Have you ever noticed that former soccer players seem to always gravitate toward the same cleats in retirement? After years of showing off the latest and greatest technology, they finally realize that soccer can be comfortable in the right footwear.
Many of the biggest brands update their footwear offerings yearly with small visual and performance updates, but these are three cleats that haven’t changed in years and never go out of style. The adidas Copa Mundial, Nike Premier, and Puma King resist change, embrace history, and might be the best cleats you didn't know you needed.
adidas Copa Mundial
Originally released in 1979, the Copa Mundial was adidas’ showstopping boot for the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain. Widely considered to be the most commercially successful soccer cleat of all time, The Copa Mundial lends itself perfectly to anyone looking to play their game with ultimate comfort.
The Kangaroo Leather upper feels immaculate and the round, conical studs distribute weight evenly on all playing surfaces. They’re not too flashy and they don’t need to be. The boot’s shiny, wrinkled, black texturing, paired with sharp white accents complete with the thick, flappy tongue will forever be iconic.
Nike Premier
Nike’s take on a classic is much more versatile and tied to their more recent natural leather successes. The Nike Premier is inspired primarily by their own Tiempo line, with nods to their first-ever soccer cleat, “The Nike”, mixed in. Over the years, they’ve experimented with slight modifications to texturing, colors, and the tongue, but it’s still an absolute classic.
Featuring a fold-over tongue that acts as a partial lace cover, the boot certainly passes the eye test, especially in its hugely popular white colorways. The soleplate is as simple as it gets for an immensely comfortable, yet unforgettable, playing experience.
Puma King
During the 1970 FIFA World Cup, cameras zoomed in on Pelé as he prepared to kick off Brazil’s quarterfinal match against Peru. As they focused on the world’s best player, he bent down and tied his Puma King shoes with the images sent to every corner of the globe. He became the face of the brand and specifically, the Puma King, a shoe made for the greatest player on earth.
Players around the world immediately swarmed for the King, and its allure remained. Even though the boot has undergone some renovation in recent years, it still retains that vintage touch with the white tongue and gold Puma King branding, for a true “Joga Bonito” playing experience.
Shop all three classic boots online at SoccerPost.com or in person at your local Soccer Post location!
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