UMBRO SPECIALI 3
Umbro unveil the latest evolution of one of the games greatest ever boots.
Following the recent launch of the Speciali 92 collection to celebrate 20 years of greatness, Umbro has released the Speciali 3 – a contemporary take on the classic Speciali football boot. With the Speciali 3 Pro, Umbro celebrates the craft, quality, authenticity and football tailoring it is known for.
The Speciali traditions of comfort and fit, delivered with style, are at the core of the Speciali 3’s design. Epitomising this is the premium soft leather upper, a constant feature of the Speciali boot. This extends around the medial midfoot for uninterrupted touch and feel of the ball, aiding fit and comfort to create a truly tailored boot.
The classic Speciali A-frame remains as an internal reinforcement holding the midfoot in place. The A-frame has been an integral part of the Speciali boot since 1992 and continues to evolve to meet modern performance needs.
The boot features Clarino, a suede grip sock that aids comfort and has much greater breathability than standard synthetic materials. Poron™ is a memory foam insert on the rear tongue, a highly durable material that doesn’t rot when wet.
Additional features of the new Speciali 3 Pro include:
- The boot is anatomically lasted to provide better support to the wearer
- Asymmetric eyestay lacing to maximise touch surface on the vamp and medial side
- A-frame shape inspired stitching helps minimise stretch in this critical lateral forefoot area
- Full grain leather used on collar and heel
- The classic Speciali twin stripes have been refreshed for 2012
- Blades have been added to the plate on the HG boot to provide added stability and traction, while keeping the conical shape for hard ground conditions
- A wider flex channel on the outsole to improve articulation, forefoot flex and toe off
- Tongue construction is a “dupalon” fused lining for a lightweight feel
The Speciali 3 Pro is designed and styled for the purist – the player who wants to look smart and play smart. The new Speciali 3 will be worn by the likes of Andy Carroll, Darren Bent, John Terry, Pepe, Michael Dawson, Michael Owen and Wilson Palacios.
Liverpool and England striker Andy Carroll said of the new Speciali 3: “I love playing in the Umbro Speciali boot – it’s become an icon of the game, worn by many great players. I like the classic style of the boot and it’s really comfortable to wear. I feel a sense of pride when stepping out on to the pitch and the Speciali 3 Pro continues the evolution of this great boot.”
The new Speciali 3 Pro will be available from January 20th and arrives initially in two great looking colourways: Pearlised White/Black/Nectarine and Black/White/Vivid Blue.
UMBRO GT II PRO – SILVER/BLACK/TRUE RED
One of our favorite launches of 2011 here it TRW was undoubtedly the new Umbro GT II Pro. Umbro lightest, fastest and most futuristic boot has had a great start to their carrer with the likes of Spurs fullback Kyle Walker and Sunderland striker Connor Wickham wearing them in the Premier League.
The GT II Pro’s lightweight Japanese micro-fibre upper provides both softness and strength, with asymetric concealed lacing providing a greater strike surface. The anatomical last and removable sock-liner with Poron Performance inserts provide superb comfort. The outsole has anatomically shaped plates, sculpted to reduce weight while the lightweight sole plate is built to give improved grip and traction.
The launch colourway of Blue Radiance/Black/Orange Popsicle caught the eye and we expect this new Silver/Black/True Red to do the same and we can’t wait to see them on the feet of more Premier League stars.
UMBRO GEOMETRA PRO – BLACK/WHITE/SHARP GREEN/TRUE RED
In June last year Umbro announced a new addition to their football boot range with the launch of the Geometra Pro – specifically designed for the visionary in the team, the player who keeps calm on the field and always finds their pass. The Geometra combines the comfort and fit of Umbro’s English football tailoring heritage with the latest in football performance technology.
