These football boots are engineered from a combination of synthetic materials, delivering great touch and strike of the ball. Covering the forefoot and the lace-cover, the microfibre material provides an incredible feel. Furthermore, this is covered with a print application to increase friction, ball control and accuracy.

A textile material, as featured on the Puma v1.815 Ferrari boots, is used in the medial and lateral quarter. This material is strong and durable, after being treated with a dirt and water-repellent coating. Moreover, the outsole provides a solid and stable heel counter made from a TPU material, which moulds into the sole-plate. Embedded into the forefoot of the sole-plate is a carbon-fibre plate, positioned to distribute pressure and react to the foot flexing. A unique stud configuration is mounted on a lightweight frame and shaped for smooth ground penetration, optimising traction.

• Mizuno Wave Ignitus

The Mizuno Wave Ignitus delivers unrivalled power and speed in an amazingly light football boot, which is made of a super soft kangaroo leather upper. There are grooves on the instep of the boot offering enhanced control and touch when needed the most, whereas the deeper grooves on the forefoot give added spin to deliver a more deadly shot or pass. Finally, the Mukaiten panel on the instep of the boot provides extra power and an unpredictable flight path, making it harder for a goalkeeper to stop the ball.

• Nike Tiempo Legend III

The Nike Tiempo Legend III’s upper is constructed from super soft kangaroo leather, leading to supreme comfort. Furthermore, the fold-down tongue and the formed heel provide cushioning and stability, whilst the re-engineered outsole allows for increased leather on the medial side of the football boot. The Firm Ground version involves a combination of conical hollow rubber studs and moulded blades, designed to compress under pressure and cushion any strike impact. These studs have also been positioned strategically in order to provide maximum grip and stability.

• Nike Total 90 Laser III

The Nike Total 90 Laser III features a specially designed upper of premium lightweight Teijin synthetic leather, which is renowned for its durability, together with a side lacing system combined with the alternate eyelet holes creating a cleaner kicking surface. Moreover, there are fins across the front of the boot allowing the player to better swerve and control ball. A memory foam surface underneath the first metatarsal and tongue area evens out pressure on your instep bone structure, increasing kicking accuracy. Meanwhile, a carefully designed TPU outsole places studs at the best locations for structural reinforcement and traction on the pitch.

ReActiveArch technology comprises a concave-shaped sole providing cushioning, stability and reactivity. Furthermore, the ridges on the upper part of the Fuerzapura insole provide arch massage whilst aiding circulation and the absorption of lactic acid.

The sole-plate of the Lotto Fuerzapura L100 football boots incorporates the unique Twist’nGo pivoting stud, which manages the stresses of fast directional changes. This improves performance when accelerating, stopping and turning whilst reducing the risk of injury.

Note that Lotto have also released a leather version of the Fuerzapura using supersoft kangaroo leather, which is uniquely stitched for increased durability.

This boot features Reebok’s revolutionary heat-activated U-FORM performance technology, giving a unique customised fit . . . practically a second skin.

One is required to heat the boots up at 93 degrees, and, in just over 3 minutes, the UF logo on the heel changes colour.

Then, one is to simply lace on the boots and relax for around 8 minutes in order to have a boot customised to the shape of the feet. Note that Reebok claim this process can be repeated successfully over 50 times.

Science aside, the Instante Pro II includes Reebok’s Power Unit and Power Frame, providing support for the foot and improving shot power.

A lightweight synthetic upper is designed to make this boot light as well as durable, with raised rubber vamps adding ball swerve.

Smoothfit lining is combined with a non-slip lightweight sockliner, making the boot move in harmony with the foot and ensuring maximum comfort.

The Puma PowerCat 1.10 football boots are available in a striking Silver / Black / White colour combination, featuring a graphic printed on the outstep. This shows that Puma are becoming more adventurous with their colourways and designs.

Puma PowerCat 1.10s  have recently gained support from the likes of Tomáš Rosický, Peter Crouch, Giorgio Chiellini, Michael Carrick, Bacary Sagna, Shay Given and Nemanja Vidić.

Puma have opted for a natural material, using supersoft premium kangaroo leather for the boot’s upper, thus enhancing comfort and leading to better ball feel. These cleats also feature an off-centred lacing system, as favoured by many top players. This enhances ball touch, increases the kicking area and improves pressure distribution.

PowerLast technology is used here. This an evolution of the AptoLast, improving fit by following the foot’s natural contours. Furthermore, we have a removable sockliner, providing cushioning and shock absorption.

Note that, with plain black studs, this football boot has a more reserved soleplate than previous adiZero colourways.

The synthetic upper version of the F50 adiZero weighs merely 165 g, thus being adidas’ lightest football boot to date. A thin SprintSkin single layer synthetic implies that this cleat does not get heavy even in wet conditions.

