The Football Blog

They say: "The armidillo prevents damage to the calf muscles, your Achilles and all the soft tissue at the back of your leg. Super lightweight, super flexible and super resilient, the Armadillo calf protector uses multiple overlapping Aridite® plates to significantly reduce the risk of injury by diffusing impact energy."

We say: "Clever"

Info

Price: £12.99
Stockists: www.kitbag.com

They say: "As the domestic season becomes more intense and exciting, UMBRO has created the new SX VALOR II, an all round performance boot providing versatility, style and comfort ensuring players of all levels feel comfortable, confident and protected when out on the football pitch.

Available in two different colourways (Deco - White/Black/Gold and John Terry - Navy/White/Royal) the SX VALOR II is a modern boot featuring the latest technology focussing on control, support, protection and comfort.

Comfort is addressed on a number of levels - the ultra soft lightweight kangaroo leather provides excellent abrasion and water resistance keeping the player’s feet dry in wet conditions. While UMBRO’s continued collaboration with Michelin technology featuring the unique Touch Control system, allows enhanced ball control, passing and shooting."

We say: "Neat"

Info

Price: £99.99
Stockists: Pro Direct

They say: "The 4mm X-Treme Grip Latex palm provides excellent grip and shock absorption. The palm wraps around the outside of the hand and the base of the thumb, forming a punching zone on the backhand. The palm also envelopes the thumb, index and little finger tips, for optimal latex-to-ball contact. The anatomically correct flex zones in the palm ensures a close fit and heightened tactility. The beathable mesh backhand and gussets and vented backhand seam allow air to flow through the glove for total comfort throughout the game. The unique design of the strap and material selection results in a lightweight yet supportive wrist closure. The upper part of the strap is attached to the body of the glove to give a close fit across the base of the backhand."

We say: "Grippy"

Info

Price: £29.99
Stockists: www.prodirectsoccer.com

They say: "PUMA introduces its latest v1.08 design, highlighted by a X-ray version of PUMA’s leaping cat logo on footwear, apparel and accessories. Launching in time for this summer’s 2008 European Championships, the new v1.08 design will be worn by PUMA stars at Euro 2008™ including Nicolas Anelka (FRA), Mario Gomez (GER), Freddie Ljungberg (SWE), Alex Frei (SUI), Gianluigi Buffon (ITA) and Mauro Camoranesi (ITA). Along with the X-ray logo, the new line also features vibrant color touches and creative details that are uniquely PUMA and allow you to “show your inside on the outside”. The new v1.08 boot features an X-ray skeleton PUMA cat logo on the medial side of the boot and the skeletal outline of the foot on the insole. A striking electric blue colorway makes the boot standout from the rest as well as the “brain” pattern on the shoe’s microfiber upper."

 

We say: "Canny."

Info

Price: £120
Stockists: 0845 123 7862.
URL: www.pumafootball.com

They say:

"The Speciali has developed a reputation as a classic boot chosen by those players who favour simple elegance over modern designs. Over the years, the boot has been associated with many players but most notably Alan Shearer who scored the majority of his 313 career goals in the Speciali. Now, with the launch of the 2008 version another bastion of English football has chosen to wear the boot – Michael Owen. Other notable past players include Rivaldo, Henrik Larrson, Steve McManaman and Mark Hughes."

We say:

"Smart."

Info Price: £59.99

Stockists: 0161 492 2222.

URL: www.umbro.com