Year in Review: Best Boots of 2017

By WeGotSoccer

As 2017 comes to a close, we take time to look back at some of the most memorable boot releases of the past year.

January
One of the first major boot launches of 2017 was Paul Pogba’s signature adidas ACE 17+ Purecontrol. This second-generation laceless boot featured a gold and black design with Pogba’s personal logo and the word ‘Pogboom’ printed on the tongue and heel tabs.

February
In the early stages of 2017, Nike introduced an updated Hypervenom Phantom as part of the Tech Craft K-Leather Collection which hit shelves a few months before. Created using Kangaroo leather, this Hypervenom joined the Superfly, Magista, and Tiempo silos to complete the stealthy pack.

The volt outlining set the Tech Craft K-Leather Hypervenom apart from the rest of the pack.

March
New Balance changed the game with the release of the eye-catching Furon Hydra. Decked out with a chrome upper and sole plate, this boot’s white detailing turned a “Vivid Cactus” color once in contact with water — a subtle yet distinguishing attribute. This metallic Furon was most notably worn by Jesús Navas, then of Manchester City.

The Furon Hydra from New Balance made a splash early in 2017.

April
Nike hit the jackpot with the launch of the Cristiano Ronaldo Chapter IV Pack. The line, consisting of Superfly, Vapor, and Proximo II, was appropriately equipped with the slogan, “Forged for Greatness” as the silver to orange fade resembled an object being hammered out using fire and iron.

The boots pay tribute to Ronaldo taking the number 7 jersey at Manchester United. Previously, he had donned the number 28 shirt, which is highlighted by the Roman Numerals ‘XXVIII’ on the heels of each shoe.

The Chapter IV boots were forged to the exact specifications of CR7 himself.

May
The Nike Time to Shine Pack provided a welcomed burst of color to the soccer scene. All four silos received a royal and citrus overlay to reflect the sunset against Cardiff Stadium, the host of the 2017 Champions League Final. Fittingly, these boots were worn exclusively by players competing in the match between Real Madrid and Juventus in early June.

The vibrant Time to Shine Pack ensured that anyone wearing these boots stood out on the pitch.

June
Adidas answered the Time to Shine Pack with the Dust Storm collection, which also debuted in the Champions League Final. This line marked the release of the first-ever Nemeziz boot, inspired by medical bandages that provide lock-down coverage with extreme flexibility. While less flashy than its Nike counterpart, the Dust Storm Nemeziz, Purecontrol, Purespeed, and Copa combined a classic black and white colorway with modern touches of yellow, and aqua detailing.

Players like Lionel Messi and Gareth Bale found the back of the net in style with the adidas Dust Storm boots.

July
Under Armour’s launch of this ClutchFit Force almost flew under the radar, but it certainly caught our attention. Largely black, the boot boasts orange highlights around the Under Amour logo as well as a paint splatter pattern on the heel cup and sole. Unlike previous models, the black and orange ClutchFit included updated stud technology based on natural foot movement.

Sitting pretty: The ClutchFit Force was a sharp-looking drop this year.

August
Puma’s colors shone through with this one. The limited-edition Puma ONE Chrome, worn exclusively by Atletico Madrid and France talisman Antoine Griezmann, made quite the impression this past summer. Decked out in an all-metallic finish, the Puma ONE Chrome made its on-pitch premiere in France’s World Cup Qualifying match against Luxembourg in early September.

Antoine Griezmann sparkled in the Puma ONE Chrome, scoring in France’s win over Luxembourg in September.

September
September is a great month for soccer fans — domestic leagues have kicked off, Champions League matches are underway, and, oh yeah, FIFA comes out! This year, Nike teamed up with video game developer EA Sports to create a special-edition Hypervenom boot based on FIFA 18. The garish boot design is inspired by technology used by EA Sports to capture in-game player movement.

The Nike x EA Sports Hypervenom was the perfect boot for those who play on and off the pitch.

October
Under Armour makes the cut again thanks to this ClutchFit 3.0. In the spirit of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Under Armour released this boot in limited quantities as part of the brand’s “Power in Pink” campaign, which supports the fight against the disease. Accordingly, all proceeds went toward the Breast Cancer Awareness charity.

These special boots were worn by over 80 Under Armour-sponsored athletes across the globe.

November
One of the most anticipated drops of the year, adidas’ Skystalker Pack marked the official return of the Predator. The Predator, available with and without laces, replaced the Purecontrol, and will line up alongside the Nemeziz, Purespeed, and Copa going forward.

The adidas Skystalker Pack included the new-and-improved Predator (right).

December
Nike launches took over December, and we couldn’t choose our favorite between these beauties. Both Neymar and Sergio Ramos received stunning signature boots — the Neymar ‘Puro Fenomeno’ Vapor and the Sergio Ramos ‘Corazón y Sangre’ (Heart and Blood) Tiempo.

Inspired by the boot created for star Brazilian forwards Ronaldo in 1999, the Pure Fenomeno Vapor was reincarnated for one of today’s brightest stars.

Ramos received his custom boot, which is limited to 4,000 pairs worldwide, complete with his own logo and several nuances related to his storied history as a player.

Both signature boots from Nike ensured that 2017 boot releases ended in style.

Did we miss any? What boots from 2017 make your list?

WeGotSoccer — your premier shopping destination for everything soccer.

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