Soccer Cleats 101 Soccer Cleats News and Reviews
Released as part of the Phantom Fire pack, the latest Nike PhantomVNM Elite colorway is designed to standout on winter pitches. Nike use Bright Mango as the feature color, with significant graphics labeled across the side of the boot in text format. It is a fresh new look for the boot that takes all that was great about the Hypervenom series and meshes it with the best of T90 Laser. For fans of the power category, this is an absolute dream combo!
Nike has been very smart with this release, also labeling them in the “finishers” category. As we have learned over the past few years, brands are looking to distinguish their boots from the power label, a category that has a tendency to make them sound more full-bodied and less dynamic. There is something very nostalgic about the PhantomVNM and the added elements along the strikezone, so I’m more than happy to include them in the power category.
Available for $249.99 at soccer.com.
The PhantomVNM features a series of textured zones to facilitate a powerful strike, but with an understanding that all of the power in the world won’t score without the accuracy to keep the shot on goal. This emphasis is most evident along the instep’s Precision PWR strike zone. There is definite T90 DNA on display within these. Under inspection, you will find 13 blades on the instep’s precision PWR strike zone, set at specific angles and ascending heights. Let me strike a ball in them right now!
Feedback from players that have worn them has also been extremely positive to date, with the T90 inspired silo providing a clean strike and an all around comfortable fit. There is a definite air of quality about them and you can already tell they are going to be a popular boot right through 2019.
Something I’d point out about these is that they are the most unexpectedly comfortable on the market. Odd statement, right? Slipping the PhantomVNM on for the first time, I was a little concerned that they wouldn’t fit properly. In fact, I was a little nervous that they would cause blisters on my toes and heel. They had that type of fit starting out. But, I took a gamble and wore them in a short sided game, knowing I had a reliable back-up pair waiting on the sideline. Thankfully, they actually proved to be very comfortable, providing a responsive fit and feel right across your foot. Nike has done a good job of creating something that can be snug for narrow fitting players, yet gently stretch to compliment medium to wide fitting players.
Find the Phantom Fire PhantomVNM available at soccer.com.
