Tottenhams Resurgence

Tottenham experienced an extremely difficult start to the 2008/09 season. After 8 games, they found themselves bottom of the table with only 2 points and a sacked manager. Juande Ramos came in for a great deal of stick, and bore the brunt of starting the season so badly after leading Spurs to glory in the Carling Cup in his first season. Losing Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov impacted the team hugely, as they struggled to get things going up top. But over the past few games things have really changed. Darren Bent and Roman Pavlyuchenko are starting to form a strong partnership leading the team to 3 wins and a draw in their last four games. So, what cleats are these players wearing?

Funnily enough, Bent recently changed cleats, moving from Nike cleats to the Umbro SX Flare - White/Navy/Gold. These cleats seem to have ignited his goal scoring touch, having bagged 7 goals so far this season and 5 in the last 5 premiership games. The Umbro SX is designed for improved motion and touch control. It has an anatomically designed insock that helps improve comfort. Not only are they made of Kangaroo Leather, but Michelin have partnered with Umbro to develop an advanced PU control print system applied to the front and upper area of the cleat. This helps to increase ball control, touch and help in passing accuracy. These cleats are more of a wide fit, and weigh 9.4oz.

Pavlyuchenko has only scored 2 goals in the Premiership, but both of these have come in his past 3 games and have been winning goals. His partnership with Bent is sure to be the key to Spurs challenging climb up the table. Pavlyuchenko wears the adidas F50.8 TUNIT Russia Upper. The F50.8 is a unique cleat as it allows you to change the top to any style available that you like. Before Euro 2008, Adidas released many different uppers for the qualified countries. The Russian upper comes in a main white, with red stripes and a blue Russian symbol on the tongue area. It has a second density, clear 3D heel/bottom unit. As with other Tunit F50.8 uppers, it has a covered lacing system that allows for increased striking area.

With Spurs still in the Uefa cup, and having knocked out Chelsea in their quest to retain the Carling cup, it is probable that we will see more of the Bent/Pavlyuchenko relationship and their cleats!

Newest Released Cleats Review

So what are the newest cleats on the market? Here is a look at what pro's in England and Europe are taking to the field.

Patrice Evra debuted the new Black/Orange Blaze Mettalic Silver Nike Total 90 Laser II. This is the newest color release of the Laser II series. The cleat that is most worn in the English Premiership, has an innovative front panel called the Shotshield system, which increases the 'sweet spot' area.

Others to wear the cleat include Evra's team mates Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand, Liverpool's Fernando Torres, and Real Madrid's Wesley Sneijder.
Check out the commercial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nmcl2qq85Vs

Designed for speed, the new Puma V1.08 was released for the start of the 2008/09 season. The newest version is available in a black/white/olympian blue. The lacing in these cleats is off center, allowing for a better distribution of of pressure on ball impact.

These cleats are worn by Tottenham's David Bentley, Chelsea's Nicolas Anelka and Mauro Cameronesi of Juventus.
Check out the commercial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nty9NVINL_4

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Michael Owen is the center piece of Umbro range of cleats, and their 2008/09 release the Umbro Speciali Anatomical has aided with Owen's goalscoring this season. With Newcastle struggling at the bottom of the table, Owen has continued to score goals! The laces on this cleats are shorter than on normal cleats, allowing for a better striking area.

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The Reebok Sprintfit Lite Pro have just been released onto the market in this gold/red/black design. It follows the success of the Reebok Sprintfit cleat, and these new cleats own the title of Reebok's lightest cleat available on the market currently. These cleats are perfect for the speedy player who looks to dribble fast with the ball close to their feet.

These cleats will be debuted by both Thierry Henry of Barcelona, and Manchester United's Ryan Giggs.

David McGill: Umbro

Name: David McGill
Position: Center Midfield
Team History: UNC Charlotte 2000-01
UCSB 2001-03
Dublin City 2004-06
Shamrock Rovers 2006-07
Shelbourne 2007-
Cleat size: 9-91/2
Sneaker size: 10

Preferred cleat? Umbro
In one sentence why? Because I have broad feet and they are a broad fitting boot.

What do you look for when choosing a cleat?
A boots comfort is the priority, not its label. If the boot is not comfortable then you will not be able to play to your best. Second would be the leather of the boot, make sure it’s a good quality so it can last more than one tackle!

How much would you pay for the ‘perfect’ pair?
I wouldn’t really have a limit on a price. If I'm comfortable in the boot then I'd pay whatever the price is, be it $20 or $200.

What advice would you give to people when purchasing new cleats?
First and foremost is comfort. I would always have at least 2 pairs of boots, 1 pair of molded and 1 pair with studs, but usually I try to have 2 pairs of each. This is because of the weather conditions here in Ireland. The 4 pairs should do me for the season. To break in my boots I’d ask someone with a slightly bigger foot to wear them in training once or twice. If you can't get someone that will do that then put on a couple of pairs of socks, soak the boots in water and wear them in training yourself.

Are there any tips you can give for maintaining cleats?
Always look after your cleats by washing them as soon as training or your game is over. A good polish or some leather balm on them when they have dried should also help increase lifespan.

David plays professionally in Ireland for Shelbourne FC. He had a very successful career in college, before turning down the chance to sign for LA Galaxy, opting to sign for Dublin City, who were at that time in the FAI First Division.
He is best known in Ireland for scoring the winning goal in the first division play-off in 2006, helping Dublin City FC win promotion to the Premier division for the first time.