Up Close Archives - Soccer Cleats 101 (original) (raw)
A Closer Look at Nike’s “Peak Ready” Air Zoom Mercurial Superfly
December 21, 2023 Latest, Nike
As we head towards the end of what has been a fascinating 2023 in the boot world, it seems like a good time to pay a revisit to a standout contender that we tested earlier this year; the Nike Air Zoom Mercurial Superfly. These boots have not only stepped but …
Nike Phantom GX Pro FG – Boot Review
Something that Nike has become really good at is producing high performing mid-tier silo options. Case in point, the latest Phantom GX Pro that provides control focused performance in an affordably priced package. Dressed in stealth black, this version features a low cut knit collar that is built into the …
Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Elite Q – Up Close
Dressed in space purple, the World Cup edition Nike Tiempo Legend 9, released as part of the Generation Pack, became one of the best colorway releases of 2022. And we managed to get our hands on a pair before they eventually sell out! Nike designed this one to celebrate the …
Diadora Brasil Elite Tech LPX Feature Review
October 16, 2022 Diadora, Latest
If you are craving a more traditional style boot that oozes modern simplicity, what could be better than the “Made in Italy” Diadora Brasil Elite Tech FG? We are talking a boot that combine the luxury feel and iconic design elements of 1990’s Diadora boots with cutting-edge lightweight tech. The …
Diadora Brasil OG LT+ Limited Edition Silver Edition
September 29, 2022 Diadora, Latest
As one of the most consistent brands on the market, Diadora are a leader in producing high quality, traditional style boots. I’ve always appreciated their ability to stay true to their morals by continually delivering truly classy releases. Case in point this latest version of Brasil OG LT+ that features …
Is the adidas Predator EDGE+ Different to EDGE.1?
September 22, 2022 Adidas, Latest
When we talk about elite level releases that come with a high profile and heavy expectations, the adidas Predator EDGE+ is one of the first silos that comes to mind. Holding that iconic Predator name adds significant pressure on the shoulders of the EDGE, with a tiered rubberized ribs along …
Puma King Platinum 21 Vegan – Up Close
September 1, 2022 Latest, Puma
If you are interested in a boot made entirely from animal-free materials, PUMA has released one called the KING Platinum 21 Vegan. The forward-thinking, future-conscious new boot retains the KING signature style, touch and comfort but adds a special new spin. What does it mean to be a Vegan boot? …
Adler Yatagarashu FG – Up Close
It is always fun to be able to check out a new pair of boots firsthand from brands trying to make a fresh splash on the market, especially when said boots are sent over directly from Japan! In this case, it is Adler who has unleashed a 2022 rebrand, dropping …
Nike Mercurial Superfly 8 ‘Progress Pack’ – Up Close
Over the past few months, we saw the Nike ‘Progress Pack’ be worn in the knockout stages of both the men’s and women’s Champions League. They became the colorway to be worn toward the end of the season, especially this Mercurial Superfly 8 edition, as players looked to make an …
adidas GAMEMODE FG Knit Edition – Up Close Review
The GAMEMODE series is adidas’ way of allowing players to express their love for the game of soccer through their own style. Made with a series of recycled materials, the knit upper on this colorway features at least 50% recycled content, and its colorway officially listed as Wonder Mauve. Let …
New Balance 442 v2 Pro – Up Close
June 18, 2022 Latest, New Balance
The essence of simplicity combined with the complexity of a modern release – that is exactly how I’d define the second generation New Balance 442. Crafted for players that pursue quality and excellence, the 442 v2 Pro is the brand’s most timeless boot to date. They feature a traditional construction …
adidas Messi X Speedflow.1 “Mi Historia” – Up Close
When a signature Messi boot is released on the market, they immediately become a must have option. His latest – and only signature boot in 2022 – is the adidas X Speedflow.1 “Mi Historia.” As it stands, we are closing in on remaining pairs, with the silo on the verge …
Puma FUTURE Z 1.3 ‘Eclipse’ – Up Close
Now this is a colorway I can absolutely get behind! The third installment of Puma FUTURE Z 1.3 has been announced, this one as part of the Eclipse Pack. It is a mix of modern tooling with a truly traditional styling – stealth mode with a touch of white and …
adidas Predator EDGE – Are They Really That Bad?
February 21, 2022 Adidas, Latest
We are only a few out from the official release of the adidas Predator EDGE, the latest generation of power boot from the home of the 3-stripe. Over the past few years, we have seen different directions taken with the Predator as adidas adjusted to market changes. First, they decided …