A memory foam ‘pass pad’ on its instep aids ball control while a silicon-bonded grip zone on the toe to helps touch and feel allowing the wearer to add increased loft and spin to the ball. The specialist sole has a new stud configuration featuring a pivot zone inspired by squash shoe and allows players to turn away from trouble in even the smallest areas. Full grain ceramic leather wraps the foot while further safeguarded is provided by the inclusion of a solid heel wrap and stabiliser.
The Geometra Pro has been a great success in the Premier League with the likes of Jordan Henderson, Joe Hart and Jonas Gutierrez and we expect to see them switching to this new Black/White/Sharp Green/True Red colourway this weekend.
UMBRO GT II PRO
Umbro GT II Pro: Who Dares Wins
Umbro has released their lightest, fastest and most futuristic boot to date. The brand new GT II Pro is designed for the player who wants to stand out on the pitch – both in style and flair. The second generation GT Pro is a considerable step forward for their speed silo.
A lightweight Japanese micro-fibre upper provides both softness and strength, with asymetric concealed lacing providing a greater strike surface. A newly developed anatomical last is designed to offer the wearer a better fit, while the removable sock-liner with Poron Performance inserts complete the feeling of comfort.
On the outsole, the anatomically shaped plates are sculpted to reduce weight, while the FG blades are hollowed out to further lighten the load. (Both SG and FG stud configurations are available). The lightweight sole plate is built to give improved grip and traction, giving you an extra boost when you’re skipping away from defenders.
The Umbro GT II Pro has been inspired by movement, and speed and we expect a selection of bright, eye-catching high-contrast colourways in the future. The launch colourway is the great looking Blue Radiance/Black/Orange Popsicle colourway.
The new GT II Pro will be worn by the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and England fullback Kyle Walker plus Sunderland and England striker Connor Wickham and will be on sale from Umbro.com from mid-December
UMBRO SPECIALI 92 COLLECTION
Umbro celebrate Speciali 92 football boots’ 20th anniversary with collection.
When it comes to football boots with a wealth of history and heritage few rival the Umbro Speciali. Now, to celebrate the iconic Speciali 92 football boots’ 20th anniversary, Umbro unveiled the 5 piece limited edition lifestyle Speciali 92 collection at a stylish launch event in London.
The new Umbro Speciali 92 football boots were created to honor the same model boots worn by the likes of Alan Shearer, Michael Owen and Robert Carlos and are the perfect embodiment of classic style.
A fold-over tongue, ultra-soft K-leather upper and Speciali silhouette are legendary Speciali traits and feature on the new incarnation. A classic K-leather upper gives these boots great comfort and exceptional feel for the ball. While the ankle and heel sections have been re-enforced with padded support zones, to offer exceptional fit and improve stability.
The flex-groove soleplate has been retained from the original 1992 edition, with the exception of the conical heel studs have now been replaced with blades for improved traction and stability.
The launch event in London took place in a swanky gallery where the new Speciali 92 collection was on display. The walls were filled with images of the new collection while projectors replayed videos of some of the greatest ever Speciali goals, including Michael Owen’s wonder-goal against Argentina and Robert Carlos’ physics-bending free-kick.
Legendary England strikers Alan Shearer and Michael Owen are two of the greatest players to ever wear the boots and made a special appearance at the launch to do a Q&A session.
The collection oozes style and features a black leather Anthem jacket as well as Speciali inspired Milton Trainers.
