Why is the Nike T90 Laser Series so Badly Missed?

Since Nike decided it was time for their retirement, many players have struggled to find the right replacement for the Power focused T90 Laser range. It is no surprise really, as the T90 offered a very specific style of focused performance as opposed to the current set of hybrid silos currently on the market. There has been a large market refocus by the home of the swoosh in the past few years, and the announcement that the T90 would be leaving shelves caused a stir right from the onset.

Here we revisit the range and work through the finite details of why it still stands as a haloed boot.

Search for original pairs of T90 Laser on eBay.

What Made the T90 Laser Series so Popular?

That is a great question, and one that has fans wondering why Nike dispersed the range. It has a lot to do with marketing and how Nike introduced them as the ultimate shooting machine. Being able to gear top pro players up in a new release is the best way to increase a boots popularity to fans and Nike was not afraid to spend in order to get them seen. Producing an attacking styled boot is also a very smart move, as fans are attracted to the potential of improved goal scoring. It is, after all, the romantic side to the game. Then there is the large range of technology that was implemented through the boots existence. Nike continually looked to push boundaries and create something different, something that was consistently advanced and always focused on improving player power and swerve on the ball.

That Glorious Wide Fit

Was there a more perfectly proportioned boot for players in need of a wide fit? I don’t think there has been, with the T90 series offer top quality comfort and a spacious fit through the forefoot that really accommodated a wide variety of players. It is the number one issue for fans in need of a new replacement boot – how do I find something that fits wide around the forefoot? You can see right through the array of images on this post how it has a more rounded appearance compared to current market releases.

Everyone Has a Favorite!

Obviously, everyone has there own favorite in the series, with each boot offering a pretty different type of striking experience. It started with the original release, which really established the range right from the onset. There are not many boots that are able to grab immediate attention, but back in 2000, that was the case with these. Even so, it is the T90 Laser II that sits as a leading favorite for fans. Maybe it was the over-sized strike zone with Shot Shield technology,  or maybe it was the expanded number of colorways released through their lifespan.

Moving on from the second version, the third version came in for some scrutiny due to the unconventional fins on the side of the boot. But the included technology across an increased surface area found a large following. From there, the final IV release was pieced together with the most technology of all and definitely satisfied the needs of fans.

There was also the release of the T90 Supremacy back in 2006, right before the World Cup in Germany. It was Nike’s key boot release leading up to the big tournament and Wayne Rooney was the player they looked to promote them.

Why Were They Retired Then?

Right from release, this was a series all about power and shooting. It is one of the reasons that Nike made a decision to retire the range, as they had become too specific to strikers. Plenty of defenders still wore them, specifically central defenders, but by the IV edition is was becoming tougher to adequately advertise them to a wide audience.

Including the Power label also segregated pacey players who didn’t want something”heavy”. In recent times, we have seen brand re-engineer their Power releases with much lighter framework. Case in point the Puma evoPOWER that weighs in at 7.2oz but that wasn’t the direction Nike wanted to take. Rather than re-educate fans, they took the decision to switch out the silo completely.

Where Do Fans Go Now?

That is a great question! There isn’t anything quite like the T90 Laser series currently on the market, so there is a pretty obvious dilemma for fans who want a similar type of performance. Nike and Adidas have distanced themselves from the “Power” label and none of their boots contain that killer punch or strike that players might want. The nearest thing they’ve released in recent times is the Adidas Predator Instinct, which did feature a Power like appearance and a silhouette that resembled an older model boot. But they gained a reputation as a control hybrid and might not be the answer many Nike fans are looking for.

The next best options to consider now? Realistically, the market is somewhat devoid of options. Recently added to the US market, the Mizuno Wave Ignitus is the one boot that deserves a shout. It is built along the same premise as the T90, with specifically positioned panels – bio vamps in this case – offering extra rebound when striking shots.

Then there is always the option of searching for original pairs of T90 Laser on eBay. There are always new pairs popping-up and with some patience, you can actually find some pretty decent deals out there, like for example this pair just listed!

Which Was Your Favorite?

We want your feedback on this one. Have you got a favorite from the T90 Laser series? Tell us about it in the comment section below – I’m interested in getting reader consensus on which pair actually had the biggest impact on players in order to piece together another special feature!