In an effort to add more diversity to the site, I picked up a pair of Nike Tiempo Flight a few weeks back for testing. The Flight offers players a 3rd option in the Tiempo range, behind the Elite and Legend releases. In a sense, they are seen as a more economical version for players who want the Tiempo look at a modest price. What I have discovered in the past few weeks is that these boots offer far than than I could have expected, and they make for a fantastic in-game boot! The pair in question comes in a refined Metallic Summit White/Metallic Gold Grain/Volt colorway and I tested a size 9US. After several games, here is how they worked out.

Breaking-In
After testing, I am adding these boots to the list of must haves when it comes to comfort, with the break-in period taking no more than one wear. Out for the box, there is a high level of flexibility right throughout the Flight. The soleplate has a comfortable break right under the big-toe ball socket. This is something that actually sets the Flight apart from the Elite version – in a positive way! I found the carbon fiber soleplate on the Tiempo Elite version to be tough to break-in, leading to the conclusion that sometimes less is actually better! A suede lining is used inside the boot and ensures your foot is kept snugly in place through wear. I wore these boots in 1 training session, right out of the box, before taking them into a game without any problems.

Performance
There is nothing spectacular about the performance of the Tiempo Flight – they are simply a steady boot that, in the words of a Sure, “won’t let you down”!! The upper is soft and gives a pretty solid level of touch on the ball. I am a fan of the stitching used on the entire Tiempo range, as it creates comfortable padding without being overly pronounced. I mentioned the soleplate above, but again it is a highlight of the boot with its simple construction and generalized stud configuration allowing players to play long games without worrying about any common problems.

Compared to the Legend
Other than the difference in price (around $55) the primary difference lies in the upper, with the Flight featuring a calfskin leather upper compared to a K-leather on the Tiempo Legend. The calfskin still feels extremely supple and it offers great touch, but you do lose out on some of the durability properties found in the Legend. In terms of visuals, it is pretty tough to tell both boots apart! The obvious difference lies in the heel, where Tiempo Flight is displayed and a heel counter is missing. Both versions are offered in the same colorways. On release, if you had given me an option between both boots, I would immediately selected the Legend. But having now tested both, there is much food for thought on simply picking up a pair of Flights and saving some extra money!

Negatives
On this colorway, the upper is naturally a little tougher to keep clean. But other than that there is not a lot of negatives to find out! For players who want technology, this boot is not for you – there is an air of simplicity about the whole package and there is nothing that explicitly separates them from other releases on the market.

The Skinny Summary
Highlight: A subtle and refined looking boot that provides consistent performance and a comfortable fit through wear, at a fantastic price point! Excellent value for money.
Category: 2nd level Heritage behind the Legend.
Weight: A very competitive 9.0oz, which is actually 0.6oz lighter than the Legends!
Would I Buy Them: Absolutely! Having tested them, these boots stand as one of the best value for money options on the market in my opinion.
Player Position: The Flight is a boot suited to most player types and positions, but ultimately I feel like defenders and center mids will benefit most from the simple boot design and soft leather upper. A fantastic option for players on a budget!

Another Superfly III colorway release from Nike, this one coming in a Trace Blue/Anthracite/Cyber/Volt. It is funny to say, but this design is somewhat “taking it down a notch” in Nike’s books. Rather than employing extremely outlandish colors, as we have seen in recent times, they have gone with a simple yet bright primary color. It is difficult to tell from the images, but there is a slight hint of blue running through the almost white upper. Add in the some Volt detailing and you get a pretty inviting final product!

This release comes right off the heels of the Court Purple/Magenta from earlier in the week. Both offer vibrant looks, and I am sure both will receive their own large share of fans. This look is clean and fresh, while the Volt detailing adds a whole other dynamic. The biggest concern lies in keeping them clean, with the light colorway sure to pick up some scuffs – you need to promise to clean them after each use if you want to get full value out of them!

