Did they just RUIN the PERFECT football boots?

Summary

This video provides an in-depth review of Mizuno's limited edition football boots, showcasing two models with swapped sole plates: the Neo4 Beta with the Alpha 2 sole and the Alpha 2 with the Neo sole. While these boots offer unique combinations of features, such as varying sole flexibility and traction, the reviewer finds that the changes are minimal and might not warrant the extra investment, especially when compared to the regular versions. Despite the innovative concept, the boots don't significantly improve comfort or performance, making them an interesting option but not a game-changer in the market.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mizuno offers a variety of football boots with different combinations of upper materials and sole plates to cater to different preferences.
• 😀 The Melia Neo4 Beta upper is paired with the Alpha 2 sole plate to create a more responsive, stiffer football boot, but the overall difference in feel is minimal.
• 😀 The Alpha 2, originally known for its thin, responsive synthetic upper, is now available with the more flexible Neo sole plate and conical studs, offering a new option for players who prefer comfort.
• 😀 Mizuno's limited edition boots are marketed as blackout colorways, with an understated aesthetic that appeals to their target audience.
• 😀 While both boots have slight weight differences, the swapping of sole plates doesn't noticeably affect the weight, which remains consistent at around 7 ounces per boot.
• 😀 Despite being a limited edition, the innovation pack boots don't come with an inflated price tag, making them a more affordable option compared to similar high-end models.
• 😀 The Zeroglide material in the Alpha 2 boot's lining is designed to provide a connected sensation between the foot and the upper, though the innovation pack models have a different, smoother liner.
• 😀 There is no drastic change in comfort or fit between the original boots and their sole-plate swapped counterparts, though personal preferences may vary.
• 😀 For players with wider feet, the Alpha 2's more traditional upper construction might be more suitable than the Neo's softer kangaroo leather upper.
• 😀 Overall, while the sole plate swaps offer customization options, the regular versions of the Neo4 Beta and Alpha 2 might still provide a better experience for most players.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the Mizuno innovation pack discussed in the video?

The main purpose of the Mizuno innovation pack is to combine different elements of two popular football boots – the Morelia Neo4 Beta and the Alpha 2 – by swapping their sole plates and stud patterns to offer more customization options for players.

What are the key differences between the Morelia Neo4 Beta and Alpha 2 sole plates?

The Morelia Neo4 Beta has a more flexible sole plate with conical studs, offering better pivoting and turning. In contrast, the Alpha 2 has a stiffer sole plate with triangular bladed studs, providing more aggressive traction and responsiveness.

Does the sole plate swap result in any noticeable weight differences?

No, the sole plate swap does not result in significant weight differences. The weight variations between the original boots and the swapped versions are minimal, typically only a few grams.

How do the two boots in the innovation pack differ in terms of comfort and fit?

The comfort and fit of both boots remain similar to their original versions. The Alpha 2 maintains a snug fit with its Zeroglide lining, while the Neo4 Beta offers a softer feel with kangaroo leather. The sole plate swap might slightly alter comfort, but the fit remains largely the same.

What is the significance of the 'Made in Japan' label on the boots?

The 'Made in Japan' label indicates a higher quality manufacturing process, but in this innovation pack, the 'Made in Japan' version does not offer substantial performance or comfort improvements over the regular versions, making the added cost less justified.

Why do the boots in the innovation pack come in blackout colorways?

The blackout colorways are designed to appeal to Mizuno’s audience, who prefer simple, understated designs rather than flashy, colorful football boots. This color choice emphasizes the boots' focus on performance over aesthetics.

What is the Zeroglide material, and why is it important?

Zeroglide is a sticky, silicone-like material used in the lining of the Alpha 2 boots, designed to enhance the connection between the foot and the upper for better lockdown and responsiveness. It's a key feature for comfort and a secure fit.

Is the sole plate swap considered true innovation?

While the sole plate swap might appeal to enthusiasts looking for a specific combination of features, it’s not necessarily considered true innovation. The differences are subtle, and the general consensus is that the boots may not drastically outperform the originals.

How do the Neo and Alpha boots fit in terms of width and sizing?

Both the Neo4 Beta and Alpha 2 boots have a decent amount of width for a speed boot, offering a snug fit overall. The Alpha 2 is more structured, while the Neo4 Beta is softer due to the kangaroo leather. Sizing remains consistent, and players are recommended to stick with their usual size unless they prefer a tighter fit.

What are the price points of the boots in the innovation pack?

The Neo4 Beta with the Alpha 2 sole plate retails for $320, while the Alpha 2 with the Neo sole plate retails for $300. Both are priced similarly to their regular counterparts, with no significant price increase despite being part of a limited edition pack.