Mandarina Sports

Adidas Chelsea Third Kit 13/14

2013-07-27T09:50:00.001-07:00

adidas and Chelsea FC have today revealed the new third kit for the forthcoming 2013/14 season. Fresh from the successful launch of the new home shirt through the innovative “It’s Blue, What Else Matters” campaign, adidas have delivered a standout kit to be worn in select away fixtures across the 2013/14 season.

The new kit is designed to represent “the future of football” with sleek matte black-on-black prints lining a mesh panel which allows for optimal ventilation. The futuristic design is further complimented by the metallic silver three stripes which run down the sleeves and the black and silver finish to the club badge.

The new design continues a tradition of black-based kits manufactured by adidas for Chelsea, since taking over the contract in 2006. Black is a colour long associated with the club as the first kits featured black socks until 1959, with the first all-black away kit debuted in the 2002/03 season.

The traditionally-styled black kit features the latest adidas technologies to ensure that it gives the players an edge on the pitch. ClimaCool technology provides a mixture of heat and moisture controlling materials, ventilation channels and 3D fabrics to improve air flow to the skin in key heat zones.

Nike Manchester United Away Kit 13/14

2013-07-27T00:50:00.001-07:00

Manchester United will play in a new away kit this season boasting the iconic gingham check from the city’s industrial heritage.

The new away shirt, unveiled during the club’s pre-season tour in Japan at Osaka Castle, features the gingham used on last season’s home shirt with a bigger, bolder design.

The shirt’s large black and midnight navy gingham checks represent Manchester’s proud industrial past when the check was produced in the city’s booming cotton mills in the 18th century. Manchester United, and the city, have been built with the same hard working ethic and the club has always been the city’s football factory.

The collar is a black round neck and on the back of shirt, on the neck, is a white woven devil from the United club crest. The club crest at the heart of the jersey is an embroidered monochromatic midnight navy and white.

The new away shorts are midnight navy with a thin navy blue stripe on the hem at the back while the new away socks are navy blue with a white stripe between two black stripes, with the traditional United bar design.

The new kit showcases Nike’s committment to aiding the performance of players with key technological benefits. The kit is made from recycled polyester as part of Nike’s commitment to produce performance apparel with reduced environmental impact. The shirt and shorts of each kit are made from up to thirteen recycled plastic water bottles.

The fabric uses Nike Dri-FIT technology to draw sweat away from the body through the fabric where it can evaporate, to keep players cool and dry. Ventilation zones, consisting of tiny laser-cut holes, feature under the arms on both sides, as well as at the shorts waistband, to allow additional comfort and cooling. A mesh panel across the entire back increases air circulation.

The shirt has been crafted with bonded T-bars to support the seams at key points and inner welded seams with a clean finish to give a more striking appearance, while also increasing comfort and performance.

Adidas Real Madrid Away Kit 13/14

2013-07-26T19:38:00.001-07:00

adidas and Real Madrid are proud to present the official away jersey for the 2013/14 season. The kit takes its inspiration from the successful early years of the club in the 30s ,40s and 50s. This celebrates the period that saw Los Blancos grow into, arguably, the most recognised club side in world football.

Real Madrid is a football Club with more than a century of history. From the mythical Chamartín to the current Santiago Bernabéu. Over the years Real Madrid has become one of the biggest clubs on the planet with some of the best players in the history of world football donning the famous all-white. Legends such as Puskas, Gento, Di Stefano and Zidane created a legacy that forms the blueprint of everything Real Madrid is about today.

After releasing the new home kit, adidas and Real Madrid wanted to create an away kit that was inspired by an unmistakable retro style. The combination of colours, royal blue with white, mimics some of the away kits worn during the illustrious period of the 30s, 40s and 50s. Refreshed this time with a touch of orange, creating a continuous link in style with the home shirt.

For the very first time this new kit uses a “melange” fabric which includes a cotton finish, helping to achieve the retro look that has been inspired by some of the club’s former jerseys whilst also featuring all of adidas’ latest technologies. The new Real Madrid away kit is available in official Real Madrid and adidas stores, online and in all good sports retailers.

Nike Manchester City Away kit 13/14

2013-07-23T21:00:00.001-07:00

For the 2013-14 season Manchester City will play in a new Nike-designed away kit that honors the club’s history and founding fathers. The club unveiled the kit today in Hong Kong as part of its pre-season tour.

City was founded as St Mark’s in 1880 before becoming Gorton AFC in 1884, and then Ardwick AFC between 1887 and 1894. The new City away shirt has a subtle half-and-half design, a graphic element that reflects Ardwick AFC’s design in the 1890-91 season. The colors represent Gorton AFC, who played in black.

The away shirt features a grandfather collar, a long placket and a stand at the back. The Manchester City crest, Nike Swoosh and sponsor’s logo are all in gold to reflect the Club’s most recent successes. The new away shorts are black, and the away socks are black with a dark charcoal band at the top.

This new kit showcases Nike’s committment to aiding the performance of players with key technological benefits. The kit is made from recycled polyester as part of Nike’s commitment to produce performance apparel with reduced environmental impact. The shirt and shorts of each kit are made from up to thirteen recycled plastic water bottles.

