“adidas has been producing Predator cleats since 1994 and this version showcases how we as a brand adapt to the evolution of the game of soccer and players around the world,” said Antonio Zea, director of soccer for adidas America.  “Predator players today aren’t just about power, but their games now feature speed, control and versatility.”

The adiPower Predator features the Predator Element, a re-engineered technology which enables perfect ball handling. Featured on the medial side of the cleat, the Predator Element is an injected silicon-rubber component welded onto the base material that features two specific zones. One zone increases spin and power when striking the ball while another zone increases contact time with the ball to ensure perfect ball control in all weather conditions.

The adiPower Predator integrates the revolutionary Sprint Frame outsole construction featured in the adiZero F50, which reduces the weight of the cleat by 25% to 8.2 ounces. The addition of the Sprint Frame creates stability through geometry, reducing the number of material layers and the overall cleat weight.

adiPower Predator players in the MLS include Omar Gonzalez of the LA Galaxy, Kenny Cooper of the Portland Timbers, Shalrie Joseph of the New England Revolution and Teal Bunbury of Sporting Kansas City.

“In the new adiPower Predator cleats, I feel bigger, stronger and faster,” said Gonzalez. “The moment I put them on, I feel game ready. I didn’t have to worry about breaking them in.”

As with past Predator versions, the new adiPower Predator features Powerspine technology, which minimizes energy loss during a shot through a reduction of the kicking flex in the forefoot area, resulting in a more powerful shot. The flex grooves of the Powerspine also provide a comfortable running movement by keeping the element highly flexible in the right direction.

Additional key benefits of the adiPower Preadtor include an Alcantara leather-like soft and comfortable heel lining, Taurus leather for optimum fit, comfort and touch, Traxion outsole configuration for optimum grip and stud pressure distribution.

The new adiPower Predator cleat will be available in the Sharp Blue/Electricity/Black colorway for $200 on June 10 at soccer specialty stores and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Soccer players and fans can visit www.facebook.com/adidasSoccer for more information.

adidas is the global leader in soccer and partners with the world’s greatest soccer clubs and federations including Chelsea FC, Liverpool FC, AC Milan, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Germany and Japan. adidas is an official partner of FIFA, UEFA, Major League Soccer and the Confederations of African Football. adidas also sponsors world-class athletes like Lionel Messi, David Villa, Nani, Kaka, Steven Gerrard, Michael Ballack, Xavi, Frank Lampard, Andres Guardado, Juan Agudelo, Jozy Altidore, Fredy Montero, Juan Pablo Angel, among others.

# # #

The new brand offers a large selection of Pele inspired products designed to meet the different needs of players. The personality and philosophy of the football idol Pelé is integrated into every product and Pelé himself has shared his experiences as a player to inspire and educate the product development team. The result is a product line that offers a wide selection for the individual tastes of an 11-a-side player, a small sided specialist or a fashion conscious supporter – Pelé Sports combines premium product quality with an optimum price-performance ratio.

The Performance Category

The excellent quality of the Performance shoe is guaranteed by the unique product development: product design specialists work closely with a network of biomechanics and podiatrists to create the best shoe for each different need.
The design has a great deal of Pelé recognition: 1958, 1962 and 1970 – the years Pelé won the World Cup title – are the model names and are found as a detail on the boots’ cleats, while number “10″ – Pelé’s famous jersey number – is integrated into the creative graphic design on the heel instep and outsole.

The result is a Futebol bonito experience that will be accessible to the ambitious 11-a-side footballers.

• A reinforced heel area for better support.
• An EVA midsole for more absorption and to prevent, among other things, problems with the Achilles heel.
• A special cleat configuration to absorb pressure better and a special cleat shape to reduce the pressure on the knee when the player pivots.
• The upper material is kangaroo leather with Dual Friction Technology for more grip on the ball.
• Dual Friction is used from the start in the processing of the leather and guarantees a long-lasting grip.
• Kangaroo leather is extremely durable and tear-resistant, and yet supple – it wraps around and hugs the individual shape of the foot perfectly. Available in black (with yellow decorative stitching), and white (with red decorative stitching).
• Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: 170 EUR / $ 160

A top of the line model, the 1970 is a football boot that you’ve never seen before; combining function with attention to detail. The 1970 FG MS (Black) and 1970 SG MS (White) boots both provide the football player with a perfect balance between performance, comfort, cushioning, stability, and design.

