What a unique release the Nike Total90 Laser III is! Nike have completely redesigned the Laser from its predecessors and created a more dynamic cleat that is designed to improve accuracy and power. The initial roll-out in the range comes in a rather wild Electric Green/Black/Challenge Red color that is very noticeable on the field. Fernando Torres, Wayne Rooney and Robbie Keane are some of the top stars who have taken to wearing these in the last few weeks. I had the opportunity to get my hands on a pair, and after 3-4 weeks of testing in numerous training sessions and 2 games, I have experienced what the cleat has to offer, and why Nike dynamically transformed the range. I normally wear a size 9US and that is what I wore for this review.
Breaking In
Side by side, the Total90 Laser III looks very similar size wise to the Total90 Laser II. But, when you put them on and wear them, you will notice a difference in how they fit! The new Laser III does not have the same wide fit as its predecessor, but instead has a tighter front fit.
I think one thing that makes them look wider is the fins that sit along the outside of the cleat, just below the strike zone. You end up loosening the laces a lot to get your foot into them!
At the beginning of the first training session, they felt great and I encountered no discomfort. But, by the end of the practice I started to fell blisters on both my little toe. Reason being, one of the seams that runs from the laces to the outsole is left unprotected on the inside of the cleat. Thus, it rubs against your toe when you change direction. My solution for this problem was to wear a band-aid until the cleat loosened up some. The upper material is synthetic leather, so these cleats break in pretty quickly. It really didn’t take them long to mold to my foot shape, and once they did they responded really well. Oh, and the inserts are pretty cool also as they use PORON technology that is designed to improve shock absorption in the insole. This means less shock to feet and joints, while also reducing pressure from stud placement. I haven’t seen this type of insert in any other cleats.
Style & Design
Well, the first thing you will notice about this cleat is the color! The electric green absolutely pops, while the five red pods in the strike zone are easily distinguished because of the black background. Personally, they are a little too colorful for me. But over the past year, there have been some wild and crazy color choices that have pretty much sold out, so it is not surprising that Nike chose the same route with this rollout. I do, however, really like the latest White/Metallic Gold/Dark Obsidian version that has been released. If you compare this version of the Laser to the Laser II, you can see that they have completely redesigned the front. Nike decided to remove the Shotshield technology (the rings on the front of the Laser II cleat) and moved from a central lacing system to an off center. They have also added the T90 logo toward the back of the Laser III cleat in large black letters.
Technology
Nike has rolled out a bunch of new features on the Laser III. First offis the addition of five red ‘pods’ that sit right along the strike zone. The pods are designed to even out pressure distribution on ball contact. After testing, I can confirm that they serve a purpose, as they do act like small cushions when you hit solid shots. Do they distribute pressure? I can’t confirm this, as that seems like more of a scientific question. I also found that the pods are positioned outside of my normal strike zone. If you have ever watched Cristiano Ronaldo strike a free kick, you will notice he strikes the ball in a completely different way, kind of off center. Well, if I was to describe where the pods are lined, I would say that Ronaldo’s strike would be perfectly in line with where they are positioning. It offers something completely different, and while I was wearing these I was tempted on several occasions to change my shot up! Not a bad thing in my opinion.
Next update is the addition of TPU fins that sit on a honeycomb panel. Now, these I found to be really interesting! Each fin is raised a few millimeters off the honeycomb area, and you can move them by brushing your hand along the area. They are designed to flex on contact with the ball, acting like a car suspension system in a sense. Do they work? They are great for controlling the ball, especially on a wet surface. When it comes to touch and control, you can feel the cushioning effect that the fins have and they do serve that purpose if you use that part of your foot. But, they are positioned outside of the passing zone (ie. your instep), meaning they really don’t serve that functionality, and they definitely are not going to be used when you shoot. Personally, I use my instep for control, and the top of the cleat for dribbling. Thus, I didn’t have as much use for the area as other players might have.
Negatives
Personally, I am not a fan of the Electric Green color. It is too loud for me and I would have preferred to see the White/Metallic Gold version released first. Second thing that I was disappointed with was the fact I encountered some blisters. If you decide to get these, rub your hand in along the inside of the cleat, and you will find the misplaced (in my opinion) seam that caused the problem. Next, I am not convinced that the fins serve anymore of a purpose than just control. The area that they cover is too low for passing and shooting. I would have liked to see them run in between the 5 pods, offering even more value to that area. Finally, one Mr. Fernando Torres changed back to the Total90 Laser II for last weekends Premier League game, where he scored his 50th goal for Liverpool. My question is, what was up with the Laser III that persuaded Torres to go back to the original pair. Very unusual!
