With the recent release of the extremely traditional Nike Premier, many players are left wondering What is in store for the Nike Tiempo Legend range?

For some reason, a lot of people are under the impression that Nike are going to shut-up shop on the very prestigious Tiempo, but that isn’t so and we have the back story as to why.

What do Nike plan to do with the Tiempo Legend?

There is no change in the direction Nike is taking with the range. Through the past few editions, Nike has used the boot as a blank canvas and played around with different classical styles. Basically, the boot will continue to be their classical playground where they continue to evolve the range, adding new types of technology and retro styles through multiple editions.

What is the Nike Premier all about?

According to Nike, the Premier is pretty much set in stone and there will not be multiple editions of the range. They set out to create a high performing timeless classic set at a price under $100. In other words, we should see this boot on the market, as is, for many years to come. In similar fashion to the Copa Mundial, the Nike Premier is intended to be a more consistent boot with a longer life-span. I’d imagine we will see some minor updates as time goes by, but I really do hope that Nike can leave these unchanged and at the same price for several seasons.

Main Performance Difference – Soleplate

Having tested both, the primary difference lies in the soleplate. The Tiempo Legend features a plate that bends very uniformly right on the toe crease. They are designed for increased acceleration when you take that first step. The Premier is a little different. The plate is extremely thin and offers a more progressive hinge that naturally flexes with the foot. Those looking for a traditional boot will really appreciate that!

Retail – Price Difference

In terms of retail, the Tiempo legend is always going to be a little more expensive seeing as Nike are using it as a platform for developing. With more research and development comes a higher price tag and I expect it to increase over the new generations. On the other side of the spectrum, Nike set out initially to create a boot under $100 and since it is we don’t expect to see new versions released, it seems like it will continue to sit under the $100 for a while to come.

Nike Tiempo Legend – retails for $143.99
Nike Premier – retails for $99.99

There are still several colorways available in the current Tiempo legend IV range before we see the introduction of the next generation. We were even treated to a very clean Light Bone/White colorway this week!

Nike Mercurial Vapor IX – Volt/Bright Citrus

It was hard for me to imagine Nike sitting back and releasing a Vapor colorway that did not stand out on the field, and they did not disappoint. The “volt” color has been used by Nike on a fairly consistent basis, but this is the first time we have seen a Vapor IX with the bright yellow base. In terms of popularity on the pitch, I feel this boot will be a favorite among the professional players that wear the Vapor IX and do not switch to the new Nike Hypervenom in the offseason. The biggest question with this release is how it will sit with the self proclaimed Vapor fans of the world? And if my knowledge of their opinions is any indication, they will welcome a colorway like this with open arms.

Retail: $224.99

Nike Tiempo Legend IV – Light Bone/White

We know it has been two years since the debut of the Tiempo Legend IV, and this colorway fits in with the white-base releases that happened early in the Tiempo Legend IV’s lifetime. We have seen a white base with both blue, and green nike checks in earlier releases, and now we have the always classy black on white combination. It is refreshing to see a relatively calm release for the Legend IV, as the past three colorways have featured either a red and orange base, a full blue base, or a bright green Nike check and soleplate. All in all, the Tiempo Legend has a strong following, and this colorway will do nothing to deter the followers.

Retail: $159.99

Nike CTR360 Maestri III – Current Blue/Volt

With the boot Nike designed for the box-to-box midfielder finally getting some real competition from the Adidas NitroCharge, this colorway is surprisingly similar to the NitroCharge launch colorway. I am sure it is a coincidence, but it will be interesting to see a majority of the world’s best midfielders in blue and yellow for the coming months. The CTR360 Maestri has seen some interesting colorways lately, and this is no exception. From the never before seen mint color to the eerily similar yellow and orange releases, Nike has done some interesting things with the colors for their control boot. There are rumors of a more subtle black and orange release for this cycle, but I have yet to see anything official. Be sure that if they are released, we will have full coverage here on SoccerCleats101.

Retail: $199.99

What do you think of this cycle’s releases from Nike? Are they too bright for your liking, or perfect for summer play? Let us know in the comments.

