As football fans, we often marvel at the incredible skill of professional players, assuming they achieve peak performance with the very latest gear. However, the fascinating truth, as explored in the insightful video above, is that not every cutting-edge boot lives up to expectations. Sometimes, even elite athletes with lucrative brand deals choose to stick with older models or demand custom modifications because certain new football boots simply do not perform as desired. This deep dive uncovers the specific instances where top pros rejected new boots, detailing the underlying reasons and what these rejections teach us about boot design and player preferences.
The journey through disliked pro football boots reveals a nuanced world where comfort, fit, and tactile feedback often trump perceived innovation. These players, who depend on their boots for livelihood, possess an acute sensitivity to how their footwear performs on the pitch. Their dissenting opinions offer invaluable lessons for both manufacturers and amateur players seeking the perfect pair of soccer cleats.
1. Neymar Jr.’s Nike Hypervenom Phantom 2 Disappointment
Neymar Jr., once the face of Nike’s Hypervenom silo, famously abandoned the Hypervenom Phantom 2, opting instead for a disguised Nike Mercurial Vapor 10. The core issue stemmed from a significant design departure from the original Phantom 1, which featured a wonderfully soft and pliable upper that molded perfectly to the foot. The Phantom 2, in stark contrast, arrived with a markedly stiffer, thicker, and almost hard upper material. This rigidity hampered the natural foot movement and ball feel, qualities vital for a player of Neymar’s agility and touch.
Nike’s decision to update the Hypervenom 2’s upper mid-lifecycle underscored the widespread player feedback regarding its discomfort and poor performance. The Vapor 10, with its very thin and soft Teijin OLM upper, provided the closer ball feel and nimble sensation Neymar preferred, offering a stark reminder that sometimes simpler, more flexible designs deliver superior performance. This scenario highlights how innovation can sometimes miss the mark when it sacrifices essential player comfort and connection to the ball.
2. Puma Ultra Ultimate: A Pro Customization Saga
The Puma Ultra Ultimate also faced significant resistance from numerous professional players, including stars like Gakpo, Coman, Griezmann, Theo Hernandez, and Harry Maguire. These elite athletes sought custom, one-of-one versions of the boots rather than enduring the standard retail model. Coman, Theo Hernandez, and Griezmann specifically requested boots featuring a mono-mesh upper, a material known for its lightweight and responsive qualities, instead of the standard Ultraweave upper.
The Ultraweave upper on the regular Ultra Ultimate was criticized for being excessively stiff and rigid, making the boots incredibly difficult to put on and feeling restrictive during play. Additionally, the PWR Tape in the vamp, intended to enhance lockdown, contributed to this inflexible feel, preventing the upper from softening adequately over time. Meanwhile, Gakpo and Maguire received custom leather uppers, cleverly disguised to look like the Ultra Ultimate but offering a vastly different, more comfortable experience. These widespread customizations underscore a consistent problem with the retail version’s stiffness and the vital role of upper material in player satisfaction for high-performance football boots.
3. Karim Benzema’s Loyalty to Adidas X Speedflow.1 Over Speedportal
Karim Benzema, a prolific striker, steadfastly stuck with his beloved Adidas X Speedflow.1 boots, refusing to switch to the newer X Speedportal.1, even when Adidas presented him with a special Ballon d’Or-winning Speedportal. This choice necessitated Adidas creating a disguised Speedflow.1 for him to wear on pitch, highlighting the immense value placed on a comfortable and familiar boot. The Speedflow.1 was celebrated for its exceptionally soft and thin mesh upper, offering an easy-on-foot feel and a sleek, nimble package.
The Speedportal, unfortunately, altered many of these cherished features. It featured a stiffer, slightly thicker, and more ‘plasticky’ upper, a less favored knit tongue, and a bulkier heel design compared to the Speedflow.1’s snug, secure foam-packaged heel. Furthermore, the Speedportal’s outsole was perceived as less aggressive, diminishing the explosive traction Benzema desired. This case illustrates how even minor changes in boot construction, such as toe box volume or outsole aggression, can significantly impact player preference and lead even top players to reject new models.
