Elite series place in the soccer market...

NIKE WC Elite Boots

With the introduction of elite boots by Nike and now adidas we have seen the price of boots increase. Furthermore, many of us Footy fans wonder why the increase in price, who is buying these boots, and why form an elite series/professional level boot is being available to public.

Adidas SL/Elite version of the adiPURE IV

The first answer to the price increase is the materials used but also with the boots weight is a major factor for consumers/players. Since the rise of the mercurial series boots have been dropping weight to what we now call the speed boot race. Over the years manufacturers/companies have put millions of dollars into testing and development to create the lightest boot on the market. It is called an elite boot because it is the top of the line, materials, weight, and not to mention it is what you see the professionals wearing. In the end, you are ultimately paying for the technology that went to produce the boots.

Furthermore, with these boots set at the prices they are at people keep wondering why make an elite boot, who is buying these boots? Well if you are an elite or serious soccer player in the world you want the best technology and the best boot money can buy. I have tested cheap boots in the past and compared to an elite boot there is no comparing. The comfort, fit, and performance enhance your ability on the field and are far superior then its knock down boot. Furthermore, equipment plays a major role in sports but in soccer specifically the boot you wear says a lot about you and your needs as a player in order to get the job done on the field. I personally believe there is a certain boot for everyone and that certain/perfect boot depends on your foot shape, the level of soccer you play, and position.

In the end, I believe football companies created another series/silo specifically focussing on the athletes needs and wants, that is why it is elite. However, through satisfying their needs companies like Nike and adidas have made a new silo which it geared towards the professionals or players that play at a high level that want the best money can buy. In this, by creating the elite series boots football companies were able to introduce a new silo/series to give consumers more options. The test subject were the elite boots Nike created for the world cup which were very successful and created a demand for elite boots because consumers saw those boots/specs and wanted the best money could buy, they did not care about the price point but rather cared who was wearing it, how much it weighed, and how cool it looked.

In my opinion, players/boots are categorized by four different categories;

Elite level- new market
Pro level
Club level
Intro level

Why do you think consumers are now buying the elite vs the pro level boots? Technology, fit, performance? I am interested in hearing other peoples opinions regarding the elite series of boots. Negatives, positives, etc.

BLACK AND YELLOW CTR 360 II ELITE-" Thank me later"

Constructed from Kanga-Lite synthetic leather for enhanced control and precise distributon in all conditions and with a carbon fibre soleplate for elite performance, the CTR Maestri II Elite offers ultimate comfort, support and touch.

Source: EBAY/CLARITYS

Nike Tiempo IV; Dat New 'NEW'

Tiempo IV will also have an elite version to the series which includes fly wire.

The Tiempo series which is Nike's classic football boot has undergone little to no change in recent launches which has consumers wanting more from this boot/series in terms of style, price, and technology. What is so attractive about the Tiempo series is the price of the boot and the narrow cut of the boot which is perfect for players with narrow feet looking for a boot with an old school feel and look. In addition, with the purchase of these boots unlike other Nike boots you are not left with sticker shock after you buy these because for what you are buying in terms of style, price,durability and technology they are justifiable. Furthermore, Nike had to innovate this series due adidas recent success and growing popularity of the adiPure. I have said this many times but based on the value of the boot, the adipure is at the top of its class. I do not know how adidas does it, but to produce a boot and put it at a retail cost of $130 is beyond my and every other footballers wildest dreams. The price and the boot are HOT! Especially with the recent introduction of the adiPure IV, which shits pure class in opinion. The boot is tremendously well done and has a new school and an old school feel all at the same time which is hard to beat.

AdiPURE IV; Unreleased RED color way

However, with this launch and reconstruction/development of the Tiempo IV i think footy fans will be very pleased with the new style, design, and technology of this boot when it hits stores this summer.

Well fans I hope you enjoy the specs and leaked photos on this post. Nike has come to play with the creation of the Tiempo IV... The boot will come in an elite version, the regular version will feature a twist of kanga-lite and k leather a boot/upper that no other Nike Teimpo boot has seen besides the elite World Cup version, and the drop down version of the Tiempo which will feature a calf skin upper also looks to be a contender in terms of price, materials, and style in the boot market.

Key Information regarding the launch:

• Will have an elite version composed of flywire and carbon fiber outsole.These will be spendy but it will be an elite version which means it is superior in materials used, the weight of the boot, and do not forget the price tag that comes with a Nike elite boot.
• Tiempo Legend IV will feature a kanga-lite upper.The kanga-lite upper will help reduce the weight of the boot and make it more water resistant in wet conditions. Due to the change in upper this boot will be lighter then the Tiempo III.
• Launch date 7/1/2011

Windchill/Dark Obsidian/Chlorine Blue Nike Superfly II

• Family: Mercurial
• Made In: Imported
• How Attached To Upper: Cemented
• Insole Material: EVA foam
• Insole Removable: yes
• Lacing: Central
• Outsole Performance features: Toe-off traction spikes
• Primary Upper Material: Teijin microfiber
• Stud Material: PU
• Stud Shape: Bladed
• Suitable For: Firm Natural Surfaces
• Weight: 7.8 oz.

Nike Vapor Superfly III

Here is a close up look of the Super Fly III. Not sure why it is labeled as the next Super Fly because after seeing images around the net, the boot looks like a mirror image of the second version of this Nike elite boot. The boot still has fly wire, sense studs, and carbon fiber outsole.

Only time will tell footy fans. In my opinion, this series needs to be revamped by the Nike development team. The boot has not changed in the past two years and Nike Football fans are ready for something else/new.

Is the Nike Superfly dead?

With adidas releasing the prime at a somewhat high price at $300 Nike and the rest of the vapor series have taken a back seat in the innovation kitchen. In my opinion, the superfly is dead and to increase demand for the boots I think Nike need to look within and more specifically brand Jordan. Make the superfly that boot that is released in crazy cool color ways but make it a limited launch and maybe only the first 1000 consumers get a pair. Why use this business model? Well if I remember from economics you need to have demand for a product to be a successful company. By limiting the amount sold it will increase demand... In the end, the superfly is old news, mercurial fans are ready for the next best thing to hit the pitch from Nike. If Nike has cards to play they better play them soon because once the prime comes out next month everyone and anyone will be wearing those boots. Its simple to buy them, as a consumer you are purchasing the lightest boot in the game, there are no negatives to that.

Do you guys like the superfly, what are your impressions/experiences with this boot?

Tiempo III ELITE?

Check out these crazy boots, World cup Tiempo elite. Boot has the upper of the WC Tiempo with the superfly out sole. Good combination/innovation?

Nike Vapor VII

In the past couple of seasons/launches Nike has changed the Mercurial Series by offering unique colors like purple, pink and lime green to grab consumers attention.  However, but in terms of technology/appearance changes the boot has been very meek, and as a consumer I am ready for something new. I believe Nike has all the tools they need to make the next Vapor aka VII the best we have ever seen. For example, if Nike took a moment to look back in time at past Vapors they will find technology and styles that still appeal to Mercurial fans today. Why not take a step back down memory lane and combine a couple different vapors/technologies and form an elite Vapor that brings something new and fresh to the market.

However, i hate to inform you followers but from the looks of it Nike once again changed the color and that is about it. Some bloggers believe that with the Vapor VII, Nike took away the Nike skin/lace cover and brought it back to the straight lacing look i love. Never the less, I have seen two different pictures of the Vapor VII and each one is different.

Which boot/style would you prefer? Do you like the lace cover?