After their release in a pretty modern Electric Blue colorway, Adidas have their second rendition in the Nitrocharge 1.0 range for players to wear on pitch. This is the classically inspired version, as you can tell by the minimal Black leather look. But of course, the modern market wouldn’t accept these boots if there wasn’t some extra pop. So Adidas has continued with the Electric Yellow strip across the forefoot, or the EnergySling as it is labelled.

The boot is officially listed as a Black/Metallic Silver/Electricity and they are already available to order from Soccer.com for $199.99.

[See: Adidas Nitrocharge 1.0 Review]

Everything about the Nitrocharge 1.0 is geared around the concept of the Engine player. Adidas set about creating a boot that caters to the energetic player who relies on controlling the middle of the pitch.

In order to do this, they have added several key features to the boot including the EnergySling across the forefoot, EnergyPulse in the soleplate and an added layer of padding in areas highly susceptible to heavy tackles and challenges. Then there is the use of a Hybridtouch upper, which looks especially soft in the Black colorway, and a mesh like material used around the midfoot to heel region.

Nike has unleashed its second deadly colorway in the new Hypervenom range and it gives fans a new option to choose from. This latest version of the Hypervenom Phantom still holds a decently uncomplicated look, although it does have a completely different type of visual pop to the debut Orange colorway.

Officially labelled as a Flash Lime/White/Black, there is not a great deal that has to be explained about the look. The honeycomb panels are what give it its unique visual effect and they are there to increase the amount of grip you get on the ball during play.

Currently available at Soccer.com for $224.99.

Obviously, the Hypervenom Phantom is not intended to be a follow-up power release to the T90 Laser range. They are a replacement, but Nike has completely remodeled the technology and is looking to provide players with a much different type of performance. Definitely geared toward attacking styled players, with the final 7.2oz product ensuring a lightweight feel and full impact acceleration in-game.

When it comes to speed boots, Puma know what they are doing and they usually do it well. Case in point, this latest evoSPEED 1.2 release. With the likes of Sergio Aguero and Radamel Falcao endorsing the range, you can tell there are some key characteristics that define the type of player intended to wear them. This is the second evoSPEED release and Puma has definitely modified several angles in order to improve overall performance of the boot – I never had many problems with the original, but there is always room for tweaking. As reference, this post covers the Synthetic version of the boot, with a leather version also released.

The evoSPEED 1.2 is currently available to buy at WeGotSoccer for $167.

Breaking In and Comfort

First off, you have to give props to Puma for including the awesome leather boot bag (seen above). It is a pretty sweet touch and one that we are not too familiar with seeing Puma pull off!

In the interest of extensive testing, I’ve spent a full month with these boots before hitting the review button. There are elements about them that are much improved in terms of comfort, but there are also some things that make them a little tougher to break in than other Puma boots.

Lets start with the positives, and they are the tongue design and the inner lining of the boot. Both areas receive a padding upgrade and result in a more comfortable feel as you wear the boot. It is actually refreshing to see some more material on the tongue. We have seen many companies, such as Puma, trim the region down to the bare in order to reduce the boots weight. Lets be honest, the minimal padding that is added results in absolute minor weight changes, whereas the benefits of a little extra padding can be huge. Another excellent modification is the material used to line the inside of the boot, especially around the heel. It has a sort of Styrofoam feel to it, slightly sticky but also a little squishy. It really holds your foot in place, especially as your socks get wet through play.

[See: Puma evoSPEED 1.2 Released]

The one area that proves a little problematic, and I will cover this in more detail below, is the SpeedTrack system. Intended to be the Spine of the boot, it is a little too firm when you first take them out of the boot and causes some lag as you break them in. It serves its intended purpose over time but you need a few wears to get it in sync with your movements.

SpeedTrack and Stud Configuration

When the SpeedTrack system finally adapts to your movements and style, it proves to be effective especially as it works in unison with the rest of the technology seen on the soleplate. Up front, Puma uses DuoFlex technology. It runs between several studs and offers the sole some additional bend as you move in different directions. Usually a bend in the soleplate simply runs across the plate, but Puma has taken it a step further and it is useful as you look to change direction. The plate has the ability to bend across your toes.

Then there is the studs, which have been trimmed down and are now thinner than on previous Puma models. The purpose of this is to optimize ground penetration and allow for quicker movements through turns.