The Pelada Category

Pelé Sports products will not only appeal to ambitious club football players – they will also appeal to everyone who plays football, regardless of where they play and what team they play with. The products assimilate the characteristics of football as well as the individuality of each and every player.

Pelada is the category that features the appropriate kit for a footballer’s personal style and honors the origins of Pelé, who learned how to play football in the streets of Brazil. Whether they’re playing organized futsal, or playing on a small field, at the beach, in a municipal park, or in a parking lot – all you need for Futebol bonito are one ball and two players, and the game can begin!

The Pelé Story Category

Pelé – the IOC Athlete of the Century – is not only lending his name to Pelé Sports, but he is also closely involved with the brand. That’s reason enough to give the best footballer of all time a fitting fashion stage for his lifestyle line – Pelé Story. This collection is unique in that it features some of the most famous football experiences associated with Pelé ,the celebrated “bicycle kick” for example, but also elements of his life that are less known, like his experience as an outstanding goalkeeper. Featuring fashionable sportswear, the Pelé Story is for anyone who identifies with football and the philosophy of Futebol bonito – and, of course, for everyone who admires Pelé.

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About Pelé Sports

Feeling and technique are the two qualities that reflect Pelé Sports: The brand philosophy combines the legendary Brazilian enthusiasm for playing football, along with top products that are designed to completely satisfy a footballer’s every demand. The inspiration of the football legend Pelé,, who is also directly involved in product development, can be felt in every product: Futebol bonito, regardless of who you are and where and how you play. This desire is combined with an outstanding price-performance ratio. The P-Sports company was founded in 2009 and has its US headquarters in Aspen, Colorado. A selected team of product design specialists and football experts are managing the international launch of the Pele Sports brand under license in June 2010. Sales and distribution through selected specialist sports stores will start with a mixture of the brand’s own marketing and distribution subsidiaries and selected distribution partners. www.pele-sports.com

Clarence is one of the top players to come out of the D.C. area, playing for two different high schools including a state championship.  His college ball was played at U of Maryland.  Goodson left Maryland after three years to play in the MLS.  He played for FC Dallas beginning his starting duties in 2005.  In 2007, he was selected by San Jose as part of the expansion draft.  However, he chose to try his luck in Europe.  Clarence began his Norwegian career in 2008 with IK Start.  His MLS rights are still held by the Earthquakes.

Goodson does not have much international experience.  His first cap was against Sweden in 2008 and continued on the CONCACAF qualifying squad.  He has two international goals, both against Honduras.

Under Armour is an unqualified success, growing from a maker of performance wear to a complete sporting goods manufacturer.  They now offer boots, protective pieces, men’s and women’s apparel.  Their boots are in the mid-range pricing and follow the balanced and power design philosophies.  They do not yet offer a full range to handle non-grass surfaces or soft ground.

Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona

Lionel Messi will be the first player to wear the distinctive chameleon purple, white and electricity colorway during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The FIFA World Player of the Year says “I am amazed at how light the new F50 is; I can barely feel them on my feet. Speed on the pitch is a really important part of my game and wearing the world’s lightest boot will hopefully make me faster and enhance my performance during the most important games of the year!”

David Villa, who will wear the black and sun version, added “Speed is such an important part of my game and I am so excited about being even faster when I’m playing in South Africa against the best in the world in just a few weeks time.”

The need for speed in modern football has never been greater, where millimeters or a fraction of a second can make the difference between winning and losing. adidas has responded to this athlete request by reinventing the rules of speed and turning the iconic F50 boot into the lightest adidas boot ever made.

Aubrey Dolan, Senior Product Manager for adidas Football comments “Players like Lionel Messi and David Villa consistently told us they wanted boots that would enable them to be faster. Players wanted to be first to the ball, so we decided that the best way forward was to make a lightweight product which could be used at the highest level.”