The Superfly III offers a tidy package but at a pretty high-end price. The two advancements with this boot are the use of Flywire, and the adjustable studs. Flywire is designed to act like the support cables on a bridge by taking and holding the majority of the weight of the upper. This, in turn, allows Nike to decrease the required materials and produce a lighter boot. The adaptive studs offer a very contentious addition to the boot. In theory, the studs have the ability to dig into a firm natural surface as you put your pressure down on the sole. It is something that is very difficult to actually see in action as the boot needs to be in contact with a surface as you put your full weight down.

Price wise, the Superfly comes in at $399.99. You can also choose from the Vapor VII at $219.99, or the more economical option of Miracle II at $129.99.

Innovation is the key word referenced when talking about the new Nike T90 Laser IV! According to Nike, this is a boot designed around power, with the mindset of offering players an opportunity to experience top performance while striking the ball. They are not necessarily a boot that will suit every player type, but being that they have been advertised to a specific market, most players will be aware of what they offer before buying. For testing, I wore a pair of size 9US in the White/Total Orange/Black colorway.

Please excuse the images on this review; it is the first time I have tested the boots before taking pictures!

The Nike Release Event
A few weeks ago, I flew to New York for the T90 Laser IV release event. Not only did we get to test the boots first hand, but we were also given an opportunity to talk to designer, Doug Wilkens – something that proved hugely useful in putting this review together! Full details on the trip.

Breaking In
Smooth – that is the word I would use to define the first session in these boots! The first time I wore them was at the Nike release event, right out of the box and into a game. Under normal circumstances, this is definitely not something I would do but I didn’t really have a choice. Thankfully, they felt fantastic from minute one and they offer what is one of the most natural feels I have encountered in a boot. Having tested them several times, I can pinpoint exactly what provides this experience. First thing is that the synthetic upper folds extremely efficiently with the movements of your foot – it just feels really natural. Added to that, the tongue features a layer of padding that molds very quickly to the contours of your foot!

Since getting back from the event, I have had the opportunity to wear the boots on several other occasions with no problems. One thing I especially like is the sole that Nike employ. It is covered in honeycomb paneling and offers an excellent level of comfort as you play, almost soaking in any impact as you contact the ground.

The Perfect Strike
That is what this boot is all about, right? The Perfect Strike signifies Nike’s goal of creating a power boot that maximizes technology through the strike zone. We obviously know that this has been a focus of the T90 series, but how this is rank on this release compared to the others? The answer is very well, with this release offering a distinct improvement on the T90 Laser III, in my opinion. On this release, the strike zone is referred to as the Adaptive Shield, and it is broken down into separate areas.

• The upper region, or the strike zone, is designed to flex naturally with the fit as you contact the ball while giving you some added oomph.
• The lower region, or swerve zone, features fins that are strategically positioned and sized to allow for closer feel on the ball while supplying added bend when you need it.

Does it all work? It adds to the appeal of the boot and does have its in-game benefits. One huge positive is how the region really does bend in motion with your foot as you control the ball, making for a really smooth strike. The fins, for me, are one of those additions that really serve a 50-50 purpose. They are ideal when you need an increased level of touch, while they might also add some extra swerve. “Might” is the reasoning for the other 50%, as it is extremely tough to determine how effective the fins actually are. To test it out, I took a speed boot with little added features (the Puma V1.10) and struck some shots. My determination is that it offers a much more efficient strike, with less pressure on the foot. But, in terms of added swerve I am still on the fence.

Performance
From comfort to responsiveness, these boots offer excellent performance. From first wear they feel great, while the upper molds extremely effectively to the foot. Again, I appreciate how Nike has developed the adaptive shield in such a way that it really moves in unison with your foot. The soleplate is an interesting one. Nike has remodeled the stud configuration to maximize traction during game without increasing stud pressure. Looking at the blades, you can see how they have been altered with a ridge along the tip. On a natural grass surface they work extremely effectively, but I did find they were a little tricky on artificial turf, where I imagine a lot of people will end up wearing them. It is a slight concern, but definitely not enough to question performance – they are a top notch boot!