Back to the SpeedTrack and its purpose. Basically, it is there to be the spine or backbone of the boot. Because it is not on any other boots, it takes a few wears to really get used to how it functions with the boots performance. It literally removes any bend through the midfoot. I’ve never been a fan of additions like these. Adidas are currently testing a new system on the Nitrocharge, which is intended to provide more spring, while Nike tried it with their Elite range of boots by adding Carbon Fiber. Ultimately, none of them have really improved performance substantially and all have proved a nuisance through the break-in period. The end result of the SpeedTrack is a more uniform feel through wear and it does provide some extra rebound as you look to react quickly and sprint in another direction, but that also factors in all the other changes Puma has made to the entire soleplate.

Synthetic Upper and Dimpled Design

Puma has modified the upper and now use a monolayer microfiber upper that they claim is thinner and softer. I’m not too sure about this claim as I found the upper to be slightly more rigid and set in place. Then again, it depends how you factor their statement. It might feel softer as you run your finger across the surface, but when you push don on it feels more rigid than the upper on the evoSPEED. If anything, this is a positive as I have found the boot to be a lot more durable than its predecessor.

In order to improve touch on the ball, a layer of raised dimples have been added across the forefoot. There is a simple intent behind this addition and I like the approach Puma has taken. There is nothing invassive about the dimples and they are not there to radically improve how the boot performs. Instead, they are there to add a little extra dimension to the forefoot of the boot, improving your ability to keep the ball closer to your feet. When you rub your hand across it, you will notice a very slight textured feel. It is just enough to offer some positives without being overly dramatic. Simple, yet effective!

Lightweight Speed

Weighing in at 7oz, these boots are again obviously designed for absolute speed and acceleration. They actually weigh in heavier than the original evoSPEED 1, which sat at 6.4oz. We are at a turning point with the market now, where it seems the demand for lightweight is not as extreme and boots aroud the 7oz mark are becoming more welcomed. The added weight on this version lies in the soleplate and the SpeedTrack system specifically.

EverFit Cage and Overall Durability

Obviously, there is a reason for the inclusion of an EverFit cage on Puma releases like this – keep the boot together! Since these are a super lightweight boot, Puma has developed a simple layering inside the boot that provides more strength without taking away from the boots flexibility. Without it, the end result would be a much less durable boot.

How do they Fit?

In typical Puma speed boot fashion, these are a tight fitting shoe. When it comes to length, they actually feel true to size and that is a bonus. But they do feel slightly tight through the midfoot. Players who need a wider fit might want to order up a half size to get a snug fit. The general shape of the boot is also slightly different, with the lateral side of the boot running pretty straight toward the toes. In other words, players who need extra room on the inside of your foot might find these to be slightly uncomfortable. Overall, I feel like Puma has taken a slight step back toward the V-series design with this release.

A Quick Note on Design

Puma released a limited edition Camo evoSPEED 1.2 release that gave us a brief intro look at the range, but it really didn’t tell us the true story about the boot.

There is one glaring addition to this boot that we haven’t seen on any Puma releases in the past – the large “PUMA” hit that sits on the lateral side of the boot. Some people like it, others hate it! We have seen Nike do this in the past but again, this is new to Puma. Personally, I like the looka nd feel like it is a smart addition. It doesn’t prove to be negative visually and it promotes the fact they are a Puma boot. Again, this one is down to personal taste, but I like how it looks on this release.

Evolution of the evoSPEED

Even though things look pretty similar, there are some key differences between the evoSPEED 1 and 1.2. For example, the Soleplate has been completely redesigned, with Puma creating a new SpeedTrack system and toning down the stud shape. Similarly, the upper has also undergone transition, with a dimple control element added to the synthetic. The transition from V-Series to evoSpeed has actually gone extremely smoothly for Puma and this new design really focusing on the key fundamentals of a speed boot. The removal of the V box-toe shape has also been instrumental in the success of the range. Even though these boots were just released, and I am jumping the gun here, I’m interested to see how Puma can evolve the silo from here without undergoing another major change up.

 Critic’s Notes

I’m not a big fan of the SpeedTrack system – for me it just creates a stiff feeling boot. Out of the box, I really want a flexible feel that allows me to move 360 degrees without having to spend several games breaking them in. it might serve additional purposes in the long run, but I don’t really want to have to wait to find out!

