in to gently spice things up. A positive on this one is Ryal ability to eliminate the “floppy tongue” by adding a nifty layer of double stitching.
Review: www.soccercleats101.com/2013/01/30/ryal-1946-review
Retail for: €144 from Ryal
#7 – Asics Lethal Testimonial 2
Some of you might be surprised to see an Asics boot included on this list, but you have to love the classic nature of the Testimonial. This version has undergone some technical upgrades since the original but it still reaches into the sole and has the ability to tug at the heart of traditional fans. My only complaint with this one and why it is not listed higher is the HG10mm heel gradient – not a fan.
Retail for: Around $100 at eBay
#6 – Lotto Stadio Primato
This one I am a huge fan of and I have actually tested them twice! I hope Lotto continues to retail for a while to come, although I am hearing reports that they might be coming close to their expiry date. Either way, grab a pair and experience one of the most classic boots before they disappear. Right now it earns the “Top Value for Money” award – as you will see by the retail price listed below.
Review: www.soccercleats101.com/2012/04/30/lotto-stadio-primato-revisited
Retail for: Around $70 at eBay
#5 – Nike Tiempo Legend IV
You can’t have a top 10 classic list without including a Tiempo Legend! In terms of performance, there is a definite modern feel to this boot but they still hold a very minimal and classic visual look. One of the highlights is the cross stitching on the forefoot, it adds a really nice cushioned feel on the ball. Consider this one the “I want a newer release in a black colorway” release (if that makes sense!?!)
Review: www.soccercleats101.com/2011/07/25/nike-tiempo-legend-iv-review
Retail for: $200 at soccer.com
#4 – Puma King Top K di
This is about as close as you will get to a pair of Puma King from the 70s, and they resemble the King’s that I grew up wearing. The summary on soccer.com sums these up for me – “Premium soft and comfortable K-leather upper with quilted vamp and central lacing for a natural touch on the ball.” You could almost pour yourself a bowl of these in the morning for breakfast they are that delicious!
Retail for: $59.99 at Soccer.com
#3 – Pantofola d’Oro Lazzarini
Ok, so this one is not readily available in the US but the history behind the Pantofola range speaks for itself. They just ooze class and offer fantastic performance on the field. This is the type of boot you need to own a pair of before you finish your career. I tested the red colorway imaged – sorry if they are a little too bright for the traditionalists, but you can get them in all black also. If you have a few extra minutes, check out the sneaker range Pantofola have available on Amazon
Review: www.soccercleats101.com/2011/03/07/pantofola-doro-lazzarini-canguro-review
Retail for: $180 at ProDirectSoccer
#2 – Ryal La Storia
The La Storia is actually a relatively new boot to the market but the look and comfort from this boot is pretty fantastic. In summary, they are a tantalizing, old school release that oozes quality with its K-leather upper and unique “from a past era” design. They look reminiscent of something you would have seen worn in the 1970s or even earlier and are sure to satisfy the taste buds of any traditionalist out there.
Review: www.soccercleats101.com/2012/11/15/ryal-la-storia-review
Retails for: €119 from Ryal
#1 – Adidas Copa Mundial
It doesn’t get much better than the Copa when you are looking for a tradition, consistent performing boot. And is there any boot out there with more recommendations from fellow players? Everything from the Leather upper to the slightly stiff soleplate and iconic tongue make these one of the best boots ever to hit the market. I can almost guarantee that if I put this list together a decade from now, it would still sit in the #1 spot. Enough said!
Review: www.soccercleats101.com/2010/10/11/adidas-copa-mundial-review
Retails for: $150 at soccer.com
Notable Mentions to Check Out!
Mizuno Morelia – www.soccercleats101.com/2011/03/18/mizuno-morelia-review
Pele 1962 Redeemer – www.soccercleats101.com/2012/11/11/pele-1962-redeemer-review
Adidas adiPure 11Pro – www.soccercleats101.com/2012/02/20/adidas-adipure-11pro-review
Under Armour Hydrastrike – www.soccercleats101.com/2012/08/06/under-armour-hydrastrike-pro-ii-review
Pele Trinity 3E K – www.soccercleats101.com/2012/07/19/pele-trinity-3e-k-review
Concord Techno Kangaroo – www.soccercleats101.com/2012/10/08/concord-techno-kangaroo-review
Diadora Maracana – www.soccercleats101.com/2011/08/12/diadora-maracana-rtx-12-review-2
