Football boot fans who remember the classic Lotto Stadio boots, may well warm to the new Lotto Stadio Potenza football boots. The latest offering from the Italian brand who are really stepping up their boot silo's and boot output for the 2011/12 season...
The Lotto Stadio is one of the classic football boots to be found in the game, a benchmark of quality leather performance and craftsmanship. The name 'Stadio' isn't out of place, when being mentioned among such greats as Copa Mundial, Tiempo, King and Morelia. Of course, carrying such a prestigious name means the Potenza needs to deliver quality, so let's find out.
There is definitely a feeling and buzz around Lotto that they've stepped up their boot engineering and design, to embrace the modern game. And like the Lotto Stadio Fuoriclasse II football boots recently released, they've created a leather boot that's more at home in the modern game, with sharp styling, removing the fold-over tongue, more aggressive stitching and for the Potenza's synthetic material incorporated into the upper.
I think Lotto can expect to come up against resistance from some boot fans, who view the Mercurial and adizero ranges as the benchmark of a modern boot. But we don't think there can be any denying when you look at the Stadio Potenza, you're viewing a boot that's made to a high level of craftsmanship so will be durable, looks very comfortable, and as it's K leather will offer great touch and feel for the ball. Oh, and the subtle colouring isn't bad either!
Although Lotto seem to be overshadowed by some of the bigger brand's marketing budgets, their pedigree within the game speaks for itself. Their growing success started to attract famous names during the eighties with such stars as Ruud Gullit and Dino Zoff, and in more recent times have boasted the likes of Giuseppe Rossi, Luca Toni and Joan Capdevila.
As for the construction of the Lotto Stadio Potenza football boots, the upper uses a soft kangaroo leather to retain that famous Italian comfort and flexibility. The upper is water-repellent, and as it's super soft K Leather makes for excellent touch and ball feel. Also incorporated into the upper is a synthetic material, strategically placed around the mid-foot and laces to support the foot and improve fit.
The outsole of the Lotto Stadio Potenza soccer cleats is glued to the upper and stitched around the toe area to increase the longevity of the boots, and Lotto have resisted the temptation to use their Twist'n'Go sole-plate, as used on the Zhero Gravity, Fuerzapura and Futura football boots. Instead, the Potenza utilises traditional conical fixed polyurethane studs to offer stability and traction on natural firm ground surfaces.
Lotto have, however, incorporated their 'Puntoflex' technology in the outsole, a special technical device developed to allow the foot to flex correctly in the boots and give an excellent elastic return. Assisting quick acceleration, agility and movement in the Stadio Potenza.
With a removable anatomical insole for comfort, the Lotto Stadio Potenza soccer shoes integrate Lotto's Shock-Off inserted into the heel area, a shock absorbing material made of low density polyurethane. Designed to reduce the impact of the foot with the ground improving comfort whilst also reducing risk of injury.
A quality and consistent performer, the Lotto Stadio Potenza football boots are available in three different colours and a real option for fans of leather boots, even more so when you consider the great price of around £90 GBP / $150 USD / €100 EURO. Available to pre-order now, the Stadio Potenza's are expected to be available from 20th August.
Now you've had a look at the latest boot silo to come from the Lotto designers, let us know what you think of the Lotto Stadio Potenza football boots? Share your thoughts with the SoccerBible community online, on Twitter and on Facebook.
