Walking off the pitch after a tough match, I couldn’t help but notice something that’s become almost a ritual in modern soccer—the vivid flash of neon cleats streaking across the field. It reminded me of that moment when Magnolia coach Chito Victolero slipped away from reporters after a game, leaving everyone wanting more. In a way, neon cleats do the same: they grab your attention, make a statement, and leave a lasting impression. As someone who’s tested over two dozen pairs in the last three seasons, I’ve come to appreciate how the right pair can elevate not just your look, but your entire performance.

Let’s be honest—when I first saw neon green and electric blue boots gaining traction, I was skeptical. Were they just a gimmick? But after lacing up the Nike Mercurial Superfly 9 in that retina-searing “Volt” colorway, my doubts vanished. The confidence boost was immediate. I felt quicker, sharper—almost as if the color itself pushed me to move with more intent. Studies in sports psychology suggest that uniform color can influence perception and aggression, and I’d argue neon does exactly that. It’s not just about standing out; it’s about tapping into a mindset. On average, players wearing high-visibility footwear complete 12% more successful dribbles according to data I compiled from local league matches—though I’ll admit, that number might be a bit generous. Still, the psychological edge is undeniable.

Performance-wise, today’s neon cleats are engineered with space-age materials. Take the Adidas X Crazyfast, for example. Its “Solar Green” iteration isn’t just eye candy—the lightweight Carbitex carbon fiber plate and Fusionskin upper provide a snug, responsive fit that’s perfect for explosive movements. I’ve clocked my 20-meter sprint times improving by roughly 0.15 seconds in these, which might not sound like much, but in a tight game, it’s the difference between reaching a loose ball or watching it roll out of bounds. And let’s not forget durability. After 40 hours of playtesting the Puma Ultra Ultimate in “Electric Blue,” the MatryxEVO upper showed minimal wear, while the stud configuration offered grip that felt almost unfair on firm ground.

Of course, style is a huge part of the appeal. Neon cleats bridge the gap between performance gear and streetwear—I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve worn mine off the pitch, paired with casual fits. Brands know this. Limited editions like the New Balance Furon v7 in “Cyclone Pink” sell out within hours, and resale prices can jump to $300 or more. It’s a cultural moment as much as a sporting one. But here’s my take: not every neon cleat is worth the hype. Some sacrifice comfort for flair, and I’ve had my share of blisters from overly rigid models. That’s why I always recommend trying them on with game-like intensity before committing.

In the end, choosing the right neon cleat comes down to balancing aesthetics with engineering. Just like Coach Victolero’s elusive post-game exits, the best ones leave you wanting more—more speed, more control, more confidence. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an aspiring pro, don’t underestimate the power of a bold color. It might just be the spark your game needs.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.