Adidas Orlando Pirates Home&Away Kits 13/14

2013-07-20T07:26:00.001-07:00

Adidas have revealed the new Orlando Pirates Home and Away kits for the forthcoming 2013/14 season. Last season the Club opted for a white home jersey variation, as a celebration of some of the great Orlando Pirates team kits of yesteryear. For the forthcoming 2013/14 season though, the Club has decided to return to the more recent variation of an full black kit for their home strip.

“We are proud to once again support Orlando Pirates this season as we continue our strong relationship with this legendary club,” commented Gugu Ntuli, PR Manager at adidas South Africa. “Our designers have created what we believe will be an iconic jersey, as it further entrenches a strong emotional connection with the colour black and stimulates a pride in the jersey and the Club itself with the fans,” added Ntuli.

Other than returning to a full black strip, the jersey has also taken on a few new design elements such as V-shaped neck detail done in red piping and silver treatment of the illustrious adidas 3 stripes on both the shoulders and shorts as well as player names and numbers, moving away from the traditional white – a first for Pirates.

While the away jersey remains red due to the great success and identity that has been created in this variation over the past couple of years, the away jersey will also include the same design elements used on the home jersey.

Accompanying the launch of the new Home jersey has been the Black is Back campaign, which was introduced during teaser stage and will be continued well into the 2013/14 season. “adidas worked closely with the Club to introduce the kit in a stimulating and fresh visual way, utilising strong and starkly contrasting campaign imagery to play up the heritage of the colour and it’s symbolism to the fans,” stated Lauren Haakman, adidas South Africa Brand Manager.

Mickey Modisane, PRO at Orlando Pirates Football Club, added: “We are excited to return to black. We also wanted to involve the Club’s most ardent supporters in the campaign because we recognise the role of our supporters in the success of our Club. ‘Black is Back’ is a strong statement and we chose the phrase Ezimnyama Ngenkani to accompany it, as it perfectly describes the Club and its supporters – black and proud.”

The kit features the latest adidas technologies to ensure that it not only evokes pride in the jersey but gives Orlando Pirates an edge on the pitch. TechFit is Designed to help improve speed, endurance and awareness, TechFit stabilises muscles and focuses energy. This helps players to generate explosive acceleration and deliver maximum power output.

Adidas’ ClimaCool technology provides a mixture of heat and moisture controlling materials, ventilation channels and 3D fabrics to improve air flow to the skin in key heat zones meaning that when the body heats up during exercise, for instance, ClimaCool ensures that the athlete remains cool.

The new home and away kit, which Orlando Pirates will play in for the first time during the CAF Champions League game against AC Leopards of Congo at the Orlando Stadium on the 20th July 2013, is now available.

Nike Kaizer Chiefs Home Kit 13/14

2013-07-20T07:23:00.001-07:00

In a departure from the diagonal stripes proudly sported by last season’s double-title champions and South Africa’s most celebrated club, the Kaizer Chiefs’ new home kit goes back to basics with the return of the gold jersey for the upcoming season, which kicks off in August. In keeping with the club’s traditional gold and black colours, the new jersey pays homage to the club’s rich heritage, evoking memories of the team’s first league title in the 1970s. The new kit references the success of the “Glamour Boys” of this period and is further inspired by the Chiefs’ return to glory with its 2012-13 season victory.

The classically-styled gold jersey features a black collar and black trim on the sleeves. The iconic “Chief” insignia is embossed on the inside back of the neck, a point of pride for Kaizer Chiefs players. The new home shorts are black, paired with gold socks with a solid black stripe.

The kit showcases Nike’s belief in style, craft and pride while aiding the performance of players with key technological features. The kit is made from recycled polyester as part of Nike’s commitment to produce performance apparel with reduced environmental impact. The shirt and shorts of each kit are made from up to 13 recycled plastic water bottles. In the pioneering process, plastic bottles are chopped into flakes, then melted down to form yarn that is spun into fabric, reducing energy consumption by up to 30 percent compared to manufacturing virgin polyester. Since 2010, Nike has diverted more than 1.1 billion plastic bottles from landfill through the use of recycled polyester. The kit weighs just 150 grams, 23 percent lighter than previous Nike kits. It also boasts a 20 percent stronger knit structure and significantly improved stretch.

The fabric uses Nike Dri-FIT technology to draw sweat away from the body through the fabric where it can evaporate, to help keep players cool and dry. Ventilation zones, consisting of tiny laser-cut holes, feature under the arms on both sides, as well as at the shorts waistband, to allow additional comfort and cooling. A mesh panel across the entire back increases air circulation. The shirt has been crafted with bonded T-bars to support the seams at key points and inner-welded seams with a clean finish to give a more striking appearance, while also increasing comfort and performance.

Nike Mamelodi Sundowns Home Kit 13/14

2013-07-20T07:22:00.001-07:00

Mamelodi Sundowns football club next season will play in a new home kit inspired by design trends in international football. Boasting a tonal yellow gingham pattern, the subtle new design remains true to the traditional colours and heritage of the club, while including some contemporary twists.

The “Brasilians,” as the team is affectionately known (their uniforms remind fans of the Brasilian National Team kits), will don the new jersey, featuring a classic collar and green trim on the sleeves, at the start of the season in August. Paired with royal blue shorts and white socks with yellow trim, the new kit captures the club’s flair and tradition. The Sundowns’ famed logo featuring the club’s motto: “Sky is the Limit” is proudly emblazoned on the chest of the jersey, while the inside back of the neck reveals the club’s logo.

