These were a big disappointment, a boot I was sold on by the physical appearance. True, they look sick, I love the red/black color-way, I think my heart ruled here, dreams of them matching the FC7 kit, probably made my imagination run away. I grew up watching David Beckham, with his retirement, the Predator range lost it's focus and fans sought something to fill that void.
These are FG boots, and I think with hindsight they fall into the full on FG category, which favours them for grass surfaces, as such I'm probably being harsh when I criticise the stud config. Most FG boots are playable on 3G (remember you void the warranty if you do, officially, but asides from that, they are perfectly fine and it's a personal preference when it really comes down to it). It's a question of aggressive grip vs mobility. The shape of FG studs aren't conical, and are sharper, so they grip the turf tighter.
FIT: Size up - 11
In short, the sizing is awkward. I tried a 10, and an 11....and both were fine length wise, but the width is just too narrow. It strangles your foot, during my 1st game I had to swap them out for some TF trainers I had travelled to the game in. I also twisted my ankle slightly due to the overly aggressive studs. They have a leather upper, but it seems a lot stiffer than other leather boots I've tried out. It feels beautiful to the touch, but once I put it on, it felt like there wasn't any give I could look forward to.
My 2nd game was a struggle too. I felt they had stretched a bit, but were still overly restrictive. If you size up, then the boots are just too big while finally giving you the comfort mid-foot. So it doesn't work, it's like one of those puzzles with the missing square. Any ideas of sizing up or down, cause even more problems. I'll try to give these boots more time, it's only fair but when we do boot reviews it's hard not to compare them to others, so you can't avoid seeing so many glaringly obvious failures in a boot.
My personal opinion, is that other boots feel more comfortable either straight out of the box or after a game minimum. I'll give them a couple more games on my return to see if the discomfort declines and improves, but I'm wary of the over aggressive studs in terms of an injury. I guess that sums it up. I had such a bad experience with them and they crossed the line when they tweaked my ankle. They don't rightfully deserve another chance.
The tongue covers the lacings, and has a cool elastic strap which wraps around the boot to keep it in place. It has that David Beckham vibe and physically, this boot looks sexy. BUT, I'm all for style but the substance must be there, the tongue, pulls down low, so there is a cavernous feel round your ankle. Speaking of Becks, he was a big fan of this freedom, for me, its akin to wearing trainers with the laces undone, it just felt incomplete. People may have differences of opinion on this, so try them on and see what you think.
I'll be honest and come back and amend this review IF I do see improvements in the fit, but from initial impressions it doesn't bring what the other boots bring to the carpark let alone the party and its marked accordingly.
Price: £60
Fit: Go 1 size up and even then you will stuggle
Tech: Tongue covers lacing with elasticated latch, leather upper
Comfort: Incredibly tight around midfoot, loose lockdown around ankle
Look: Beautiful, but unwearable
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