The evoSPEED 1.2 is currently available to buy at WeGotSoccer for $167.

The Skinny Summary

Highlight: Pure Lightweight Speed, in typical Puma fashion. Upgraded performance through the upper with the added bonus of a fresh new design.
Category: Lighweight, designed for pacey speed players.
Weight: At 7oz, they are slightly higher in weight than we might have expected from Puma but don’t take this to be a negative.
Would I Buy Them: They are a definite boot to consider, but I wouldn’t consider them to be one of my favorite releases at the moment.
Player Position: Definitely designed for wingers, dangerous attacking mids and pacey forwards. With Aguero and Falcao sporting them, Puma has positioned them to be a true goalscorers boot.

Warrior Sports has dropped their second boot silo in the form of the all new Gambler. We have been expecting this release for a little while now, but Warrior did an amazing job of keeping the details of the boots under lock and keep until their release.

[See: Warrior Sports – The Gambler – Coming Soon]

Listen, there are boot releases and there are BOOT RELEASES. Warrior Sports are part of the latter with one of the most interesting boot releases I have seen in a long time. Not only have they splashed out on a new site for the boots but they have also created a pretty awesome counter page that sets in motion the events of the boots existence and the reason why Warrior must take control back from the Division Corporation. If you want the full experience, I recommend checking out this page, which will take you thru to a Gambler availability countdown page.

Take Control Back

The theme of this boot is geared around control and the ability to be the player that makes a difference. There is a lot going on with the boots and the images will give you a better idea of what to expect, but here is a rundown of the Gambler’s full tech specs.

• Ace Plate – placed on the instep, this area is intended to help you play consistent passes.
• High Roller Rotator Zone – also located on the instep, it is intended to help bend and place long balls.
• Wildcard Tech Mesh – the “Stand-out” region of the upper that really gives the boot its unique look. Lightweight and comfortable.
• Royal Flush inner – no stitching inside the boot provides comfort.
• Lay-Off Lacing – off-set stitching allows for a larger strike zone.
• Loaded Deck Soleplate – 17 blade outsole for firm ground comfort.
• Gloryholes – cut-out in the heel that allows for a precision fit.

To Quote Warrior Sports:

IN A WORLD DEFINED BY CORPORATE GREED, WHERE ASSIMILATION IS CONTROL, WHO AND WHAT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE? OUR GAME IS FOR THE REAL PLAYERS. THE INDIVIDUALS. THOSE THAT CAN CHANGE THE STATE OF PLAY. IT’S TIME TO TAKE CONTROL BACK. EXPECT US.
CAN YOU DEAL WITH IT?

Thomas Ince wears #Gambler

Every new boots need a key endorses, and Warrior has gone with youth on this one. Thomas Ince might not be a household name right now, but in England there is a buzz about his future and how good he really will be. Currently, he is playing for Blackpool in the Championship, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him signed with a Premier League team by the end of the summer. Follow him on Twitter.

For those interested in testing out a pair, there is still some more time before they are officially released to market. July 1st is the set day, although we don’t yet know how much they are going to cost.

What do you think of the new silo? Has Warrior taken the correct approach?

With all the talk surrounding the Nike Premier release over the past few weeks, it seems like this Nike Tiempo Legend IV colorway might have snuck in under the radar. A lot of people were concerned that the Tiempo range might be on the verge of extinction, but that is far from the truth.

This latest Light Bone/Black/White colorway is really fresh and gives the range a new life. Everything about it sings happy summer days, from the White upper to the Light Bone detailing. Interesting word choice again from Nike!

You can pick up this latest colorway from Soccer.com for $159.99.

And just as reference, the Premier was never intended to replace the Tiempo – Nike see this silo as their playground for creating modern releases in a very classic fashion. We have seen the range continue to evolve over the past IV generations and we are sure to see more modifications and updates in several future series.

[See: Nike Tiempo Legend IV Review]

Of course, this version comes with combo K-Leather and Kanga-Lite upper that has been treated with ACC technology, with the boot weighing in at 9.4oz.

Over the past few weeks, Warrior Sports have been giving us teasers for something new that is on the horizon. We can officially reveal that it is going to be their 2nd boot silo, although they are not offering up any other details about them. Even the name has been kept pretty well hidden – we are going with “Gambler” based off the advertising campaign.

