It's no secret that some of the world's top players get their own way when it comes to football boots. Japanese superstar Keisuke Honda, famed for wearing the Mizuno Wave Ignitus, is another professional who requires the odd tweak. The midfielder's customisation hasn't gone unnoticed throughout the online boot community, with questions constantly raised over his custom footwear.
Now, thanks to our Mizuno friends in Japan, we've had an exclusive pair of Keisuke Honda's exact boots (signed by the man himself) sent to the doors of SoccerBible HQ - Honda's collection might be one pair short now! So check out exactly what the CSKA Moscow midfielder steps out in each week with our exclusive images. Who knew he was so picky!? Share your thoughts online, on Twitter and on Facebook.
Honda's custom Mizuno Ignitus football boots are a mash-up of different features. These aren't a take down boot, far from it. Keisuke's bizarre requests have forced Mizuno to create a one-off boot, bespoke to the requirements of their star player. The differences between this and the top-tier Wave Ignitus aren't immediately clear, but we've spent a little time trying to decode what makes up Honda's perfect boot!
The upper of the boot is made from same premium grade K-leather found on the standard Mizuno Wave Ignitus. Unique to Honda's custom boots, Mizuno have incorporated bespoke texturized Bio Vamps that share some similarities to those used on the lower level Ignitus 2. The inner lining of the boot is also unique, with Mizuno having used a softer suede material across the inside heel area of the boot.
A number of football boot fans will be aware of the main distinction between Honda's bespoke boots and the standard retail release. The Japanese player is personally responsible for the design of his own custom sole-plate with a mixed stud configuration. The custom outsole replaces the split carbon fibre construction featured on the Wave Ignitus 2, and removes the need for the triple density heel counter.
With no triple density heel counter on the boot, Mizuno use the same graphic and 'Ignitus' branding found on the take-down Ignitus 2 across the heel area. This provides the perfect placement for Honda's personalisation. Mizuno undoubtedly have one of the worlds top players on their books and cut no corners in making him his perfect boot.
Now that you've had an exclusive look at Keisuke Honda's custom Ignitus design, let us know what you think. How do you see the Mizuno Wave Ignitus performing in 2012? Share your thoughts and join the conversation online, on Twitter and on Facebook.
