Maritzburg United's Michael Morton is one of the 'Engine' players to have donned the much talked about adidas nitrocharge boot recently. Soccer-Laduma caught up with the player and asked him what he looks for when deciding on what boot to play in. "I cover a lot of distance in a game, so comfort plays a big role when I choose a boot. It also can't be too heavy, because you have to be able to carry them around for the full 90 minutes. I just need something that helps me do my job best."
So what sets the nitrocharge apart from the adiPure, the boot he previously played in? "The nitrocharge is definitely lighter than the adiPure. It also looks a little nicer as well. The adiPure was more of an old-school leather boot which was made for comfort, but this one is just another step above everything else out there. It's something the flashier players will enjoy, but at the same time I feel comfortable enough to wear it even though I'm not into bright colours on boots. That's how well-rounded it is.
"My role as a holding midfielder is to break up the opposition attacks. Basically, I protect the back four from any and every attack. The kind of protection which allows the attacking players more freedom to be creative when we get to attack. The nitrocharge helps me to make those yards and put in some hard challenges. That is my kind of thing, so I enjoy the protection it offers me in those hard tackles. There certainly is a great balance between comfort and weight, which makes it ideal for someone like me."
nitrocharge Product manager Michael Meinhold explains some of the new technical innovations featured on the boot. "There are various different innovations that feature on the new boot. The 'energypulse' that features on the sole plate, for example. This is inspired by the geometry of a spring and helps the player by providing maximum energy in the 'toe off' phase when accelerating. This is one of a number of features on the boot which also provides fantastic protection to the foot as well as a soft touch to the ball."