4. Declan Rice’s Preference for Adidas Copa 19/20.1 Over Copa Pure 1
Declan Rice chose to remain in his trusted Adidas Copa 19 and 20.1 models, specifically wearing a camouflage Copa 20.1 disguised as a Copa Pure 1 or 2. While the Copa Pure 1 features a significantly thinner Fusion Skin upper and a sleeker, more slim-fitting shape, Rice’s decision appears to be more rooted in deeply ingrained personal preference and comfort rather than a fundamental flaw in the newer boot. The Copa 19.1 offered a slightly thicker, more padded upper, which some players prefer for a cushioned feel and added protection.
The older Copa 19.1 also featured a distinct “burrito-style” knit tongue, which could be polarizing but offered a different fit sensation compared to the Copa Pure’s regular floating tongue. While the Copa Pure boasted a narrower heel for a better fit and a slightly faster feel, Rice’s adherence to his older boots underscores the powerful influence of habit and individual foot shape on boot selection. For many players, consistent comfort and a familiar feel can outweigh perceived technological advancements.
5. Marouane Fellaini’s New Balance Visaro 1 Lawsuit
One of the most extreme instances of player dissatisfaction involved Marouane Fellaini, who went as far as suing New Balance, claiming their Visaro 1 boots caused damage to his feet. While the claim was ultimately dismissed, and New Balance stated Fellaini had previously praised the boots as “perfect,” this incident highlights the intense pressure and perception issues surrounding player gear. The Visaro 1, with its honeycomb mesh upper, was generally considered a solid, comfortable boot known for good width and no significant pressure points.
From an independent assessment, the Visaro 1’s upper was soft and moved nicely with the foot, and despite a low, pointy toe box, the flexibility accommodated for it. The suede-lined heel and a relatively stiff outsole also presented no clear indicators of causing serious injury. Fellaini’s continued use of unbranded versions of the boots after his deal expired further complicates his narrative, suggesting that claims of discomfort can sometimes be influenced by external factors beyond the boot’s inherent design. This case also reminds us of the legal complexities and public relations challenges involved in high-profile athletic endorsements.
6. Marc Cucurella and the Puma Future 8 Ultimate Slip-Up
Marc Cucurella dramatically expressed his dislike for the Puma Future 8 Ultimate by famously slipping during a match, costing his team two goals, then publicly posting a photo of the boots in a bin. This severe reaction points directly to a potential soleplate issue, particularly concerning the SG (soft ground) version of the boot he was wearing. Soleplate design and stud configuration are critical for traction and stability, especially on challenging surfaces.
While the Future 8 and its predecessor, the Future 7, share very similar stud patterns, suggesting the slip might not be solely attributable to the new model, the Future 8 was noted for a shallow heel. A poor heel lock-in can cause the foot to move excessively inside the boot during sharp changes in direction, leading to instability and potential slips. This incident highlights the immense pressure on professional players and the immediate, game-altering consequences of equipment failure. Even subtle changes in boot construction, such as heel depth, can profoundly impact a player’s confidence and on-field performance.
These detailed accounts of pro football boots that fell short of player expectations offer invaluable insights into the intricate relationship between elite athletes and their gear. They demonstrate that while innovation is constant, proven comfort, specific fit characteristics, and reliable performance will always dictate player loyalty, even in the face of significant brand pressure. Understanding these unique preferences helps both amateur players and manufacturers appreciate the true drivers of on-pitch excellence and the critical role of bespoke gear in the professional game.
Your Questions on Hated Football Boots, Tackled
Why do some professional football players not wear the newest boots from their sponsors?
Professional players often choose not to wear the latest boots because they prioritize comfort, a perfect fit, and how the boot feels with the ball over new designs. Their boots are crucial for their performance and livelihood on the pitch.
What are common reasons professional players dislike new football boots?
Players often dislike new boots if they are too stiff, thick, or rigid, which can limit natural foot movement and reduce ball feel. They usually prefer softer, thinner materials that offer better flexibility and a closer connection to the ball.
Do professional players ever get custom-made versions of their boots?
Yes, many professional players receive custom-made or specially modified boots from manufacturers. These customizations ensure the boots have the exact materials, fit, and features the player prefers for optimal performance and comfort.
Can small design changes in football boots really affect a professional player?
Absolutely. Even minor changes, such as the upper material, tongue design, or outsole traction, can significantly impact a professional player’s confidence and performance. These details affect how they control the ball, move, and feel on the pitch.