Adidas World Cup Gloves 2014

In what can only be described as "I don't know how to describe it," Adidas has released one of their new gloves, and surely some will follow shortly after. Branded as the Predator Zone Pro, the only info i can give is that of what I see.

Palm - looks to be a multi-latex palm with a thicker added latex on the fingers, as well as a hardened material on the base of the palm for better wear and tear prevention. All in all, outside of the multi color look, I don't see this as a terrible design.

Backhand - its going with the total "Battle Pack" look that Adidas is going for for the World Cup, almost like a checkered pattern. It now also has what looks like a punch pad, maybe made out of rubber, or the same material used on the palm. Outside of the ridiculous pattern, again I'm a fan of the way it looks.

Enclosure - doesn't look like much has changed. Stretch strap, which I'm a fan of. And either Neoprene wrist enclosure, or a better material.

Cut - this one is a negative cut, which is typical of the Pro line in Adidas' glove range. The thumb is a wrap over, and the palm comes under the thumb a slight bit near the backhand. Latex gussets, again the usual.

The gloves look absolutely hideous if I do say so, but it does look like they made improvements on arguably their best gloves. Albeit, at an expense, as well as some ugly upgrades and colorways. Pricing wise, it looks like they'll come in at around $120, while the regular Predator Pro comes in at $85-80 depending on where you buy them. Again, they look awful, but if the improvements on the glove work as well as Adidas hope they will, I don't think I would have a problem with spending an extra $40. Anything is better than the Predator Horizon glove that no one wears, and has unnecessary features to it. Pictures below are taken from prodirectsoccer.com where I've been buying a lot of my own stuff as they have great deals on boots and multi buy discounts on gloves.

Nike Goalkeeper Glove Color Update Winter/Spring 2014

Nike has released, on soccer.com at least, the new color range update for the Nike Goalkeeper gloves, for the winter and spring of 2014, probably right up until the World Cup starts this summer. At that point everything will receive another color change, and knowing Nike they will probably have some type of specialty boot design and glove update. Nike isn't as ambitious at color and design changes, as say adidas. It seems like every year they're giving a complete overhaul to the design of their boots and gloves. Not that it is a bad thing, It's quite understandable that the company is trying to make money. But it is a pain in the ass, if you're like me, and like having the newest gear. But back to the Nike range. I discussed with my friends about what I thought the new colors were going to be. Turns out I hit it spot on this time. All black palm, black backhand, black wrist strap, green finger design, and green mesh/dryfit material. They are possibly my favorite color update ever for any glove. Below are all pics taken from soccer.com, as they seem to be the only ones with the gloves available. They also only have the GK Confidence, SGT Premier, and Vapor Grip3 on the site. They aren't available yet, as they are on back order. They are expected around mid-January, but I would think they'll be available to order a little sooner. For some odd reason, the picture alignment is being a pain, so in order, if you don't know, they are the SGT Premier in the first two pictures, the GK Confidence next, and the Vapor Grip 3 is last.