Nike Tiempo Legacy Review

Back in December, the release of the Nike Tiempo Legend V was met with plenty of positive reaction and fans flocked to the iconic cross stitched forefoot. Performance was also at a premium, although the increased price was also! Then there is the mid-tier boot in the range, the Tiempo Legacy, for which many consider their top option due to the more affordable price-point that is coupled with  a consistently high level of performance.

There is a definite interest from players in the Legacy, as we have received a large amount of review requests for the classic looking boot. In fact, it is one of the most popular mid-tier choices currently on the market, leading to the belief that it really does have a lot to offer on pitch. In order to truly uncover its secret and see if they are a boot worth their weight in gold, I’ve spent the past few weeks testing a pair. Here is what you can expect if you have them in consideration.

Find this colorway at WeGotSoccer.com right now.

Initial Reaction

Visually, Nike has again styled both the Legend and Legacy in a very similar fashion. At first glance, it is tough to tell them apart with the only telling sign being the soleplate. Everything about them is slick and they definite hold the appearance of a top tier boot release – something to bear in mind if you value appearance.

Breaking In and Comfort

There is nothing massively complicated about the Legacy as you take them out of the box for the first time, and they do impress visually. The calfskin-leather upper also has a very supple feel to it, and the soleplate has a natural flex to it right from first wear. Things kick-off very nicely!

Where is might get a little complicated for players is in the actual fit when you wear them for the first time. For anyone with a medium or wide fit, this boot is very restrictive right across the forefoot due to some additional honeycomb paneling that lines the inside of the boot. What it creates is a cushioned feel and sort of nuzzles in around the contours of your foot, but that reduces additional area for your foot. Over time, it does stretch and the boot became more  spacious and as a result comfortable, but initially they are tight.

Outside of fit, Nike has kept things simple with the overall design and there are no hotpockets or areas of technology that require any adjustment. As a little bonus, a layer of foam is added underneath the tongue to give a more cushioned feel to the top of your foot. It is not enough to increase shot power or improve overall protection, but it does provide a more secure fit.

Compared to the Tiempo Legend

It is a common theme, but again you have to point out the visual similarities between both boots at the fact that at first glance, players are likely to mistake the Legacy as a top tier release. Performance wise, they do pretty well also and there really isn’t much criticism to offer about them but they don’t have that overall high-quality feel you get from the Legend. Where they are very different is in the materials used and just by holding both boots together, you understand why they have different monetary values.

[Also: Nike Tiempo Legend V Review]

Nike use a k-leather upper on the Legend and it has that ultra soft, buttery touch that makes them a dream to use on the ball. In comparison, the calfskin leather upper of the Legacy is very supple, but it features a slightly rigid feel that takes a few wears to really breakdown.

In terms of value, I’m all about the Legacy – especially since the Legend now sits at the $200 mark. If you are facing the decision of choosing which pair to go for, consider the fact you can get two pairs of Legacy for one pair of Legend!

In-Game Performance

When it comes to mid-tier releases, the Legacy does everything you would expect and exceeds the overall performance of most other boots in its bracket. They offer a clean area for touch, feature a flexible soleplate, offer solid traction through wear and they won’t leave your feet cringing after wear – they get check marks in all the right boxes. As a economical heritage release, there is no major technical talking point, and there is not overly exciting about them.

Striking shots is always an important area where players want to know how the boot feels. This is an area where the Legacy is average, something you would expect from a its type of mold. The cross stitched forefoot does create some slight cushioning along the panels, but it is not enough to truly soak in impact as you shoot or play long balls across the pitch.

Traction wise, they feature the same stud configuration found on the Legend. You get eight conical studs up top and four blades on the heel region that help 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.

Simply put, with the Legacy you are getting a boot that provides players with a solid base to play the game without having to think about or question their boot of choice.

How do they Fit?

There are a lot of similarities between the Legend and Legacy when it comes to fit, except the fact that the Legacy has a slightly more spacious fit starting off. You might recall with the Legend review, I had an issue with the layer of stitching running around the front of the boot as it created a tight fit. It meant players needed to consider going up a half size to really get the forefoot shape right and wearable. On the Legacy, it is slightly different with the stitching sitting slightly higher and not playing such a prominent role. For those that want a true to size fit, the Legacy is a much better option.

It is also important to remember that these have a medium width fit, and are not necessarily a great option for you wider fitting players. They do offer some stretch through wear, but starting out expect a tighter than normal experience.

Critics Notes

Outside of ensuring you have the right fit, there isn’t a great deal else to report about these. When you factor in price, it makes them an even more appealing option and I’d sit them among the best mid-tier releases currently on the market!

Check out the full line-up of Nike Tiempo Legacy currently at WeGotSoccer.

The Skinny Summary

Highlight: Another high performing mid-tier release from Nike that provides players with a balanced boot in an affordable package.
Category: Economical heritage.
Weight: 8.4oz, which actually means they are a hair lighter than the Legend (8.5oz).
Would I Buy Them: I’d be bold enough to buy 2 pairs, with one for games and one as a practice pair. Great value!
Player Position: Suitable for most playing styles right across the pitch!

Have you worn the Legacy and got some additional performance advice to offer players? Feel free to leave your comments down below.