Football Kit Technology Explained

When it comes to football kits they often incorporate many different technologies to ensure that the player is comfortable and performs to their best. However, each brand has their own technologies, so SportsDirect.com are on hand to give a low down on the top brands and their unique insulating and cooling fabrics.
Football shirts and base layers need to have certain technologies in order to keep the player cool, warm, dry and comfortable – depending on the weather when they are training or competing in a match. As we have now hit the Autumn/Winter season base layers are an essential item to the training kit and it’s important that they keep the heat in, without causing the wearer to overheat.
Under Armour use ColdGear® technology in their base layers which aims to circulate heat through the inner layer, but simultaneously the outer layer battles with the elements to ensure that moisture is wicked away to leave the player comfortable and dry.
Similarly, Nike have Dri-Fit technology that also draws sweat away from the body when body temperature rises, and have recently introduced HyperCool technology that can been seen in the 2014 Brazil and France football shirts to ensure that players are kept cool under pressure.
adidas also have their own version of moisture wicking fabric in the form of ClimaCool. This can be found in the latest football shirts such as the Real Madrid Away Shirt 2013 2014 and, again, aims to keep the footballer dry, comfortable and focussed on the game.
However, when it is really cold outside a warmer base layer is essential and Sondico have incorporated Sondico Therm which aims to keep the warmth in and increase insulation when the weather and elements are particularly cold and bitter.
Although most of the technologies do have the same function it is important to know what they do and how they can benefit the footballer on the pitch.
Visit sportsdirect.com for a full range of football shirts with the latest technologies. Read more about fashion and sports at their blog.

Shopping for the Football Enthusiast, by SportsDirect.com

Christmas shopping for people who are football mad can be especially difficult, particularly if the shopper doesn’t share the same enthusiasm. They probably already have the latest football boots, or have pre-ordered them, and another football mug or themed glass isn’t as thoughtful three years in. SportsDirect.com take a look at the top football gifts that will be appreciated this year.
Now that Winter has set in, footballers will be wanting to stay warm on the pitch. Football base layers, although they may not seem like the most exciting gift, will be extremely practical and useful during the Winter matches. Available in long and short sleeves, and in a range of different colours, there are plenty to choose from. The Sondico and Nike Pro ranges are equally as popular and benefit from a compression fit and incorporates technology that aims to lock heat in but also wick away moisture for a dry and comfortable feel. As football and fashion continue to go hand in hand, looking colour co-ordinated on the pitch has never been more important. Football socks are always a well-received gift and now there is even more choice in various colours and designs, there are sure to be a pair to match any football boots. They are perfect as a Christmas stocking filler.
By the end the year football boot bags usually end up tatty and ripped, so they perfect for replacing at Christmastime. Some are available that are in the same design as the brand’s latest football boots, for example the adidas F50 Boot Bag. Why not fill the bag with extra little gifts for even more surprises?
Similarly, shin guards are also available in the same style as the football boot, for example the Nike Mercurial CR7 galaxy themed football boots have matching shin guards – the Nike Mercurial Lite CR7 shin guards, this is the same across many brands and style of boot. They are perfect for a more personal gift.
Other football accessories such as especially designed gloves and hats, or performance trackers such as the adidas miCoach Speedpod or the Nike Plus sensor are also great ideas for the serious footballer.

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