The F50 adiZero will be worn by players during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The chameleon purple, white and electricity boot will be worn exclusively by Lionel Messi with Steven Pienaar (South Africa), Jozy Altidore (U.S.A), Shunsake Nakamura (Japan), Salomon Kalou (Ivory Coast), Arjen Robben (Holland) and Lukas Podolski (Germany) wearing the sun, black and collegiate gold colourway and David Villa (Spain), Samir Nasri (France), Jermain Defoe (England) and Johan Vonlanthen (Switzerland) wearing the black and sun version. The boot will hit retail on May 24th 2010 in all adidas Sport Performance stores, as well as at leading e-retailers and selected sports retailers around the world.

adiZero (Jozy Altidore - Yellow and Leo Messi - Purpule)

HOW IT WORKS / THE SCIENCE

The F50 adiZero has been revolutionized, incorporating the industry’s lightest fabrics and leading technologies to reach the ultimate weight of 5.8 ounces*. To achieve the target weight, the boot has been developed on a lightweight last which offers a wider footbed and heel to distribute forces optimally throughout the boot – which is critical in a lightweight product.

• 5.8 ounces (165 grams) at US size 9

The sleek new SprintSkin upper has been created using an innovative single layer microfiber Polyurethane (PU) synthetic to reduce the overall weight and to ensure the shoe fits like a second skin increasing the comfort of the boot. The F50 adiZero uses asymmetric parallel lacing which creates a large, clean kicking surface for optimal ball contact while a perforated Ultra Light insole has been developed to reduce weight and increase speed.

The innovative new last is complemented by a new exclusive Sprint Frame outsole which is crafted using three-dimensional bridges to create stability and support in the midfoot. Taking inspiration from a running sprint spike, the outsole features a new revolutionary triangular stud configuration which provides maximum acceleration and optimum support for the critical lateral and medial movements. Football is not only about straight-line speed.

To add stability and to support the player, the upper features an internal network of Thermo Polyurethane (TPU) bands, as well as a single TPU bottom frame on the boot which offers stability and support in the lateral and medial movements and protects the upper against abrasion providing a sleek, stylish, iconic look.

See the launch Commercial on YouTube

Over the past few years, they have watching the way people play, dress and live the street game.  That is definitely influencing the way there gear has evolved.  We hear rumors that they are creating a new “street” image that will be separated from both the grass pitch and indoor gear.  We have seen some of of this in the fantastic Rilo street shoes (see the ASER review) and the new Smooth Criminal ball.  The next step is clothes that are unique to the street look.

The marketing folks at most of the manufacturers usually make sure AVID Soccer knows about any big release.  Calle has been holding this one very close to the vest.  They wouldn’t even give us pictures for the big contest giveaway… until now.

Calle Republic Prize Package

We just received samples of the prize package that Calle is providing.  It will be a custom package for the contest winner and includes some of their newest and hottest looks from their collection.  They sent us a florescent green Smooth Criminal ball, ladies Lox v-neck, FTP and Antram tees for the guys, a new ball sack (our favorite light bag) and the Willow shorts.  The ball and shorts are a complete departure from what Calle has done before.  Look for reviews on ASER in the next few weeks.

Want some of this cool swag for yourself?  Get your contest entry in soon.

Enter the contest at AVID Soccer (http://www.avidsoccer.com/2010_contest.aspx) or on the AVID Soccer Facebook page.

Nike Mercurial Vapor SuperFly II

NIKE, Inc. is the world’s largest and most innovative football company,” said Mark Parker, NIKE, Inc.’s President & CEO. “Our success in the world’s most popular sport is based on creating innovative products and experiences such as the new, incredibly light and responsive Mercurial SuperFly II boot and Nike Football+ which connects the digital and physical worlds of football. These are among Nike’s most advanced products to date and will help write the next chapter for Nike football.”

Traction on demand

In developing NIKE SENSE adaptive traction technology, designers created an adaptive stud that can extend and retract by up to 3mm, based on ground conditions and pressure exerted by the player. Directionally positioned blades maximize cutting and allow for quick changes of direction, while secondary toe traction provides added toe-off power for those first critical steps. The result is a boot that enables greater speed in all directions.

Nike’s design and engineering teams talked with some of the fastest players in the world, who emphasized that acceleration around a defender is just as important as beating him in a straight line. The Nike Sports Research Lab researched the world championship finals in 2006 and found that there were 845 slipping events over 63 games, or roughly 14 per game. Building on these insights, the Nike team collaborated closely with elite athletes including Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alexandre Pato to create a boot that enables toe-off acceleration and minimizes slippage in game-changing situations.

Cristiano Ronaldo

“For me, it’s all about first-step acceleration, but twisting and turning around a defender is also important,” Cristiano Ronaldo said. “The Mercurial Vapor Superfly II helps me do both, so I can beat my opponent and create scoring opportunities.”

