The Ultimate Guide to Major Brand Football Boots
Tue, Nov 26.24
With heaps of brands on the market which all own several models, it can be hard to find your perfect fit. We've listed for you the best models for each brand to help you perfect your on-pitch play and choose among the pairs.
NIKE
Nike Mercurial
We'll start with the phenomenon that is the Nike Mercurial football boot range, featuring two models: Superfly and Vapor. Mercurial has taken the football world by storm since the mid 90's and really rose to prominence back at the France '98 World Cup with the OG Ronaldo creating hype around a boot we hadn't seen before. The silo has been going from strength to strength ever since. You can take a deep dive into the full Nike Mercurial history here.
Mercurial football boots are suited to flair players who want to beat the opposition with blistering speed, agility and skill. It's no surprise that Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé and Australia's very own Sam Kerr all wear the Mercurial Superfly range.
So now, what's the difference between Superfly and Vapor?
Superfly is the higher cut version with the collar that keeps your whole foot locked down and secure. The Vapor is the low cut version without the collar. Both of these boots are great choices for those looking for a responsive, lightweight boot that allows you to play with speed. It's really just personal preference when it comes to the collar, with many liking the added fit and lockdown, while others prefer the low cut feel which is easier to get on and off and less tight fitting.
Key details
Fit - The Nike Mercurial fit is very much suited to those with narrow feet.
Who - Players with a key emphasis on speed, agility and skill. Mainly worn by attacking players such as strikers, wingers and attacking midfielders.
Final considerations - If you are a winger or pacy forward, these are definitely the boots for you.
Nike Phantom
The newest member to the Nike boot range. The Nike Phantom football boots came about with the merge between Phantom Venom and Phantom Vision. Phantom has been created with the best parts of both previous models in mind new single silo, taking Nike forward into the future with a focus on the Mercurial, Phantom and Tiempo range.
The Phantom features Nike Football's latest technology and innovations, which includes a generative texture upper for more grip on the ball, a moulded Flyknit construction and Hyperquick System, designed for traction and agility.
Like the Nike Mercurial range, the Phantom comes into two different models: GX and Luna. The GX is the higher cut version with the collar that keeps your whole foot locked down and secure. The Luna is the low cut version without the collar. Once again, this mainly just comes down to preference. The tech is the same across both versions, it's just for you to decide whether you want that extra lock down the collar provides.
Key details
Fit - The Nike Phantom range is ideal for players with a wider foot.
Who - Players who like to control the game with a barefoot feel and grippy textured upper allowing for great touch, comfort and strikes.
Final considerations - These are great boots for players who are looking for control and power.
Nike Tiempo
The icon that never gets old. The Nike Tiempo has been at the forefront of boot connoisseurs minds since they burst onto the scene 1994, with the product being a favourite in Australia due to our love for traditional leather boots. The Nike Tiempo uses premium K-Leather on the upper and is an extremely comfortable all round winner which has been worn by many of the all time greats.
If you are a player that craves that leather feel then these are a great option and tend to last for a long time which means you get bang for your buck.
Key details
Fit - The Nike Tiempo is ideal for players with a wider foot
Who - Midfielders and defenders who value comfort and have a great first touch and are comfortable on the ball.
Final considerations - These are ideal boots if you're looking for comfort or if you are buying for someone else and are not quite sure. Everyone loves a pair of Tiempos!
ADIDAS
Adidas f50
The standout speed boot for adidas is undoubtedly the adidas f50. It's a very lightweight boot used by so many of the best players in the world.
The f50 has been incredibly popular since its come back, as adidas looked to build on the success of their speed boots, there's a lot of adidas former f50 and X heritage in these.
Key details
Fit - The adidas f50 is ideal for players with narrow feet, similar to the Nike Mercurial range.
Who - Speedy wingers and forward that are agile and skilful.
Final considerations - For quick players who play out wide or up front. These are the best adidas boots for you.
Adidas Predator
Another icon. The adidas Predator has been a smash hit since it broke onto the scene in the 90's, with the Predator Accelerator and Mania in many conversations regarding what the best boot of all time is.
The current day Predator is packed full of tech, including the groundbreaking DEMONSKIN spikes which now sit on the boots upper. DEMONSKIN has been based off years of research and testing, which resulted in a computer algorithm being used to create an entirely new interface between boot and ball.
It's a favourite for many current and past players like David Beckham or Jude Bellingham, with the current models being very aggressive and tough looking.
Key details
Fit - The adidas Predator is suited to wider feet but in saying that, the latest Predators tend to be a little tighter than some of the older models.
Who - Midfielders who love to whip balls into the box and create with stellar passing range.
Final considerations - An iconic boot that has been revamped with some aggressive new technology!
