The FIFA World Cup - arguably the greatest event on earth - is fast approaching. The universally-loved travelling circus not only showcases the cream of the planet’s footballers, but also give sports manufacturing giants a chance to advertise their latest inventions, ideas and technologies. In previous years we’ve seen Adidas’ Jabulani ball in South Africa, Puma’s infamous Cameroon vests in Korea and Japan, Franck Ribery’s Nike Pink Panther boots and a whole host of other genius, questionable and downright whacky creations. And, of course, Brazil 2014 is bound to follow suit.
Going toe-to-toe, Adidas and Nike have released their new boots ahead of the summer’s event and, intriguingly, both designs are remarkably similar. Nike, who state ‘football will never be the same again’, introduce the Magista and giants Adidas present the Primeknit FS, both of which are a ground-breaking all-in-one boot and sock hybrid.
Launching Nike’s knitted boots, World Cup winner Andres Iniesta lauded the innovative footwear by stating ‘the fit of the boot is so unique that I don’t think about it when I’m wearing it, it allows me to move instinctively and with more confidence.’
The Magista uses the latest technology to create an exceptionally strong yet lightweight material, producing a fit akin to a sock rather than a boot. Having worked with a number of professional footballers, Nike realised that the perfect boots would be barefoot with a set of studs and, although this isn’t possible, the sports goliaths have created the next best thing - a knitted second skin.
Adidas, much like their rivals, claim the ultimate goal has been to create a football glove for your foot, a concept they have been working on for the past 12 years. The Primeknit FS is designed from the toe to calf and strikes a ‘sock silhouette’, intendedto afford the wearer a bespoke fit. Marketed by Liverpool’s Luis Suárez who debuted the Samba Primeknit boots against Manchester United in March, the pair combines comfort and flexibility with the strength and stability of conventional leather boots.
Nike are set to release the Magista in May, whilst Adidas do not have a public release date for the Primeknit FS.