FRESH OFF THE PITCH

Fulham Football Club has confirmed a new long-term partnership...

Mon, 20 May 2013 17:34:53 -0700

Fulham Football Club has confirmed a new long-term partnership with adidas, which will see the global sportswear brand become the Club’s official technical kit supplier.

Fulham CEO Alistair Mackintosh said: “adidas has a fantastic football heritage and tradition and I know that we will work well together. The synergy between the two organisations has led to a partnership that promises both brands a platform on which to achieve success.

“We are looking forward to producing a range of products that the fans will be proud to wear and featuring adidas technologies such as ClimaCool and ClimaLite.”

adidas senior Manager Commercial Clubs, Steve Holland, said: “Fulham is a very welcome partner to adidas’ strong portfolio of football clubs both globally and in the UK. We share a successful history together and look forward to an exciting, long and rewarding future partnership.”

For the last game of one of the most successful seasons in the...

Mon, 20 May 2013 17:30:40 -0700

For the last game of one of the most successful seasons in the club’s history, Galatasaray players will take to the pitch wearing a new home Nike kit that merges the club’s heritage and state-of-the-art technology.

Nike has created the ultimate half-and-half home kit for Galatasaray. The body and sleeves are in the traditional design of red and yellow halves, but for the first time the cuffs and the crew neck collar are also divided equally in these distinctive Galatasaray colors.

The new Galatasaray kit is inspired by similar designs worn in the 1950s and 1960s by Metin Oktay, one of the club’s greatest players hailed by fans as the “uncrowned king.” The kit also reflects the club’s status as the charismatic avant-gardes of European football, who seek to be both stylish and innovative on and off the pitch.

Inside the neck of the shirt is a woven red label featuring a club symbol representing Galatasaray’s entire sporting club beyond just football. The new home shorts are white with a thin yellow stripe along the side. The socks are red with a thin yellow band at the top and on the back is a yellow block to give the players greater visual acuity on the pitch.

The bold new kit showcases Nike’s inherent belief in style, craft and strong aesthetics, while aiding the performance of players with key technological features.

Newly crowned league champions Paris Saint-Germain today...

Mon, 20 May 2013 17:27:19 -0700

Newly crowned league champions Paris Saint-Germain today unveil their new home kit on-pitch at their last game of this victorious season. The new look for the 2013-14 season comes the club embarks on a new chapter after a 19-year quest to reclaim the French league title.

The navy blue home shirt boasts a modern new graphic on the front of the shirt starting with a white block at the top, blue in the center and red at the bottom. The color-blocking evolved from the distinctive vertical and historical stripe design, which has traditionally appeared on the shirt.

This dominant combination of colors reflects the dominance Paris Saint-Germain seek on the football pitch, while each color reflects a different club value: blue for grandeur, red for passion and white to represent respect. The shirt also has a blue ribbed crew neck collar and contrasting red ribbed cuffs on the sleeves.

The new home shorts are blue with a thin red stripe along each side. The socks are blue with a white-and-red band at the top, along with the more traditional red-and-white stripe on the back to give players greater visual acuity on the pitch.

The bold new kit showcases Nike’s inherent belief in style, craft and strong aesthetics, while aiding the performance of players with key technological features.

RECYCLED POLYESTER

The kit is made from recycled polyester in accord with Nike’s commitment to produce athletic wear with a low environmental impact. The shirt and shorts of each kit are made from up to thirteen recycled plastic water bottles.
In the pioneering process plastic bottles are melted down to form yarn that is spun into recycled polyester, reducing energy consumption by up to 30 percent compared to manufacturing virgin polyester.
Since 2010, Nike has diverted more than 1.1 billion plastic bottles from landfills through the use of recycled polyester.

FABRIC AND NIKE DRI-FIT

The kit is made of fabric weighing just 150 grams, 23 percent lighter than previous Nike kits. It also boasts a 20 percent stronger knit structure and significantly improved stretch.
The fabric is integrated with Nike Dri-FIT technology to draw sweat away from the body to keep players cool and dry.
Updated and improved ventilation zones consisting of tiny laser-cut holes on both sides and across the entire back of the shirt, as well as at the shorts’ waistband allows more air inside the kit for additional comfort and cooling.

FIT AND CONSTRUCTION

Nike embarked on an innovative program creating 3D body scans of some of the world’s leading footballers to produce a more athletic fit tailored to the contours of their bodies.
It has been crafted with bonded T-bars at the junctions of the shirts to support the seams and inner welded seams with a clean finish to give a more striking appearance while also increasing comfort and performance.