Adidas Copa
Legend gets thrown around a lot - but the adidas Copa, with roots to the Copa Mundial, deserves to be called a legend as the Copa has so much history in the game. Think Franz Beckenbauer and the famous German teams of of the past.
In recent years, the Copa has modernised significantly, with the laceless model worn by exciting forward players like Paulo Dybala and João Félix.
Key details
Fit - The adidas Copa is more suited to those with wider feet will find the Copa very accomodating. If you have narrow feet you'll most likely find they are too wide.
Who - Times have changed. Gone are the days when these were a defender or midfielders boot, now players all over the pitch wear the Copa 20.
Final considerations - A classic re-imagined. Super comfortable and classy, but just make sure you don't have narrow feet.
MIZUNO
Mizuno Morelia
Those who know, know. That's what we always say about the Mizuno Morelia. Yeah the price tag can be a bit scary to look at, but you've got to remember that these use the highest quality materials and are genuinely still handmade in Japan with love and affection. Plus, they are ridiculously comfortable and lightweight.
Key details
Fit - The Mizuno Morelia is more suited to players with a narrow foot. Think the adidas X, Mercurial Vapor and the Puma Ultra category - but these are a step up in terms of quality and handmade with K-Leather.
Who - Speedy wingers and forward that need the lightest boots possible to hit top speed fast!
Final considerations - Once players try Mizuno we often find that they never go back to any other brand.
Mizuno Alpha
With the Morelia being the king of speed for the Japanese brand - the Mizuno alpha is designed to be the wider option of the two. The fit is quite different, with the Rebula designed to be slightly wider than most other boots on the market. Once again only the best K-Leather material is used on these meaning comfort is spot on once you break them in.
Key details
Fit - The Mizuno Alpha is definitely for players with wide feet. These are an alternative to boots like the Adidas Predator and Nike Tiempo.
Who - Midfielders and defenders who try to control the game with great touch and skill.
Final considerations - Like the Morelia, the price tag can be a little eye-water when you compare them to similar options from other brands, but the top quality K-Leather and other materials used mean this is a great option for those who can afford it.
NEW BALANCE
New Balance Furon
New Balance is a brand we know is going from strength to strength. The New Balance Furon is the boot that will really excite boot lovers in 2021 and beyond. If you value speed and want to be a bit different - these could be the boots for you.
Key details
Fit - The New Balance Furon is more suited to players with narrow feet. Once again this is in that category which includes the likes of the adidas X, Nike Mercurial Vapor, and Mizuno Morelia.
Who - Speedy wingers and forwards. These lightweight boots are perfect for quick and agile players - just like the brands star man; Sadio Mané.
Final considerations - New Balance is a brand which is investing a lot of time and money into creating top quality boots. They're on the right direction with the Furon which is a seriously good boot!
New Balance Tekela
Have wide feet? These could be the boots you need. The New Balance Tekela is a very comfortable option and New Balance prides themselves on being able to cater for those with wider feet. These are as wide as it gets in the boot buying game. Please do not buy these if your feet are narrow!
Key details
Fit - The New Balance Tekela has a very wide fit - potentially even the widest boot we have at Ultra Football. They are also very comfortable!
Who - Midfielders and defenders. These are a great alternative to the likes of the Adidas Predator, Nike Tiempo, and Mizuno Rebula.
Final considerations - If you struggle with fit with most boots out there these are our biggest recommendation for you. These are perfect for players with very wide feet. You can't go wrong.
LOTTO & DIADORA
Two brands from Italy that have recently just joined the Ultra Football family are Lotto and Diadora. Both of these brands respect their DNA's and focus on the best possible materials - especially for their OG ranges that just ooze class and nostalgia. Every stitch and all the small details count.
Many players who are in their late twenties, thirties and beyond have enjoyed these brands in the past - especially in the 80's and 90's when these two were booming in line with the Serie A being the best league in the world. Fast forward to present day where both have committed to bringing their past successes back in order to give the modern player the chance to experience what some of the all time greats of the past got to - luxury materials and unrivalled comfort.
Key details
Fit - Both Lotto and Diadora perform well for players with wider feet. The K-Leather will stretch and give players a very comfortable experience which is hard to find elsewhere.
Who - Classy midfielders or defenders. Wearing a pair of Lotto or Diadora is a statement that you know your football. You respect the past and are probably one of the coolest looking guys or girls on the team! More power to you if you've got long hair and can rock a headband with these as well.
Final considerations - Definitely something a bit more niche - if you value comfort and like leather boots then these are an excellent choice which will make you stand out from the crowd.
Last words
Now that you know everything about the boots available on the market, check our website to find your gem!
And if you still feel lost, we've got you. Have a read at our article on how to choose the perfect boots.
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