Nike Tiempo Legend 7 AG version review

I've been wearing the Nike tiempo line a long time, but at long last I was able to go back to the 7th Tiempo Legend version. This time though I was lucky enough to a find a pair of the artificial grass version on sale.

Puma Evopower Vigor Leather & Nike Tiempo Legend 7 AG

There are three features that make this leather boot stand out from the market. However Nike seems to be following the trend of tongueless boots with inner frames for stabilty that have become the norm in the market. For instance in the same category, we have leather boots such as Mizuno Rebula (not tongueless), Adidas Copa 18.1 and even the latest Puma One 18.1. I want to remind also that the leather version on Puma Evopower Vigor has similar tongueless sock-like seamless design.

When it comes to performance, the legend 7 is a quality choice even though the durability in in question since after only a couple of abrasive sessions one boot started to show some tearing of the leather upper so much so that I had to reconsider using the boot for high-speed training sessions. That said, I found the performance otherwise to be outstanding. The internal frame supports your foot but the lock-in sensation is lacking although the suede heel liner is cushioned and velvety. So far the touted grip insole feels no different from regular insoles. In reality, with abrasive surfaces and hard turns, your feet is likely rub against the insides of the shoe and cause blisters no matter what innovation is added to the the concept.

The stud pattern is befitting for the modern AG surfaces and the stud length provides necessary grip for firm ground natural grass. However the outsole and the stud pattern combined feel a bit inadequate when playing on harder surfaces and you can expect enough stud pressure to make you want to reconsider at least a thicker insole. Overall feel of the shoe is light and compact, unlike some of the leather models in the market which do feel more stiff and clunky compared to sleek and lightweight. Shooting and touching the ball feels seamless in spite of the fact that the cow leather is not of premium quality compared to some of the kangaroo leather models of rival brands.

Overall Nike Tiempo Legend 7 is a solid leather boot with some modern innovative features. However compared to the leather boot market available at the moment, Nike's leather game is lamentably under performing in regard to the synthetic boots choice the company is promoting. The little brother of the Nike leather football boots, Nike Premier II, is equally marred with quality problems though the softness of the leather, lower price and classic design has equal appeal to Adidas Copa Mundial models.

Overall score 8/10

Mizuno Morelia Made In Japan version review

It's been a while I updated this blog. Hoping to bring new wind here, I will some provide football boot reviews to spice things up.

Mizuno Morelia Made in Japan

Japanese sports brand Mizuno might be unfamiliar to many football lovers, however the likes of Brazilian power forward Hulk, Japanese star Keisuke Honda and Italian midfielder Thiago Motta wear each different model of Mizuno. Just during last summer's world cup, Motta wore the black & white classic looking Morelia.

A classic heritage boot

Mizuno Morelia trusts in aeon's old recipe of kangaroo leather with minimalistic clear design. No gimmicks there, you can easily compare it to rivals such as Adidas Copa Mundial & Nike Tiempo series. That said, what really makes Mizuno Morelia MIJ version stand out is the fantastic quality that oozes out of this release. Although the boot is really pricey because of fact that the boot is hand made in mainland Japan & a part of limited professional series, a boot enthusiast might not want to miss a chance of owning a pair of extremely elusive release. Mizuno also makes MIJ-versions of the speed model Morelia Neo that might suit speedsters more than this heritage boot. Getting a pair of Mizunos at all in Europe or in North America can be troublesome. First of all, it's hard to get the size right without an opportunity to try out different fits. Needless to say I was lucky to find just the right size with just a guess. Sizewise I'd say Mizunos are roomy and wider set of players because of the spacious fit. I'd say this release can be compared to sizing of Adipure or 11pro.

Regular Morelia vs Morelia MIJ 

There are some major difference between the two, but first you'll probably notice there's a variety of different looking Morelias, for instance some models have tongue whereas others don't. A MIJ version lacks the tongue as well. There might also be a difference in the stitching of the boot. The Morelia MIJ has similar crossing stitching like the 11pros which will eventually prevent the leather from streching, even in wet conditions. The MIJ only has firm ground (FG) soleplate with 13 round studs which will work well with newer generations of artificial grass as well.

No matter which Morelia you might or might not end up with, comfort is guaranteed. Same thing with leather as always, it works best if kept in top condition. That means a lot care and clean up. I recommend avoiding too wet conditions, because soaking the boot isn't going to do good with leather and all.

Here's to show a comparison between European size 42 (US 9) cleats. First one on the right is Adidas Adipure IV SL. Next to it is Mizuno Supersonic Wave 2, then Mizuno Morelia MiJ and the last one is  a second generation Adidas Adizero F50 leather version.  We can obviously see in this photo that the both Adidas cleats have a narrower heel, whereas Mizunos both are a more round at the heel. You can see the Adidas has a slimmer fit due to the sprint frame soleplate.

Overall score 8,5/10 

Mizuno Morelia II FG Japan Edition (not a sponsor site):

http://www.prodirectsoccer.com/Products/Mizuno-Football-Boots-Mizuno-Morelia-II-FG-Japan-Edition-Firm-Ground-Soccer-Cleats-WhiteMorpho-82612.aspx