The new England kit was unveiled today, with the first official...

Mon, 20 May 2013 17:22:36 -0700

The new England kit was unveiled today, with the first official sighting via a picture posted on Twitter by England midfielder Jack Wilshere of a pupil at his former school wearing the jersey, demonstrating that the kit belongs to the nation, not just the players lucky enough to represent England. Following its reveal via social media, Nike has created a campaign emphasising that while the kit may feature technical innovation and performance benefits, it cannot win games by itself, and it is what the players do in it that counts.

Wilshere arrived to watch a training session at The Priory School in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, before picking out lucky student Jason Kelly to wear and reveal the shirt for the first time .

“This is where my dream of playing for England started and it’s great to be back here to see a new generation playing with the same passion,” Wilshere said. “I gave Jason the shirt because his commitment and work-rate really impressed me today, he showed that it’s what you do on the pitch that matters — from your first match as a nine year-old all the way up to the international stage.”

A clean, distinctive design takes the kit back to its roots with its traditional colors of white and dark blue to celebrate the Football Association’s 150th anniversary. The iconic three lions crest was prominently featured in dark blue on the team’s first kit, and once again, the crest is the proud focus - now with a gold border, a gold star above it signifying England’s World Cup win, and a gold ribbon graphic below inscribed with “150 years” and the dates 1863 and 2013, marking the Football Association’s anniversary.

The blue on the new kit is the same dark blue colour that featured on England’s first kit. Embodying the clean lines and understated style of the best of English fashion, the white shirt features a dark blue classic crew neck collar, while two side vents on the hem of the shirt subtly feature the St George’s cross. The shorts are entirely dark blue and the socks are white with a thin dark blue band at the top.

The kit showcases Nike’s belief in style, craft and pride while aiding the performance of players with key technological features.

Born and bred to perform on the soccer pitch,...

Mon, 13 May 2013 17:33:34 -0700

Born and bred to perform on the soccer pitch, the Nike Mercurial is worn by players at every level looking for a lightweight, comfortable, and high-performing cleat. Building on the cross-sport face-off betweenCristiano Ronaldo vs. Rafael Nadal produced by Nike last year, the Kobe 8 MC Mambacurial is a Frankenstein mash-up between Kobe’s Mamba and the brand’s flagship Mercurial cleat, resulting in an eye-catching sneaker with qualities of both proudly showing through. Most striking is the neon green Swoosh across the toebox, outsole, and branding on the tongue, but the gradient pink colorway for the breathable fabric upper fights for your attention. This soccer-inspired shoe with all of performance expected from a member of Nike’s Kobe line is available now at select shops, including X-Kicks’ online shop.

Juventus Football Club stays true to its roots with a...

Mon, 13 May 2013 17:29:58 -0700

Juventus Football Club stays true to its roots with a traditional home kit for next season. The sleek fitted jersey features the club’s famous black and white stripes, this time in a thinner style reminiscent of the kits Juventus wore during its dominant run in the 1980s.

The shirt has a lowered white V-neck collar — also inspired by the 1980s kits — a black stripe print on the cuffs, and two side vents on the hem with a flash of black. The bold, bonded black tape at the bottom of the V-neck is a nod to Turin, home to Juventus and the industrial capital of Italy.

Inside the neck is a woven label featuring a shield with the club’s founding year of 1897. On the back of the shirt is the familiar black panel unique to Juventus to hold the players’ names and numbers.

The home shorts are black with a printed stripe along each side, while the socks are white with a black block on the back to give players greater visual acuity on the pitch.

The kit showcases Nike’s inherent belief in style, craft and strong aesthetics, while aiding the performance of players with key technological features.

RECYCLED POLYESTER

The kit is made from recycled polyester in accord with Nike’s commitment to produce athletic wear with a low environmental impact. The shirt and shorts of each kit are made from up to thirteen recycled plastic water bottles.
In the pioneering process plastic bottles are melted down to form yarn that is spun into recycled polyester, reducing energy consumption by up to 30 percent compared to manufacturing virgin polyester.
Since 2010, Nike has diverted more than 1.1 billion plastic bottles from landfills through the use of recycled polyester.

FABRIC AND NIKE DRI-FIT

The kit is made of fabric weighing just 150 grams, 23 percent lighter than previous Nike kits. It also boasts a 20 percent stronger knit structure and significantly improved stretch.
The fabric is integrated with Nike Dri-FIT technology to draw sweat away from the body to keep players cool and dry.
Updated and improved ventilation zones consisting of tiny laser-cut holes on both sides and across the entire back of the shirt, as well as at the shorts’ waistband allows more air inside the kit for additional comfort and cooling.