The new kit showcases Nike’s commitment to produce performance apparel with reduced environmental impact. The shirt and shorts of each kit are made from up to 13 recycled plastic water bottles. In the pioneering process, plastic bottles are chopped into flakes, then melted down to form yarn that is spun into fabric, reducing energy consumption by up to 30 percent compared to manufacturing virgin polyester.

Since 2010, Nike has diverted more than 1.1 billion plastic bottles from landfill through the use of recycled polyester. The kit weighs just 150 grams, 23 percent lighter than previous Nike kits. It also boasts a 20 percent stronger knit structure and significantly improved stretch. The fabric uses Nike Dri-FIT technology to draw sweat away from the body through the fabric where it can evaporate, to keep players cool and dry.

Ventilation zones, consisting of tiny laser-cut holes, feature under the arms on both sides, as well as at the shorts waistband, to allow additional comfort and cooling. A mesh panel across the entire back increases air circulation. The shirt has been crafted with bonded T-bars to support the seams at key points and inner welded seams with a clean finish to give a more striking appearance, while also increasing comfort and performance.

Nike Juventus Away Kit 13/14

2013-07-20T07:20:00.001-07:00

Nike and Italian champions Juventus today present the club’s away kit for the 2013-14 season. The color scheme reflects the club’s strong link to its home city of Turin, whose colors are yellow and blue. The kit design is inspired by the club’s winning past while the contemporary look aligns with the big challenges it will face in Europe in the new season.

The shirt worn by Juventus during its glorious 1983-84 Cup Winners’ Cup victory serves as specific inspiration for the new jersey. The sleeves are edged with two horizontal stripes in black and white to reflect the traditional colours of Juventus.

The shirt has a stylish polo cut and modern fit. Design details include a yellow collar with black-and-white border, and the club shield with founding year 1897 set inside the neck. Two side splits in the shirt with contrasting blue inserts match the shorts.

The new away shorts are blue with a yellow Swoosh at the hem of the left leg, and the socks are yellow.

The kit showcases Nike’s belief in style, craft and pride while aiding the performance of players with key technological features. The kit is made from recycled polyester in accord with Nike’s commitment to produce athletic wear with a low environmental impact. The shirt and shorts of each kit are made from up to thirteen recycled plastic water bottles. In the pioneering process plastic bottles are melted down to form yarn that is spun into recycled polyester, reducing energy consumption by up to 30 percent compared to manufacturing virgin polyester.

Since 2010, Nike has diverted more than 1.1 billion plastic bottles from landfills through the use of recycled polyester. The kit is made of fabric weighing just 150 grams, 23 percent lighter than previous Nike kits. It also boasts a 20 percent stronger knit structure and significantly improved stretch. The fabric is integrated with Nike Dri-FIT technology to draw sweat away from the body to keep players cool and dry.

Nike embarked on an innovative program creating 3D body scans of some of the world’s leading footballers to produce a more athletic fit tailored to the contours of their bodies. It has been crafted with bonded T-bars at the junctions of the shirts to support the seams and inner welded seams with a clean finish to give a more striking appearance while also increasing comfort and performance.

Nike Arsenal Away Kit 13/14

2013-07-20T07:18:00.001-07:00

Arsenal’s new away kit for the upcoming season fuses the club’s traditional away colours of yellow and blue with a distinct contemporary style. The shirt is yellow with a blue polo collar and deep blue cuffs on the sleeves, both featuring a thin yellow stripe. The polo-shirt collar reflects the best of London style, from fine gentleman’s tailoring to urban street wear.

The new away shorts are blue, and the socks feature the traditional Arsenal hoop sock design in blue and yellow. The club was the first to wear socks featuring hoops in the 1930s under the innovative stewardship of manager Herbert Chapman.

“The kit looks and feels great. Arsenal is synonymous with yellow and blue and I think this new design fuses that tradition with a modern twist. I can’t wait to get out on the pitch and wear it,” said winger Theo Walcott.

In addition to providing the team with a striking new look, the kit also showcases Nike’s inherent belief in style, craft and strong aesthetics, while aiding the performance of players with a range of key technological features.

The kit is made from recycled polyester in accord with Nike’s commitment to produce athletic wear with a low environmental impact. The shirt and shorts of each kit are made from up to thirteen recycled plastic water bottles.

Under Armour Unveil New Tottenham Home&Away Kits

2013-07-20T07:15:00.001-07:00

Tottenham Hotspur Football Club today unveiled the Club’s new Under Armour Home and Away kits for the forthcoming 2013/2014 season with the Third kit only being unveiled later this summer.

The new home kit features a white shirt with blue and white taping around the neck, blue shorts and blue socks, which pay tribute to the kits worn during the Club’s successful 1960s period. The bespoke Cadet Blue in the home kit is the deepest, darkest blue that Spurs have worn. From head-to-toe the away kits are in a new energetic bright blue dubbed Capri.

The new Under Armour kits are extremely light, weighing only 3.8 ounces. These are the quickest drying kits ever produced by the brand, with the fabric drying 50% faster than previous shirts. Embedded with the brand’s patented HeatGear technology, players are ensured to remain cool and light, even in the harshest weather conditions.

The kits are available to pre-order from today for delivery on the 10th August, the same date they go on sale at the White Hart Lane Megastore as well as the Club’s official website.

