Keelan What connects Cristiano Ronaldo’s step-overs, Harry Kane’s net-rattlers and Kevin De Bruyne’s impossible passes? Nope, it’s not the gelled quiffs, but their Nike football boots. Let’s find your perfect pair.
For pace
Nike designed its Mercurial Superfly boots for turf-shredding speed. Look close enough and you’ll see Cristiano Ronaldo, Alexis Sánchez and Jamie Vardy blur past in these. The Superflys feature Nike’s Dynamic Fit Collar – a sock-like top that hugs the ankles to support feet moving at speed. There’s Flywire technology, too. These tiny cables offer security as you run.
Want to let your ankles breathe? So does Barca’s Ousmane Dembélé – and their big money exit Neymar. Both wear Nike’s Mercurial Vapor boots which lose the collar but keep the light but tough Speed Plate with Mercurial Traction for explosive pace. You’ll still enjoy NikeSkin mesh, too, which improves touch and the Texon HeatShield™ Insole to keep those roadrunner feet cool.
For goals
Nike built its Hypervenom Phantom boots for strikers. No wonder last seasons Bundesliga and Premier League Golden Boot winners Robert Lewandowski and Harry Kane play in these.
To help the goal tally, Nike added a HyperReact Strike Zone with foam pods which harnesses more power from your shot. There are asymmetric laces, too, increasing the strike zone. For defence-destroying turns in the box, there’s a HyperReact Plate to flex with your feet.
Don’t do collars? Nike’s Hypervenom Phatal boots offer all the above tech without the Dynamic Fit Collar.
For playmakers
Are you the team playmaker? The Nike Magista Obra could be ideal. Kevin De Bruyne, Arturo Vidal and Magista pull the strings in these. To help avoid distractions, the tongue and upper are all one-piece. This also improves breathability, stretch and support.
If you like laces, Nike’s Magista Opus boots ditch the one-piece but keep both the 3D texture which improves touch and the All Conditions Control material to boss it whatever the weather.
For the same price, Nike’s Tiempo Legend boots bring kangaroo and calfskin leather – and quilted foam – for a cushioned touch. Sergio Ramos, Gerard Piqué and Antonio Valencia control the game in these boots.
