Despite improvements in synthetic leather materials, many soccer players still prefer real leather soccer cleats. In general, leather offers a greater level of comfort, breathability and durability. The overall feel for the ball also tends to be better. Soccer cleat manufacturers use two types of leather. Full-grain calf leather is the most common, while k-leather, or kangaroo leather, is becoming increasingly popular.
Adidas F50 adiZero
Adidas released the F50 adiZero in May 2010. Built using Adidas' Sprint Skin synthetic leather, it was the world's lightest ever soccer cleat. Knowing that many players preferred leather, Adidas soon released a leather edition. Weighing 175 g, it was not quite as light as the 165 g synthetic version. However, the leather F50 adiZero remains one of the lightest boots on the market as of February 2011. It is a good choice for fast players looking for a lightweight cleat with the durability of real leather.
Puma King
If you are looking for a classic leather soccer cleat, it is hard to beat the Puma King. Worn by legends such as Pele and Maradona, it is without a doubt Puma's most historic model. Puma has adapted and modernized the shoe with each new release, but retained the classic design. The Puma King Finale, released in December 2010, features a kangaroo leather upper. Kangaroo leather is thinner and lighter than calf leather while retaining the same level of durability. If you want a shoe that gives the greatest possible feel for the ball, the Puma King is a good choice.
Adidas Predator
Adidas first released its Predator range in 1994, and the cleats have remained popular ever since. The inclusion of rubber strips on the upper, designed to increase friction and therefore swerve on the ball, was a revolutionary concept in soccer cleat design. The Predator X, released in 2009, incorporates Adidas' "Taurus" full-grain leather, selected for softness, durability and increased friction. According to the Soccer Bible website, the material is so good it persuaded David Beckham to stop wearing a synthetic upper. If you are looking for enhanced swerve and control, consider buying the Predator X.
Nike Tiempo
Nike's ever-popular Mercurial Vapor range uses ultra-lightweight synthetic materials. The cleats are designed for fast players, so keeping weight to a minimum is a priority. For technical players looking for more control and greater feel, Nike has developed the Tiempo series. The Nike Tiempo Legend III features a kangaroo leather upper for comfort, responsiveness and strength. If you want a leather boot designed to enhance technical ability rather than speed, the Tiempo is arguably the best Nike cleat available. Be aware that the Nike Tiempo Legend III Elite model uses Nike's "Kanga-Lite" synthetic leather.
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