Performance Training Collection – designed with innovative product technologies to ensure players train their best in all weather conditions. The technical innovations within the authentic home and away kits are also evident within the training apparel ranges. In the warm months, Tottenham Hotspur will feature HeatGear shortsleeve training t-shirts and training shorts to keep players cool.

As the season progresses, the players will be able to sport a mid-layer top constructed in Under Armour’s Charged Cotton STORM technology to keep players dry. Treated with a water resistant finish, Charged Cotton STORM repels rain and snow for all-weather training. Finally, as the winter months approach, Tottenham Hotspur will benefit from Under Armour ColdGear and Under Armour STORM fabrications, keeping the players warm and dry with technical layering quarter zips and jackets.

Adidas Finale 13 UEFA Champions League Ball

2013-07-20T07:11:00.001-07:00

In 2000/02 Adidas unveiled their first Finale Uefa Champions League ball featuring the now famous star motif. Now, ahead of the new season, Adidas have unveiled the new Finale 13 – official match ball for the UCL 2013/14 group stage.

Adidas often match the balls colourway with a host of other products – so don’t be surprised if we see this new Red/Silver/Black colourway featured on a pair of boots and GK gloves later on this season. The new ball will make it’s on pitch debut during the first round of Champions League group matches, which get underway on 17th September with the final at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon on Saturday 24th May.

Warrior Liverpool Third Kit 13/14

2013-07-20T07:09:00.001-07:00

Liverpool FC has revealed its latest collaboration with Warrior, completing the 2013/14 range with its new third kit design. Building on Liverpool FC’s history of iconic, statement-making kits, design inspiration stemmed from the Club’s 1995/96 away strip.

“The third kit completes a strong and dynamic range of new season looks for LFC,” says Richard Wright, head of Warrior Football. “The kit not only delivers a technical story, but also looks striking and unique on the pitch.”

Ian Ayre, Managing Director at Liverpool FC, agreed by saying: “The third strip completes our full kit for the 2013/14 campaign and we are delighted to share with fans a kit range that has a mix of historic and contemporary touches. The team will play in the third kit during appropriate domestic cup games and away Premier League fixtures.”

Set over a dominant black base with striking white and purple trim details, the paneling first seen on the 1995/96 away shirt has been reworked into three contemporary tiles and consists of the full colour palette. Contrast panels on the shirt’s sleeves reflect detailing in the socks, while colour-blocked shorts work to balance the overall look.

In line with the home and away versions, an embroidered Liver Bird sits prominently as the Club crest, while two commemorative Eternal Flames and a 96 logo are positioned on the nape of the neck.

Constructed using War-Tech, Warrior’s revolutionary apparel technology system, the away kit is powered by breathable, moisture-wicking War-Tech fabric. Four-way stretch mesh paneling under the arms and across the back of the shirt facilitates optimum ventilation, allowing for added comfort and temperature control in core heat areas.

Chelsea Away Kit 2013/14

2013-06-06T14:53:00.003-07:00

adidas and Chelsea FC have today revealed the new away kit for the forthcoming 2013/14 season. The new strip is available now for pre-order and will go on sale July 4, 2013

Fresh from the successful launch of the new home shirt through the innovative “It’s blue, what else matters” campaign, adidas have delivered a standout kit to be worn in select away fixtures across the 2013/14 season.

The new design leads with white as the primary colour, the sixth time a Chelsea away kit has featured this colour scheme. The strip is a clear homage to the club’s iconic white kits with blue and red trim during the 1960s.

The use of red makes a return with its first appearance on a kit since the 2010/11 season’s home shirt. The blue collar, adidas stripes and trim on the sleeves and shorts and blue socks ensure the kit is an instantly recognizable Chelsea kit.

The traditionally styled white kit features the latest adidas technologies to ensure that it not only evokes the meaning of being a true blue but gives CFC an edge on the pitch. adidas ClimaCool technology provides a mixture of heat and moisture controlling materials, ventilation channels and 3D fabrics to improve air flow to the skin in key heat zones.

Manchester United Home Kit 2013/14

2013-06-06T14:53:00.001-07:00

Next season, FA Premier League Champions Manchester United will play in a new home kit inspired by elements of the club’s successful history and the city’s industrial heritage.

The United home shirt features the return of the black collar, worn upturned with such brilliance by Eric Cantona during the club’s champion run of the 1990s.

Underneath the collar is a subtle tonal grey-and black-gingham check, first used on last season’s home shirt. The check represents Manchester’s industrial past, referencing the city’s cotton mills of the 18th century, which once produced the classic check fabric.

The tailored collar, with three buttons at the front and one at the back, represents the city’s sense of style. Two side vents at the hem of the shirt feature the same tonal black-and-grey gingham check that is found under the collar.

The new home shorts are white with a thin black stripe on the hem of the back. The home socks are black with a white stripe bound by two red stripes, and the traditional United bar scarf design appears on the back of the sock.

In the pioneering process, plastic bottles are chopped into flakes, then melted down to form yarn that is spun into fabric, reducing energy consumption by up to 30 percent compared to manufacturing virgin polyester. Since 2010, Nike has diverted more than 1.1 billion plastic bottles from landfill through the use of recycled polyester.

The kit weighs just 150 grams, 23 percent lighter than previous Nike kits. It also boasts a 20 percent stronger knit structure and significantly improved stretch. The fabric uses Nike Dri-FIT technology to draw sweat away from the body through the fabric where it can evaporate, to keep players cool and dry.