FIT AND CONSTRUCTION

Nike embarked on an innovative program creating 3D body scans of some of the world’s leading footballers to produce a more athletic fit tailored to the contours of their bodies.
It has been crafted with bonded T-bars at the junctions of the shirts to support the seams and inner welded seams with a clean finish to give a more striking appearance while also increasing comfort and performance.

n 1998 Nike launched the first Mercurial football boot — a...

Mon, 06 May 2013 17:16:24 -0700

n 1998 Nike launched the first Mercurial football boot — a shoe inspired by and designed for an athlete who was playing an entirely new brand of football. The player was Brasilian football phenomenon Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, popularly dubbed “El Fenómeno,” but more commonly known as Ronaldo.

The tagline for the Nike Mercurial launch ad campaign, “Ultralight, so your legs can be as fast as your imagination,” spoke to Ronaldo’s unbelievable creativity and speed. Ronaldo not only captured the imagination with his style, speed, skill and instictive eye for a goal, but he also helped reignite the reputation of Brasilian football. His influence continues to guide exceptional players like Neymar as they follow in his footsteps.

Ronaldo is closely associated with the original silver-yellow-blue Nike Mercurial he wore in France during the summer of 1998. Among a field of black and white, the Nike Mercurial stood out for it’s sleek shape and colourful, speed-inspired visual design. To celebrate 15 years of the iconic boot, Nike has created a Mercurial Vapor IX inspired by the 1998 design.

“In the years since the first Mercurial boot was created, modern construction has allowed for a more refined way of making boots. For example, the original version of this boot was constructed of multiple materials stitched together, McCartney elaborated. “This version is a one-piece, seamless upper as per other Nike Vapor Mercurial IX editions.

In addition to rethinking the construction, the team approached the boot with a 2013 visual in mind. The yellow from the 1998 version is replaced by the distinctive Volt hue that became synonymous with Nike design on the running track in London last summer. The original silver is updated with a metallic finish.

1,998 pairs of the Mercurial IX Special Edition will be available from May 8 at select retailers around the world, including nike.com.

Pre-order is now available in Europe http://gonike.me/MercIXPre.

Made by Warrior, the home kit is the second produced by the...

Fri, 03 May 2013 18:38:58 -0700

Made by Warrior, the home kit is the second produced by the American sportswear manufacturer and is based on the club’s 1984 kit – the year Liverpool won their fourth European Cup.

The all-red strip contains subtle changes from this season’s number, with the sleeves and collar now displaying white trim in a strip that is sure to go down well with supporters.

Two embroidered Eternal Flames alongside a 96 logo are located on the nape of the shirt’s neck to commemorate the events at Hillsborough in 1989.

It’s a design that’s proven a real hit with captain Gerrard, who confirmed the team have taken well to the new home strip.

Casual footwear lovers benefit from the years of...

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:41:19 -0700

Casual footwear lovers benefit from the years of knowledge adidas has gained as one of the top soccer – or football – outfitters with this latest adidas Originals Campus FTBL. Set off in a blazing hot orange suede, the sneakers feature a side panel lace-up build, which every self-respecting striker knows provides them with a smooth platform for a strong strike through the ball. Balanced with a white midsole and heel tab and a set of laces to match the hairy-suede, this fun alteration shows that a little cross-breading back at adidas HQ can bear some interesting and progressive fruit. We have a feeling these will be hard to overlook as they begin to hit retailers in the coming weeks.

Earlier this month, adidas and Chelsea FC launched a campaign to...

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:20:52 -0700

Earlier this month, adidas and Chelsea FC launched a campaign to show how faithful the fans of Chelsea are. The new spot showed a few of Chelsea’s players drenched in blue paint, and announced that the team’s new kits were available for pre-order without even previewing them. Now, adidas and Chelsea FC have unveiled the 2013/2014 Kits. The kits feature TechFit technology, designed to improve speed, endurance and awareness by stabilizing muscles and focusing energy. Another added feature is the ClimaCool attribute, which provides a mixture of heat and moisture control through ventilated chambers to key heat areas. You can pre-order your kit now through the Chelsea Megastore.

Not only is pace one of the hallmarks of Cristiano’s game, it...

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 20:37:53 -0700

Not only is pace one of the hallmarks of Cristiano’s game, it also defines the bold, distinctive spirit of the new CR7 Collection.

Vibrant colors combine classifies the CR7 Mercurial Lite shin guards, CR7 Prestige ball and CR7 Cheyenne backpack, while additional training items appear in monochrome.