An asymmetric parallel lacing system moves off-centre to create a cleaner kicking surface, whereas a Taperlace system reduces any unnecessary material between the foot and the ball. The top of the lace area has also been made wider, so tied laces will not get in the way as much.

Triangular Traxion studs are placed at strategic positions across the sole unit, helping with respect to the distribution of pressure and giving improved directional grip. The studs are positioned rather close to the outside of the sole here, giving greater stability, which is essential in order to create one of the fastest boots on the planet for the best world footballer.

The adidas F50 adiZero football boot has been the top-scoring boot of the 2010 World Cup, and it has won several converts from other brands like Louis Saha, Nicolas Anelka and John Carew.

• adidas F50 adiZero

By weighing merely 165 g, the adidas F50 adiZero makes even the world’s fastest players faster. Fitting like a second skin, the new single layer synthetic SprintSkin II reduces the weight of the boot, which is made from a high density PU synthetic and features unique internal TPU support bands for increased support and stability. Furthermore, there are Traxion studs for maximum acceleration and faster turning.

• Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly II

The Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly II is tougher than ever before, featuring a new adaptive traction plate with two pressure-activated studs for superior grip and instant acceleration, irrespective of the conditions. Moreover, the ultra-thin Teijin synthetic outer layer is enhanced with specifically placed ball-control coating on the forefoot, whereas a lower profile sockliner increases cushioning and support.

• Puma v1.10 SL

Tipping the scales at approximately 150 g, the Puma v1.10 SL is the lightest football boot available, with a super lightweight Pebax frame forming the outsole base and carbon-fibre composite inserts in the midfoot. AptoLast technology ensures that the upper interior conforms to the natural curvatures of the foot, whilst a cut away external heel counter strips out excess weight without compromising stability and strength.

Without a doubt, these are top-end performers, going against the modern culture of colourful speed boots.

Pantofola d’ Oro generally create high quality leather football boots, with classy minimalist styling.

Note that these cleats bear the name of the family who established the brand . . . furthermore, Pantofola d’ Oro translates as ‘golden slipper’ because the Lazzarini’s football legend John Charles remarked that they were as such.

Every pair of Pantofola d’ Oro football boots is handcrafted in Italy to the highest standards of craftsmanship, using the softest kangaroo leather available.

A lightweight and flexible football boot is thus created, moulding to the natural contours of the foot for exceptional comfort, ball touch and ball feel.

The Lazzarini Canguro football boots are finished with a timeless design featuring subtle branding and no bright colours.

It is interesting to note the Reebok Instante Pro II’s customisable fit by utilising U-Form technology. To activate this, you warm the boots through in an oven, with the U-Form Logo in the heel then changing colour and indicating that the boots are ready for moulding. Afterwards, you would have to put your feet into the boot and relax.

The idea is that the lining and some of the components in the upper become more malleable and bend around the contours of your foot. Then, as the boot cools down, the materials set into position around your feet, giving the Reebok Instante Pro II a completely custom fit.

- A soft microfibre upper for light weight throughout the game

- A water-resistant, but breathable, microfibre providing great comfort

- U-Form technology gives the perfect fit, customised to each player’s foot shape

- The TPU frame allows the player to dribble at speed

- 3-D logo printing ensures minimal weight addition to the boot

- Off-centre lacing and the short tongue reduce weight whilst giving an optimum fit during the game

- The external heel counter provides extra heel protection and stability

- The Power Unit outsole ensures a limited loss of power when striking the football

- A reinforced carbon-fibre composite insert in the forefoot provides energy-loading when running and minimal loss of power when kicking the ball

The adiPure range has gained a reputation for comfort and ball feel, boasting excellent wearers like Frank Lampard, Diego Milito, Xabi Alonso and Nigel de Jong.

The performance kangaroo leather upper used is extremely soft and comfortable, with the vamp being stitched and tailored to player movement and ball strike.

The sole-plate features Traxion technology for optimal grip and pressure distribution, with the stud tips being textured to improve ball control in all weather conditions.

The laces are asymmetrical for a cleaner kicking surface, with an independent padded tongue combining with the soft padded boot collar for a snug fit. Moreover, the lining of the sockliner is almost like suede; it is non-slip to prevent rubbing.

These adidas adiPure III cleats combine the required softness at the fore of the boot with a solid and strong structure at the heel. The external heel counter has been extended for maximum stability and protection, to reduce the stress on the achilles tendon and provide superb comfort.

Edgar Davids returned to competitive football by starting in Crystal Palace’s Carling Cup match against Portsmouth in the new Black / Warning / Warning adidas adiPure IIIs, after having starred in some of Nike’s best advertisements in his prime.