The AVID Soccer Equipment Review finishes 2008 with our annual “Best Of” awards. 2008 was a banner year for adidas, Puma, Calle, Socadelic, and Lotto.

Between the Olympics and World Cup qualifiers, 2008 was a spectacular year. The entire industry advanced with some significant innovations by the leaders and some new players entering the market.

Companies like Calle Soccer and Socadelic brought their own passion and vision to the game by focusing on street and beach soccer respectively. Lotto, adidas and Diadora each tried to change the rules for our feet. Century and ProTime Sports offered full lines of kit to outfit an entire league.

In the end, someone has to be the best. This year AVID Soccer selected some powerhouses and some upstarts as the leaders. 

The best of 2008 are:

• Best Boot Winner – Lotto Zhero Gravity; when we first reviewed these boots, we called them the Ferrari of cleats. The readers agreed.
• Best Ball Winner – Socadelic Zuma; Socadelic focuses on beach soccer and produces the best in this space.
• Best Kit Winner – In a split decision, the reader’s choice was the adidas Predator Flame, but the editor’s picked the ProTime Sports Tulsa.
• Coolest Lifestyle Product – With overwhelming reader support, the adidas Orlando Pirates (of South Africa) Track Jacket is definitely the coolest.
• The Innovative Product of the Year – Soccer Innovation T-Man training system, introduced one of the most versatile training systems.

2008 was a great year.  With the start of the women's league, 2009 should be even better.