The speed inspiration is also seen in the lifestyle items in the collection, particularly with the CR7 Pique Polo and CR7 V-neck T-shirt. It is represented in the flashes of green, blue, red and white that run across the body. The Graphic Top for training opts for green and cream stripes combined with white shorts. The apparel pieces are constructed of premium materials and carry the CR7 trademark “love to win, hate to lose” heart-with-cross logo.

The white button-down Saturday Jacket with drawstring hem and front patch pockets and vintage-inspired Nike Tennis Classic, Cristiano’s favorite sneaker, complete the summer range.

The CR7 Collection will be available from nikestore.com from April 11.

Design inspiration comes from Cristiano’s love for all things...

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 20:31:00 -0700

Design inspiration comes from Cristiano’s love for all things fast. The collection includes the new colorway of the CR Mercurial Vapor IX boot, performance training items and a variety of polos and tees. Each element is aesthetically inspired by velocity in sport.

The signature CR Mercurial Vapor IX boot has been reworked with this season’s version - a fusion of white, neon orange, with a neon yellow and orange safari print inspired by the safari print that was first seen on a Cristiano Ronaldo product in 2010 on the Mercurial Vapor Superfly II.

Beyond its striking design, the boot features an engineered upper that enchances support and touch allowing Ronaldo to perform at high levels of speed and skill. A leather-like finish on the upper, preferred by the athlete, and Nike’s innovative All Conditions Control (ACC) technology further aids his performance; the special treatment now used on all Nike boots ensures a consistent touch whether playing in wet or dry conditions weather.

Combining elements of the past and present, Nike offers a fresh...

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:03:37 -0700

Combining elements of the past and present, Nike offers a fresh take on soccer casuals. Drawing inspiration from the centennial US Soccer Kit, classic Americana workwear, and design cues from traditional cut and sew techniques, the collection provides a classic but contemporary look off the pitch.

Highlighting the collection, the USA Best Jacket comes in a patriotic obsidian colorway. The canvas workwear-style jacket features deep and easily accesible front pockets, a cotton twill lining for comfort and lightweight poly fill for warmth. Depending on sartorial inclinations a ribbed cotton shawl collar folds down and ribbed cotton cuffs keeps it clean at the wrist. A centennial embroidered badge with a 100-year anniversary banner is placed on the inside back neck finishing off the look inside and out.

The collection also includes the USA Best Crew. The french terry raglan sleeve crewneck features a laser-cut rip-stop pouch accesible via a bonded zipper with ergonomic zipper pull. The pocket is extremely useful and durable but also innovates an otherwise traditional crewneck. Screen printing on the front identifies US Soccer’s birth year and an embroidered badge with 100-year anniversary banner is placed inside on the back neck.

The entire collection is available online and in stores now. Show your support for the team in style as they enter into another round of important qualifying matches.

The Lunar Gato II, launching in a distinctive blue and yellow,...

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 06:37:46 -0700

The Lunar Gato II, launching in a distinctive blue and yellow, is designed for a fast and dynamic game on all surfaces. Featuring 33 percent fewer components than its predecessor, it is also 16 percent lighter. The supple leather used on the upper improves the ball-to-foot feel. The soft leather eliminates a break-in period and the contoured sock liner supplies an anatomical fit.

Fused mesh panels lock down the mid-foot to maximize lateral support and gives the Lunar Gato II a fine balance of lightweight and comfort.

A dynamic green design marks out the Elastico Finale II, which...

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 06:33:38 -0700

A dynamic green design marks out the Elastico Finale II, which features 39 percent fewer components and is 22 percent lighter than the previous shoe. The more flexible outsole, designed for hard-court surfaces, features a herringbone and dot design to help maximize traction and improve underfoot ball control. The Elastico Finale II also features a breathable perforated upper and heel, and a redesigned eyestay to optimize comfort and feel.

The Bomba Finale II, in a striking orange and black colorway,...

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 06:29:26 -0700

The Bomba Finale II, in a striking orange and black colorway, boasts 27 percent fewer components than its predecessor, creating a softer and more flexible shoe that is also 10 percent lighter than the previous version. Conical studs for quick rotation help aid the rapid turns made in small-sided games while oblong studs help provide excellent traction and stability on the turf.

The Bomba Finale II along with the Elastico Finale II are both equipped with new ‘NIKESKIN’ technology, a polyurethane skin layered over performance mesh, resulting in shoes that are lighter and thinner than their predecessors. Both have a closer, stitch-free fit, and the mesh geometry combines with a seamless vamp to aid closer ball control. In addition, the Nike Bomba Finale II features Nike’s All Conditions Control (ACC) technology for consistent ball control in dry and wet conditions.