To aid fit and construction, Nike embarked on an innovative programme of 3D body scans of some of the world’s leading players to produce a more athletic fit tailored to footballers’ physiques. The shirt has been crafted with bonded T-bars to support the seams at key points and inner welded seams with a clean finish to give a more striking appearance, while also increasing comfort and performance.

Liverpool FC Away Kit 2013/14

2013-06-06T14:51:00.001-07:00

Warrior has officially launched the new 2013/14 Liverpool FC away kit. Channeling direction from breakthrough patterns and graphics featured throughout the 1980s and early 1990s,Warrior’s core inspiration behind the new design stems from the Club’s white and red 1981 League Cup-winning kit.

Head of Warrior Football Richard Wright says the brand worked closely with Liverpool FC throughout the design process. “We believe we have produced an away kit which stays true to the Club’s heritage but has a fresh look and feel. It has been particularly helpful having LFC involved in the process, emphasising the relevance of past kits which has helped us to design a strip fans will identify with.”

Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool FC manager, agrees. “A football strip fuses a team together; it is a Club’s uniform for players and fans. The fact that glimpses of the Club’s history appear in this kit is a really nice touch from Warrior,” said Rodgers.

Primarily white and black with elements of red, the overall kit carries a strong traditional look. The graduation of colour from the shirt down into the shorts and socks sparks strong interactivity between the three components. Beyond the traditional colour scheme, the neckline has been reworked to give the shirt a modern edge, while an eye-catching diamond print draws attention to its bottom half. Originally featured as part of the 1989/91 away version, the dynamic pattern is a refreshed interpretation of the detailed graphic.

“I like that this strip is different, the pattern and colours are fresh. It looks and feels great on and I can’t wait to wear it next season,” said Liverpool FC forward Daniel Sturridge.

In line with the new home kit, contrast detailing features on each sleeve. A fully embroidered Liver Bird crest sits on the shirt’s front, while two commemorative Eternal Flames and a 96 logo are prominently positioned on the back of the neck. Designed using War-Tech, Warrior’s groundbreaking apparel technology system, the away kit is powered by breathable, moisture-wicking War-Tech fabric. Four-way stretch mesh paneling under the arms and across the back of the shirt facilitates optimum ventilation while allowing for added comfort and temperature control in core heat areas.

Fans are encouraged to weigh in with their feedback about the new away kit by connecting with Warrior Football on Twitter using the hashtag, #RiseUpLFC

Real Madrid Home Kit 2013/14

2013-06-06T14:49:00.001-07:00

A less than successful and trophy-less season has come to an end and Real Madrid are set for a new era under a new manager. To make this Adidas have unveiled a fresh new kit for the 2013/14 season – one that features, for the first time on their home playing jersey, orange (and black) detailing.

Presented with the tagline ‘Real Passion, Real Madrid’, Adidas wanted to go a step further in innovation and product design. The highlight details for the first time are in orange, completely new hue for the Club, present on the side panels, collar and sleeves.

The torso has a subtle double pinstripe pattern running horizontally giving the shirt a different texture which is amplified when hit by light. It also features for the first time Real Madrid’s new shirt sponsor; Fly Emirates. The airline became a partner of the Bernabeu club last season, and places bettering site BWin as the main shirt sponsor.

The Home goalkeeper kit is predominately purple fading into blue on the front of the shirt. The shorts for the Real Madrid stopper are blue while the socks are purple with a blue band.

The shirt has been made with familiar technologies such as ClimaCool which helps the athlete to control body temperature and perspiration keeping players cool and dry on the pitch. Formotion form allows full movement of the body and Techfit enhances the output of muscles in key areas of the body.

Nike Hypervenom

2013-06-06T14:48:00.001-07:00

Nike today unveiled its latest football performance innovation — the Nike Hypervenom — at an event in Rio de Janeiro with Brasil striker Neymar.

The Hypervenom is a completely new boot created with feedback from top players including Neymar, Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. These players specified the need for a boot that could help them create space quickly in and around the penalty area, and get their shot off from any angle. They discussed the increased agility of opponents, referencing today’s defenders who are now as quick, agile and skillful as many of the world’s best forwards.

Brasil striker Neymar was most direct in his feedback: “Help me make space more often and more quickly. I want a boot that helps enhance my agility and gives me the space to get my shot off before I’m closed down.”

“Neymar’s input was invaluable. He had been wearing the Mercurial Vapor IX boot, a pure speed product designed to help athletes look and find space to beat a man. The Hypervenom focuses on creating the space in order to put the ball in the net. It’s a small but important nuance,” said Phil McCartney, VP Nike Football, Footwear.

The Nike Football design team, led by Nike Football Design Director Denis Dekovic, began by looking at the attacking forces in today’s game. “The game is changing. It used to be that speed was the focus of the attacking side of the game, but now everybody has pace,” Dekovic said. “The Nike Hypervenom is a response to the way the game is changing. Players want to be quicker, not just in a foot race, but quicker with the ball at their feet in small spaces. They want to create chances from nothing. These faster, more agile defenders need to be combatted and the Hypervenom is designed to do exactly that.”

The design team knew that the product had to re-examine the way boots were being created. “Traditionally a new boot will focus on an evolution of the fit, the upper material or the sole plate and stud configuration. The Hypervenom features new solutions for all of these areas,” said McCartney.

