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Bonjourno -
- and welcome to Unisport WebTV.
The Italian brand Diadora have always been known for making really nice football boots -
- and after a while out of the game, they are now back with a vengeance.
They do this with their new speed boot, the Diadora DD-NA GLX, -
- which weighs just 185 grams -
- has a super soft and supple upper -
- and then it has the Geox Net Breathing System in the sole -
- ohh and it will arrive in these three colourways.
Yep, these are the boots -
- and there's something for everyone -
- whether you like something flashy -
- or prefer a more classic and elegant touch.
With the DD-NA, Diadora promise that you will get a nice and light sensation -
- a really comfortable boot, even though it doesn't weigh very much -
- and then, as an added bonus, it has this Net Breathing System -
- which makes sure sweat and moisture is transported away from your feet -
- so they are cooled off and your feet are comfortable.
This all sounds well and good, -
- but the question is, can Diadora deliver on this fiercely competitive speed boot market? -
- We find out today, when I look at DD-NA's DNA.
Let's get the show on the road -
- come along!
Diadora have always been known for making really comfortable boots -
- and this pedigree is also seen in the DD-NA -
- because, considering it is a lightweight boot, the comfort is quite good.
The upper is made from a material called Suprell Pro 3L -
- and you could be tempted into thinking that 3L meant there were 3 layers, -
- but you would be wrong, because Suprell Pro 3L is a single layer microfibre -
- which together with the inside layer is 1,2 millimeters thick -
- or thin rather.
This is the same thickness, as the Nike Mercurial Vapor.
Because this upper is so thin, they needed something to support it -
- and Diadora have used a technology they call MorphoCage S -
- which essentially is a Skeleton construction, so the boot can support itself -
- and this also means the boot wraps itself around your foot -
- so the transfer of power is as good as possible -
- simply because the boot becomes an extension of your foot.
This is very smart thinking -
- but is something we have seen on the Adizero, so it is hardly a revolution in football boots.
The upper fits your foot really well -
- it was a little stiff to begin with, but once you break them in they get progressively more and more supple -
- and fit your foot really well -
- which is great for the comfort.
One last thing I would like to mention is the boots heel -
- which is really nice, straight out of the box.
It is supportive, -
- it is soft, -
- and there have been not one single blister.
That is very impressive -
- very good comfort in this little bad boy.
Things are however not all peachy in DD-NA land -
- because I did have one issue when breaking in the boot -
- when I move my foot, the boot always bends at the same place -
- and when the upper was still a little stiff, it did gnaw at my big toe -
- which causes a little discomfort.
It is gone now, but is worth having in mind when breaking in your DD-NA boots -
- maybe put some tape on this area.
One thing the Diadora DD-NA doesn't have is protection -
- because this upper is very thin and the boot generally isn't very big -
- and the heel counter really isn't very large either.
It does the job, but definitely no more than that.
On the other hand, this is a speed boot and it is not its premises -
- to be protecting, -
- and if your needs demand it, you can always put on a pair of MetaSox.
The boots fit is exceptional -
- and one of the best parts of the DD-NA -
- it sits close to your foot and the profile is low -
- and it almost felt tailored to my foot, when I stepped into it first time -
- that's how good it is -
- and it is definitely a pleasurable experience stepping into the boot -
- I can only describe it as a sock with studs.
Very, very impressive.
When it comes to size, this boot is fairly standard.
I normally use a size 40 (EU) -
- and that's also my DD-NA size -
- and this gave me this really good fit, both lengthwise and widthwise -
- so unless you have a really strangely shaped foot -
- I recommend you take your regular size.
Geox Net Breathing System.
It definitely sounds like some alien technology that they have put in this boot's sole -
- and it is definitely a smart piece of technology.
The thought behind the name is that Diadora want to let the foot breathe -
- and have your foot be at a comfortable temperature, for the entirety of the 90 minutes.
How, do you ask?
This technology is built up around three layers, the first being the insole, which is perforated -
- so all the sweat and moisture can move away from the foot.
The next layer is a membrane, which pushes the sweat away from the outsole and onwards -
- which leads out to the outside net system, which protects the membrane -
- by keeping out dirt and whatever other things you find on a football pitch.
The membrane is very smart, as it allows water to escape from the boot, -
- but makes sure water can't get inside the boot
- and this is because water molecules are larger than sweat molecules -
- so don't worry about playing in the rain with your DD-NA -
- you won't get your feet wet.
This is actually quite smart.
But does it work Jakob?
Yes, I actually think so -
- because I have at no point felt like I had warm feet -
- but I will have to admit that you don't feel it during the game -
- but rather when you take off your shoes afterwards -
- and this is where you realise it works quite well, this Net Breathing System.
If we move away from the creative drawing board...
Blop!
Weerw!
