Xara Magna Soccer Backpack - model 7006

Xara Magna Soccer Backpack - model 7006

Appearance: It's got a sharp look that's roomy and sleek all in one. The colors on this bag look great in person as they contrast with the black and silver accents. The wear well and retain their look even after being thrown around.

Performance: This backpack is like your average backpack on steroid. Every time you think you look, you find yet another feature. There are the padded straps which are really padded. This may not seem like a big deal until you're lugging something heavy. It's also got a removable shoe bag that Velcro's inside and keeps your dirty cleats away from the rest of your gear. On the front of the bag is a second compartment that allows you to store the smaller things like a first aid kit, personal belongings, etc. In between those two compartments is a ball storage area that holds a full size ball and keeps it secure and sectioned off from the rest of your stuff. And when you think that's everything, you'll find the concealed floor mat that tucks in the bottom of the bag that can be unfolded to sit on when the ground is muddy. I laughed when I first saw this feature, but I can honestly say it gets plenty of use.

Rating: 9/10

Storelli Bodyshield 3/4 Goalkeeper Shirt - model BSGKSHIRTBK

Storelli Bodyshield 3/4 Goalkeeper Shirt - model BSGKSHIRTBK

Performance: I was a little skeptical when we first took these shirt out of the packaging because I don't really like extra protection unless I absolutely need it, but Storelli scored a goal with this item. The padding is extremely flexible and really does mold to your body shape. You do have to make sure you get this tight-fit otherwise I can see it being a little cumbersome. There are plenty of seams in the padding which allows them to flex and bend where you need them to, yet at the same time offers some serious protection. The "ChesTrap" padding reminds me a lot of a catcher's chest protector in baseball and does a great job of absorbing the impact of a shot with minimal shock to the player. This is a great item for players coming off injury or just trying to avoid getting one and when worn under a goalkeeper jersey is really not noticeable.

Feel: Like I mentioned, this shirt is very flexible and lightweight despite all the protection it offers. The body of the shirt is made from a moisture-management material that helps wick sweat and moisture off your body. This is definitely designed to fit tight so make sure you keep that in mind when ordering.

Rating: 8.5/10

adidas Messi F50 adizero FG White/Black/Solar Slime Firm Ground Soccer Shoes - model F32795

adidas Messi F50 adizero FG White/Black/Solar Slime Firm Ground Soccer Shoes - model F32795

Appearance: These shoes are definitely for the player looking for attention on the field. They are bold, bright, brash and bad a%@. The colors are vibrant and really look much better in person than they do in pictures. The upper is made from what adidas is calling a "Hybridtouch" which combines all the best qualities of leather such as breathability, flexibility and durability of leather, with the lightweight aspect of synthetics.

Performance: Just putting on these cleats make you feel like an all-star. They are light, comfortable, and really fit like a glove. This isn't the sort of shoe you wear with room in the toe box. You really want to get these to fit. With such a lightweight and technical upper, the right fit will make them feel like you're wearing a second layer of skin. Very true touch on the ball and a great feel on your foot. These are the real deal. Get them!!

Rating: 9.5/10

TruSox Crew Length Black Cushion Socks - model TSCC-BLK

TruSox Crew Length Black Cushion Socks - model TSCC-BLK
 

Feel: I won't lie, these socks will take a day or two to get used to but once you do you will not go back to wearing ordinary socks.  If you have game socks, you cut the foot off of the game socks, and wear them almost like leg warmers while the TruSox are worn normally.  That way you get the performance of the TruSox and still keep the look of your uniform.  The non-slips tabs on the socks work like magic keeping your foot from moving around in your socks and shoes.  I always used to get blisters on the inside of my big toe and having worn these socks now for the last two months, my blisters are gone!

Performance: These things do exactly what they say they do.  They're not cheap so I had high expectations for them and they passed with flying colors.

Rating: 10/10

adidas Brazuca FIFA 2014 World Cup Official Match Soccer Ball - model G73617

adidas Brazuca FIFA 2014 World Cup Official Match Soccer Ball - model G73617

Appearance: Let me get this out of the way from the start; this ball looks way better in person than it does in pictures. I wasn't impressed when I saw images of it, but once you see it in person, I don't know if it's the mystique of knowing you holding the World Cup ball or what, but it looks really sick. The colors pop and the textured cover make for a distinct look.

Performance: I thought the last World Cup ball was the best ball I had ever played with, but adidas really outdid themselves with the Brazuca. The seamless cover make for a 360 sweet spot and the textured outer lets you hit the ball with some serious top spin. The major issue with the last World Cup ball was that it knuckled a lot, but this one doesn't seem to have that problem. Overall, great ball and it comes in a display box so whether you collect these balls or just want to play with the best ball on the planet, this is a must have for serious ballers.

Rating: 10/10

Reusch Waorani Deluxe G2 Ortho-Tec Goalkeeper Gloves - model 3470900

Reusch Waorani Deluxe G2 Ortho-Tec Goalkeeper Gloves - model 3470900

Appearance: These gloves are mean and green!! I don't know how Reusch did it with these gloves, but when you see them in person, you'll understand when I tell you that these things are intimidating. They have so many features and so much innovative technology that you can't help but be impressed. The embossed backhand and expanse cut palms look cool, but also provide protection and flexibility.