The Hypervenom’s upper is created using the new NIKESKIN system. This execution of NIKESKIN features a soft, supple mesh bound with a thin polyurethane film, and is finished off with Nike All Conditions Control technology (ACC) to provide the same level of foot-to-ball control in both wet and dry conditions.

“Mesh delivers an amazing level of comfort and feel. The athletes asked us to deliver a boot that gets as close as possible to the feeling of playing barefoot,” Dekovic said. “Mesh takes us a step closer to doing that and the All Conditions Control finish keeps the mesh dry.”

The Hypervenom also features a new foot last, removing excess materials to place the foot closer to the ground and ball. It is Nike’s most anatomical last to date.

Nike worked with some of the world’s top podiatrists to create a decoupled outsole that increases the player’s ability to make that important first step away from the defender. A groove in the forefoot helps to quickly activate the first metatarsal, the bone that defines reaction time of the foot’s first movement.

The chassis of the outsole features compressed nylon for a high-response plate that helps deliver strength while being incredibly light. The stud configuration and length is designed to allow for faster penetration of the surface, and ultimately a quicker release – all innovations designed to help players create space faster than ever before.

The new Nike Hypervenom will debut on June 2 in the Brasil v. England match on the feet of Neymar and Wayne Rooney. Other players set to wear the boot include Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robert Lewandowski and Danny Welbeck.

FC Barcelona Away Kit 2013/14

2013-06-06T14:46:00.001-07:00

FC Barcelona next season will play in new Nike home and away kits combining the club’s renowned tradition with their modern and progressive approach, creating a distinctly Blaugrana appearance.

For the first time, FC Barcelona will play in an away kit featuring the red and yellow of the Catalan flag — the Senyera — as the club’s traditional stripes.

The away shirt features a yellow-ribbed crew neck with red trim, amplifying the design of the home shirt. Bold yellow and red appears as the traditional stripes on the body and in the fade stripe on the sleeves. Inside the back of the neck is a luxury woven label featuring the club’s motto “mes que un club” (more than a club).

The new away shorts are yellow with a thin red stripe along each side, and the new away socks feature a thin red stripe at the top and the same yellow and red fade stripe from the sleeves fully engineered into the sock.

The kit showcases Nike’s belief in style, craft and strong aesthetics, while aiding the performance of players with key technological features. The kit is made from recycled polyester in accord with Nike’s commitment to produce athletic wear with a low environmental impact. The shirt and shorts of each kit are made from up to thirteen recycled plastic water bottles.

The kit is made of fabric weighing just 150 grams, 23 percent lighter than previous Nike kits. It also boasts a 20 percent stronger knit structure and significantly improved stretch. The fabric is integrated with Nike Dri-FIT technology to draw sweat away from the body to keep players cool and dry.

To aid fit and construction the jersey has been crafted with bonded T-bars at the junctions of the shirts to support the seams and inner welded seams with a clean finish to give a more striking appearance while also increasing comfort and performance.

FC Barcelona Home Kit 2013/14

2013-06-06T14:44:00.001-07:00

FC Barcelona next season will play in new Nike home and away kits combining the club’s renowned tradition with their modern and progressive approach, creating a distinctly Blaugrana appearance.

The traditional FC Barcelona red and blue stripes boldly return to the new home shirt with a modern graphic fade stripe featured on the sleeves. The shirt reflects the sublime simplicity of FC Barcelona’s style of play, which at first glance appears simple, but is in fact masterfully complex.

The jersey also features a vibrant yellow V-neck collar to represent the Catalan flag, the Senyera, which is also fully integrated in to the back of the collar. The red and yellow stripes of the Senyera also feature inside a side vent on the hem of both sides of the shirt. Inside the back of the neck is a woven label featuring the club’s motto “Mes que un Club” (More than a Club).

The new home shorts are blue, and the socks feature a thin yellow stripe at the top and a graphic red-and-blue stripe repeated from the sleeves.

Manchester City Home Kit 2013/14

2013-06-06T14:41:00.001-07:00

Manchester City Football Club will play in their first ever Nike home kit next season – a kit that pays homage to their heritage and reflects the club’s modern style.

Manchester City revealed the kit against the backdrop of the dramatic Manhattan skyline at the start of their week-long New York Tour. A supporting cast of City fans from Manchester and the surrounding five boroughs performed the crowd dance craze known as the “Poznan” as City stars James Milner, Matija Nastasic, Carlos Tevez and Pablo Zabaleta showed off the 2013-14 home kit.

The new home shirt is a classic football design, and unmistakably Manchester City, featuring a sky blue body with a white ribbed crew neck and white ribbed cuffs on the sleeves. The collar and cuffs also feature dark blue trim to represent the color of the socks City wore as a part of one of their first ever kits in 1892.

The Manchester City club crest is placed inside a shield shape on the new jersey. This is inspired by the city of Manchester’s coat of arms, which City used as their own club crest for special occasions including the 1956 FA Cup final. Inside the neck is a bonded woven label featuring “Pride in Battle, the translation of the Latin phrase “Superbia in Proelio.”

The new home shorts are white with a thin sky blue stripe along each side, and the socks are white with a sky blue band with dark blue trim at the top to represent the socks the club wore for more than half a century from 1892.