And focus on the rest of the Diadora DD-NA's soleplate -
- you can see that the Italians have focused on giving good acceleration, as well as letting you turn quickly
They have done so by putting four conical studs underneath the foots natural cushioning -
- to allow for better rotation, -
- because a round stud moves smoother in the ground, than a bladed stud -
- simply because it has to shift less ground to do so -
- and thus demands less effort.
The rest of the front foot has been made with blades -
- so both your outside cuts are improved, -
- as well as your acceleration being improved by the two front studs -
- so you can really push past your opponent.
The stud-configuration works alright -
- there's no uncomfortable stud pressure -
- and is quite comfortable, -
- but it is still the Diadora DD-NA's weakest area.
It's not because the studs don't grip that well -
- because the acceleration is fine -
- it is rather this Net Breathing System -
- which makes the sole very flexible.
This means there isn't a lot of springyness in the boot -
- and you don't get this "Snap-effect" when accelerating, -
- Which gives you the last push -
- like the one you see on the Vapor IX.
It's a luxury issue, but still pulls it down a bit -
- and that's a shame, when the rest of the boot works so well.
It's not a massive problem and I'm far from livid about it, -
- but they could have fixed this minor detail.
Another positive thing I'd like to point out is the inlay sole -
- because even though it is this thin, it still manages to be a little shock absorbing -
- between you and I -
- you don't really notice it that much, -
- but the thought it is there -
- and isn't that what really counts?
I mentioned that playing in the Diadora DD-NA is like playing in a sock with studs -
- and this feeling is also noticeable when discussing ball feel -
- because the fit is so tight -
- and the upper is so thin -
- and this means you get an incredibly close ball feel -
- where you really can feel everything you're doing.
There's hardly any padding in this upper -
- so you can feel all the small sharp touches, when running with it -
- and this makes it great for close control dribbling, -
- sharp turns and twisting your opponent inside out, -
- because you can, in danger of repeating myself, feel everything you do.
Some of you may have noticed this Diadora logo on the nose -
- and it has been made with a slightly different finish -
- as it is slightly more sticky -
- and this, the Italians say, is to improve your ball control -
- again especially when dribbling.
The thought is nice and all, but I haven't felt this at all -
- when I was out dribbling with it -
- so this doesn't make a great difference.
In this Suprell Pro 3L's defense -
- this material is slightly textured, -
- which means when you dribble with the ball, it doesn't just slide off it -
All in all, very good for the small tricksy player.
But how good are the Diadora DD-NA for striking?
Again, it is this sock analogy I'd like to use, -
- because this boot is so tight and the upper is thin -
- and this gives you that barefoot feel when striking the ball -
- so you can really feel it, when you strike it.
Some people like this, -
- other prefer it when there's a little padding in their football boots.
If you are one of the latter, then this is not the boot for you, -
- unless you add a pair of MetaSox -
- which do give you this padding and full control of your shots.
Some of you may be thinking this textured upper gives added swerve too -
- in theory, yes -
- in practice, not so much.
I have definitely not felt anything of the sorts.
The boots nose is quite low and you can really get under the ball -
- and DD-NA doesn't feel clumsy when you kick with it.
Generally the strike is quite good, because of the large striking surface on the instep -
- which you get thanks to the asymmetrical lacing -
- and this little snippet that you can see, which covers the bottom lacing -
- nice and clean strike you get -
- it is a pleasure to kick the ball in a pair of DD-NA -
- it's hardly a revolution, -
- and there are no wild technologies, but it does the job!
Good work!
When it is time to swing the judging hammer on the Diadora DD-NA GLX -
- then all I can say is that it is definitely a top boot -
- which delivers a pure lightweight experience -
- and it is far from the last time I wear these.
A couple of you may be thinking, doesn't it look a lot like the Adidas F50 Adizero? -
- And I definitely know what you mean, -
- because if you look at them, you can see that the sole is quite similar -
- there's the Morpho cage, which is quite alike the SprintWeb, -
- and the lasts also resemble each other a lot.
But this is not necessarily a bad thing -
- and actually I think the DD-NA has a bit of an advantage over the Adizero -
- as its upper is a bit more supple and fits a little better -
- and this also means that even though this weighs 20 grams less -
- I would still wear the DD-NA over the Adizero.
In other words, it is a great boot to play with -
- it's light, -
- the fit is great -
- and you can feel everything you do, whether it is dribbling or shooting.
As mentioned, it is hardly a revolution in football boots, but it delivers on a high level -
- and if you ask me, it is one of the very best lightweight boots on sale -
- and it is one of the strongest alternatives to the Vapor IX -
- which is one of my absolute favourites -
- and that is a stamp of approval if I ever saw it.
It definitely has the DNA of a winner -
- if I may be so bold.
This was my thoughts on the boot, -
- but I would love to hear what you think about the crazy colours -
- and the many other features.
Please tell me in the box down below.
This was all I had for today -
- but as always I hope you are well, until the next time we meet -
- right here, on Unisport WebTV.
Cheeeerio!