It's time to take a look at a new boot, from a brand who were producing football boots long before the words 'Predator' and 'Vapor' had ever been considered as names for a boot! The new Hummel 86 Gold is a 25th Anniverary boot celebrating the iconic history of the brand, and is definitely one for fans of leather football boots to take a look at...
The latest release from Hummel encapsulates what the brand is about, a nod to their iconic heritage from the past, in a boot designed to perform in the modern game. Now we know there are some leather cynics out there, but at the SoccerBible we cater for all football boots fans, and for your classic boot fan this is one to wet your appetite.
Hummel pre-dates both adidas and Nike, and their iconic trademark chevrons have been steeped in history since 1923. For these Hummel 86 Gold edition footall boots, replicated from the 1986 versions, the chevrons are in a striking gold and red colour alongside a classic black leather upper.
The boot was originally produced for the Mexico World Cup, and was worn by the likes of Glenn Hoddle, and great Danish players Allan Simmonsen and Jesper Olsen. The 86 World Cup was also the competition in which Denmark wore the famous and now well recognised candy stripe kit designed by Hummel.
So its a 25th Anniversary boot to remember both occasions that feature highly in the brands history, and the boot certainly does them proud. As with most new boot releases, they landed at SoccerBible HQ and were immediately passed around. The one thing you instantly notice with these new Hummel boots in-hand, is the quality of the leather. Hummel have built a reputation on high quality football boots and the super-soft k-leather upper on these new boots only emphasis this fact.
Hummel have updated the boot by making it lighter, using a glove-like fit premium K leather, and adding the embroidery to the upper rather than printed chevrons. Along with the outsole being a lot lighter, the aesthetics of the boot remain the same as when Glenn Hoddle and co wore it back at the 86 World Cup.
Constructed from a high grade Kangaroo Leather with good stretch properties and high tear resistance. The Hummel 86 Gold has a comfortable, glove-like fit and provides great ball control, not to mention it features the classic fold-over tongue!
It's not all old school design though, as there is some technology talk about. Hummel have incorporated a ''Durable Flexsole'' mid-sole for stability on the playing surface, combined with great flex and acceleration properties. There is also an anatomically moulded cushioning sock-liner for improved comfort.
A classic traditional styled lightweight moulded stud out-sole certainly compliments the retro look. Again the chevron logos feature here, running the length of the sole and following the natural arch of a foot. A TR injected internal heel counter and a soft leather lining only add to this feeling of comfort and stability.
Hummel have always been synonymous with quality leather football boots since 1923, and their boots have adorned some of the worlds best players. Although today's modern football boots look like they’re from another planet when you compare them to a Hummel boot, but perhaps that's the way they and their fans like it. Available to pre-order 31st October ahead of an early December release, it's a great price for the Hummel 86 Gold's as they're expected to retail for around £70 GBP / $85 USD / €80 EURO.
It's always interesting to hear the SoccerBible communities opinion on classic boots so let us know what you think. Have your say and join the conversations with the SoccerBible community online, on Twitter and on Facebook.