AS Roma and Nike today announce a new partnership for Nike to...

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 06:21:53 -0700

AS Roma and Nike today announce a new partnership for Nike to become the club’s official apparel and equipment sponsor. The 10-year agreement will begin at the start of the 2014-15 season. Nike will produce all on-pitch and training product, from the first team to the youth teams, as well as off-pitch product for the players and fans.

“We’re proud to partner with AS Roma, a club with great heritage,” said Bert Hoyt, VP/GM of Nike Western Europe. “It’s a club that embodies strong characteristics, is recognized across the world and represents one of Europe’s greatest cities. We look forward to developing a successful long-term partnership with them.”

Italo Zanzi, CEO of AS Roma adds, “AS Roma is committed to becoming the premier football club in the world, on and off the field. This partnership is a fundamental step in that mission. Nike’s dedication to football excellence and global brand building is aligned perfectly with our objectives. We are extremely excited about our future together.”

Paying tribute to adidas Originals brand ambassadors from the...

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 19:21:31 -0800

Paying tribute to adidas Originals brand ambassadors from the worlds of sport and entertainment, the Legacy of Craftsmanship series features classic silhouettes refashioned by legendary adidas designer Markus Thaler and a new generation of design talent from the Trefoil brand. In addition to the Snoop Dog Pro Shell, the limited run of hand-made sneakers includes a Samba model inspired by Argentine soccer god Lionel Messi. Under the guidance of Markus Thaler, adidas Originals designer Vincent Etcheverry created a clean, low-profile shoe dressed in the colors of the Argentina national football team. Features include a white leather base and grey suede toe overlay, complemented with Argentina blue accenting and Messi branding at the heel and along the sidewalls. A stitched Argentina patch on the insoles finishes the look.

Nike Sportswear. Inspired by the lore of the No. 7 jersey and...

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 19:13:26 -0800

Nike Sportswear. Inspired by the lore of the No. 7 jersey and those who wore it, from Michael Owen, George Best, to Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, and Valencia himself, the off-pitch apparel collection is also a visual reference to the team’s 135 years of history. Details like the subtle red on white trim, identical to those on the 1968 Home Kit when the Red Devils won the European Cup. The black gingham lining within the Woven Jacket highlights Manchester’s origin as a textile center. Even the old Manchester United Crest plays a role in the new collection, which is now available at select NIke Sportswear retailers worldwide.

The new U.S. Men’s and Women’s national team kit is...

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 08:53:24 -0800

The new U.S. Men’s and Women’s national team kit is a stylish and striking celebration of what is officially the U.S. Soccer Federation’s 100th year. The design pays tribute to the centennial milestone, giving the uniform a classic but contemporary look.

Known originally as the United States of America Foot Ball Association, the organization was formed in April 1913. Three years later, the team played its first game against Sweden in Stockholm where they were victorious 3-2. The new kit celebrates the centenary and is inspired by the uniform worn in that game.

The shirt uses a solid white design with obsidian blue collar and sleeve detailing. The V-neck is noticeably wide and deep to match the 1913 kit. Vent details on the right and left hem represent the nation’s iconic stars and stripes, while the inner neck detail also celebrates U.S Soccer’s centennial year.

A standout feature of the new kit is the crest. The enlarged crest (again, an homage to the original kit), is interwoven to maximize the top’s luxurious feel. The crest’s 13 stars and 13 stripes replicates the motif of the 1913 kit and symbolizes the first American flag of the original 13 colonies.

The shorts are white with an obsidian blue trim along each side and have the full crest and a white swoosh detail. The socks are white and have “USA” woven into the design.

In line with Nike’s commitment to combining performance with lower environmental impact, fabric for the new kit’s shorts is made with 100 percent recycled polyester, while the shirt fabric is made with a minimum 96 percent recycled polyester. Each kit is made from an average 13 recycled plastic bottles.

The kit is constructed using Nike Dri-FIT technology to wick moisture and is made out of 23 percent lighter fabric with 20 percent stronger knit structure than Nike’s previous kits. The shirt also features laser-cut ventilation holes that promote localized cooling to help regulate players’ body temperature during a match.

The new U.S. Men’s and Women’s national team kits will be available online and in stores March 1.

- See more at: http://nikeinc.com/news/nikes-usa-home-kit-celebrates-100-years-of-us-soccer#/inline/17912