In the post-holiday season, Nike has upped its newest shoe campaign to honor one of the most decorated Italian soccer player ever and his international teams’ accomplishments.

The Nike Tiempo 94 cleat is a re-release of the original 1994 shoe worn by Italian World Cup team members, but of course with updates in the latest shoe technology.  As its spokesman, Nike chose Paolo Maldini, the captain of the 1994 Italian World Cup Club that lost in penalty kicks to Brazil and one of the most famous defenders in the world.

The video above is part of the promotional campaign, honoring Maldini with current players (you can see the Italian version on the Nike YouTube Channel here).  Additionally, Nike has made a limited number of shoes and will be auctioning off for charity the pair of Tiempo 94 that Maldini wore in the last four games of the professional career.

In terms of the video itself, it does an excellent job of linking a hero of the “past” with a current crop of players, who obviously are paying homage to him by wearing his shoe.  I think the video could have used a shot or two of the 1994 World Cup just to make the link more obvious in the eyes of younger viewers, but the black and white footage is an excellent choice to add some gravity to the ad.  I also liked the younger players speaking on behalf of Maldini, as well as the witty Pazzini exchange at the end.  Contrast this ad with another Nike ad for Cesc Fabregas; while that one is more glitz and glamor the Maldini ad is classic and traditional.

As for the shoe itself, it is certainly fashionable.  It has a classic look but weighs less than the original and is made with smoother material.  It is not inexpensive, but the price is quite reasonable.

But what do you think of the Nike Tiempo 94?

People can tell you how a fine European sports car drives in the Autobahn, but you can never grasp what they are saying until you actually jump into the million-dollar Ferrari and go 180-miles per hour.  There was no other metaphor that I could use that could give any of you an idea as to what the experience was with these boots.  Once you put them on, you will understand the rage behind Nike Mercurial Vapor IV FG.

I, for one, am a person that is quite complicated when it comes to getting a new pair of boots.  I have bought everything from the classic boots (aka styles similar to the Adidas Copa Mundial) to the metal cleats (in order to play for rugby and football) and I was never able to find that comfort zone.   That is until I got a hold of the Nike Mercurial Vapor IV FG.  These boots are at the vanguard of lightweight performance football boot. It has the complete package- it is Ferrari sleek and iPhone chic.  I am not saying putting on these boots will automatically put a person in the running for the FIFA World Player of the Year; just that there are small differences in the game.

What’s So Special?

People that play football always look at getting a boot where you can “feel” the ball.  This is key for those of you that are players that pass before you shoot.  Another unique factor is that top part of the boot has increased surface areas that cover the laces that offer additional ball contact area.  Additional ball contact area means better contact as well as better control.
The soft, supple TEIJIN synthetic leather adjusts to every curve and lining of the foot.  Regardless of how big or how particular your feet are, these boots will accommodate to it. One word to my wide-footed brethren…take some extra time to break in your Vapors.  I know I am kinda splitting hairs on this one, but if you have a wider foot (those of you who have one can relate) the shoe for the most part run loner and a bit on the narrow side, so when it comes time to order your boot try to look for a wide size (if available).  If you are one that prefers a roomier fit, try to order your normal size.  For those of you that like the snug fit, order a half size down.  You will see that the extra time you spent breaking them in will be quite worth it.
Whenever I play, I will be more on the defensive end of the pitch.  I will play at defensive midfield or as a back; sometimes I will come from the right.

“ Aww, come on… this shoe is not for a defender.”

It might be what you are all saying, but it accommodates them as well.
That’s why the Nike Vapor SL’s midsole become so important.   The stability that it offers is second to no other boot I have tried in my life.  The balance it offers in turn helps with acceleration.  The technology is in the shoes’ s revolutionary internal chassis.  The chassis is able to balance weight effectively and along with the contoured sock liner and its EVA inserts reduces stud pressure.

Overall it is a shoe marketed to the fast wingers or players that have that extra gear. Ok, you figured me out.  I confess, I am not one to be looked at and can be seen on a poster out-dribbling Cristiano Ronaldo.   But on the defensive side you have to have speed in order to cut angles, turn, and even break out on the attack.  Balance is key.  To be a defender (a good one, not just the guy that tries to break legs) and not have balance is like being at a bar with no music- it’s a losing proposition.

In future posts I will add more information as soon as I get it from the manufacturer or the distributors in order to be able to give you, the consumer, the most information possible in order to make the best decision for yourself.  Remember, the decision of buying your boots is one of the most fundamental when playing football, so why not have the most info when making such an important investment in your passion.

Special Thanks Goes Out To…Soccerpro
If you have any questions regarding the product, please do not hesitate to leave a comment or leave an email at madaboutfutbol@gmail.com.

People can tell you how a fine European sports car drives in the Autobahn, but you can never grasp what they are saying until you actually jump into the million-dollar Ferrari and go 180-miles per hour.  There was no other metaphor that I could use that could give any of you an idea as to what the experience was with these boots.  Once you put them on, you will understand the rage behind Nike Mercurial Vapor IV FG.

I, for one, am a person that is quite complicated when it comes to getting a new pair of boots.  I have bought everything from the classic boots (aka styles similar to the Adidas Copa Mundial) to the metal cleats (in order to play for rugby and football) and I was never able to find that comfort zone.   That is until I got a hold of the Nike Mercurial Vapor IV FG.  These boots are at the vanguard of lightweight performance football boot. It has the complete package- it is Ferrari sleek and iPhone chic.  I am not saying putting on these boots will automatically put a person in the running for the FIFA World Player of the Year; just that there are small differences in the game.

