Have you ever wondered why top professional footballers sometimes struggle to find the perfect pair of football boots, even with all the options and customisation available to them? As the video above keenly highlights, even the biggest names in the sport, like Neymar Jr. and Karim Benzema, have publicly or privately expressed dissatisfaction with certain models, opting instead for older favourites or custom-made versions. This intriguing phenomenon reveals a complex interplay between personal preference, brand obligations, and the ever-evolving landscape of boot technology. Understanding these dynamics offers valuable insights for amateur players seeking the ideal soccer cleats for their own game.
For most amateur players, the choice is simple: if a boot feels uncomfortable or performs poorly, it is promptly replaced. However, professionals operate under the additional pressure of lucrative brand deals, often requiring them to wear the latest model their sponsor is promoting. This situation can lead to creative solutions, from subtly disguised boots to outright rejections, all to maintain peak performance on the pitch. Let’s delve deeper into some of the most notable instances where pro players just couldn’t make it work with their assigned footwear.
When Top Pros Rejected Their Designated Football Boots
Neymar Jr. and the Nike Hypervenom Phantom 2: A Step Backward?
Neymar Jr. was once the face of Nike’s Hypervenom silo, making the initial Hypervenom Phantom an instant classic with its super soft and pliable upper. However, the subsequent Hypervenom Phantom 2, and its low-cut counterpart, the Hypervenom Finish, proved to be a significant departure from its predecessor. Narrated in the video, Neymar found this second iteration so unappealing that he famously switched to a Vapor 10, which Nike had to painstakingly disguise as a Hypervenom Finish to uphold his endorsement commitments. This change was a clear indication of his strong disapproval.
The core issue lay in the upper material. The Hypervenom Phantom 2 featured a notably stiffer, thicker, and less comfortable upper compared to the original. Where the Phantom 1 offered a glove-like fit, molding almost seamlessly to the foot, the Phantom 2 felt rigid and restrictive. While its lockdown might have been improved, the overall feel was a stark contrast to the nimbleness and comfort provided by the Vapor 10’s thin, soft Teijin synthetic upper. The discomfort was so pronounced that Nike eventually revised the upper midway through the boot’s lifecycle, attempting to recapture the beloved feel of the original Hypervenom Phantom. This serves as a powerful analogy: imagine upgrading your favourite, worn-in leather jacket for a new one made of stiff, unyielding plastic – the initial appeal is lost, irrespective of supposed ‘improvements.’
Puma Ultra Ultimate: The Customization Craze
The Puma Ultra series has been a cornerstone for speed and lightweight performance, but the Ultra Ultimate version encountered significant resistance from a multitude of its sponsored players. As the video details, stars like Cody Gakpo, Kingsley Coman, Antoine Griezmann, Theo Hernandez, and Harry Maguire all opted for custom-made versions rather than the standard retail model. This widespread demand for bespoke soccer cleats speaks volumes about the original boot’s shortcomings.
The primary point of contention was the Ultra Weave upper, which many players, including the narrator, found excessively stiff and plasticky. It was reportedly difficult to get on and, despite its thinness and lightweight design, failed to soften up over time. Furthermore, the “PWRTAPE” technology, intended to enhance lockdown, inadvertently made the upper even more rigid and restrictive. For players who rely on exquisite touch and dynamic movements, a boot that feels like a heavy cast on their foot is simply unacceptable. Think of it like a musician preferring a handcrafted instrument over a mass-produced one; the subtle differences in feel and response can drastically impact performance. While Puma has historically offered custom boots to players across various silos, the Ultra Ultimate generation saw an unusual surge in these requests, highlighting a particular failure in its design for elite-level play.
Karim Benzema and the Adidas X Speedportal.1: Sticking with a Classic
Karim Benzema, a prolific striker, famously shunned the Adidas X Speedportal.1, preferring to stick with his beloved X Speedflow.1. This preference was so strong that Adidas had to create a disguised Speedflow.1 for him to wear, even after producing a celebratory Ballon d’Or edition of the Speedportal.1 in his honour. The timing was awkward for Adidas, demonstrating the deep personal connection players can develop with their equipment.
The Speedportal.1, while introducing several new features, unfortunately deviated from many aspects that made the Speedflow.1 a fan and pro favourite. The Speedflow.1 was praised for its incredibly soft, thin mesh upper, a comfortable knit tongue, a secure heel fit (thanks to its foam package), and an overall nimble profile. In contrast, the Speedportal.1 presented a stiffer, thicker, and somewhat plasticky upper, a less appealing knit tongue, a bulkier heel, and an outsole that felt less aggressive. This can be likened to a race car driver preferring an older model with superior handling characteristics over a newer model that, despite more horsepower, feels less responsive. While the Speedportal.1 wasn’t universally panned, its performance characteristics simply couldn’t overshadow the established comfort and agility of its predecessor for players like Benzema, for whom every micro-adjustment matters.
Declan Rice and the Adidas Copa Pure.1: A Matter of Personal Feel
Declan Rice chose to remain loyal to his trusted Adidas Copa 19 and 20.1 models, shunning the newer Copa Pure.1. Adidas responded by providing him with a camouflaged Copa 20.1, made to resemble the Pure.1, showcasing the lengths brands will go to keep their star athletes visibly endorsing their latest products. Unlike some of the other boots on this list, however, the Copa Pure.1’s rejection seems to stem more from individual preference than any inherent flaws in the boot itself.
