In the history of football boots, thousands of images come to mind, thousands of football memories, often linked to our passion. I must point out that this post will not include those boots that have been sold for exorbitant prices on the second-hand boot market. In this post we will detail those boots whose price reached insane prices at the time of their release with Retail Price (RRP). Most probably the most advanced of the class will know perfectly well which ones they are, because nowadays they are pairs that are very difficult to get, both for their current price, as well as for the limited pairs that may be available nowadays.
Nike // Elite tier
We go back to the beloved 2010 World Cup, loved and revered as it could not be otherwise by the Spanish, to see how Nike launched its pack of boots. On the one hand, the Nike ‘Elite Series’ football boots were officially presented, which are the ones that Nike players would use during the FIFA competition. The new collection is designed to ‘give players more competitiveness and visibility on the pitch’. The series included the four models designed according to each player's profile: CTR 360, Total 9 Laser III, Mercurial Vapor Superfly and Tiempo.
But World Cup players and people who want to buy these boots will see differently, because in this ‘Elite’ range the weight was reduced from 5 to 19% depending on the model, compared to the high-end model that preceded it. The boots, and let's put ourselves in situation, 11 years ago, cost around 330€. A real madness in those years.
adidas // Predator Dragon
The new adidas Predator Dragon burst into Fútbol Emotion's stores in a wild way. A daring collection that was out of the ordinary and that we had never seen before. An evolution brought from the mythological, designed for the playing fields. The new adidas Dragon football boots are simply what the Predator silo represents. In its maximum exponent, adidas decided to launch a new collection on the market, almost like a museum of archaeology, but without missing what corresponds to evolution.
What better way to represent a predator than with a dragon, as this one is a fusion of 9 animal parts, snake body and tail, catfish whiskers, lion mane, fish scales, eagle claws, dog nose, lobster eyes, deer horns and camel snout. Clearly mimicking the skin and feel of a dragon, this Predator was priced at €400.
Balenciaga // Soccer Shoes
Really, a boot in which its price makes no sense at all. The firm that par excellence has the craziest sneakers in the industry, included in its autumn winter 2020 collection, in contrast to the clerical references, a couple of sporting references: on the one hand, full motorcycling uniforms. On the other hand, several football kits with no shortage of jerseys and football boots, combined with high socks. Called ‘Soccer shoes’.
We understand what it means to have a brand attached to a product, and we understand that the trends of the moment can push the price of the product a little bit higher than it should be, but this ‘football boot’ makes no sense whatsoever. Worthy of a crude imitation of the Predator 2006/2007 in an extremely low range, we saw it at no more and no less than an RRP of 600€. Lousy quality materials, a sole that not even the Amat Marco would want, with an aesthetic that hurts the eye. Better than ever; Shoemaker to his shoes.
Mizuno // Morelia 30th Anniversary
Mizuno is a name that, over the years, has become synonymous with beautifully crafted and handmade football boots. In celebration of its best-known boot, the Morelia, in 2015 it reached its 30th birthday since its debut in 1985. The Japanese sports giants released a large limited edition Morelia 30th Anniversary.
The Mizuno Morelia collection included ‘Mizuno Morelia’, ‘Mizuno Morelia 2’ and ‘Mizuno Morelia Neo’. Made from super soft kangaroo leather, the Mizuno Morelia boots are designed for an unrivalled fit and feel. In this special edition, which came with 3 pairs, it was priced at €700. A price that seems shocking, but if we analyze it is not so much, because the Mizuno Made In Japan, for just one pair, comes with a price ranging from 330 €.
adidas // Predator Pulse David Beckham Ying Yang
With only 723 pairs manufactured by adidas, getting a pair of these was a difficult task. 723 pairs may seem like an odd number for adidas to produce worldwide, but for those of you who may not have noticed, 7 was Beckham's number for Manchester United and 23 was his team number for Real Madrid. Adidas developed the boots exclusively around David Beckham. The unique footwear design was created exclusively for the England footballer who was directly involved in the development of the boot design.
The three stripes brand even went so far as to produce only pairs that had the exact size specifications of Beckham's feet. Only size US 9 ½ and UK 9 boots were produced. The boots were launched just before the 2004 European Championships. Beckham wore them throughout the tournament and for part of the 2004/05 La Liga season with Real Madrid, where he was part of the original Madrid Galactico team. The boots are inspired by the yin-yang philosophy. The adidas Predator Pulse football boots represented a revolutionary design concept in football footwear that combined power with elegance. To represent the concept that Yin is passive and Yang is powerful, adidas designed the boot in two different colours. The left boot was made silver while the right boot was red. This was done to signify strength and softness in the to represent the concept of Yin being passive and Yang being powerful. Priced at 723€.
What are your thoughts on this list? Would you look for any of them on the second-hand market? Let us know through our many social media channels or in the comments box!