Summary
I have to admit that when I first saw these I was completely shocked at how many changes Nike made to the cleat! Normally, you see companies redefining what they have on prior releases, but the Laser
III is completely different to the Laser II. For that reason, I would say that these are a diagonal step in the range, rather than a step forward. The Total90 Laser II was all about Power, while the Total90 Laser III is all about accuracy and power! In a sense, Nike have moved towards a similar design to the Adidas Predator (side note: this could be a very smart move on their part since the Predator range has moved away from the raised design) I was pleased with how these performed overall, and have no doubt that they will be a hot commodity come this summer’s World Cup.
Have you seen the mid range Strikes? If so do you know how they compare with the Lasers cos I'm thinking of getting the white strikes if i can afford and find them as a second boot for this season (the first being adipure III which i'm afraid will suffer on the astroturf i play on)
Are the laser 2s true to size?
Thanks for your review. I specificly liked your review by the scores. It really helped me to make decision. With all do respect, I have a question to ask. What do you think of a size of Total 90 Laser III? was it true-size? I am planning to buy these pairs, but not sure about the size.
I prefer the green over the white one. it's kinda lighter though. They fit great and comfy unlike t90II that hurts my middle foot a lot.
Hey Jarrett,
They fit true to size, it will take a few training sessions before they will fit super snug, but they do in the end. The off center lacing gives a different fit compared to the T90 Laser II (might be why Yuda enjoys the fit more!)
They are def worth buying!
Jarret,
Buy these cleats!! they are amazingly great and comfy!! true to size!
Will i look bad if i wear these cleats?
@tomas:
Very much so
do they last long? and do crease marks form?
@Tomas
You always look bad in a shiny nike/adidas shoes if you can't actually play. People always expect a bit more from a striker in laser III than in usual black and quite unremarkable adidas.
=)
[...] light cleats like Vapor’s or F50i’s it would be a little more difficult. If you wear Total 90’s or Adidas Predators then the transition would be [...]
[...] this year, Nike released their latest incarnation of the Total 90 Laser range, the T90 Laser III, in a blaze of glory. Backed by millions of dollars in TV and online advertising, Fernando Torres [...]
Nice review Bryan.I really like these cleats.But,i got a question to ask.I heard a few people complaining about a stud coming of.Is this true?Because if my cleats are spoiled,im pretty much screwd.I wont have enough money to buy another pair.
Hey Mark,
I didn't encounter any issues with the studs, they performed as well as any other boot and I haven't heard any complaints. I would recommend them.
Mat,
They are suitable for goalkeepers as they have the 'power' element. It seems like you are on the right track between these, the Pwrcat and the Preds….it would be down to personal preference on which ones would suit you best. Also check out the Concave PT+, really good cleat for striking a ball!
hi admins and testers
i wanna ask if u would recommend this for a goalkeeper
or the pwrcats or the preds
im looking to improve my goalkicks
thx
if u look to improve ur goalkicks u should work on ur technique. I have adizeros and my goalkicks fly like a rocket to the other side of the field and im only 15 but my technique is really good for a goalie…
hi Brian
from my reading of ure review on the umbro speciali i have learned that you grew up in Ireland which is where I am from. I am just wondering during ure time in Ireland you where probley intoduced to gaelic football which is my sport. Could u recomend a good boot for me keeping comfort and a larger strike zone in mind because unlike in soccer we tend to kick the ball down the center of the boot.
any feedback would be appreciated thanks.
these kleats are so awsome
Hey Sean,
You are going to want to look for something with a larger strike zone. I think the Nike T90 Laser II is one of the perfect GAA boots around, might be a little more difficult to get hold of with the introduction of the T90 III. Other really good options include the Under Armour Dominate or the New Adidas Predator X.
Another pretty good option would be the Adidas F50i, my reason behind this is the fact that you can change the studs and that is pretty critical for different playing surfaces (as you know yourself it can change week to week, from wet to dry) so being able to change gives you an added advantage of not having to buy 2 or 3 pairs.
Hope this helps!
Do these run big ? I hear they run half a size big and I'm planning on getting them online.
Hey Mike
As stated in the above comment, they fit they fit true to size
my has had these for 2 months and two of the "Pods" on each foot are beginning to peel off :/ not sure how they stand up durability-wise
to Bryan: I'm not sure if it actually works but according to Nike the "fins" are there to add swerve when you're kicking, whether it's a curling shot or a cross. Just to let you know
Thanks for the follow up Fifinho,
That is what Nike say the fins are used for, but as I state in the review "The area that they cover is too low for passing and shooting." When you cross or shoot, you should be using the area that the fins cover…in my opinion it only aids in control.
Sorry to hear about the pods peeling off, you should send them back to Nike.
[...] reviewed the Nike Total90 Laser III a few weeks back and really liked them (other than the fact I got injured wearing them, with a very [...]
Bryan,
I've been wearing a pair of these Laser III's for about 2 months and they are awesome.
