Initial Reaction To The Nike Tiempo Legend 6

One wear, and I’m already hooked on the new Nike Tiempo Legend 6!

There are not many boots I can say that about, but it is very much the case with the latest heritage/comfort release from Nike. From initial reaction, they have got this one right by combining a clean leather upper with an ever so slight touch component across the upper. More importantly, they have also “reinvented” the basics that fans expect to find on a truly effective Tiempo Legend release.

If there was anything on this latest version that offers a noticeable improvement it is the clean leather upper design and the improved width through the region. Anyone that has ever worn a pair of Tiempo Legend before these will know that they have a reputation for fitting very snug. If you look at the Tiempo Legend 5, it offered a tighter fit around the toe because of the layered front stitching. As a result, it has become common practice to recommend considering a half size up for a more accommodating fit. But, this version is far more spacious and that means they fit a lot more comfortably. The pair I’m wearing is a size 9US, which is my regular boot size option, and they fit pretty perfect.

What is it that makes them a more accommodating boot? It is the shape of the forefoot, where Nike has minimized stitching on the premium leather upper and increased the general width of the material. You can tell from looking at them side by side with the Legend 5 (as per the image below) that they have more room for your feet to slip into.

Available at soccer.com.

Will they overstretch? I haven’t quite figured than one out just yet. It will take a few more wears to see how the leather reacts. But, my initial reaction is that it won’t stretch too much due to the internal cage system – technically it should provide more support and structure to reduce breakdown of the material.

In terms of feel on the ball, I love the little extra texture through the upper. What makes this so different is the fact Nike has looked to create a quilted feel without using a high level of stitching. The internal cage system is used to create the arrow like design on the top of the forefoot, and the criss-cross along the lateral and medial sides. It is subtle enough that you don’t feel it on your foot, yet it definitely provides some extra texture as you get touches on the ball. And it provides a much cleaner surface without as much stitching in play. The stitching that is visible across the upper is there to loosen the material right on the bend.

There is obviously a lot more to talk about with these boots, including the built in tongue and soleplate traction, all of which we are saving for the actual review. That will come once we get more wear time with them. For now, we wanted to make sure you were aware that the sizing of this current boot it much more inline with true to size. If you are considering a pair, you can rest a little more comfortable knowing they are more accommodating than previous versions.

Anyone else considered a pair to date? Anyone else think that this could be the type of release that saves the Tiempo Legend series?

Find the current line-up currently available at soccer.com.