The best football boots of all-time, including adidas Predators and Nike Mercurial Vapors

The best football boots of all-time, including adidas Predators and Nike Mercurial Vapors
King Henry VIII wore the first noted pair of football boots in history back in 1526.Since then, the evolution of both the game and its accessory, have improved considerably. The aimless hoofing of a weighted pig skin in thick, ankle high, cumbersome footwear is thankfully in the past.Modern football boots are much more colourful and varied10
Modern football boots are much more colourful and varied
In the last two decades, boots have also taken on a more colourful look.While black was once the only option, the garish colour schemes now range from red to yellow, as modern players are more fashion conscious, keen to match with their kit, while also expressing themselves on the pitch.There are a huge number of boots out on the market over the years, but here are a list of the greatest to ever be worn.

Mizuno Wave Cup

If, like me, you were lucky enough to watch Brazil at World Cup 2002, you will recall Rivaldo wreaking havoc in attack alongside Ronaldo and Ronaldinho en route to a fifth competition win.The Barcelona legend famously equalised against England and did so wearing these classics.A clean white upper with the famous yellow and blue incorporated into the logo, the boot was elegant and slick, perfect for a technically gifted play-maker like Rivaldo.Rivaldo shone at the World Cup in 200210
Rivaldo shone at the World Cup in 2002

adidas F50 +

A year after the first ever F50 design was released prior to Euro 2004, adidas continued to push the boundaries in their quest to take over the football boot world.Ahead of their time with a leather upper to cover the laces and allow for a larger strike zone, the boot was aimed at tricky wingers and quick attackers, while the midfield generals remained in the Predator.The likes of Arjen Robben, Damien Duff and Djibril Cisse were among the most famous wearers and several different colourways were launched. A personal favourite being the black and white combination. Over the years, the boot has changed its style, but this is probably the best model made.Damien Duff wearing a pair of F50’s10
Damien Duff wearing a pair of F50’s

Nike Air Zoom Total 90 III

The hugely popular boot was the third edition of the silo and was introduced for Euro 2004. At that tournament, Wayne Rooney announced himself on the world stage with a series of breath-taking performances, scoring four times. Sadly, the boot was unable to prevent him breaking his foot as England were beaten by Portugal on penalties in the quarter-finals.Rooney starred at Euro 200410
Rooney starred at Euro 2004

Nike Tiempo Legend 2005

When Ronaldinho smashed the ball repeatedly against the crossbar, he did so wearing a pair of R10 Tiempo Legend boots.It became the first YouTube video to smash 1 million views and at the time, the Barcelona superstar was perhaps the only player that made you doubt whether this audacious trick was genuine or simply an illusion.Either way, the boot and Ronaldinho were both golden.The customised golden boots Nike made for Ronaldinho10
The customised golden boots Nike made for Ronaldinho

Nike Air Zoom Total 90 II

If you have been following closely, it will quickly become apparent that 2002 was a good year for football boots.One of my first pairs of boots, the second edition of Total 90s were designed for power and accuracy and the laces were reconfigured to the side, allowing for a cleaner connection.The boots were worn by some of Nikes leading names including Paul Scholes, Francesco Totti, Roberto Carlos and Luis Figo.Paul Scholes talks about the Nike boot at their HQ in 200210
Paul Scholes talks about the Nike boot at their HQ in 2002

Puma King

Long before adidas and Nike were dominating the boot world, Puma were the leading brand.Pele, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff and Lothar Matthaus were among the star names to take to the pitch in a pair of Kings.In one of the most famous and shameless examples of marketing, Pele halted the quarterfinal match at the 1970 World Cup to tie his boots, allowing the camera to get a close up of his famous feet.Maradona at the 1986 World Cup10
Maradona at the 1986 World Cup

Nike Mercurial Vapor 2002

While the Mercurial adventure had begun four years prior and the famous image of a dejected Ronaldo wearing the boots around his neck after the final gave Nike further publicity, it is the second generation that is considered their best.Inspired by sprinters’ shoes, the boots allowed for acceleration and smoother control. Once again the boot was made for that iconic tournament, 17 years ago and will be remembered for R9 finishing as top scorer, including two against Germany as Brazil lifted the World Cup.Nike released these for the 2002 World Cup10
Nike released these for the 2002 World Cup

adidas Copa Mundial

Sometimes, you just cant beat a classic and this has to be rightly considered as one of the best boots ever, simply due to its longevity and appeal among all levels.Released way back in 1979, the Copa was developed for the 1982 World Cup and was the lightest boot on the market at the time.While there is nothing aesthetically outstanding about this boot (especially in the modern era), the durable leather upper and iconic black and white colours have made this legendary.Adidas released the boot in 197910
Adidas released the boot in 1979

2002 adidas Predator Mania

For many, the best boot of all time. Chances are you are now somewhere in your mid 20s and early 30s, meaning your first World Cup would likely have been the one in Japan and Korea in 2002 and this is where the two became synonymous.The Mania coincided perfectly with the tournament and was showcased by some of the greatest players in the world and it seemed like every other star was wearing a pair that summer.Beckham in the famous Predator Manias10
Beckham in the famous Predator Manias
Zinedine Zidane scored THAT winner in the Champions League final wearing these and who didnt want to be David Beckham.The free-kicks, the crosses, the famous red tongue pulled down as far as possible, Adidas went all out to make the then England captain the most marketable footballer of all time and he became just that, while donning a pair of iconic Predators.Its simplistic red, black and white only add to its enduring legacy and the Mania is still fondly remembered by boot aficionados.

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