Athlete insights also pointed to the desire for a close fit around the foot without compromising on durability or support. Next-generation Nike Flywire technology incorporated into the boot’s streamlined upper provides a lightweight, strong and more dynamic fit. The carbon composite tuned chassis provides a lightweight platform with traction elements and allows players to stay closer to the ground.

Access to the elite through Nike Football+

The Mercurial Vapor SuperFly II also gives consumers unprecedented access to the training insights of the world’s top players, teams and coaches through Nike Football+. Each pair of boots comes with a unique user code that can be used to unlock trade secrets from inside the game and the next installment of Nike Football+, Master Speed training content on NikeFootball.com.

The Nike Football + Master Speed program provides exclusive access to Brazil national team stars Robinho, Fabiano and Nilmar, putting the power of speed directly into footballers’ hands and their game day preparation. Four camps are available:

• A Pelada – Learn high-speed ways to practice fast, competitive Brazilian football.
• O Brasilerao – Meet the coaches and players of Brazil’s premier club, Corinthians. Experience four authentic drills with top club coaches.
• Na Gringa – Only the best Brazilians go to Europe. Get the inside track on the real difference between the continental games from the superstars who experience it – and apply it to your own game.
• A Selecao –Enter the top secret world of the Brazil National Team’s training hideaway in the mountains, Granja Comery. Experience squad drills and 3-man exercises with a top CBF coach.

Building on the Master Speed program, “Inside the Elite” is a new feature offering exclusive inside access to players. Athletes including Robinho, Javier Mascherano and Zlatan Ibrahimovic offer candid insights on their game and match preparation.

In addition to these Nike Football+ Master Speed programs, footballers will have access to country-specific Nike Football+ activities like training sessions, trial events and player appearances. Nike Football+ is also available as an app for the iPhone and iPod Touch on iTunes®.

The Mercurial Vapor SuperFly II boot is available at retail globally and at www.nikestore.com from April 1st 2010. Nike Football+ can be accessed at www.nikesoccer.com.

Nike Mercurial Vapor SuperFly II with Nike+

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About Nike

NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world’s leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly-owned Nike subsidiaries include Cole Haan, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories; and Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand.

Every pair of Total90 Laser III boots comes with a unique user-code that allows online access to Nike Soccer+ featuring accuracy training drills and expert tuition provided by the coaching team at Italian giants Juventus FC. The Nike Soccer+ digital experience also features a detailed ‘signature move’ coaching session from Fernando Torres of Liverpool FC.

“I worked closely with the Nike design team on the Total90 Laser III, and it definitely provides another dimension to my game and a greater feel for more accuracy, power and swerve,” says Fernando Torres. “What I like about the Nike Soccer+ system is that now every player can improve their skills with tips from myself and insights from top coaches on the pitch or on the go.”

“We are creating the best performance boots available today”, comments Nike Soccer GM Bert Hoyt. “But more than that, combining this technology with the Nike Soccer+ digital coaching program means you are not just buying a boot, you are buying a total game improvement package.”

During development of the aggressively styled electric green, red and black Total90 Laser III, Nike designers broke down the biomechanics of striking the ball into specific elements to help them gain even deeper understanding of the boot to ball relationship. Particular attention has been paid to the instep area and how players connect and put swerve on the ball.

The result is a newly created Shot Shield designed for a cleaner strike on the ball for increased power, ball swerve and accuracy.

• Greater Precision at High Velocity:
  • Modular Instep – five pods on the boot create a uniform contact point that creates a smoother surface for even pressure distribution. The pods are configured as five separate units that operate as one to remain flexible and fluid when interacting with the foot.
• Enhanced Accuracy:
  • Advanced shape-correcting memory foam – provides a smooth and more consistent surface to enhance accuracy when shooting. This unique foam adapts to the demands of the individual player.
• Increased Friction, More Swerve:
  • Engineered Fins – raised TPU fins on the medial side of the boot deliver increased friction on ball contact to ensure more swerve when you need it most. Each fin is strategically angled and sized to enhance control over ball trajectory, but fold on contact with the ball to accommodate great touch and feel.

The Total90 Laser III is available in premium-grade Teijin synthetic leather, or premium leather for overall fit, comfort and performance.

