The Umbro Speciali has played an integral role in not just English football, but football around the globe for the last 20 years. So to celebrate 20 years of greatness, SoccerBible attended the launch of the Speciali 92 range at a secret location in London.
With two of the greatest players to ever wear the boots in attendence, classic DJ Jazzy B and young pretender Ghostpoet on the decks, the launch of the Speciali ’92 collection was a pretty special occasion. SoccerBible was on hand to bring you all the behind-the-scenes action, along with exclusive pictures.
The Umbro Speciali has been involved in some of football's most memorable moments: An 18 year old Michael Owen scores a wonder goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup; Roberto Carlos scores an “impossible” 35 yard free kick for Brazil against France in Le Tournoi in 1997; and Alan Shearer scores 5 goals at Euro 96 securing the title of top scorer of the tournament. All of these Speciali moments were celebrated along with two of the Speciali's protagonists, Michael Owen and Alan Shearer.
Kicking off with a Q&A session with Michael Owen and Alan Shearer, two players who have scored some great goals and had lasting careers at the top of the game.
Alan Shearer, the top Premier League scorer of all time, commented: “It’s the comfort and the
fit which makes the Speciali a timeless classic. I received my first pair around the time I joined
Blackburn and went on to enjoy many special moments – the second goal against Holland in
Euro ’96 and breaking Jackie Milburn’s scoring record for Newcastle are two such highlights.”
Michael Owen added: “I’ve worn Umbro Speciali's throughout my career and I’ve scored many
memorable goals – both at club and international level. As a youngster, I would take great care in
looking after my boots and my dad would encourage me to clean them after every game. Umbro’s
Speciali boot is so close to my heart that I even named one of my horses after it!”
The evening soon saw the Speciali ’92 collection take centre stage. The Speciali has stayed true to Umbro’s football boot ethos throughout its 20 years with style, fit and comfort being at the very core of its design. These attributes that the Speciali has built its status upon, including the premium soft leather, have gone into creating the five-piece limited edition Speciali ‘92 range.
The Speciali ’92 Pro Boot is aesthetically inspired by the original 1992 Speciali and has been brought up to date with modern innovations for today’s game. The football boot features the full, soft leather upper, which the Speciali is known for, to aid comfort and fit. Conical studs and a flex groove plate are retained from the original boot with the addition of blades at the heel for added traction. Only 1,992 pairs will be available, offering a unique blend of Speciali's past and present.
Umbro’s lifestyle footwear silhouette, the Milton, is given the Speciali makeover and draws inspiration from the classic boot. Available in limited numbers of 1,992, this latest interpretation of the Milton takes some of the most recognisable details from the Speciali and uses them to create a contemporary lifestyle shoe. The Speciali ’92 Milton features a suede toecap and is completed with a flip tongue, a design detail that reflects the original 1992 boot.
The hero piece within the range is Umbro’s classic silhouette, the Anthem Jacket, which has been put through a Speciali filter, offering a fusion of two iconic pieces of sportswear. The jacket is crafted from soft leather and the lining features a digital print, which details key Speciali moments. The Anthem Jacket is available in limited numbers of only 92.
A soft leather weekend bag and a leather ball, both made in limited numbers of 92, make up the five-piece collection. But it was a great night to celebrate the launch of a special range, and stay tuned to SoccerBible as we'll be bringing you the interviews with Alan Shearer and Michael Owen
What do you think of the Speciali 92 range, and do you have any Speciali memories of your own? Share your opinions online, on Twitter and on Facebook.