The collection is completed by the Speciali 92 Ball and Bag
Since its launch, the Speciali boot has graced the feet of countless greats and has featured in many iconic footballing moments. Speciali highlights include:
- 6 English Golden Boot winners
- 30 top tier hat-tricks
- 775 English top flight goals have been scored in the Umbro Speciali
- 5,000: number of games played in the Speciali on the highest stage
- 1992: Umbro release the first Speciali with the “wishbone” system
- 1994: Umbro releases the ‘Pele Speciali’ – one of the lightest boots on the market at 225g
- 1996: Umbro release a new style of Speciali featuring an ‘A Frame’ design for enhanced comfort and fit
- Mark Hughes* scores a spectacular volley in extra time against Oldham Athletic in the 1994 FA Cup semi-final
- Alan Shearer scores 5 goals at Euro 96 wearing the Umbro Speciali, securing the title of top scorer of the tournament
- Roberto Carlos scores an “impossible” 35 yard free kick for Brazil against France in Le Tournoi in 1997
- An 18 year old Michael Owen scores a wonder goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scores the winning goal for Manchester United in the 1999 Champions League Final
- Carlos “El Pipe” [The Kid] Valderrama, considered to be Colombia’s finest player, wears the Umbro Speciali between 1996-1998
UMBRO ‘WHY ALWAYS ME?’ TEE
Manchester City made history this weekend after they handed Manchester United a 6-1 drubbing. It was all started by Mario Balotelli’s superb finish – which will be remembered for the moment he lifted his Manchester City shirt.
Balotelli has been a controversial figure since his time at Inter Milan but the young Italian is beginning to prove his quality having hit 5 goals in 5 games. It seems that it is this ‘Super Mario’ wants people to notice rather than his off field antics.
To celebrate the Blue side of Manchester’s new cult hero, Umbro have released a limited edition tee bearing Balotelli’s ‘Why Always Me?’ message. Which now available in limited numbers at the Umbro Tee Shop.
When asked about the shirt Balotelli told City’s website: “I did it for many reasons, but I’ll leave it for other people to figure out what it means! I’m sure people can work it out,”
UMBRO GEOMETRA PRO – BLACK/WHITE/BLUE
The recent launch of the Geometra Pro saw Umbro enter their challenger in the increasingly popular ‘Control’ boot category. Have released two great looking colourways Umbro are about to a third – Black/White/Blue.
The Geomatra combines the comfort and fit of Umbro’s English football tailoring heritage with the latest in football performance technology. The high grade kangaroo leather upper offers a superb fit and feel for the ball.
The Umbro Geometra Pro’s high-density foam ECZ – Energy Control Zone – on the instep is designed to absorb excess energy quicker for better ball control. ‘Tejian Medial’ dampening pads contain memory for enhanced ball control while the front vamp features a the swerve coated ‘grip surface’ which improves ball feel in wet and dry conditions whilst offering better distribution abilities.
The Geometra’s sole-plate stud configuration is designed to enhance ball trap control. The sharper heel studs combine to help lock down the planted foot while the other controls the ball without compromising traction, stability or durability.
The new Black/White/Blue Umbro Geometra Pro colourway is now available fro pre order in the USA but are only scheduled for release in November in the UK. We got a sneak peak at what this colourway will look like on the pitch as Newcastle winger Jonas Gutierrz has was spotted in them a few weeks ago.
UMBRO ENGLAND AWAY SPECIAL EDITION
Having recently launched the all new England Away kit, Umbro have now returned with a special edition Away set ahead of England’s Euro qualifying game against Montenegro on Friday.
The new Away jersey and Anthem jacket feature a redesigned version of Peter Saville’s Modern England pattern, which Saville designed specially for Umbro, and features interlocking crosses to represent the flag of St George.
The new design features on the collar of the navy Away kit while the Anthem jacket is covered in a tonal navy St Georges crosses print.
The navy Jersey is a big change from the traditional red but it still a very traditional English colour and is a throw back to the traditional suiting colour worn by the England team first in the 1930s. Inspiration was taken from the caps given to England players as well as the original British passports, which were navy in colour.
Lightweight and breathable, the special edition shirt has adopted the same performance benefits as the England Away shirt. The shirt uses mesh technology to increase the airflow to the body, updating a style that was first introduced in 1970. The England shirt is made using full polyester on the inside to help draw sweat away from the body and features a cotton outer to provide a smart appearance.
The new special edition Away set will be available from the Umbro website from tomorrow the 7th of October.