The Total90 Laser III design team also repositioned the eyestay to a more asymmetrical position to allow a cleaner strike surface and easier fit and adjustment of the boot. Stability and comfort is enhanced with reinforcements to the external heel counter and outsole.

Nike Soccer+ digital coaching program can be accessed at www.nikesoccer.com. The Nike Soccer+ accuracy training package follows on from a control package launched in October 2009, and will be followed in 2010 by a speed coaching program related to the Nike Mercurial boot.

The Total90 Laser III boot is available at nikestore.com, globally at retailers and retails for $200.00.

Nike Total90 Laser III with Nike+

About Nike

NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world’s leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned Nike subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Cole Haan, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand; and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit www.nikebiz.com.

Winners are selected in each category based on value, quality and desirability.  Other criterion is category specific.  Winners are selected by a combination of votes from editors, testers and readers.  Details are available at http://blog.avidsoccer.com.

The Best of 2009 are:

• Coolest Lifestyle Product – Nominees include Nike’s Holland Anthem Jacket, the adidas Hero Hoodie.  The winner is the Calle Republic Rilo street shoe.  Calle one over great products from adidas and Nike by creating a shoe ideally suited to the soccer lifestyle and street soccer.
• Best Boot – Nominees include the adidas Predator X and Puma v1.10.  The winner is the Concave PT+.  Any of these boots could have finished first and there was a strong argument for each.  In the end, better grass roots support for the Concave PT+ pushed it ahead of the competition.
• Best Ball – Nominees include the adidas Jabulani and Nike Ascente.  Both are world class professional quality balls, but we selected the value priced (relatively speaking) Puma King XL as our winner.
• Best Kit – Nominees include the Sarson Bonn and adidas Russian National team kit.  The winner is a balance between high quality and value in the Diadora Ermano.
• Innovative Product of the Year – The first nomination for our most important award go to the Woman’s Professional Soccer league for changing the way soccer franchises are marketed in the US.  The second nomination goes to Lotto Team Sports for changing the way uniforms are designed and produced.  Our winner is the Concave striking plate.  It changes the way we think about hitting the ball.  The Concave striking patch may be the equivalent to the oversized golf club.

About AVID Soccer:

AVID Soccer is a grass roots organization that provides information and training to individual players, groups and teams. AVID Soccer consists of coaches and trainers dedicated to improving the image of soccer; the level of training; and the level of play.  http://www.avidsoccer.com

The AVID Soccer Equipment Review (ASER), one of the largest independent review sites, provides objective testing services, reviews and information on soccer equipment and related products. The AVID Soccer Equipment review web log was founded in March 2006.  http://blog.avidsoccer.com

AVID Soccer News presents product announcements, player gossip, team transfers, lifestyle, etc. In short, we present the news and views of the soccer world. Articles are compiled from original content, press releases and reprinted publications.  http://news.avidsoccer.com

Each year, the ASER writers, testers and editor select the products that provide the best overall experience.  That is defined as a balance between quality, desirability and value.

… and the nominee for best…

• Best Boot
  • adidas Predator X
  • Concave PT+
  • Puma v1.10
• Best Ball
  • adidas Jabulani
  • Puma King XL
  • Nike Total 90 Ascente
• Best Kit
  • adidas Russian Federation WC Kit
  • Diadora Ermano
  • Sarson Bonn
• Coolest Lifestyle Product
  • adidas Lampard Hooded Jacket
  • Calle Republic Rilo Street Shoe
  • Nike Holland Anthem Track Jacket
• Most Innovative Product
  • Lotto Team Sport custom jersey system
  • Concave striking plate
  • Women’s Professional Soccer League

Voting opens January 1st.  To vote, click on one of the links above and add your comments or send email to the Review Desk.  Voting will close January 22.  Winners will be announced the following week.

Concave is a relative new-comer to the soccer cleat world, having launched its first model of a technologically advanced product last autumn, after several years of research and development. Now, O’Shea is joining up with Concave just as the footwear company is introducing its much broader and eagerly anticipated new product line in soccer specialty shops and online in the UK and the USA – and soon, globally.

John O’Shea, explains: “As a professional soccer player it is crucial that I wear a cleat that can help maximize my performance on the pitch. I believe Concave is the next big thing in soccer, the cleats are unique in design and offer exclusive technology which hasn’t been seen before. The cleats offer me increased protection and confidence, and I hope to be wearing Concave for the rest of my career.”

