Nike Green Speed – Comparing New vs Old

By now, I am guessing most of you have seen and read about the new Nike GS II (if not, check it out here). This is the second generation release of Nike’s lightest and most eco-friendly boot released to date. The first edition sold out in super quick time, and much is expected of this release with pre-sales already proving successful. With that in mind, we thought it would be a good idea to break down both boots just to see how they stack up against each other!

How can you Order the GS II?

Before we get started, we have the cover the most important question about the new generation – how can you get your hands on a pair? Well, for those of you eager to pick up a pair, there are going to be several sites listing them for pre-order with a price of $250. We will have an updated list of retail sites posted below as we find them. Their official date for availability/delivery will be December 1st, but I have a feeling they might be sold out by then!

• Soccer.com (Sold Out)
• WeGotSoccer (Limited Sizes 8-9-10)
• SoccerLoco (Limited Sizes 8-10)
• WorldSoccerShop (Sold Out)

What Exactly is Green Speed?

One thing is clear about this boot, a lot of planning and research has gone into producing the final product. The Green Speed is constructed using renewable and recycled materials, designed for explosive performance on the pitch and lower impact on the planet. Every component has been optimized to reduce weight and waste, creating Nike’s lightest football boot ever at a superlight 5.6oz. Conceived and engineered in Italy, Nike use a bio-based traction plate, which is made primarily from castor beans to ensure strength and flexibility on pitch, alongside a sock liner made from 100% castor beans. The boot laces, lining and tongue are made from a minimum of 70% recycled materials, while the toeboard and collar feature at least 15% recycled materials.

Main Difference – ACC

When it comes down to it, both the new and old version of the Green Speed are very similar. Other than design, there is only one other area that is a differentiates and that is in the upper. On the GS II, Nike include their latest performance advancement, which is ACC. All Conditions Control (ACC) technology is a special treatment applied to the solvent-free Kanga-Lite synthetic upper during the development process, which has the purpose of enhancing ball control in both wet and dry conditions.

Designed for Green Speed

Ok, so when it comes to design, Nike added a twist by sticking with Black and White colors on the second edition. It was pretty iconic that the initial release was labelled the Green Speed and it came in a bright Lime Green color. In a sense it was appropriate. This latest Black and White is quite outside the norm for Nike, who usually like to stun with their array of eye-catching colors. In saying that, the White used is extremely vivid and contrasts well against the black. And of course there is also the extremely promenant ACC printed on the side of the new version. It is definitely a talking point, although not quiet all the comments have been positive!

Limited Edition – or Not So Limited Edition?

The initial release came as a Limited Edition, and Nike let us know that by continually pointing out the fact they were only releasing 2012 pairs. That turned out to be an extremely smart move and they sold out on day of release. This time around, Limited Edition hasn’t been emphasized as much and Nike has not released any information on the number of pairs available. They are still listed as a Concept boot and retailers are claiming to have Limited numbers available. As it stands, I still see the Green Speed 2 selling out pretty quickly, but I have a feeling they will be available for t least an extra 24 hours.