Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterFootball journalists, youd think, would be quite handy on the pitch given their proximity to, and regular face-time with, the best in the world.Unfortunately, interviewing and rubbing shoulders with the worlds stars means very little in terms of actual footballing ability. Take it from me. I am one of them.Becoming a professional footballer was my lifes ambition until it became apparent that dream was behind a closed door, padlocked shut.Bukayo Saka helped develop New Balance's brand new Stone Island bootsThe closest thing to it, I thought, would be to become a football journalist. Im fortunate to have played at Spotify Camp Nou, Leeds Uniteds iconic Elland Road and Brighton and Hove Albions Amex Stadium. I havent come close to scoring once, but thats by-the-by.Im not saying if Id worn the New Balance Furon Elite FG V9 x Stone Island boots that Id have come much closer. But, the fantasist in me started believing that might be the case when I visited the TRACK, a state-of-the-art multi-sport venue owned and operated by New Balance, in their home city of Boston. You may like Sokito Scudetta Biotouch FG review: Better, softer and still green the best eco-conscious football boot just got an upgrade Puma launch new Ultra Nitro 7 boot dubbed 'the future of football' after consulting pro and amateur players to deliver what they want Exclusive: Eberechi Eze says Bukayo Saka could succeed in another career in chess New Balance provided for me the boots that Bukayo Saka wore in Englands World Cup 2026 opener against Croatia. As test drives go, it was an experience.The Furon Elite V9 x Stone Island collab is, first and foremost, an aesthetically pleasing boot. And because New Balance are involved, nothing has been left to chance when it comes to performance, either.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Stone Island isn't a fashion brand that does bright, brash colourways, so its understandable that the Furon collab keeps it simple but unique. I would be lying through my teeth if I were to describe myself as a flair player, so the monochromatic colour scheme was appreciated.The boot is marketed as being designed for the most dangerous players, of which Saka is undoubtedly one. No pressure, then.Weve all done it, you slip on a pair of boots for the first time, have a kick-around and end up with irritation or blisters in the foot and ankle region. Ill be honest, when I discovered how snug the Furon Elite V9s were, this was at the front of my mind. Once bitten, etcetera. What to read next Under Armour launches stunning new World Cup 2026 boot worn by Spain's best players I watched England vs Uruguay from Wembley Stadium's premium seats alongside ex-Premier League striker - it didn't disappoint The �33 kids' football boot designed and produced by a football mum fed up with Adidas and Nike's prices might answer parents' prayers As it turned out, I had nothing to worry about. There was no wear and tear on my heels once I slipped them off - not that I wanted to - following a skills and drills session on one of the indoor pitches at the TRACK.The boots hugged my feet, allowing a close control feel whilst providing the necessary protection when striking footballs over and over. Because, of course, skills and drills descended into shooting practice, penalties and crossbar challenge.What else I was struck by was how lightweight the boots are, perfect for speedsters down the flanks, of which I am not one.Was this incredibly privileged test drive wasted on a player like me who gets a nosebleed every time he crosses the halfway line? Perhaps. But I dont care. The boots were snug, sleek and comfortable - everything Im not on the pitch.For a man whose ankle ligaments have seen their fair share of strains and sprains, the new boot-artificial turf combo was cause for concern, but after a while that fear evaporated. The Furon Elite V9 provided excellent traction for quick changes of direction during the drills session.Whilst I cannot boast explosive movement myself, the fact Arsenal and England star Saka has been an active participant in the production of this boot, suggests the pair I wore were very much catered towards a player who is cutting inside at the drop of a hat, several times per game.One thing I can guarantee is that the wearer does not feel inhibited by the weightiness of the boot - it is the most svelte Ive felt on a football pitch in years.As averse as I am to corporate-speak, I think its worthwhile circling back to the design, because theres a fantastic feature that hasnt been mentioned yet. Not only do they look the part, theres science baked into the artwork, because it is heat reactive and changes with temperature.I was not the only wearer of the Stone Island Furon V9 on my debut at the TRACK, and therefore each pair looked ever so slightly unique at the end of the session. Whilst that might not matter to everyone, if youre a football boot nerd, I imagine that is something to get very excited about.FourFourTwos verdict is this boot, or cleat if youre one of our North American cousins, could be one of the best and most unique on the market. If you want to draw admiring glances from teammates and opponents as you glide past, the New Balance Furon Elite V9 Stone Island edition just might be for you.TOPICSBukayo SakaEnglandArsenalWorld CupJoe DonnohueSocial Links NavigationSenior Digital WriterJoe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.