Jim Grimes, CEO at Concave, said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome John O’Shea to our line-up. In fact, we are thrilled when someone of John’s stature believes in our product they way we do.

“It is well known that John has earned the respect of his teammates, coach, and soccer fanatics around the globe. John’s hallmarks are his enduring passion for the sport and his commitment to excellence,” Jim continued.  “Those qualities are the bedrock of our company culture.”

Concave attributes its patented technology on the top of the cleat with giving players at all levels the ability to increase their ball striking skills – in the areas of power, accuracy and control – while also protecting against foot injuries. In fact, tests have demonstrated a 15 percent increase in power and 30 percent greater accuracy when striking the ball, over traditionally designed soccer cleats.

Concave believes that O’Shea is a perfect match as brand ambassador because of his remarkable versatility – having played in a variety of positions on the pitch.

Jim continued: “Our technology is all about versatility. There are many requirements for striking a ball effectively – whether it’s for a pass, a cross, a clearance, or the most glorious of all, putting the ball in the back of the net,” he adds. “The Concave cleat can be an enormous benefit in any and all of those situations.

“John was very meticulous in his evaluation of our product, very particular about what he would sign his name to. So it truly is an honor for us to be affiliated with a player of John’s caliber.”

Kevin Moran, O’Shea’s agent, said that specific terms of the agreement will not be announced.  It is certain, however, that John O’Shea will become the focus of Concave’s brand presence, including at point of sale, online networking, and other promotional interaction with customers. Younger, up and coming soccer players do gravitate toward the product choices their idols make and Concave will certainly endeavor to make that connection at the grass roots level and beyond.

Available in outsoles for soft ground, hard ground, firm ground and rounded mould, the unique features of Concave soccer cleats include:

• Large sweet spot – four times larger than the sweet spot on other cleat on the market, the Concave design conforms to the shape of the ball to increase accuracy, power and control, and reduce errors.   The concave shape matches the circumference of a size 5 FIFA ball exactly
• Shank Balance Stabilizer – provides support for the mid-foot area to help control balance between the front and rear of the foot
• Lightweight two part injected TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomer) in the footbed spreads the pressure put onto any one point in the foot, protecting against injuries caused by turning quickly, or contact injuries
• MetaGuard – provides protection to the top of the foot and will appeal to the safety conscious customer  and parent
• Sole plate – adapted for the different outsoles to avoid pressure on the key points of the forefoot

For more information, check out the reviews of the PT1 and PT+ at ASER.

Concave Holdings, Inc. is a global company with subsidiary operations in Indonesia, and operating from Manchester in the United Kingdom.  For more information on Concave’s 2009 range, email sales@concavesports.com  or visit www.concave.com.

Herzogenaurach – The Predator has long been the standard by which all other boots are judged.  With the latest release, adidas tries to push the envelope again.  The 10^th generation Predator was developed with the help of Zidane, both his finesse and control to the premier power boot.  adidas claims “His expert knowledge and attention to detail throughout the development process has lead to the most powerful boot ever made.”

You can see Zidane testing the boot here.

Below is the official adidas press release about the boot.

Since 1994 when the Predator was first introduced the world’s greatest soccer players have continuously laced up in the Predator confirming the title of #1soccer boot worldwide. And in 2009 legend Zinedine Zidane, a loyal Predator player, joined the ranks of the adidas design team in the creation of the tenth generation of Predator, otherwise known as “the perfect 10.”

NEW PRODUCT FEATURES:

• PowerSpine technology keeps mid-foot safe and stable
• Inspired by adidas’ Fingersave technology, first introduced in goalie gloves Provides up to 7% more power on the pitch
• Ensures maximum stability during impact
• Provides greater transfer of power to the ball while minimizing energy loss
• Newly developed internal chassis construction holds the PowerSpine
• Optifit upper construction engineered with a new soft compound
• Provides the ultimate ergonomic performance fit
• Results in ultimate swerve, maximum control and accuracy
• Ideal for wet or dry weather conditions
• X-Traxion outsole provides greater traction, comfort and stability
• Designed to perform on both dry and wet, new-generation artificial grass
• Taurus, a newly developed full-grain calf leather
• Combines a natural look with high tearing and high abrasion features
• Results in a high-end supreme-touch soccer performance

MSRP: $230
Website: www.shopadidas.com
Available: October 26, 2009

A unique user-code that comes with every pair of the boots allows access to exclusive training content from some of the biggest names in the game, including Cesc Fabregas of Arsenal and Andrés Iniesta of FC Barcelona.