Commenting on the new Partnership and New York Tour, Tom Glick, Chief Commercial & Operating Officer for Manchester City, said: “We are delighted to join forces with Nike. Having them as our new Technical Kit Partner demonstrates City’s growing global appeal, and we look forward to working alongside Nike to build and engage our fan base around the world. Nike’s extensive distribution networks will ensure the Club’s presence in markets stretching from Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas and that our fans everywhere can find a wear a City shirt. We are also pleased to unveil our new look during our matches in New York and St. Louis this week. This is our third visit to the USA in the last three years, and we enjoy a fantastic following here. It’s an exciting time for soccer in the States, and we are big believers in its future. Passion for the game from fans and participants is strong and growing, and we look forward to playing a part in its on-going development.”

In the pioneering process plastic bottles are melted down to form yarn that is spun into recycled polyester, reducing energy consumption by up to 30 percent compared to manufacturing virgin polyester. Since 2010, Nike has diverted more than 1.1 billion plastic bottles from landfills through the use of recycled polyester. The kit is made of fabric weighing just 150 grams, 23 percent lighter than previous Nike kits. It also boasts a 20 percent stronger knit structure and significantly improved stretch. The fabric is integrated with Nike Dri-FIT technology to draw sweat away from the body to keep players cool and dry.

Updated and improved ventilation zones consisting of tiny laser-cut holes on both sides and across the entire back of the shirt, as well as at the shorts’ waistband allows more air inside the kit for additional comfort and cooling. To aid fit and construction the jersey has been crafted with bonded T-bars at the junctions of the shirts to support the seams and inner welded seams with a clean finish to give a more striking appearance while also increasing comfort and performance.

England Away Kit 2013/14

2013-06-06T14:27:00.001-07:00

Nike’s new England away kit evokes the team’s rich history, national pride and distinctive style. The kit sees the welcome return of England’s most popular and evocative red away color. First worn in 1951, England famously wore red shirts when they won the World Cup at Wembley in 1966.

The new away shirt is a modern classic with an entirely red body reflecting the pride and passion of England’s loyal fans. The shirt also speaks to England’s uniquely understated style heritage with a tailored collar. The placket has two buttons; the bottom one is red, while the top one is white with red thread to replicate the St George’s cross.

To celebrate the Football Association’s 150th anniversary, the iconic three lions crest is rendered in gold on the away shirt. A gold star above the crest celebrates England’s win in 1966; a gold ribbon graphic beneath proudly displays ”150 years” and the dates 1863 - 2013. The away shorts are white with another gold crest on the front, while the socks are red with a thin white band at the top.

Adidas Germany Away Kit 2012-2013

2012-02-16T20:43:00.001-08:00

Adidas have released their latest kit offering for the German national team ahead of the 2012 European Championships.

Die Mannschaft’s new kit is inspired by and honours the Euro 1972 winning West German team who defeated the Soviet Union 3-0 to earn Germany their first European Championship. The shirt features two tones of green for a subtle hooped effect. The white collar and white adidas branding over the shoulders and chest add to the classic retro look.

The colour green hasn’t been used on a German international shirt for 10 years and is a colour synonymous with German legends Franz Beckenbauer and Gerd Müller. Germany’s current crop of young stars such as Podolski, Ozil and Schweinsteiger will be hoping to replicate such success as they travel to Poland/Ukraine as one of the tournament favourites.

The inside collar has the dates 1972 and 2012 marking the forty year anniversary of Germany’s first Euro win. The three stars above the crest are coloured to match the green shirt. White shorts with green detailing and green socks complete the kit.

Germany will debut their new kit in an upcoming friendly against France in Bremen on 29 February 2012.

UEFA Champions League Finale Munich Ball

2012-02-11T22:39:00.000-08:00

The UEFA Champions League will kick-off once again when the round of Last 16 begins on February 14^th. Ahead of the knock-out stage Adidas have unveiled the new ball design for the final set to be held in Munich, Germany.

In a change from previous season the new Finale Munich ball will be used throughout the knock-out stage and not just on just on the 19^th May 2012 at the Allianz Arena. The iconic Champions League star motif stands out beautifully with this White/Slime/Cyan/Indigo colourway unique design elements.

The adidas Finale Munich 12 ball has received the highest FIFA rating for weight, water uptake, shape and size retention. The PSC texture, an advancement from the ‘pimple’ design, aids power, swerve and control in all weather conditions.

Star shaped panels are joined by revolutionary thermal bonding technology for perfect aerodynamics. Negating the need for seams and stitching benefits the ball prolonging the life and giving it a more predictable trajectory, better touch and lower water uptake.

New Brazil Home and Away Kit 12-13

2012-02-11T22:37:00.000-08:00

Nike Football’s new Brasil uniform for 2012-2013 celebrates Jeitinho Brasileiro (“The Brasilian Way”) – the spirit that encompasses the resilience, creativity and relentlessly positive and innovative approach that has helped make the Brasil National Team the most successful in the history of football.

The Brasilian home jersey, affectionately known as Amarelinha (“Little Yellow One”), has become a revered national symbol that represents both the hopes of the Brasilian people and their vibrant and diverse culture.

In line with Nike’s commitment to superior athletic performance and lower environmental impact, the fabric of the new shorts is made with 100% recycled polyester, while the fabric of the jerseys is made with at least 96% recycled polyester. Kits are made using an average of 13 recycled plastic bottles.

