AVID Soccer Awards 2006 “Innovative Product”
We consider this the most significant and prestigious award, representing the product that most changed soccer in 2006. The competition was varied and included a training tool, a training shoe, and two different boots.
Our nominees included the Soccer Birdie; the Nike Free training shoe; the adidas Tunit system; and the Lotto Zhero Gravity. The birdie is a small training tool designed to build touch on the ball. It is light enough to be used indoors and small enough to be carried anywhere. The Nike Free 5.0 is not exactly a soccer product, but the concept could change the way a player trains. We found it very useful and became the standard off-pitch training shoe for one of our testers. The Tunit system created the first truly modular boot/gk glove. The Zhero brought boot weight into the “lighter than air” category and added a unique laceless design.
“And the winner is…”
Nothing changed the way players approach the game more than the adidas Tunit system. Giving a player the flexibility to carry an entire closet with them to every practice and game is remarkable. The Tunit system allows a player to change the upper, “chassis” platform, and cleats in a few minutes. This added flexibility allows a player to change from FG to SG cleats at half time or even during a quick substitution as conditions change. Once the basic system is purchased, the personalization choices are mind boggling. adidas produced uppers for almost every country in the World Cup. They produce synthetic, natural and ClimaCool (perforated) versions for every weather condition. There are a variety of platforms for different widths and preferences.
Is the Tunit the perfect boot? No. There is still work to do on the cleat retention system and materials, but nothing changed soccer more. The Tunit represents a change in the way we think.
Our nominees included the Soccer Birdie; the Nike Free training shoe; the adidas Tunit system; and the Lotto Zhero Gravity. The birdie is a small training tool designed to build touch on the ball. It is light enough to be used indoors and small enough to be carried anywhere. The Nike Free 5.0 is not exactly a soccer product, but the concept could change the way a player trains. We found it very useful and became the standard off-pitch training shoe for one of our testers. The Tunit system created the first truly modular boot/gk glove. The Zhero brought boot weight into the “lighter than air” category and added a unique laceless design.
“And the winner is…”
Nothing changed the way players approach the game more than the adidas Tunit system. Giving a player the flexibility to carry an entire closet with them to every practice and game is remarkable. The Tunit system allows a player to change the upper, “chassis” platform, and cleats in a few minutes. This added flexibility allows a player to change from FG to SG cleats at half time or even during a quick substitution as conditions change. Once the basic system is purchased, the personalization choices are mind boggling. adidas produced uppers for almost every country in the World Cup. They produce synthetic, natural and ClimaCool (perforated) versions for every weather condition. There are a variety of platforms for different widths and preferences.
Is the Tunit the perfect boot? No. There is still work to do on the cleat retention system and materials, but nothing changed soccer more. The Tunit represents a change in the way we think.
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