Nike Tiempo Legend V Review

Nike has left us in wait for a new Tiempo Legend release well longer than we all expected. It was June 2011 when we were introduced to the Tiempo Legend IV, so there was definitely plenty of excitement when we found out the Tiempo Legend V would be dropping. And Nike hasn’t disappointed. This latest release has received plenty of positive attention since release and it brings back memories of a Nike release in the past!

We have had a pair in testing for the past few weeks, although it took a few days to get past staring at the glorious stitching before we were really able to get to work on the review! Here is how they worked out.

The Tiempo Legend V is currently available to buy at soccer.com.

Initial Reaction

Immediately, the stitching captures your attention and is the focal point of the release. Created in the same vein as the Ronaldinho Dois released in 2008. When the R9 Dois hit the market, the reaction was mixed but since they disappeared from the market, fans have been craving a similar design. Nike obliged by creating this latest version that has a lot more technology and a fresh paint job. Feel and touch on the ball is where I’ll be focusing my attention during testing.

Breaking In and Comfort

The Nike team has done a great job of creating a well-padded boot that is definitely lighter than any other Tiempo Legend release we have seen to date. At 8.5oz, it is not a speed boot, but they are definitely not intended to be. This is a heritage release so the focus is on providing players with a clean touch in a comfortable package. Has Nike achieved that goal? Well, yes they have!

Lets start inside the boot, where they employ a honeycomb layer between your foot and the actual upper. It feels like a softer version of the honeycomb upper found on the Hypervenom. What it creates is a cushioned feel and sort of nuzzles in around the contours of your foot – one of the reasons that the boot fits tighter than your regular boot. Where the Hypervenom offers a very spacious fit, the Tiempo V is a lot tighter. This can be problematic for players that need a wider fit, so its an important comfort note to bear in mind.

Again going back to that tight fitting upper, the double stitching layer that runs around the forefoot did cause some discomfort. Because of the the tight fit and the fact that it is positioned right along the toe-line, it doesn’t give that little extra stretch through the upper that is needed when you look to make quick, sharp changes. The resolution to this issue is a half size up, read more on this in the “How do they Fit” section.

Then there is the heel that has a slightly unusual feel to it. Up top, they are nice and soft, but down toward the lower heel things are a lot more solid, in effect acting as a sort of heel counter. Wearing them, you can feel the different levels of firmness and I am sure that a lot of players will notice it when putting them on for the first time. Thankfully, it causes no comfort problems and Nike has found a way to combo both very effectively.

Overall, they do the job and are a comfortable boot to wear in long games. But, the important thing is ensuring you get the right size!

In-Game Performance

Oh how I love the visual design of these boots! It is clean and the cross stitching creates the appearance of a sharp, crisp surface for controlling the ball. That proves to be exactly the case and these are a great option for players who want to keep it simple, get on the ball, and move it around the pitch. The definition created by the stitching is not as prominent as you would imagine. On some similar boots, like for example the latest adiPure 11Pro Samba, the cross stitching makes for a more padded feel. On these, it is a lot more minimal but that actually plays to your advantage as it offers more fee on the ball. The soft K-leather used also works in unison with the stitching to create a very soft and molded forefoot that hugs your foot and becomes really personalized to your exact foot shape over time.

Another new addition is Hypershield technology, which blocks moisture for a snug fit that lasts and allows for a constant touch regardless of weather. This second layer of hydrophobic mesh ensures that the boot dries quickly and absorbs less water than previous leather boots. I did have an opportunity to wear them in moderately wet conditions (some light rain) and even though it is difficult to assess without using them for an extended period where water is prominent, they worked out well. After play, they dried out well without increasing overall weight. This is an area where player feedback would be useful, from those who wear them consistently in rain.

In terms of striking, the results are solid. There is nothing overly impressive but considering they are going to be more of a midfielders boot, it isn’t an area where you would expect them to excel. As a heritage boot, they are on point and allow you to move the ball effectively without feeling the full impact – enough said here!

Nike has built this boot on the same last as the Hypervenom. What that means is they have looked at the soleplate and used the same footbed to create a comfortable ride. When you flip the boot over, the stud configuration also has some similarities, but they are definitely designed to offer a different type of traction. You get eight conical studs up top and four blades on the heel region. Overall, it helps distribute pressure for a smooth ride. On natural grass surfaces, they feel great and that is where they will excel for players. I wasn’t overly impressed with them on turf as they were a little sticky but they definitely work for players who play on AG. The soleplate itself is very flexible right out of the box and it makes for a boot that can be worn in a game first time out if needed.

Compared to the Tiempo Legend IV

The most obvious difference between the new and the old Tiempo is the awesome stitching design through the forefoot that Nike has gone with. It is not the first time we have seen this style (think back to the Ronaldinho Dois) but it is a refreshing addition that gives the boots a very nostalgic feel. Padding inside the boot has been vastly modified, as per the in-game performance notes above. I preferred the overall fit of the Tiempo IV, but I do appreciate the direction Nike has taken with the latest installment.

How do they Fit?

In terms of actual configurations, the Tiempo V looks and measures very true to size. BUT, they have a slightly tighter fit than other boots currently on the market and even the Tiempo IV. This is as a result of the double line of stitching that runs around the forefoot and the extra padding that sits inside. The boot is designed to have a very snug fit and this is enhanced by the stitching. Where regular uppers will stretch out, this specific layer actually keeps the shape of the forefoot very much intact and can be problematic if you are in the wrong size. My advice is to consider a half size up, most players will benefit from the extra space. If you compare them to the likes of the adiPure 11Pro in the same size, the adiPure has a much more natural shape and is effectively a better true to size option for players.

Width wise, they are definitely better suited for those in the medium mold. I’m a medium/wide fit and they were snug through wear. Again, a half size up release a little extra space and would be a better option for wider fitting players interested in testing the range.

As Worn By

There is a wide variety of players currently wearing the Tiempo V, with pretty much every position covered. Players such as David de Gea, Gerard Pique, Kyle Walker, Carlos Tevez and Ronaldinho (to name a few) have been wearing them in the past few weeks. It is the type of boot that has a wide appeal.

Critics Notes

My only major concerns lies in the actual fit of the boot and there might cause issues will players who are looking for a true to size fit. Again, I’d recommend checking out a half size up if possible to ensure an ideal fit. Other than that in the performance category, they are a pretty solid release that shouldn’t cause players any real problems! My other beef is the price, with this current release hitting the $200 mark. What the heck, Nike? We were pretty happy about the fact the Tiempo Legend series was a proper economical option that offered players total value. Raising it to the same price as the Vapor and every other high end boot on the market seems a bit rash!!

Pick up your pair of Tiempo Legend V at Soccer.com right now.

The Skinny Summary

Highlight: A very comfortable boot that will provide players with a clean touch on the ball and an extremely classy visual appearance.
Category: Heritage – compliments of a great looking stitch pattern.
Weight: A commendable 8.5oz – a pretty ideal weight point.
Would I Buy Them: Not a fan of the price increase, but I definitely wouldn’t turn down a pair if they were offered to me. They are a seriously classy looking boot.
Player Position: There is a broad appeal to these boots and they are a decent option for many playing styles. My recommendation would be for midfielders who like to move the ball or for defenders who value getting some touches on the ball.