Nike Mercurial SL

The background for the Nike Mercurial Super Light (SL) was to create a football boot with no design or financial limitations. Taking money, time and manufacturing considerations out of the equation, Nike set about producing the lightest, fastest football boot possible.
The Nike Mercurial SL weighs only 185g and is made almost entirely of carbon fibre. Something which, until this point, had never been done before. The Nike Mercurial SL is being marketed as the football boot brand’s most lightweight, most highly responsive yet flexible and strong football boot to date. A football boot featuring only what’s needed without giving up any performance.

Initially designed in the style of a concept car: to lead innovation, to drive new ideas, to push the boundaries in design and engineering, the development process for the Nike Mercurial SL took 3 years, spanning four continents. The Nike Mercurial SL has been specifically designed to cater for the fastest football players, and as such will be primarily sported by Chelsea’s Didier Drogba and Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo. As a limited edition football boot, it is likely to become one of the most sought after football boots on the market. Only 2000 pairs of the Nike Mercurial SL have been produced and each pair will set you back a cool 400 euros.

Sole

Nike worked with a partner in Germany to create a 7 layer carbon composite material interwoven with TPU and polyurethane to maximize the material of the sole. With no lasting board, the structure is in the sole itself. The construction gives the player torsional stability to offer greater propulsion across the field. The foot is closer to the ground, giving players a smooth ride. A reinforcing rib adds support to the foot, increasing impact resistance and preventing reverse bending during a hard toe kick. The carbon fibre is woven together at angles to provide the most flexible, lightweight, foot-fitting support without sacrificing strength.

In Korea, cleats and stud tips were injection moulded on to the sole-plate, creating a single outsole piece. The traction of the cleat is built for a fast athlete, allowing for quick acceleration across the field with or without the ball. The Nike Mercurial SL has a minimized heel bucket keeping the heel in place.

Upper

In Montebelluna, Italy, at Nike’s Research Centre, engineers created a new process enabling them to mould the carbon fibre into a soft performance upper for the football boot.

The black aesthetic of the football boot is dictated by the colour of the carbon fibre. The pink Swoosh is the only added element. “It invites you to take a closer look so you’ll see the detail and the beauty of the football boot” explains Nike designer, Peter Hudson.

He goes on to say: “With the Mercurial SL, we’ve truly delivered on a promise – as a lightweight, high performance football boot for acceleration, the Mercurial SL sets a new standard not only for football performance, but as a conceptual product without limits – a product based entirely on a vision. We created a new design and aesthetic vernacular for football.”

INCHworm: Shoe That Grow with Kids Feet

It's easy as 1,2,3 because it's only 3 step to resize the shoes.
1. Push the button
2. Pull the shoe to increase the size
3. Pull again to increase to a bigger size

The shoe come up with 3 different size.
Here is the explanation about the iFit technology used by the shoe.

Built right into INCHworm shoes is the iFit technology. The iFit technology allows you to GROW the size of the shoe with a simple push of the button. So eliminate unnecessary trips to the shoe store and provide your children with better fitting shoes that last up to three sizes longer. Inchworm shoes grow in half size increments. Just push the button on the side, and pull the toe of the shoe to adjust into the next size.

Inchworm Venice in Silver. Inchworm shoes are design specially for kids, both boys and girls. These shoes grow with your kids as your kids feet grow, one full size in two half size increments. With the I fit System you have the possibility to adapt the shoes to your children feet. Inchworm shoes are made in two parts with rubber outsole & PU midsole for the best comfort and support with anatomic insole and latex heel pad. The uppers are made from quality leathers and synthetic mesh. Inchworm shoes will last approximately 3-6 months longer than an ordinary pair of shoes. Simply push the button on the side of the heel and watch in amazement as the shoe grows.

