Review: Umbro Speciali 4 Soccer Boot

Fabled football gear firm Umbro has emerged from an era as a Nike subsidiary with three brand new boots  (available at World Soccer Shop) for the 2013/14 soccer calendar.

The Greater Manchester, England-based company has launched the all new speedy GeoFlare, the Geometra II and the latest version of the iconic Speciali in the form of the Umbro Speciali 4 – the current first choice boot of England internationals Joe Hart, Toni Duggan and Andy Carroll.

Over the past several weeks we’ve been wearing the Umbro Speciali 4 Pro Hard Ground boot in training and in our league matches. Here’s our world exclusive review of the current incarnation of Umbro’s all-time classic.

Aesthetics
As was the case with many previous versions of the Speciali , Umbro has not made major changes in the design of the classy-looking Speciali 4 compared to the Speciali 3. Indeed, the uninitiated may not spot the differences between the two. However, since we were fortunate to wear the Speciali 3 can spot the updates.

The most notable is the removal of the Nike CTR Maestri-inspired pass pad on the inner midfoot. The stitching on the front inner foot is also changed to match that on the out front foot. Finally, the heel counter is now more pronounced and has a contrasting color from the rest of the boot that matches that on the soleplate for a stunning effect.

Fit
One thing that we’ve come to expect from Umbro football boots through the years is that they fit true to size. The Speciali 4 is no exception! If you plan on getting these boots then get your normal size shoe. They are one of the most accurate fits around.

Ride
The Umbro Speciali 4 takes very little time to break-in. Slip them on and take them for a run and they will feel like old friends. I found them to be comfortable from the first time I hit the pitch in them. There was no discomfort, slippage or unwelcome pain on the sole of the foot or elsewhere. In fact, they provided a near running shoe feel on even a somewhat uneven surface. Half an hour of breaking the Speciali 4 in via some light running, a few sprints and ballwork and I was game-ready.

Stability and Traction
The stud configuration of the Speciali 4 is that same as that of the Speciali 3. This includes noticeably longer rear studs than many other boots on the market. Coupled with an updated microfiber heel counter, the Speciali 4 provides a great level of stability and traction on a variety or playing surfaces ranging from dry grass fields to rain-dampened grounds. Being well-balanced on the field is not a concern when wearing these boots!

Touch
The Umbro Speciali line is known great touch when trapping, passing or shooting the ball. The Speciali 4 maintains the series’ reputation well with phenomenal touch.

Thanks the aforementioned stability and a supple premium leather upper that provides extreme intimacy with the ball. After wearing the Speciali 4 for a break-in session, you don’t have to spend that vital fraction of a second during a match to think about how the ball when you apply contact to it.

The combination of the Speciali 4’s leather and what could be the perfect level of padding in a football boot makes for a ball trapping delight! Even on less than optimal fields, the Speciali 4 is excellent for killing the momentum on even fast-moving incoming balls hence eliminating any subsequent bounce that may occur.

When it comes to passing, the Speciali 4 works impeccably for everything from defense-splitting low passes made with the inside of the foot to driven, Route 1 long balls to speedy forwards. The same applies for shoots at goals.

Protection
The same padding that gives the Umbro Speciali 4 its supreme touch also provides a much-needed layer of foot protection in this age of ultrathin soccer boots! I can attest to this as I was maliciously step on while wearing them during a recent match. While I did feel a bit of pain on my foot because of the nature of the foul, I would have certainly been off the field with an injured foot had I been wearing a less-padded shoe.

Durability
Over ten matches into our test the Speciali 4 is still 100% intact and ready for the rest of the season. They are perfect examples of the high quality boots that we’ve come to expect from Umbro throughout their storied history.

Summary
If you’re looking for an elite level football boot suitable for use on any position on the field then get the Umbro Speciali 4 Pro. It is among the best out right now. At a non-discounted price point of just $129.99, it is also a phenomenal deal.

Check out our Football Boots section for more on the latest soccer footwear.