We had a lot of fun with last years shoot-outs, so we added a boot shoot-out for this year.  If the three boots from out comparison are any indication, this year should be even better.  We tested the adidas Predator PowerSwerve, Diadora Brasil and Lotto Zhero Gravity.

For our comparison, we rated desirability and aesthetics; touch, feel and comfort; and playability.  Unlike our annual awards, price is not a factor.  Each of the three boots tested were firm ground.  Each of our three competitors fills a different need in the market.  So, lets introduce the players:

• adidas PowerSwerve TRG FG is the Power Broker of the bunch.  The latest evolution of the line includes the adidas PowerPulse (weight that moves in the shoe for added power), silicon inserts for additional control and all of the predator genetics.  This is the boot of choice for Beckham, Vieira, Kuyt, and Gerrard.
• The Diadora Brasil is the classic design with all the modern conveniences.  The boots are comfortable, solid and classic.
• Lotto Zhero Gravity is the lightest and most extreme of our entrants.  These boots look like nothing else.  They are laceless and have four interchangeable studs.

Our test team took the boots out to the park and put them through their paces.  The first rating was desirability.  There were no surprises here.  The classic look of the Brasil, left it last.  Everyone appreciated the updated classic, but this is about flash.  Our red on white Predators split the difference.  They have a great deal of cache value because of the sponsorships and lineage.  In the end, they were just another pair of cleats.  The bright and shine Lotto's grabbed everyone's attention.  The graphics give the illusion of speed even when standing still.  The weight and rarity pushed them way ahead.

Our next measure was comfort and touch on the ball.  In this, the Lotto fell to the back of the pack.  The biggest consequence of being the lightest shoe in the bunch is no padding.  The laceless design also felt odd until our players became accustomed to the bunching in front.  The adidas was first in touch and feel.  The light weight kangaroo leather upper, asymmetrical lacing and signature control stripes make this the most playable boot.  Finally, the Brasil was selected as the most comfortable boot.  There is a reason that a traditional design becomes a classic.  The Brasil has all of the elements our testers wanted including a kangaroo leather upper, flexibility in the toe box, a stiff and stable heel and a padded midsole.

Our last criteria is playability.  This measures how much our testers enjoyed playing in the boots and how much confidence they had.  We included both traction and ball control in this test.  Remarkably, this category was the closest of the three.  It wasn't because the boots were so close together, but because our testers gravitated to the boots that most matched their style of play.  Those whose game was based on power sided with adidas.  Our speed demons loved the Gravity.  The utility players picked the Brasil.  In the end, there was less of a difference all in the players preference.

When it came down to scoring and ranking, the results were interesting.  If we just based the results on the individual scores, the Diadora finishes last by an insignificant amount.  The Lotto is just ahead in second.  The adidas finishes first.  That isn't the end of the story.  We asked each of our testers to rate the boots in order of and explain why, so we summarized the results:

• The Brasil comes in third for most testers, but almost all of them want a pair in their bag for kicking around at the park.
• The adidas rates second for everyone except the die hard faithful.  In the end, this is another Honda Accord.  They are reliable and great at what they do, but they are just another pair of Predators.
• Almost unanimously, the Lotto Zhero Gravity was picked first.  The most common comments: "The cool factor alone makes these my favorites."  "They are so light, its like playing in bare feet."  "I just wish I could afford/find them."

To reconcile the results, we came to one conclusion:  This is a shoot out, not Boot of the Year.  So, without further hyperbole... We crown the Lotto Zhero Gravity as the Winner of the AVID Soccer Equipment Review Boot Shoot-Out.