UMBRO ENGLAND AWAY COLLECTION
Umbro fuses football smartness with modern tailoring to create the new England Away kit in a classic navy colour
Umbro has combined English smartness with modern football tailoring to create the new England Away kit in a classic navy suiting colour. The new Away kit (which we profiled here) will be worn by the England senior squad for the first time against Holland on August 10th, sees a return to blue – a colour which is synonymous with England and was first worn by the England team in the 1930s. Inspiration for the new shirt was taken from the blue caps given to England players as well as the original British passports, which were navy in colour. Similar to the design of the 2009 England Home shirt, the new away kit features a smart regatta blue pop out collar, detail inherent in Umbro football tailoring, whilst combining the performance elements required for the modern game.
Lightweight and breathable, the shirt uses mesh technology to increase the air flow to the body, updating a style that was first introduced in 1970 for the Mexico World Cup. The shirt is made using full polyester on the inside to help draw sweat away from the body and features a cotton outer to provide a smart appearance. Featuring a Raglan sleeve and darting over the top edge of the shoulder, the navy shirt maintains its shape whilst allowing freedom across the body.
“Myself and the England lads can’t wait to pull the new England Away kit on for the first time against Holland. Representing your country is one of the greatest honours for a player. Looking good gives you confidence on the pitch and it is great to have a new look with the navy blue,” commented England captain John Terry.
The shorts, in a lighter, blue regatta colouring, feature a side stretch mesh panel to aid ventilation. The short is straightened off to allow easy movement of the upper leg. The socks combine the blue of the shirt and short to complete the smart kit.
England manager Fabio Capello commented: “Blue is a strong colour and one which is part of the history and future of the England team. We face many difficult fixtures away from home this year and it is important for the team to look smart on and off the pitch.”
The new Away goalkeeper’s shirt (which we profiled here) references the strong graphical formations used on previous England kits and carries a formation of interlocking crosses which represent the flag of St George. The shirt is built from the latest in fabric technology in order to provide goalkeepers like Joe Hart with the best possible help on the pitch. With a simple, comfortable collar, the goalkeeper shirt is crafted from a special cotton fabric with panels built for stretch and movement, whilst the arms feature the same 360º pivot armhole to offer keepers maximum movement. The lower part of the arm on the shirt offers a tight fit offering articulation and compatibility with goalkeeping gloves.
England goalkeeper Joe Hart said: “The new goalie Away shirt is lively but I really like it and am looking forward to wearing it against Holland. The strip fits really well and it reminds me of some of the goalkeeper kits I used to see on my heroes when I was a kid.”
The wider on-pitch range will include two new Umbro anthem jackets – regatta blue for coaching staff and navy for players – which will be worn when they walk out onto the pitch. Tailored to compliment the kit and provide comfort for the players, the anthem jacket stays in line with the sense of smartness provided by the new kit.
In keeping with its tailoring heritage, Umbro has continued to provide shirts in chest sizes so that each England fan can experience a tailored fit. The kit will be worn by every level of the England team from juniors to seniors including the women’s team.
The new England Away kit is available to pre-order now and will go on sale August 10th 2011.
For more info visit: www.umbro.com/england
UMBRO GT PRO – YELLOW/BLACK/SILVER
The Umbro GTs have had their work cut for them since their release. With the choke hold Nike’s Mercurial and Adidas’ AdiZero ranges, the GT was always going to be playing catch up. Despite this the Umbro speed boot has done well for it’s self. There are plenty of GT fans out there (including a few here at TRW) and we expect their new Yellow/Black/Silver colourway to be a big hit.
The GTs have a one piece, low-profile, lightweight Japanese Teijin micro-fibre upper which is crafted to give the wearer greater comfort and a snug and glove-like fit. Umbro’s A-Frame cradle provides support for the midfoot area and aids heel lock and the overall fit.
Umbro have done a great job on the GT and have given us a light speed boot with great ball touch, accuracy and control as well as good protection and stability. We have already seen this new colourway in action as England’s Kyle Walker wore them recently in the European u21 Championships.
