Puma has launched a new from of football boots that are expected to be very popular. The special UNI technology, where the upper material is stitched rather than glued to the sole, provides the perfect fit by perfectly replicating the unique PUMA Aptolast.

The new-look lace cover is held down by an elastic strap and a TriHook fastener to ensure a snug fit that provides a smooth kicking area and a unique look, whilst a carbon fibre composite in the forefoot helps provide optimal pressure distribution, reactivity and flexibility.

According to many surveys, black is the popular choice of colour when it comes to the soccer boots. Despite the rise in professional players wearing coloured boots, surprisingly 26% of the youngsters questioned nominated traditional black as their favourite colour.

The UK survey, conducted by Texaco, official motor fuel partner to the npower Championship, as part of its Teach Your Kids Proper Footy campaign which supports the traditional values of the game over modern trends such as diving, coloured boots and arguing with referees.

Blackburn Rovers player Mark Wilson has recently swapped between a football boot for a walking boot. The Trespass store at Lakeside Village has become official advisor and supplier of the walking gear needed by the club’s team of volunteers tackling the Inca Trek in June.

“A lot of the people involved are novices when it comes to walking so every bit of advice and guidance is needed,” said media manager Steve Uttley.

“So Community Participation Manager, and Inca Trek walker, Liam Scully approached Trespass Lakeside store manager Ryan Lount for help.

A CHILDHOOD friend of Sir Bobby Robson is looking to sell a pair of football boots believed to have been owned by the former England, Barcelona and Newcastle United manager when he was seven.

Thomas Robson, 85, grew up in Langley Park, County Durham, playing football with Sir Bobby and another talented youngster, Billy Bell.

Mr Robson, who now lives in Evenwood, near Bishop Auckland, said Bell and Sir Bobby went to play for Fulham together when they were both 16.

But while Sir Bobby stayed and began an illustrious career which ended with him becoming one of the best-loved names in world football, Bell returned to the North-East.

Bell, who eventually became manager of the Wallsend Boys Club, is believed to have been given the box-fresh boots by Sir Bobby to give to his son.

Rafael Van der Vaart admits he’s fascinated by modern day football boots but knows where to draw the line.

When the 27-year-old Tottenham and Holland midfielder was asked to endorse a specific brand of boot he made one vital stipulation – change the colour or there’s no deal.

‘I am always excited by new boots – their shape and feel especially – but I really like the colours,’ he said.
Blue for you: Rafael Van der Vaart had his Nike boots changed from red

Blue for you: Rafael Van der Vaart had his Nike boots changed from red

‘But when Nike asked me to wear their brand new CTR 360 I said I would only do so if they got rid of the red!

‘Tottenham fans would be unhappy to see me wearing Arsenal red and white so mine are navy and white. That keeps everyone happy.’
Textbook stuff: Sportsmail's Mark Lawford shows his vision while managing to avoid Nike's instep control fins

Textbook stuff: Sportsmail's Mark Lawford shows his vision while managing to avoid Nike's instep control fins

Van der Vaart has branded the boot as the best he has ever owned, so when Nike offered me and many other journalists the chance to try them out – at Arsenal’s London Colney training ground – it seemed rude to turn them down.

IF it's silks and tekkers you crave, look no further than Andres Iniesta.

The Barcelona star regularly rips apart the best defences in La Liga with his pinpoint passing.

He is an integral part of Pep Guardiola's in-form Barca side and his magical feet are clearly the secret to his success.

As you would expect, those delicate metatarsals need to be comforted by the best football boots around — and that's where Nike hit the back of the net.

Iniesta, who wears the sportswear giant's new CTR 360 Maestri II boot, said: "In a packed midfield, time and space is at a premium, so tight control and that extra second to make a game changing pass is key to my success.

"The CTR 360 Maestri II gives me great control on the ball and the confidence to create opportunities that unlock the opposition defence and ultimately win games."

If you are still not convinced about Iniesta's ball skills, check out the video below and let the man himself dazzle you.

Yesterday Nike launched the new CTR360 Maestri II Elite football boot at Nike Town on London’s Oxford Street with Tottenham Hotspur star Rafael van der Vaart and Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere in attendance.

The theme of the new boot is primarily focusing on the role of the ‘playmaker’ with first touch and ball control being pivotal attributes in the art of the aforementioned role.

Competition winners, along with students and members of the media, including us at Soccerlens, were kindly invited by Nike Football to test out the new boots in a number of training routines at Arsenal’s London Colney training base. All participants were equipped with a pair of the boots, as well as Nike elite training apparel and Nike Pro Combat baselayers to enhance their football experience. The guys were then given a brief introduction on the boot itself, which has a carbon re-inforced chassis that provides strength and bladed studs for optimal traction and stability.

The training sessions worked in conjunction with the theme of the new footwear by focusing on first touch and ball control. All participants worked up a sweat as they attained knowledge from the Nike Academy coaches on hand, who emphasised the importance of such attributes for top flight footballers all around the world. ‘Pass and move’ was a pivotal aspect of the sessions with all those taking part making the most of the wonderful facilities on offer at Arsenal Football Club.

Many of the world’s greatest playmakers are already using the new Nike CTR360 Maestri II Elite, with the likes of Andres Iniesta gracing the turf of the Camp Nou with his neat intricate passing and Francesc Fabregas lighting up the Premier League with his slick one-two’s.