The video points out that comparing the Copa Pure.1 and the Copa 19.1 side-by-side reveals both have very similar Fusion Skin uppers in terms of softness. Yet, the Copa Pure.1 is notably thinner and offers a sleeker, more slim-fitting profile, which the narrator personally preferred. It also features a traditional floating tongue, a contrast to the Copa 19.1’s thick, knitted, “burrito-style” tongue that didn’t suit everyone. The Copa Pure.1 also offered a more narrow and secure heel fit. Declan Rice, however, might have preferred the slightly thicker, more padded feel of the Copa 19.1, perhaps for a sense of added protection or cushioning. This situation highlights how subjective boot choice can be; what feels like a significant upgrade to one player might feel like a downgrade to another. It’s a bit like choosing between two premium pillows – both are high-quality, but one’s specific firmness or shape might just align better with your comfort needs.
Marouane Fellaini and the New Balance Visaro 1: The Lawsuit That Was Dismissed
Marouane Fellaini’s dislike for the New Balance Visaro 1 escalated to an extraordinary degree: he sued the brand, alleging that the football boots caused damage to his feet. This represents an extreme level of dissatisfaction. However, the claim was ultimately dismissed by the court, with New Balance stating that Fellaini had previously praised the boots as “perfect” and even continued to wear unbranded versions after his contract expired. This strongly suggests that his complaints might have been exaggerated or, as the narrator implies, served as a convenient excuse.
From a performance perspective, the Visaro 1, particularly its honeycomb mesh upper, received positive feedback for its softness and ability to move with the foot. Despite a low-pointed toe box, the upper’s pliability prevented pressure points, and the suede-lined heel added to the comfort. While the outsole was on the stiffer side, there was little to suggest it would cause significant discomfort or injury. Fellaini’s argument that the boots were so poorly constructed the logo fell off further fuelled skepticism. This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of athlete endorsements and legal disputes, illustrating how easily claims can be made for personal or financial gain. It’s like a chef blaming their tools for a bad dish, even if they’ve cooked brilliantly with them before; sometimes, other factors are at play.
Marc Cucurella and the Puma Future 8 Ultimate: Blaming the Boot for a Slip?
Marc Cucurella’s dramatic rejection of the Puma Future 8 Ultimate, famously throwing them in the bin after a match-altering slip, certainly made headlines. He attributed two goals conceded by his team to losing his footing while wearing the boots, swiftly switching back to his Future 7s. While a slip causing a goal is undoubtedly frustrating, whether the boot itself was solely to blame is debatable.
Cucurella was wearing the SG (Soft Ground) version of the Future 8. Upon closer inspection, the stud patterns of the Future 8 and Future 7 SG versions are quite similar, making it plausible that a slip could have occurred in either. The Future 8 did feature a shallower heel, which could lead to less secure heel lock-in, potentially causing the foot to move within the boot during sharp changes of direction. This internal movement could, in turn, contribute to an imbalance and a slip. However, blaming the boot entirely, especially given the similarities in outsole design, might be an oversimplification. Factors like pitch conditions, player fatigue, or even a momentary lapse in technique can also contribute to slipping. It’s akin to a pilot blaming a specific aircraft model for turbulence; while the aircraft’s design plays a role, external conditions and pilot input are often equally significant. Sometimes, even the best gear can’t prevent an unfortunate moment on the pitch.
The True Cost of Brand Endorsements and Performance
The experiences of these professional players underscore a critical point: while brand endorsements are highly lucrative, they can also place athletes in a predicament. The pressure to wear specific football boots, even if they don’t perfectly align with personal preferences or performance needs, is immense. Brands invest heavily in associating their latest products with top talent, creating a powerful marketing narrative.
For players, however, a split-second decision or a minor discomfort can have significant consequences, potentially affecting their performance, reputation, and even the outcome of major matches. This is why many players, despite their contracts, will quietly seek custom modifications or revert to older, trusted models if they feel a new boot compromises their game. The narrative of professional athletes “hating” certain boots often boils down to a fundamental conflict: marketing demands versus the absolute necessity for peak athletic performance. As amateur players, we can learn from their experiences, prioritising comfort, fit, and proven performance over hype or perceived prestige when selecting our own soccer cleats.
Lacing Up Answers: Your Questions on the Hated Kicks
Why do professional football players sometimes dislike their boots?
Professional players might dislike their assigned boots due to personal preference, discomfort, or if the boot’s technology doesn’t suit their playing style, even though they have brand sponsorships.
What happens when a professional player doesn’t like their sponsored boots?
Often, they will ask for custom-made versions of their boots or have older, preferred models disguised to look like the newer, sponsored ones to fulfill their contract agreements.
What was the main issue Neymar Jr. had with his Nike Hypervenom Phantom 2 boots?
Neymar disliked the Hypervenom Phantom 2 because its upper material was much stiffer and less comfortable than the previous model, making it feel rigid and restrictive on his foot.
What can amateur players learn from professionals about choosing football boots?
Amateur players should prioritize comfort, a good fit, and proven performance over brand popularity or hype when selecting their own soccer cleats, just like the pros do.