The latest football boot from Mizuno explodes out of Osaka in a blaze of colour and technology. Check out all you need to know about the new Wave Ignitus with the SoccerBible's exclusive feature...
Always looking to innovate and evolve, Mizuno have poured countless hours, funds and research into these new football boots, officially unveiled in time for this summer's World Cup. The boot sits in the Power category and is a genuine contender for
those who want something other than the obvious adidas Predator or Nike
Laser choices.
Mizuno boots have always traditionally fitted like a
glove, and the Ignitus is no different. We all know the
pyschological edge having the right boot gives, and having had the
chance to test the Ignitus we can saw you will certainly feel confident
and ready to deliver in these!
The big talking point is the Mukaiten panel, a technology unique and exclusive to Mizuno. Mukaiten simply means "no spin", so the strategically placed panel on the instep of the boot means striking the ball causes an unpredictable flight path - intended to confuse and fool the opposition and goalkeeper.
The Mukaiten panel is wrapped around by the 360 degree Bio Vamps, last seen on the Shinken series. The Ignitus boasts a much more aggressive version and with these spread over the instep and forefoot the Ignitus offers much greater control and enhanced power.
The Ignitus features a triple density heel counter, designed with the input and assistance of CSKA Moscow and Japan's Keisuke Honda. The triple Pebax density heel counter offers improved fit, comfort and most importantly improves protection from serious injury.
As we've mentioned already, Mizuno are famous for their fit and comfort - and the incorporation of Wave technology only further adds to this notion. The Wave tech improves cushioning and stability in the outsole which combined with the bladed stud configuration delivers unrivalled traction.
The upper is made from a super soft K-leather material which has been re-constructed specifically for the Ignitus. Touch and feel - two more Mizuno hallmarks - are further enhanced with this soft upper and you'll be surprised how light the boot feels. Our play test pair tipped the scales at 229g (for a US size 9) - over 95g lighter per shoe than a Predator X and 105g lighter per shoe than the equivalent K-Laser III.
Of course, weight isn't everything but this gives you an idea how Mizuno have crammed so much tech and design into such a light package! The Ignitus is the soccer shoe of choice of Manchester City and Paraguay's Roque Santa Cruz (one of the nicest guys in football by the way), who along with Honda was a key collaborator in the final design of the boot.
Available in the Far East already, the new Mizuno Wave Ignitus football boots have got us very excited here at SoccerBible HQ. The Ignitus is set for pre-order on 12th April 2010, and should be hitting the shelves of your favourite football boots retailer around a week later.
Expect to pay £110 GBP for the pro level boot, which will be available in both soft and firm ground versions.