I’m a little disappointed that there was so much hype put into the New Balance series of releases, with huge potential in what the end product could offer. It hasn’t panned out. The Visaro is a boot worth considering, but it is not a must have release. On future editions, it will be about getting the shape and upper material right. A more natural feeling material is definitely top of the list! Through what was the longest release phase for any boot ever, New Balance teased the market for 12 long months before they were introduced their debut line-up. There was a lot of hype through that period! Finally the Visaro and Furon arrived this Summer and they created a lot of intrigue. From initial interaction with both release boots, one thing became evidently clear; the New Balance Visaro has a lot more on offer for players than the Furon. So much so that this is the only NB review we initially plan to feature – we will explain that more down below.

Visaro 2.0 Mid FG - New Balance

Something else important to note is that the insole is glued in place, so it is not removable. It is a pretty impressive insole with plenty of spring and a very comfortable feel. You also get the positive of knowing it won’t move right through wear. But, if you use an insert, make sure to keep this in mind. You will essentially be placing personal insert on a padded insole, resulting in what will be a tighter fit right across the upper. My experience with them was like this. In a standing position, there is a pretty solid feel to the sole. It is almost like standing on a wooden board. But, as you run on them you don’t have the same feel, as the foam starts to compress in stride. It worked well, but not as well as other insoles, like for example what Under Armour have on offer. Here, New Balance rely on something that is proven for runners. But, running insoles are not what soccer players need, especially where increased cuts and turns on grass is concerned!If you want to see more of the Visaro and available colorways, find them at soccer.com. The Skinny Summary With that ridged construction in place across the strikezone, it is important to offer thoughts on how they feel striking the ball. To the touch, there is obviously enough material to reduce impact and provide a padded feel. For a boot that weighs in at 7.7oz, that is awfully impressive! I found that in game, you do get a solid feel on the ball with clean connection. Adding such high texturing in a prime area also ensures you have the potential to really get solid spin. NB are using the natural construction of the material for this rather than implementing outside elements and that gives the boot a uniqueness. If you are a player interested in the Visaro and wondering if it is enough of a draw to splash out on a pair, I’d say go for it! This is not a boot that is Predatoresque, but it does provide performance along the lines of the CTR360 and that should be enough! The first step in breaking the stranglehold of the biggest brands is by giving the world a choice. The next step is by making that choice superior to the other options. With the arrival of New Balance boots it's the Visaro that has been enrolled as the lead asset for the brand but what's it got to offer? We lace up to find out. Our kids’ football boots range is just as a high-tech, sleek and performance-focused as our adult’s collection. Shop the Visaro and Furon ranges for smaller feet, choosing between an array of cool colourways that will stand out on the pitch. There are positives to take from this boot, including the suede like inner lining that holds your foot firmly in place. I’m a big fan of this. But, comfort wise I was left wanting more from the Visaro, most notably in the general feel of the upper material.

New Balance Football Boots - Lovell Soccer New Balance Football Boots - Lovell Soccer

To the general touch, the upper material has a buttery soft feel. It almost feels like a leather. But, as you bend it you will notice there is a much stiffer feel that you would generally expect from a synthetic. What that means is you will need to wear these a few times to really break the upper down and get them moving in a more unison fashion with your foot. They have a tight feel from day 1 and it is the type of boot you need to break in over a few sessions rather than taking them into game right out of the box. The new Visaro 2.0 focusses on endless creativity. Data driven Hexaprene control and strike zones, an athlete inspired pro form last, and one piece form fitting moccasin construction deliver ultra-precise long and short passing, and game changing invention. Designed for the players who create opportunities, they’re renowned for their superior touch, comfort and excellent traction.In a lot of online places, the upper is actually referred to as “moccasin”, but that is not entirely true. Moccasin refers to the use of a leather upper, but here the upper is a synthetic. So, New Balance are referring to style rather than materials. What they are trying to emphasize is the fact the style is a 1-piece upper (with no stitching) and the fit mimics a moccasin shoe where the sole is soft and flexible and the upper is intended to stand out. Data driven multi-directional stud placement, an engineered soleplate with lightweight chassis, and FreshFoam midsole unit all contribute to outstanding dynamic maneuverability and enhanced comfort. The new Visaro will hit the pitch for the first time during the upcoming weekend of Premier League fixtures. There are several key areas of the boot where New Balance has tried to focus on improved comfort. Take for example the soleplate, where they use “Fresh Foam” as part of the Super-Flex design. This is the same style they use in their running shoes, where a foam material is placed between the built-in insole and the soleplate. So you basically have three layers of material between your feet and the ground. To the touch, the insole is very solid, not like other insoles with a spongy feel. There is very little squish to the Fresh Foam design. But, when you actually run on them, the middle layer of foam compresses and reduces the amount of stress under foot.