Asics New Gel-Kinsei

The GEL-KINSEI featured a revolutionary system of rearfoot cushioning and load guidance based on discrete units of dual density GEL. This world’s first technology is chiefly responsible for the extraordinary ride. Just very recently the technology became available to include also a discrete forefoot set-up, including discrete GEL units - as initially planned in the original blueprint. With discrete rearfoot and forefoot technology, the NEW GEL-KINSEI showcases the most sophisticated midsole technology ever conceived.
Ground-breaking is also the asymmetrical lacing design. Working on the principle that the topography of the foot is asymmetrical. The lacing of the NEW GEL-KINSEI follows the actual anatomical profile of the foot, and therefore curves in a medial direction. The result is the most optimal fit.

In terms of upper material technology, the NEW GEL-KINSEI adds the incredible nanotechnology of Cuprothermo, a nano coating of fibre with metal endowing the upper of the NEW GEL-KINSEI with amazing insulating properties.
Other updates are the new Propulsion Trusstic for better responsiveness. New P.H.F. (Personal Heel Fit) for better heel fit. New Space Trusstic, giving weight advantage and better stability. Plus a unique Wing Construction to contribute to side-to-side stability.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Upper: Cuprothermo, synthetic leather, Biomorphic Fit, Personal Heel Fit, 3M reflective, Asymmetrical Lacing Design.
Sole: I.G.S., SoLyte mid-sole, Pebax heel plate, dual-density GEL units, Space Trusstic, Propulsion Trusstic, AHAR+ heel, DuraSponge rubber forefoot.
Features: SoLyte 45 lasted, Wing Construction, removable ComforDry sockliner.

NEW GEL-KINSEI : TECHNOLOGY ENCYCLOPEDIA

1 . FORE FOOT DISCRETE SOL E:

The GEL-KINSEI featured a revolutionary system for rearfoot cushioning and load guidance based on discrete units of dual density GEL, a world’s first technology and chiefly responsible for the extraordinary ride.
Due to availability of new existing technologies, the NEW GEL-KINSEI includes rearfoot and discrete forefoot GEL units, as part of the discrete set-up. The result: Multiplane, multidirectional, instantly responsive load recognition and deflection. Uncompromising athlete protection and a superb ride.

2 . ASYMMETRICAL LACING DESIGN:

The NEW GEL-KINSEI introduces a radical new upper system that redefines the Biomorphic Fit System. This new version acknowledges the asymmetry of the foot. The shape of the foot is not a pyramid.
Rather the highest point of the instep is concentrated medially. The Asymmetrical Lacing System follows the actual anatomical profile of the foot and therefore curves in a medial direction, resulting in a brilliant fit.

3 .CUPROTHERMO:

On top of the Spacemaster UV-technology, the NEW GEL-KINSEI adds the incredible nanotechnology of Cuprothermo. This nano coating of fibre with metal endowes the upper of the NEW GEL-KINSEI with amazing insulating properties. In a cold climate, it maintains in-shoe warmth – but in a warm climate, the reverse is true. Then the Cuprothermo reflects heat and maintains a cool in-shoe climate. Also, Cuprothermo improves hydrophilicity and reduces static electricity caused by shoe-surface friction.

4 . PROPULSION TRUSSTIC:

The all new ASICS Propulsion Trusstic System is the next generation of I.G.S. technology. It follows the principles of enhancing the normal engineering advantages of the foot, working with it to provide stability and push-off power. In other words, it copies the anatomical design of the plantar surface of the foot. The ASICS Propulsion Trusstic System functions just like the ligaments responsible for converting the foot to a powerful, rigid lever and providing a platform for the tremendous load of forward motion. The PU (Polyurethane) Propulsion Trusstic unit extends medially and laterally providing powerful bands which are cross-linked to stabilise the midfoot and forefoot. The Propulsion Trusstic is anchored proximally and integrates with the rearfoot cradle. The result: extraordinary strength and power in propulsion combined with great responsiveness and efficiency.

5 .NEW P.H. F . ( PERSONAL HEEL FIT ) :

ASICS P.H.F. works with Biomorphic Fit Technology to provide the best upper fit and function possible. The latest P.H.F. features a unique tri-layered construction, including 2 separate layers of 7mm memory foam and one 7mm layer of sponge foam. The new P.H.F. system holds the athlete in the shoe like never before.