What’s So Special?

People that play football always look at getting a boot where you can “feel” the ball.  This is key for those of you that are players that pass before you shoot.  Another unique factor is that top part of the boot has increased surface areas that cover the laces that offer additional ball contact area.  Additional ball contact area means better contact as well as better control.
The soft, supple TEIJIN synthetic leather adjusts to every curve and lining of the foot.  Regardless of how big or how particular your feet are, these boots will accommodate to it. One word to my wide-footed brethren…take some extra time to break in your Vapors.  I know I am kinda splitting hairs on this one, but if you have a wider foot (those of you who have one can relate) the shoe for the most part run loner and a bit on the narrow side, so when it comes time to order your boot try to look for a wide size (if available).  If you are one that prefers a roomier fit, try to order your normal size.  For those of you that like the snug fit, order a half size down.  You will see that the extra time you spent breaking them in will be quite worth it.
Whenever I play, I will be more on the defensive end of the pitch.  I will play at defensive midfield or as a back; sometimes I will come from the right.

“ Aww, come on… this shoe is not for a defender.”

It might be what you are all saying, but it accommodates them as well.
That’s why the Nike Vapor SL’s midsole become so important.   The stability that it offers is second to no other boot I have tried in my life.  The balance it offers in turn helps with acceleration.  The technology is in the shoes’ s revolutionary internal chassis.  The chassis is able to balance weight effectively and along with the contoured sock liner and its EVA inserts reduces stud pressure.

Overall it is a shoe marketed to the fast wingers or players that have that extra gear. Ok, you figured me out.  I confess, I am not one to be looked at and can be seen on a poster out-dribbling Cristiano Ronaldo.   But on the defensive side you have to have speed in order to cut angles, turn, and even break out on the attack.  Balance is key.  To be a defender (a good one, not just the guy that tries to break legs) and not have balance is like being at a bar with no music- it’s a losing proposition.

In future posts I will add more information as soon as I get it from the manufacturer or the distributors in order to be able to give you, the consumer, the most information possible in order to make the best decision for yourself.  Remember, the decision of buying your boots is one of the most fundamental when playing football, so why not have the most info when making such an important investment in your passion.

Special Thanks Goes Out To…Soccerpro
If you have any questions regarding the product, please do not hesitate to leave a comment or leave an email at madaboutfutbol@gmail.com.

Nike’s “Take It To The Next Level” is back this time with Andrea Pirlo.  When is a wall not a wall? When it’s made up of more people than would normally take to the pitch during any one game. But Italian playmaker Andrea Pirlo doesn’t see walls, he sees goals.

Last month Serie A Talk kept you up-to-date on the evolution of Nikefootball.com with the article, The Fabio Cannavaro Show  , this time round we’ve got some video adverts with several of Serie A’s top stars.

The Next Addition of Nike’s “Take It To the Next Level” Series, Mr. Alberto Aquilani.

 Alberto Aquilani well-known in Serie A for the strength and distance of his kicks, is a talent Nike hopes to utilize in their current 2008-2009 television adverts.

 The following video has the Roma midfielder kicking a Nike Total 90 Omni match ball into increasingly difficult targets such as: fruit, a Ming vase, widescreen TV, wedding cake, and finally an ice hockey goalie.

[display_podcast]

Tomorrow we’ll Take It to the Next Level with AC Milan’s midfield maestro, Andrea Pirlo.

Related Links

Nikefootball.com - see the entire Nike Live: The Fabio Cannavaro Show

Serie A Weekly – Official Serie A Match Ball for 2008 – 2009 Season

Ever since Cesc Fabregas took all the plaudits with his very own TV show, fans across Europe have been wondering who’ll be next to hit the silver screen.

Now the wait is over, as the lovely Giorgia Surina and comic trio The Three Medusas kick off part one of The Fabio Cannavaro Show. First up, Il Capitano himself reveals the pre-match rituals that have brought him so much success. His top tip? Don’t wind up Gennaro Gattuso…

nikefootball at youTube have kindly uploaded an English-subtitle version of the show click on the video link below.

It’s what you’ve been waiting for. It’s Nike Live: The Fabio Cannavaro Show.

sources: mcalcio – Nike Live: The Fabio Cannavaro Show  check out mcalcio, writer Marco Pantanella has the best match preview and review articles for English-speaking fans of Italian soccer on the net.

No Frank Lampard but Inter do have their new kit and doesn’t Javier Zanetti look stunning in his blue with white SWOOSH socks. Captain Zanetti contributed to a mini exhibition, providing ten shirts from his private collection, one for each year from 1998 at this morning’s presentation. 

Right off it looks like the biggest change is the away jersey which will be solid white. Absent is that wonderful red cross so many in England mistook for the cross of St. George.

I’ve noticed Matrix is front and centre during the photo op and other than Amantino Mancini one wonders if Mourinho will inject more new blood into the very talented lineup. 

If additional trades are to happen surely it will be very soon so stay tuned Inter faithful.

Finally, good to see Adriano back hopefully he can turn his career around this season I’m of the opinion if Mourinho can’t get the best out of him no one can.

Inter and Nike celebrated their ten-year partnership at today’s presentation.