For most players out there, the opportunity to wear a timeless, classic boot can brings positive emotions and evoke memories of games gone by. Recently, the heritage category has gone through somewhat of a renaissance, with new releases adding to some highly regarded options. You have a mix of timeless silos that have been around a while, and some new-age classics that take traditional styles into the modern game.
Here, we take a look at some modern boots that have been inspired by the ideals of class and tradition. Comfort is a key characteristic that defines this category of boot, the type of footwear that players will thoroughly enjoy wearing in game type situations.
Adidas Copa 19.1
Price: $209.99
Upper: Kangaroo leather
Weight: 8.4oz
Highlight: We could have went with the Copa19+ here, but how can it be included as a traditional boot without laces? So, it is the Copa 19.1 instead, a boot about touch, class, and poise. These are absolutely one of the more modern versions on the list, with a lot of technical advancements. A Kangaroo leather creates a super soft upper touch and a second-skin-like fit. By using laminated seams across the foot, it allows for less water uptake and better shape retention.And FusionSkin on the upper is a revolutionary leather treatment for a seamless and less permeable upper. This allows a liquid-like leather to combine with knit, providing a one-of-a-kind feel on your foot.
Nike Premier II
Price: $109.99
Upper: Kangaroo leather
Weight: 8.6oz
Highlight: If you are not familiar with the Nike Premier, it is a classy, traditional style, heritage boots that Nike created to be a high performing, timeless classic available to consumers at an ultra competitive price. There is nothing overly complicated about these, but that is kind of what makes them special! Definitely one of my top options when it comes to performance and value for money!
Nike Tiempo Legend VII
Price: $229.99
Upper: Kangaroo leather
Weight: 7.2oz
Highlight: When it comes to comfort and touch on the ball, the Tiempo Legend series has always been a true leader. In keeping with that tradition, Nike has unleashed the seventh generation by combining heritage styling with advanced tech specs. This could be the most advanced Legend to date, with an emphasis on durability and the overall structure of the boot. For example, Fit-Mesh is introduced for the first time and woven across the upper to act like a Chinese finger trap. The more pressure you apply, the tighter it holds.
For those in California, there is a calf leather version of the boot available!
Unozero Modelo 1.0
Price: $295
Upper: Kangaroo leather
Weight: 9oz
Highlight: These are the most expensive boots on the list, but there is a reason for that. Rather than just a pair of boots, you are getting a complete package that includes leather food and a really awesome boot bag. The UNOZERO Modelo 1.0 are handmade in Italy, feature a k-leather upper that is enhanced with strategically positioned stitching, and a translucent soleplate underfoot. These bring back fond memories of past adiPure releases. But, you are getting far more than just the boots here. Everything about the presentation, from how they are created to how they are packaged, takes things to an entirely new level.
Mizuno Morelia Neo
Price: $289.99
Upper: Kangaroo leather
Weight: 6.8oz
Highlight: You could just stick with the more simplified Mizuno Morelia, but I’m a much bigger fan of what the Morelia Neo has on offer. They are lighter, with a much easier break-in period. When it comes to craftsmanship and innovation, they really don’t come better than the Mizuno Morelia Neo…..especially when “MIJ” is associated. “Made In Japan” basically means that the boots are handcrafted in Japan without stressing about how long it takes to piece them together.
Pantofola d’Oro Del Duca
Price: $109.99
Upper: Calf Skin Leather
Weight: 10oz
Highlight: Having Pantofola boots available in the US is pretty huge! And having a more economical option that embodies what the Golden Slipper is all about gives players a terrific option to choose from. A calf skin leather upper offers a great fit and a soft touch. The stitching along the vamp keeps the leather from stretching, as well as adding a bit of an old school look.
Adidas Copa Mundial
Price: $149.99
Upper: Kangaroo Leather
Weight: 11.7oz
Highlight: Without a doubt, the most iconic boot ever released. The adidas Copa has withstood the test of time, still a firm favorite since their initial release in 1979. Made of a super soft kangaroo leather that just oozes class, they have a positive reputation for the durability they provide. If you need a boot that just flat out works – with hundreds of thousands of player testimonials to go along with it – then Copa’s are a great option.
Legacy Boot Co.
Price: $195
Upper: Calf Skin Leather
Weight: 10oz
Highlight: These come with a story, a connection with the guys that actually hand make the boots in Chile. Imagine them as a bottle of Champagne sitting amongst a shelf full of Whiskeys! Opening the box, you are immediately met with the unmistakable pure scent that you only get from a fresh pair of true leather boots. In person, they are everything you would expect from a handcrafted boot, with their traditional styling and meticulous stitching. There isn’t anything flashy to see here, instead everything is built to be simple and efficient.
Ryal La Storia
Price: €98
Upper: Kangaroo leather
Weight: 10.5oz
Highlight: For those that want something vastly different, you definitely should check out the Ryal La Storia. Ryal are an Italian brand who only sell in Europe, so should you decide to pick up a pair that is where you will be ordering them from. In terms of style, these boots are phenomenal and provide the most unique, old-school look with the benefit of modern performance. The materials included through the boot are quality and the snug construction of the boot keeps your foot shrouded in a cloud of comfort through wear!
Puma King Top di
Price: $119.99
Upper: Kangaroo leather
Weight: 11.4oz
Highlight: Another classic boot that has been around for a long time and continues to impress in the performance category. When you mix the quality k-leather upper, balanced conical stud configuration, classic fold over tongue and reputation of Puma, you are on to a definite winner. Again, this is an option that can cross over between FG and TF surfaces without any problems. Similar to the Copa’s, they weigh in at 11.4oz.
New Balance 442
Price: $119.99
Upper: Kangaroo leather
Weight: 9oz
Highlight: The NB 442 fall true to their name, providing a simple yet effective level of performance. No, they won’t blow you away, but they are the type of boot you can take right out of the box and comfortably into play. You get a similar, traditional style upper that sits on a simplistic low-profile soleplate with conical studs. The entire package is ideal as an option for players that value comfort, and they come with the bonus of having multi-function across FG and AG surfaces.
Milémil L’infatigable
Price: $179.99
Upper: Kangaroo leather
Weight: 11oz
Highlight: Here is the perfect example of a small company that has taken an old school design into the modern age, continuing an honored legacy in boot designs. Milemil’s goal is simple; create a boot fully manufactured in France, featuring fine quality leather and lined with organic cotton. The L’infatigable is intended to provide comfort, durability and a high level of retro styling! Across the forefoot, a dual layer of stitching creates a more pliable feel to the leather, ensuring it fits more naturally as you break them in. This is not the type of boot that sits super snug across the forefoot from the off, instead you are going to need to spend time with them in order to replicate your ideal fit.
Nice ones!
Which of those was the most comfortable out of the box?
This is the category of boot that you will have most luck with comfort out of the box, most will work really well! Personally, I\’d go Nike Premier or Mizuno Morelia Neo.