Mizuno Morelia Neo V Beta Japan FG review

Full review

Mizuno's Morelia line has a cult following among players who want natural leather and a simple, comfortable boot. The Morelia Neo V Beta Japan is the top, made-in-Japan version of the fifth-generation Neo. Mizuno uses kangaroo leather where you touch the ball, a knit section for flexibility and a microfibre synthetic through the midfoot to stop the boot stretching too much.

Mizuno Australia lists the weight at 200 g but does not say for which size, so treat it as a guide. That is very light for a leather boot and close to synthetic speed boots. The soleplate is nylon with a Y-shaped shank under the midfoot and TPU studs.

Fit is one of the reasons people buy Morelias. Mizuno builds them on its Engineered Fit Last Neo, and Mizuno lists a D (standard) width. Kangaroo leather also softens and shapes itself to your foot over a few sessions.

The downsides are price and care. This is one of the most expensive boots in this guide, leather needs cleaning and conditioning, and it can stretch if it gets soaked often. Supply in the UK and Ireland is mostly through specialist retailers, so check sizing carefully before ordering.