Boot room: Sportsmail's guide to what Rooney and Co will wear this season

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UPDATED:

14:44 GMT, 13 August 2012

At no other time of year does hope and expectation dominate the football landscape like it does at the start of the season.

But with new teams, managers, signings and even footballs expecting to make their mark there is one battle that constantly evolves.

The quest to find balance in making the lightest, most comfortable, protective, durable and performing football boot never stops, with manufactures always keen to steal a march on their fierce rivals.

Here Sportsmail assesses the boots set to be worn by the Premier League’s biggest stars which may even help you out on your local Sunday league pitch…

adidas

Staying at the top: adidas's Predator boot is still one of the market leaders

Predator LZ TRX

The design that revolutionised football
boots nearly 20 years ago is still going strong and the number one choice for
some of the finest attacking players in world football. Liverpool’s
Steven Gerrard is just one player that has benefited from nearly two
decades of development that have maintained the Predator’s attacking
edge as well as provide a comfortable protective fit.

The science:

New synthetic super-soft upper offers benefits of both leather and synthetic materials.Predator technology gives you five lethal zones to control the ball with every touch.Pre-moulded EVA sockliner and anti-slip inserts on the back for comfort and shock absorption

Who else wears them

Whether he stays at Arsenal or not,
Robin van Persie will likely be scoring goals again from all angles
next season, while Nani finds them useful on the Manchester United
wings. Some chap called David Beckham likes them too, apparently…

How much 160 Verdict: 10/10

Revolution: The F50 features adidas's new miCoach system

F50 adizero TRX

Nike stole a march on adidas in terms of
catering boots dedicated towards speed and response, and may still lead
it, but the F50 is starting to prove a worthy rival. Lionel Messi
continues to dazzle spectators around the world in them and the miCoach
technology is an excellent addition for fans who want to learn from the
very best in the business by studying performance statistics.

The science:

Revolutionary Sprintskin single-layer synthetic upper for incredible ball feel and reduced weight.Sprintweb for excellent stability in high-speed moves.miCoach compatible.Traxion 2.0 FG stud configuration for maximum grip and acceleration on firm natural pitches.

Who else wears them

There is no lead in
Gareth Bale’s boots storming down the Tottenham flank, with Manchester
United winger, Ashey Young also a keen admirer of adidas’s speed boot.

How much 155 Verdict: 8/10

Also in the kit bag…

The Copa Mundial is the most popular
football boot of all time and its presence on the adidas market for 30
years underlines how relevant it still is. Available for 105 its now
retro look stands out in a positive way and has the comfort and
durability to justify its auction price.

Nike

Attacking star: Midfielders and strikers favour Nike's latest Maestri

CTR 360 Maestri III

It’s been given a makeover but Nike’s new Maestri has never been more ideal for the maestro that wants to dictate the pace of a match from midfield. It’s the weapon of choice for Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta and Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain so it appears to be strong in all areas of attack.

The science:

Kanga-Lite synthetic material for an assured touch and durability.3D control pad on the instep.Asymmetrical lacing system enlarges the area used to control the ball

Who else wears them

Jack Wilshere hasn’t been seen on a football pitch since steel toe-caps were in, but it’s the boot of choice for one of England’s most talented midfielders. Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli doesn’t seem to struggle in them either judging by his scoring rate, which underlines the boot’s versatility.

How much 145 Verdict: 9/10

Lightweight: The Mercurial Vapour's lightness is favoured by speedy forwards including Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo

Mercurial Vapor VIII

The boot for the speed demon that for over a decade has drawn rave reviews, with Cristiano Ronaldo a loyal servant to the design. Its thin layer gives the player a pace advantage as well as more precision striking the ball but it does offer very little protection and support to the foot and ankle.

The science:

Teijin Microfiber upper – suede-like
feel enhances touch. The material is lighter yet more durable than that
used on previous incarnations of the boot.Stud placement designed to deliver explosive acceleration and quick change of direction.Glass chassis with double layer composite maximises energy transfer from forefoot to ground.

Who else wears them

Full-backs will be familiar with the heel design on the Vapor – especially when they are chasing pacey wingers like Theo Walcott and Aaron Lennon. It’s not all about the flanks though as forward Juan Mata has shone for Chelsea in the boots playing a more central role.

How much 150 Verdict: 8/10

Strike gold: Nike's T90 continues to deliver its fair share of goals for Premier League strikers

T90 Laser IV

Whether you’re a fox in the box (more Ruud van Nistelrooy than Francis Jeffers) or a long range expert, Nike’s T90 range has been a winner with strikers for many years now. Wayne Rooney scored 38 goals with the latest lighter version last season and the Manchester United star picked up just one domestic yellow card too, so they must also act as a calming influence…

The science:

Shooting and swerve zones on the instep of the boot flex naturally as the foot makes contact with the ball.Shape correction foam along tongue and top of boot increases instep accuracy for a seamless strike of the ball.Remodelled studs maximise speed, increase agility and decrease chances of slipping.

Who else wears them

Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge have earned international recognition in them while Fernando Torres will lead Chelsea’s defence of their European crown in T90s this term.