The Nike Soccer+ and CTR360 boot connect innovative product design with the virtual and physical world of training to help improve player performance.

“We’re bridging the gap between the physical and digital world to give soccer players a competitive edge and inspire them through new experiences,” said Stefan Olander, Nike Global Brand Connections Director. “Nike Soccer+ is an exciting innovation for soccer players worldwide and a new development in training that will work hand-in-hand with our soccer products to deliver benefits to players at every level.”

Nike Soccer+ Online Training Experience

Nike Soccer+ allows amateur players the chance to tap into interactive video-based tips and drills developed by Nike’s elite soccer players and coaches.

Included with all CTR360 Maestri boots is a card with a unique user code. When entered online at www.nikesoccer.com this code unlocks unique user content to enable players to be trained by the experts. This training tool is also available as an Apple® App available for iPhone and iPod. Nike Soccer+ ensures players can connect with each other tracking and posting scores associated with different training drills.

The Master Control training drills are conceived and demonstrated by coaches from FC Barcelona, while other content includes players such as Cesc Fabregas and Andrés Iniesta demonstrating their signature moves.

The Master Control coaching is the first edition of the Nike Soccer+ coaching program and later programs will focus on other skill areas such as speed and accuracy. Each of the three programs is a 4-week training regiment.

CTR360 Maestri Boot

The CTR360 Maestri boot has been engineered for enhanced passing, close control and effective distribution. Nike designers paid close attention to key zones of the boot, with the outsole adjusted to maximize a player’s ability to trap and control the ball, while the upper has been refined at the key contact points for receiving and distributing the ball.

The boot is made from a unique synthetic upper called Kanga-Lite, which delivers the fit and feel of soft leather, but with the performance qualities of engineered fabrics. For years Nike material technicians have worked on developing a synthetic solution that achieves the fit and feel characteristics of traditional leathers. Kanga-Lite delivers this solution with a supple feel and upper that performs well in any weather condition, maintains its shape and doesn’t soak up water.

AVID Soccer Editors Note: Both Nike Soccer+ and the CTR360 Boot are available now.  Hopefully we can get our hands on a pair to test for ASER.

About Nike

NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world’s leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned Nike subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Cole Haan, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand; and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories.

Source: Release

Argentinean football star Lionel Messi has teamed up with adidas and designed a special F50i colourway as a tribute to his home country Argentina.

Messi will wear the new boot for the first time on Friday, August 28th, when Champions League winner FC Barcelona meet UEFA Cup holders Shakhtar Donetsk in Monaco for the European Super Cup. On September 5th, when the Argentinean national team plays the important game against Brazil in Messi’s hometown Rosario, he will show the boots for the first time in Argentina.

The colours of the Argentinean national flag (gold, white and sky blue) can be found on the dark blue boots, together with the sun emblem which is placed in the centre of the national flag.

After David Beckham, Franz Beckenbauer and Uwe Seeler, Lionel Messi is only the fourth player to receive a personal adidas football boot.

“I’m honored that adidas came up with these boots. The design and colours reflect the love I feel for my country and my team. The game in Rosario is crucial for us and I hope these boots will help me score goals against Brazil!” said an excited Lionel Messi.

Argentinean Martin Tibabuzo, football designer at adidas, designed the boot with pride: “Designing an adidas boot for Messi is really the highlight of my career. Integrating the national colours and symbols like the sun was not work but a dream come true and I’m very excited with the result. Watching the game Argentina versus Brazil will now be even more special for me.”

The new F50i Messi football boot will soon be available at specialist stores worldwide. The F50i will then be available in a total of four colourways (white, black, cyan and the dark blue Messi colourway).

Others players endorsing the F50i in addition to Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona) and Emmanuel Adebayor (Manchester City) include: David Villa (Valencia CF), Samir Nasri (Arsenal FC), Arjen Robben and Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Salomon Kalou and Ashley Cole (Chelsea FC), Diego Forlán (Club Atlético de Madrid), Lukas Podolski (FC Cologne), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur) and Steven Pienaar (Everton FC).

