The Fastest Football Boots of 2010-2011

The 2010-2011 Speed Football boots have all been released, in new colour combinations, new weights in some cases, and with new players signed on to represent them.

This is an overview and a comparison of the lightest football boots available for the new season, so you get the best information before making a buying decision. The lightest football boots this season are produced by two German brands, Puma and Adidas, one American brand in Nike, and the British brand, Umbro.

They have some of the biggest names in football using them day in and day out, some having more than others, but all being represented in the top leagues of the world.

There are also individual reviews of every boot in this review, so check below for these reviews and comparisons.

Hopefully this helps you decide which to buy, but first, here’s the weight comparison of these boots:

1. Speed Boot Weight Comparison

The Puma v1.10 Lightning SL is the lightest boot on the market, and also the lightest football boot ever made. Adidas set the standard before the World Cup when they introduced the adiZero boot, at the time being the lightest football boot ever made. However, Puma worked with Ussain Bolt and Samuel Eto’o to produce a new version of its v1.10 boots and released what is now the lightest football boot, weighing only 150 grams. It seems that it has become a battle of German Engineering, with the two German brands fighting it out for the top spot of lightest football boots. Innovation has been sky-rocketing in this area the past two years, fueled by the Nike Mercurial Vapor revolution, which caught onto the public very quickly.

2. Speed Boot Price Comparison

The price comparison is quite different from the weight comparison. While Nike’s Mercurial Vapor Superfly II is the third lightest boot, it is by far the most expensive. You can buy the limited edition Puma v1.10 with real diamonds in it, and it’s still cheaper than the Superfly II. The best value for the weight is definitely the Umbro GT, but it is the heaviest of all four.

The interesting thing is that you can buy a block of pure silver for the weight of each of these boots and it would be cheaper than all of them except for the Umbro GT. Something to keep in mind. Here they are individually:

3. Speed Boot Reviews

Umbro GT

The Umbro GT are by far the most accessible speed boot for the new season, being the only one under 100 pounds. The Umbro GT seems to have a fair market value, with a price that can be afforded by any player, not just those that are well off. It’s only 26 grams heavier than Nike’s Superfly II, but 200 pounds cheaper. It also features a very attractive design and is available in two colour schemes, black and green and the white and orange pictured above, so you do have some choice. This boot is recommended to those that would like a speed boot but aren’t current customers of Nike Mercurial Vapors so some skepticism could be present. The Umbro GT is a recommended affordable alternative to the Nike Mercurial Vapor line, and early customer reviews have been very positive. This is a recommended boot for those just dipping their feet into the speed boot market. (Click the image above to read a full review)

High profile players that wear the Umbro GT: Darren Bent

Adidas F50 adiZero

The Adidas F50 adiZero might as well just be named boot of the year already. This boot is the perfect combination of affordability and weight, being only 14 grams heavier than the Puma v1.10, but featuring a much nicer design and better technology. The adiZero has a very well-designed heel support system which Puma decided to minimize in their latest design of the v1.10 to reduce weight. However, design is a taste-based thing, so the opinion could differ from person to person. However, the price increase from the adiZero to the Puma v1.10 SL is significant, considering you pay over £4 for each additional gram saved, while also making some compromises in terms of safety in the heel area, and in terms of comfort and support. This is perhaps why so many high profile players choose the F50 adiZero over the Puma v1.10 SL Lightning. However, there is an issue with the studs, with a lot of people reporting that they break easily, which puts durability in question. (Click the image above for the full review)

High profile players that wear the Adidas F50 adiZero: Lionel Messi, David Villa, Diego Forlan, Goran Pandev, Arjen Robben, Podolski, Samir Nasri, Kalou, Nakamura, Pienaar, and Defoe, to name a few.

Puma v1.10 SL Lightning

The Puma v1.10 Lightning SL is currently the world’s lightest boot ever. You really notice the difference between holding the v1.10 and holding a pair of Nike Mercurial Superfly II. However, there are some areas where Puma is lacking – especially design. While this boot is a classic Puma look, I think they should dip their feet more in unchartered territory and try something new, like Adidas did with their adiZero line. It seems like there are sewn parts of the boot which could be abandoned for a smooth flat surface like the other three and it could actually be lighter too. Price wise it’s not the most attractive football boot either, carrying a very heavy price being 60 pounds more expensive than the Adidas adiZero. However, if you want to have the lightest boots, this is the one you should go for, despite the price. “These break in really easily and are probably one of the best boots on the market for real touch and control. They are more suited to wingers and fast forwards than any other position.” (Click image above for full review)

High profile players that wear the Puma v1.10 Lightning SL: Samuel Eto’o

Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly II

The Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly II are the world’s most popular boot at the moment, being the most desired boot by any young football player. Nike basically created the speed boot market, and they still have one thing very right – design. It’s no denying that the Superfly II are the sexiest speed boot out of the bunch, featuring bold colours, appropriate decorations, fantastic see through studs, carbon-fiber bottom, and the structural wiring shown. It just looks good. While Nike has lost the race for making the lightest boot (for now at least), they have listened to concerns of customers and adjusted the boot over time, now being more padded and durable, but also heavier than it’s opponents. The Nike Superfly II is the third lightest boot in the speed boot category, but comes with a scary price of 275 quid. Perhaps this is due to the players that wear it and the market that the boot created. This is the perfect boot for those that can afford it and are very style aware. You won’t be the lightest, but you’ll be noticed, and for some people, that’s enough. They are also ridiculously comfortable and come with some of the best touch on the ball I’ve experienced. (Click the image above to read full review)

High profile players that wear the Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly II: Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, Robinho, Nani, Arshavin, Van Persie, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Theo Walcott, Agbonlahor, Lennon, Adam Johnson, and many many others.

What do you think about the speed boots of 2010-2011? Which do you own and what can you tell us about them? We’ll do a follow up performance review of the boots, but we’re interested in your opinion and your experience as well, so drop us a comment if you have experience with any of these boots. If you don’t, which one do you plan on buying and why?

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