When you think of speed boots, images of unmissable colourways instantly come to mind. But for Mizuno and the Morelia Neo, the focus has been taken away from on-pitch presence and instead shifted to what boot fans have been crying out for for years - a black and white speed boot!
The Mizuno Morelia Neo is unlike many other speed boots. While lightweight leather boots remain one of the most in demand soccer shoes out there, the Morelia Neo is one of the few genuine challengers to the f50 adizero range. The revolutionised Morelia Neo has stormed onto the scene and now unveils its third colourway.
In recent seasons leather uppers have taken precedence in the speed market, with the likes of Lionel Messi, Arjen Robben and Sergio Aguero the main protagonists. But whilst the focus for some brands has been on the speed outsole, and fixing the upper to this, Mizuno's pedigree is in their leather uppers, combine with a lightweight speed outsole and you have a winning combination.
The Mizuno Morelia Neo incorporates lightweight performance with a quality leather upper. Weighing in at a very impressive 170g, which undercuts the Mercurial range by some margin and is just fractionally over the weight of an adizero, Mizuno have managed to completely revolutionise their Morelia range.
Quite significantly, and where Mizuno trump their rivals in the speed category is their use of quality Kangaroo leather for the Morelia Neo upper. Arguably the most premium natural material available for football boots, the K leather provides a luxurious, quilted feel as the stitch lines enhance the sense of touch and a secure fit.
To deliver lightweight speed traction, Mizuno have engineered a graded Pebax sole-plate, a similar material used by Puma for their SL, as it provides enhanced durability and great flexibility that is much lighter in weight than TPU, currently used for the adizero. Using different densities in the heel and forefoot Mizuno have created a flexible yet rigid, supportive unit for the Morelia Neo.
Interestingly, Mizuno have opted for a classic moulded stud pattern for their Morelia Neo soccer shoe, which offers great traction and comfort by reducing stud pressure on the foot. Perhaps Mizuno have been conscious of over-engineering stud shape and configuration and the pitfalls this could bring, so instead they've opted for the proven formula of conical studs.
Mizuno's latest speed release is available to pre-order now, but fans won't be able to get their hands on the new Black/White/Red Mizuno Morelia Neo football boots until June, at a cost of around £150 GBP / $210 USD / € 180 EURO.
Are you a fan of the revolutionary Mizuno Morelia Neo? It's certainly refreshing to see a brand return to a classic colourway! Weighing in at 170g, the Morelia Neo football boots have sparked plenty of reaction since their launch. Share your thoughts online, on Twitter and on Facebook.