The 14th Annual MLS All-Star Game provides the optimal setting for four adidas athletes to showcase their artistic integrity. The Houston Dynamo’s Stuart Holden, Colorado Rapids’ Conor Casey and Seattle Sounders’ Fredy Montero will each set foot on the Rio Tinto Stadium field for the MLS All-Star Game in one-of-a-kind boots that they personally designed through miadidas.com, the premier online customization service.

Each player brought a unique approach to the design process to create boots that reflect their personality, color preferences and style both on and off the field. Holden will wear one-of-a-kind mi adiPure2 boots, Montero will lace up in a bold mi F50i and Casey will showcase his version of mi Predator PowerSwerve. All three silhouettes are exclusive to adidas Soccer and are designed to meet the needs of various playing styles and player preferences. Fans seeking to make their own unique statement on-field can follow suit and design their own boots at www.miadidas.com.

For inspiration as they design custom boots, consumers can check out each player’s design in more detail on miadidas.com by clicking on their names:

• Stuart Holden
• Conor Casey
• Fredy Montero

The idea of owning customized sneakers traces back to Adi Dassler, who strove to create the best performing footwear for athletes when he founded the company 60 years ago. Today, within the mi Performance section of miadidas.com, consumers can choose from comprehensive range of footwear selections spanning four sport categories – Basketball, Running, Soccer and Tennis. Alongside a unique 360-degree zoom and rotate capability, a wide array of colors, designs, materials and logos result in thousands of possible custom sneaker combinations. Following three key tenets – Fit, Performance and Design – mi adidas provides consumers with an easy three-step design process to create the best product for their needs.

Custom footwear is delivered direct in 2-3 weeks and price points range from $95 to $240. To learn more about mi adidas, visit www.miadidas.com.

mi Performance is the counterpart to mi Originals under the mi adidas umbrella; the overall customization concept of the two-divisional brand. Part of adidas’ Sport Style division, adidas Originals represents a fusion of sport authenticity and global street style, extending the brands unique sports heritage while creating inspiration within fashion. Under the mi Originals section of miadidas.com consumers can customize iconic styles such as Gazelle, Superstar, Stan Smith, ZX 700, Forum and Stan Smith CF.

Currently miadidas.com is only available to customers in the US.

In celebration of the UEFA Champions League Final, adidas is unveiling the newest generation of TUNIT, the F50i, which introduces the games most innovative upper technology to-date – SprintSkin. Lionel Messi will debut the boot on Wednesday May 27th at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome for the Final. Pioneering technologies and innovative design treatments make the F50i the ideal boot for elite players seeking performance benefits.

“I’ve never felt so good in new football boots. The extremely thin shell allows me to play to my full potential on the pitch. Perfect contact with the ball is essential for me,” says Messi, who has already tested the F50i for several weeks during team training for the Final.

Inspired by Messi’s lightning footwork, the TUNIT F50i incorporates design elements to enhance Messi’s game style. Starting with the strikingly bold cyan-colored upper, the F50i is the first single-layer football boot. SprintSkin, a new proprietary technology, envelops the player’s foot like a second skin and the synthetic material is supple, water-repellent and lightweight, ultimately providing a perfect fit. The ergonomically correct lace structure is enhanced with a thermo-bonded lace cover for optimal fit and ball strike. The complete customization offering TUNIT is known for continues with the F50i model. A complete kit of studs and chassis’ gives each player personal control over their boot per game and pitch.

Starting on June 6, 2009 the TUNIT F50i will be worn by top players from all over the world during the qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup 2010™.

The TUNIT F50i will retail for $195 and will be available in Messi’s cyan/black/white color at adidas Sport Performance stores, www.shopadidas.com and soccer specialty stores starting in June. The boot will also be available in white/black starting in August.

Others players endorsing the F50i in addition to Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona) and Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal FC) include: David Villa (Valencia CF), Samir Nasri (Arsenal FC), Arjen Robben and Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Salomon Kalou and Ashley Cole (Chelsea FC), Lukas Podolski (FC Bayern Munich), Johan Vonlanthen (Red Bull Salzburg), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur) and Steven Pienaar (Everton FC).

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Also see:

• Messi YouTube Video
• ASER F50.7 TUNIT
• ASER F50.6 a3 Turf
• ASER 2006 Innovative Product of the Year