How much: 140 Verdict: 7/10

Also in the kit bag…

The Tiempo Legend is in its fourth carnation and is aimed at the midfielders and the more technical minded defenders with plenty of protection and comfort thrown in at 125. Has the added bonus of being available in black for those who do not want to look like they are wearing a pack of Skittles on their feet.

Umbro

All rounder: Umbro's Speciali is worn by England striker Andy Carroll and defender John Terry

Speciali 3

Tailored in England and worn by a host of greats in the top flight for 20 years. Andy Carroll will be hoping they can inspire him just as they did fellow Geordie, Alan Shearer. But unless he can convince Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers to give him a go up front, Aston Villa’s Darren Bent is a safer bet to score more goals in them…

The science:

The upper is constructed with premium
soft leather which is extremely strong and lightweight, while still
providing a comfortable fit and a great touch and feel on the ball.The conical HG plate provides improved traction and cutting for sharp turns while keeping the traditional conical shape.High performance EVA sockliner provides added cushioning and support that helps reduce stud pressure on the field.Large articulation flex channel in the forefoot to allow a natural movement and flex of the foot.

Who else wears them

John Terry – the Chelsea captain has adopted the classic boot since he broke through at Stamford Bridge 14 years ago. Even his defensive partner Gary Cahill wears them!

How much 80 Rating: 8/10

Blue streak: The Geometra is a winner with goalkeepers including Joe Hart

Geometra
It’s all very well designing boots for pacey wingers and hungry strikers but what about the goalkeeper Gloves may be a primary concern but even keepers need to kick the ball and the Geometra’s focus on producing accurate ball distribution gets a big thumbs up from Manchester City stopper Joe Hart.

The science:

Memory foam pad for improved first touch and distribution.Silicon zones on the medial forefoot to provide enhanced grip, control and spin when striking the ball.Poron lined collar which offers improved cushioning to reduce the impact on the foot and to minimise the risk of injury.

Who else wears them

It’s not only good enough for England’s No. 1 but also his heir to the throne, Jack Butland. The Birmingham keeper shone for Team GB at the Olympics this summer and appears just as confident in his overall game than Hart wearing Umbro’s Geometras.

How much 120 Rating: 7/10

Also in the kitbag…

Even Umbro have tried to tap into the ‘speed boot’ market. The GTII may lack behind the F50 and Mercurial Vapor but it has Premier League presence in Tottenham full-back Kyle Walker and at 85 is arguably better value for money than its higher esteemed rivals.

Puma

Bolt out of the blue: Except for modifications on the studs to suit a football pitch, the evoSpeed1 is an exact copy of Usain Bolt's gold medal winning running shoes from the Olympic Games.

evoSPEED1

The Usain Bolt boot. The eloquent evoSPEED1 are a carbon copy of the same spikes the Jamaican sprint king sported to burn up the track at London’s Olympic Stadium. Perhaps the double-triple gold medallist will get to lace up a pair when he goes for that ‘dream’ trial at Old Trafford…

The science:

The anatomically engineered lightweight
one-piece outsole provides stability and support, utilizing high-tech
materials to minimize weight and to maximize its flexibility and
reactivity.The evoSPEED 1 features an external heel
counter which secures an excellent heel fit and the new PUMA
evoAptoLast which provides an industry leading fit.

Who else wears them

Sergio Ageuro was signed up by Puma last season with the boots going down in Manchester City’s history when he scored THAT goal on the last day of the season to clinch the title.

How much 140 Rating: 9/10

Also in the kit bag…
The player who likes to sit back and protect his defence or break up attacks and start their own will find great favour with the Power Cat at 130. Protection of a player’s foot gives midfielders confidence to commit to challenges but there is enough flare to convince the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Nigel de Jong to take them on. Also available is the ever reliable Puma King which at 125 is still one of the finest pair of football boots ever made.

Under Armour

The American dream: Under Armour will hope to become an established presence in the football boot market

Hydrastrike II

The new kids on the block (well, sort of). Under Armour arguably pioneered compression clothing worn by players in the Premier League and now the American sports giants are out to officially make their mark in England as Tottenham’s kit suppliers. Spurs defender Michael Dawson will be kitted out head to toe in their gear.

The science:

H20i water intelligence technology keeps performance leather drier, longer—reducing moisture weight and increasing ball feel.Corespeed chassis supercharges the
foot’s natural motion, flexibility, and acceleration, delivering
superior mobility on the field.Micro G cushioning delivers light, ultra-responsive, low-to-the-ground performance for better, natural stability, and comfort.

Who else wears them

Bobby Zamora faces stiff competition for a starting place this season at QPR and he’ll be banking on these boots to the business for him… just as they did in 2010 when he struck 19 goals for Fulham.

How much 99 Rating: 8/10

Also in the kit bag…

Under Armour have a big job to establish themselves in a market dominated by Nike, adidas and Puma, but their job is not going to be harmed by the 10K Force Pro II. It’s expensive at 144 but will perform just as well as other elite boots on the market.