The 10 best/sickest football boots of 2016
2016 has in many ways been a terrible year. We have lost great personalities like Muhammad Ali, recently George Michael and naturally Harambe. We look on the bright side though and countdown the Unisport HQ Top 10 football boots of 2016.
10. PUMA evoTOUCH SE
PUMA really surprised quite a lot of people by introducing their first football boot with a sock: evoTOUCH. Since then the hype has sort of dropped a bit, but that shouldnât rob it of a spot on our list. PUMA have started something interesting with many of the technologies on their evoTOUCH and it is definitely in the Top 10 this year.
The leather upper, combined with the best sock-construction on the market, makes the evoTOUCH a unique experience for the feet. The only minus really, (unfortunately a very large minus) is the front foot, which is way too high. This makes it slightly clumsy for some, but I can guarantee you that this is something being adjusted by the PUMA design team as we speak.
9. Nike 'What the Mercurial'
Design-wise this is probably my absolute favourite boot of the year. The "What the..." concept was transferred to the Nike Mercurial this spring and the inspiration came from some of the most iconic Mercurial boots through the year. Only 3000 pairs were made worldwide and they were all sold in seconds. Your number nine of 2016!
8. Umbro UX Accuro
Probably this yearâs surprise entry on the list. Donât mistake this for some sympathy inclusion though, because this football boot deserves a spot on this list. Umbro have upped the UX silo considerably with this Accuro model. The boot was presented with the motto âDeadly Comfortâ, which I still have no idea what that is supposed to mean. Luckily Umbro spent all their efforts on creating a boot that delivered amazing comfort and ball control, not thinking about the marketing motto.
7. Nike Tiempo Legend 6 Pirlo
A class act like the Pirlo signature boot naturally has to make the list and if my colleagues hadnât argued, I probably would have put it even higher on our Top 10 list. The entire design and experience of this Tiempo Legend 6 is so well made that it puts all other signature boots to shame. No Pirlo, No Party - in other words; No Top 10 list without Pirlo.
6. Nike Magista Obra 2
The entire launch of the Magista Obra 2 was not quite as hyped as the first Magista, but when people starting picking up on the radical design, the launch colourway quickly became one of the most sought after boots in the world. Heel problems fixed, updated Dynamic Fit Collar and crazy new ball feel. This boot and the launch is definitely among the 10 biggest in 2016 and naturally has to be on this list.
5. Nike Hypervenom Phinish
One of 2015âs biggest disappointments was the Hypervenom. Nike managed to practically ruin one of their best football boots in one fell swoop. However, the popular business âFail fastâ-mantra also applies to football boots and the 2015 mistake was needed to achieve success in 2016 and beyond. Nike reverted the upper and put the soul back in their Hypervenom this year, which paid off big time. Nike are already working on the Hypervenom III, which I can reveal isnât very far off now, but the learning from the 2016 Hypervenom boots will prove invaluable.
4. adidas X16+ PureChaos
We are edging ever closer to the podium spots. Just outside the top three we have placed adidasâ 16+ PureChaos. Some of the worldâs most dangerous attackers play in this boot, with the roster including Diego Costa, Karim Benzema and Thomas MĂźller. The TechFit sock gives lots of support around the ankle, the PureCut Sock system removes the experience of annoying laces and the the fit is really nice and tight. That it looks nice also helps, and if we think back over the year, then the Dark Space colourway really stands out. Has it all really!
3. Nike Mercurial Superfly V
Since 1998 the Nike Mercurial silo has been at the forefront of football boots. No other football boot has on a continuous basis managed to reach the same levels throughout all those years. This year saw an update for the Superfly and it goes straight to third place. Admittedly, some love the anatomical soleplate, while others canât stand it, but that shouldnât distract from the fact that a new generation of Mercurial is always going to be one of the highlights of the year.
I could also just as well have added the Mercurial Vapor XI here, but in the end I picked the flagship Superfly-model. However, let the record show Vapor is just as deserving of a spot though!
2. adidas ACE 17.1 Primeknit
In second place we find the adidas ACE 17.1 Primeknit. We havenât had too much time with the boot yet, but the first impressions are immense. Especially the new sock-construction is fantastic and gives a tighter fit than before. The ACE 17.1 will by some be considered a downgrade from the PureControl, but for goodness sake please donât be that guy. Itâs in second place on merit and if you want a good start to 2017, then this is the way to go!