6 . SPACE TRUSSTIC:

The NEW GEL-KINSEI builds on the original Space Trusstic Technology, designed specifically to enhance windlass mechanics and generate the unique ASICS ride. It features no Polyurethane in order to reduce weight. This also contributes to the speed image and sleek lines of the shoe. The seamless integration of the Space Trusstic gives the NEW GEL-KINSEI unsurpassed stability and ride.

7 .WING CONSTRUCTION:

The NEW GEL-KINSEI features a unique wing construction over the medial and lateral heel counter designed to improve side-to-side stability and maintain foot position within the shoe. From a design perspective the look is definitely fast and aggressive.

Adidas Predator History

Adidas Predator had been known as the world's best selling football boot. The common feature of the Predator range is the presence of rubber patches or strips on the top of the shoe that, according to Adidas, increase power, swerve, and accuracy when kicking the ball. In early 1990's Craig Johnston, former Liverpool winger from Australia, came up with the idea of attaching rubber patches with teeth-like dimples to the outside of the kicking area of the boot in order to apply extra spin to the ball when passing and shooting, this prototype design then become the first Adidas Predator series.

The Series

Predator (1994)

The First Adidas Predator introduced on the occasion of World Cup '94 in USA. This shoes makes the player had more power, more control and more swerve when kicking a ball with more accuracy. Adidas Predator proving to be a revolution in football footwear with the technology innovation considered as the greatest since the screw-in stud had been introduced.

Predator Rapier (1995)

Adidas Rapier also known as Adidas Predator II, is an update from the former model. The rubber-fins get a re-design to offered a greater ball control and increased power. Another improvement was it offered a more natural fit to the foot. Predator Rapier was the first who had a fold-over tounge design.

Predator Touch (1996)

The Predator Touch meant a change in many ways. It featured the Traxion (trx) studs which enabling increased grip. Traxion studs where rectangular and anatomically placed in sole. Before, studs had always been round. The Predator Touch first seen on EURO 1996.

Predator Accelerator (1998)

To coincide with the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, Adidas launched the Predator Accelerator. With a more anatomically sound and professional fit, the football boot included asymmetrical loop lacing providing a larger, cleaner kicking surface to eliminate missed shots and passes.

Predator Precision (2000)

The Adidas Predator Precision was launched during the EURO 2000, with exchangeable TRAXION studs: XTRAXION. A merge between some of the leading football boot innovations ever: the idea of exchangeable studs from 1954 and the Predator and TRAXION technologies of the mid ‘90s. The exchangeable Traxion studs that were fitted by the tightening of a minute screw. These studs were available in various lengths that made the boot adjustable to ground conditions as is possible with the classic screw-in soft-ground studs. There were however some reliability problems, as the studs would come loose quite often, thus needing more constant maintenance than the classic screw-ins.

Predator Mania (2002)

The 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea-Japan was the launch pad for the Predator Mania. As a much lighter Predator football boot, the Mania featured a split outsole construction. The renewed configuration of the Predator compound allowed players to give the ball even more swerve than before.

Predator Pulse (2004)

The Predator Pulse presented in 2004 featured the new PowerPulse technology for the first time. The PowerPulse unit, relocates only 40 grams of weight to the front of the shoe, achieving an increased power transfer of 3% in every kick. This means increased ball speed and ultimately less reaction time for a goalkeeper when the ball is shot on goal. The Predator once again confirmed its status as the world’s premier football boot, selling well over two million pairs in 2004 and 2005.

Predator Absolute (2006)

Adidas unleashed its most accurate, lightest and most powerful football boot at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany: the Predator Absolute. The 8th generation of Predator features the revolutionary Exchangeable PowerPulse technology, allowing players to add power to taste!

Predator PowerSwerve (2007)

Adidas' newest version of the Predator, the PowerSwerve, achieves eight percent more swerve and increases the power behind every shot by around three percent, compared to its predecessor. The dynamic Powerpulse and engineered Predator technology elements shifts weight toward the point of impact as you kick, whilst adding forefoot power (Power Zone), allowing more powerful shots and increased flexibilty. Increased shot and pass swerve is achieved by enhanced Predator technology in the Swerve Zone at the side of the football boot.
More about Predator PowerSwerve.