What we do know about the boot is that there is some sort of control element included, with “Time To Take Control Back” being a central component of the release.

[See: Warrior Skreamer S-Lite Review]

We have been left pleasantly surprised by the work that Warrior has released to date, with the Skreamer receiving rave reviews from players and fans. Their advertising campaign for that silo was focused on “What Lies Within” and players such as Marouane Fellaini and Vincent Kompany wore them impressively last year.

There is obviously a lot of pressure on the second silo release, as Warrior Sports look to prove that the Skreamer was no fluke, and they are here to stay!

What do you expect or want to see from the 2nd Warrior Sports silo?

It is summer and there are a lot of people in need of a new pair of boots through the height of outdoor season. With that in mind, for the month of June, we have a 25% off deal with WeGotSoccer, where you can get an additional 25% off anything in their sale section. For the most part, this means you are getting more than 40% off a new pair.

There is a lot of new boots on offer and included in the deal, including all of the boots in the image above. Head over to the WeGotSoccer Sale page to see the selection.

Then, use our exclusive code SC101X25 during checkout to drop the final price!

If you have been a follower of the blog or main site then this store will be familiar to you – WeGotSoccer. They are well known for their many good deals and sales as well as supplying us with some gear for review from time to time. Of course the store itself is well know especially to those in northern New England. Many soccer enthusiast make a yearly trip down to WeGotSoccer to obtain a new pair of cleats, even if they have to travel 100 miles to get there. I myself had the opportunity to make a trip down to experience the store firsthand recently.

My first impression upon entering was that they must have a huge backroom. The actually store portion takes up I think less than half of the entire building, which means that they have a huge back room brimming with boots and gear. The display room itself is very customer friendly and had just undergone a make over. Overall, the set up is very attractive and the boot wall has a very nice mix of brands. Staff wise I found them pretty knowledgeable on the gear (I couldn’t resist helping out a few customers of my own while I was there) and they also had excellent customer service. There was one hostile lady that showed up while I was there and they handled her quite expertly.  Overall the whole trip was a positive experience, I’ll definitely be making efforts to come down once a year at least.

Their location near Gillete Stadium in Foxborough MA, home of the New England Revolution, means that you could even stop by before or after a Revs game which is pretty awesome. They occasionally even have signings at the store.

Here is the Q&A portion giving insight into the behind the scenes at wegotsoccer.

Q: How did your store get its start? What is the back story?
A: We started in a small store in Bridgewater, MA about 15 years ago focusing on soccer specialty.

Q: What is the most important factor in your stores success?
A: We’ve put our customers first and they’ve helped us achieve our success.

Q: What really sets your store apart from the rest?
A: The size and selection is unmatched. If you’re a fan of the sport, it’s worth the trip!

Q: How many people do you employ?
A: Around 50 people during the busy spring and fall seasons.

Q: How does your store give back to the community? Do you support any local teams?
A: We have a few programs assisting our club partners. We’re also a 5 year Flagship partner of the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Q: What brands do you carry?
A: Pretty much all the major soccer brands – Nike, adidas, Puma, Warrior, Kwik Goal, Umbro, Storelli (GK), Under Armour, Official Sports and Joma.

Q: Are there any items or areas in your store that you think the readers would be interested in hearing about?
A: We have a new virtual boot wall from adidas that has some incredible interactive features with up to date video and elite player bios.

Q: What are your return policies?
A: We accept returns for 60 days and guarantee products to last 60 days (typical length of a soccer season). For all the details check out the return section of our website.

Q: Do you do any customization?
A: We customize most replica jerseys in store. Key players are stocked year round (Messi, Ronaldo, Rooney, Neymar to name a few…). Other names can be ordered and usual take about a week to arrive.

Q: Is there anything else that you want people to hear about? Don’t hold back!
A: We’re constantly trying to improve. We pride ourselves on being open to feedback and finding a way to execute on new initiatives. When customers offer suggestions, we find a way to deliver!

Store Address: 99 Washington Street, Foxborough MA
Website: WeGotSoccer.com

Phone: 866-880-7194
Email: info@wegotsoccer.com

M-F:  10am to 9pm 
Sat:  9am to 8pm 
Sun:  10am to 6pm

Owned By: Michael O’Connor