The new kit marks a return to tradition with a classic, authentic design that recognizes the country’s glorious football history. The shirt boasts a clean yellow body and a classic V-neck collar with a thin green trim. The shirt also features deep green cuffs, which can be turned over to reveal the rallying cry of Nascido Para Jogar Futebol (“Born to Play Football”) written in the style of Pichacao, a distinctive form of urban graffiti.

Printed on the inside of the back of the neck is a graphic by Brasilian artist Don Torelly. The graphic depicts an outline of the Brasilian federation’s crest containing the Southern Cross, a constellation of stars that was seen over Rio de Janeiro when the Brasilian republic was founded in 1889.

The design of the bold green numbers on the shirts is inspired by the numbers on Brasil’s national bank notes.

The new home shorts are a traditional blue color with a thick white stripe along the side.The new home socks, now with improved cushioning for greater comfort, movement and protection, are white with a green band at the top. A band of diamonds wraps around the center, echoing the tattoos of indigenous warriors.

The new kits are Nike Football’s lightest ever — up to 23 percent lighter than the previous versions. Nike Dri-FIT technology is incorporated throughout the kits, which helps regulate players’ temperatures on pitch by removing sweat from the body to keep them dry and cool. Laser-cut ventilation on the shirts delivers localized cooling where athletes need it most.

Thanks to a new double-knit structure and yarns, the kits are 20 percent stronger than previous versions, without compromising on fit and feel. A small amount of natural cotton has been added for comfort.

Brasil 2012 Away Kit
The new away kit contains the same distinctive features as the home kit, but is entirely in varsity royal blue with yellow trim. The shorts are blue, and for the first time feature a thick yellow stripe along each side. The socks are blue with a tonal band of diamonds around the center.

Brasil Training and Lifestyle Collection
Nike has also launched an integrated training and lifestyle collection to complement the new uniform and enable players and fans to show their pride on and off the pitch.

For training, players will benefit from an innovative range of apparel designed to keep them comfortable in a variety of conditions. In hot weather they’ll keep cool in a short-sleeve training top with ventilation panels. When the temperature drops they’ll warm up in a mid-layer training top that protects against wind chill. In rainy conditions, players can add a windproof and waterproof long-sleeve performance shell top.

Brasilian fans will also be able to express their pride and honor their team’s culture with the launch of a new range of hoodies, tracksuit tops, T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, jackets and rugby tops. The range comes in Brasil’s iconic colors, features the Brasilian crest and other symbols, and boasts premium fabrics and elevated design.

Boot Spotting...

2012-02-11T22:35:00.001-08:00

It’s time for your usual dose of Premier League boot spots as TRW returns with the latest and best boot spots from this weekend’s Premier League action.

With the transfer window having only recently shut there are still a few players making their debuts for their new teams. Everton’s new striker Nikica Jelavic made his Toffee debut against Wigan wearing a pair of White/Volt Tiempo Legend III boots.

Gary Cahill made his debut for Chelsea in what was arguably the match of the weekend. The ex-Bolton stopper almost grabbed the winner with just a few minutes remaining when he released a scorching long range drive. Cahill is still in Umbro Stealth Pro II boots – a silo Umbro have done away with since the introduction of the Geometra Pro.

It was a perfect start for Djibril Cisse midweek and now this weekend Bobby Zamora made a goal scoring start to his QPR career. Zamora has been in a Silver/Gold pair of Under Armour boots we believe to be the upcoming Hydrastrike II for awhile.

Another Cisse made a great start to his Premier League debut this weekend as Newcastle’s new Senegalese strikerPapiss Cisse came off the bench in Nike T90 Laser IV boots to score a stunning winner against Aston Villa. Cisse joined from SC Freiburg and will partner fellow Senegalese star Demba Ba.

Our last debut boot spot from the weekend is Manchester City’s new midfielder David Pizzaro. The Chilean arrived from Roma having made over 140 appearances for the Italian club. We are glad to see Pizzaro giving the new White/Energy Adidas AdiPure 11Pro another outing.

Nike’s Dark Shadow/Volt CTR360 colourway has been a massive hit but another one of their alternate colourways has been less of a hit in the Premier League. Perhaps the fact that the Red/White/Anthracite T90 Laser IV colourway is a leather boot is the reason we have only seen Fernando Torres and now Norwich’s South African born Andrew Surman in them.

Arguably one of the best performers this season, Swansea’s midfielder Joe Allen has been a revelation in the Premier League. Allen boasts passing stats the likes of Xavi and Iniesta would be proud of. The Welsh midfielder is a great advert for the control attributes of Adidas’ AdiPower Predator.

Robin van Persie is another player flying the AdiPower Predator flag. The Arsenal skipper is having his best season for the Gunners and struck a hat-trick over the weekend as the Gunners put 7 past a hapless Blackburn Rovers. Van Persie often has his Predators customised for him and he obviously has really likes his White/Purple Champions League colourway.

The Puma PowerCat 1.12 has been a great success since their launch. Peter Crouch has joined his fellow Puma wearers in the PowerCat 1.12’s second colourway. The classic looking Black/White/Lime colourway is similar to the launch colourway of the original PowerCat 1.10.

There is a lot of debate about Manchester United’s Spain keeper David De Gea. The young number 1 has looked shacky at times but put in a much improved display against Chelsea, despite them putting 3 past him. De Gea arrived in England wearing T90 Laser III boots but has since switched to Tiempo Legend IV boots.