However, i feel that the fins not only aid with control (which i do agree with), but in-fact, they do help with swerve! As a left winger, i did really feel a difference when crossing and shooting free kicks than with my old pair of F50.9's. I really think its up to how the wearer shoots the ball though.
Great review! cant wait for more to come.
i just picked this pair of cleats up… wish i had found this site earlier… and also how long did these break in for you? i got semifinal game in 2 days, if i go in hard you think theyll break in ok before the game?
Gary,
If you can try wearing them in jogging today and tomorrow and then they should be good for your game. One thing you might want to do is put band-aids on your little toes, the shape of the T90 Laser III can cause some irritation there the first time you wear them!
I have two questions. One i wanted to know if i should get the laser 3 or the laser 2 and the second question is do the laser 3 fit similar to laser 2 (my toe is near the end on laser 3)?
Louis,
Check out the 'Breaking In' section above for more info on sizing compared to the Nike T90 Laser II!
How does the sizing on these compare to the Laser II's? You said it was narrower, but is it the same lengthwise?
Hi Bryan, great review as always to be honest but could you help me out on this one?
I'm looking for a cleat that offers me good comfort combined with great durability(hate it when the leather rips off the sole etc..), don't really care that much about style
PS.: I am a defender
What would be the best choice then? so Durable + comfort (technology is fine but still the player has to kick the ball) :p
-Adipures 3
-Adi predators X
-Umbro Speciali
-Umbro Stealth pro
-Lotto Stadio primato
-Lotto zhero leggenda tre
-Nike T90 laser 3
-Puma King
If you got better idea than anything that I've listed please say so and otherwise I'd like to know your top 3 because I also got mid to wide feet and you have tested most of them so…
Thanks in advance Bryan
To they stretch?
Hey Bryan did you notice any difference in the sizing between the ii and the iii, if you have tried on the ii? As in did you take the same size for both models of the shoe?
Hey Jon,
Size wise you will want to get the same, but they do fit a little differently up around the toe area because of the off center lacing in the T90 Laser III
I was just wondering, whats the difference between the T90 Laser III and T90 Strike III?
I currently have the Predator x and I'm looking to buy a new pair of cleats. Would you recommend these over a new pair of predators?
Angelo,
The Strike is the more affordable version of the Laser..it doesn't come with the same technology seen in the Laser.
Nick,
Both are good options and offer similar characteristics. If you want more technology go for the Laser III. But if you are comfortable in your preds stick to buying a new pair of them.
Hi Bryan,
I Plan To Buy These online sometime this week but in black and red, just wondering what website do you recommend,
PS: i am living in Ireland.
Thanks
hey Bryan,
can you review on the total 90 shoot iii because these cleats are too expensive and i dont have money for these
Jeffret,
I will definitely look into it!
Hey Brian, my season starts very soon and i am still undecided on what cleats i want. I have compare many of your reviews and have narrowed my choices down to leather adizeros, ctrs and the white and blue leather t90s. Did you do a review on the leather t90s yet? Also, which of my choices would u recommend? I play outside mid and striker if this matter and i will only be using these cleats for 3 months so durability isn't that important to me. I want cleats that will give me a clean strike and touch.
Thanks
Hey Bryan, I have narrow to medium feet, will I be okay in this? I like the snug feel. Please response, thanks.
Adrian,
As a winger looking for a clean touch and strike, your nest option will either be the CTR's or adiZeros. The T90's might be a little too bulky for what you need.
J,
These have more of a madium/wide than narrow fit, although they do fit a lot more snug than the T90 Laser II's.
Hey Bryan, what's your 411 on the cleats that fit snug? Once again, I have narrow to medium feet, what brands would you recommend? Due to the facts that you have tested several brands.
J,
It is very dependent on the boot rather than the brand. Boots like Nike Tiempo, Adidas adiPure and Umbro Specialis are some examples of boots that fit a little more narrow!
Hi Bryan can you do a review on the leather version so we can compare the differences?
Thanks Bryan,
How was the fitting on the Nike CTR360 Meastri? Please response, I'm thinking getting a pair of that. Or the Legend III . What are your takes?
*Maestri, excuse me.
J,
Check out the <a href"http://www.soccercleats101.com/2010/07/16/nike-ctr360-maestri-review/" rel="nofollow">CTR360 Maestri review, they fit true to size.
Hi Bryan again,
My feet size are 8 and kinda medium. I usually wear 8.5 on the first vesion of total 90. They are alright but i think when cleats are bigger than feet, i cant perform the best and i cant kick the hardest.
So im thinking about buying these cleats. Should i get 8 or 8.5. Im a little more about 8 but you said they are too narrow and you got some blisters cuz they are too tight. So what is your recommendation?
Thanks
Hi Bryan,
Is it fine to use FG studs in HG tooo ???
hey brian,
what are the differnces between the k-leather laser 3 and the synthetic leather laser3? thanks in advance