Performance: It's fitting that we reviewed these gloves after we did the adidas Brazuca World Cup ball because I wondered last month if there was going to be a glove on the market this year that could stop that ball and I think this is it. Reusch does so many things with their gloves that I'm not going to bore you with all the features because you can just read those on the item page. What I am going to focus on is just how comfortable these gloves are and how much feel you actually get with them. The pre-curved fingers might be the simplest, yet greatest thing on this glove. Most gloves come flat as a board, but these gloves are pre-curved to contour to the way your hands naturally sit. So even with all the latex and polyurethane fingersavers, you still have all the flexibility you would have if you were wearing mitten. The Catch Control™ feature on the palms basically mimics your fingerprint for added grip. You can easily palm a soccer ball with these gloves even if you couldn't before. Honestly, we realize that these gloves aren't cheap, but just know that they are without question, worth every penny!

Rating: 15/10

 

adidas F50 Adizero TRX FG - Samba Pack - Solar Blue/Running White/Solar Zest Synthetic Firm Ground Soccer Cleats - model D67203

adidas F50 Adizero TRX FG - Samba Pack - Solar Blue/Running White/Solar Zest Synthetic Firm Ground Soccer Cleats - model D67203

Feel: Okay, there is no other way to say this other than these cleats are SICK!  They are a little narrower than I prefer, but they do flex so after a day, they fit like a glove. The upper is like a layer of skin on your foot and which is exactly what you want in a high end cleat. The lightness of these shoes is ridiculous. If you want a pair of soccer cleats where you hardly notice they're on and they function like an extension of your own feet, look no further.

Performance: This might be the best boot on the market right now. The aggressive stud pattern gives you plenty of traction on any field. As I mentioned above, the feel you get when you strike a ball with these is like nothing you've ever experienced. You'll feel like you're playing with the pros with these on.

Rating: 10/10

adidas F50 Adizero TRX FG Electricity/Hero Ink/Metallic Silver Leather Soccer Cleats - model Q33847

adidas F50 Adizero TRX FG Electricity/Hero Ink/Metallic Silver Leather Soccer Cleats - model Q33847

Feel: This shoe is so light and flexible you forget it's actually leather.  Generally most of us will pick up a synthetic boot because we either want something really lightweight or we want some crazy color.  Somehow adidas achieved both in this one.  The upper is comfortable as you would imagine for a leather shoe, but the stud pattern on the bottom is quite foot friendly as well.  You will love the way this shoe feels!!

Performance: If you want aggressive footing and traction, you will not be disappointed. The TRAXION stud configuration and bladed cleats will work on any natural surface.

Rating: 9/10

Diadora Gamma Carbonio Soccer Shinguards - model 145964

Diadora Gamma Carbonio Soccer Shinguards - model 145964

Feel: Let me start off by telling you that I normally wear the smallest, thinnest shinguards I can find, so when I saw the Gamma Carbonios in person, I laughed. Reading the specs on it, I was kind of curious so I decided to put them to the test. The first thing I did was hit them as hard as I could against a cement pillar. Don't ask why, it just seemed like the right thing to do at the time. The good news is that nothing happened to the guard. The next step was to actually try them on. Honestly, there isn't much of a difference in length between the two sizes, so really the only issue is now thick your calf is. If you're legs are on the thicker side, go with the Larges. Despite their hefty protection, these things are extremely light and hardly noticeable once you get them on. Since they don't have any straps or sleeves to hold them in place, a good tight sock does the trick. I can't imagine myself wearing these all the time because I really don't need that much protection, but for those of you coming off a serious leg injury or notice your legs take a beating during games, this will be the best investment you will ever make in soccer.

Performance: I don't want to call these things indestructible because I'm sure if you ran over them with a tank, you might scratch them, but this is about as good as you will get in protection, performance and comfort.

Rating: 9.5/10

Diadora DD-NA GLX 14 Firm Ground Soccer Cleats - model 158455-C490

Diadora DD-NA GLX 14 Firm Ground Soccer Cleats - model 158455-C490

Feel: Even though it's a synthetic shoe which I'm not usually a fan of, this shoe has the feel and comfort of leather.  It's extremely flexible and soft which is the last thing you think it will be when you look at it.  I wore them during a day game in 80 degree heat and they breathed well and didn't cause any excess sweating or blisters.

Performance: Extremely aggressive stud pattern which will take some getting used to, but if you need traction, you won't be disappointed. Even with a smooth upper surface, you still get excellent touch on the soccer ball with every strike.

Rating: 8.5/10

adidas Adipure 11Pro TRX FG Black/Black/Metallic Gold Soccer Cleats - model G97118

adidas Adipure 11Pro TRX FG Black/Black/Metallic Gold Soccer Cleats - model G97118

Feel: Perfect feel to it and fits around your foot nicely. Genuine leather boot that feels broken in right when you put them on. Very comfortable for the player looking for a combination of comfort and touch.

Performance: Great on the ball, first touch, and rounded studs makes it smooth to accelerate. Overall great boot for firm ground surfaces.

Rating: 9/10