Design
Being honest here – I am very glad to NOT be a designer, especially when it comes to the visual design of a boot. This White/Black/Total Orange colorway is pretty striking and very noticeable. In terms of reaction, it has been very mixed with players who love them and others who don’t like how they look. I can’t say that they are my idea of a stylish boot, but they are pretty clean. I do have a sweet spot for the Black/Metallic Luster/Tour Yellow version that come with a leather upper. Finally, the majority of the upper is actually covered by the adaptive shield.

How do they fit?
Very much true to size and extremely similar length wise to the T90 Laser III. In terms of width, they are roomy and will definitely be an option for players with a wider foot. I also found that they offer really good support through the arch. One other note is the redesigned tongue; it is padded and sits closer to the top of your foot – I found this to be a positive as it allows the area to mold closer and contour more efficiently.

Negatives
Honestly, there are no major negatives about this release! One small concern I have is with the durability of the upper. On turf, it tends to easy pick up a lot of scuffing and does require some attention if you want to keep them in top condition. And of course, some will question the 10oz weight, with Nike focusing on finding the right weight rather than lightweight!

Summary
The best thing about this boot is that when I tried to look for negatives, I found it very difficult to come up with any! You get a solid boot with great performance that will suit an aspiring strikers game. They don’t offer the complete package, but that is understandable considering they have been designed and marketed for a specific type of player. Defenders and strikers will benefit from the technology featured in the adaptive shield more than any players on the field. As a winger, they are actually a decent option – but they don’t tick all the necessary boxes. Wesley Sneijder will be sporting them, so I guess they will join the list for attacking mids. Overall, another solid release from Nike that helps the T90 Laser range move in the right direction!

You can get a pair of the Nike T90 Laser IV for $219.99 at soccer.com ($198 for Goal Club). Alternatively, you can also get them for $198 at WeGotSoccer.

(*boots supplied for review by Nike Soccer)

Rather than being a full review of the Nike Vapor VII, this post highlights the Safari pattern used on the release. Having had an opportunity to test them, I found that they perform in the very same fashion as the recently reviewed Vapor VII, and I recommend checking out that review as a reference for what you can expect. In the same fashion as the Superfly III Safari, Nike has gone with a Black-on-Black pattern on these boots that has a very effective on-field look.

Safari Print Design
In 1987, Nike introduced the Air Safari running shoe. This is the second time that Nike has used the same leopard print design on a soccer cleat (with the original Superfly Safari release being the first). You will find that the primary black region on the upper has a slightly rough feel to it, while the black “Safari” dots have a lightly gripped feel – both intended to offer a closer control on the ball. The overall look is very effective in my opinion, and there is absolutely no other boot design on the market quite like it. Adding to that, the Volt Yellow swoosh along the side of the boot really stands out, particularly at night under the lights.

Breaking In
The one major positive about these boots is that they break in extremely easily. In fact, I was able to get some sprints and sharp turns in while wearing them for the first time! I love the feel of the well padded upper, which is extremely spongy just inside the ankle area, creating a comfortable fit. I got them into a game on the second time of wearing and they worked out really well. The soleplate also offers a flexible feel, so you can be confident in the fact that they will start moving in tandem with you feet pretty quickly. This means no cramping and a more form fitting boot. When I tested the Vapor VI, I had a very different experience while breaking them in, so it seems like Nike have made some alterations to the soleplate.

Technology
A Teijen Microfiber upper matched with a Tepex glass composite chassis allows for a lightweight boot that comes in at 8oz. I like the fact Nike has stuck with a well built upper that offers some protection instead of focusing on lowering the overall weight of the boot. Compared to the Vapor VI, you are getting the same boot with the same materials. It is simply in visual design where these differ from the Vapor VI. I personally feel like the pattern on this release improves the boot, but it doesn’t increase the actual technology.

Because they don’t feature Flywire or a Carbon Fiber soleplate, you are going to find that the Vapor VII series is a lot cheaper than the Superfly range. And, in my opinion they offer a much better value for money option!

Available From	Version	List Price
	Vapor VII	$179.99
	Vapor VII	$199.00

*all prices are subject to change over time

*Boots supplied for review by Nike.

Since I am in the process of testing out the new Nike CTR360 Maestri II, I decided to take out the original CTR360s for comparison. What I found on my balcony broke my own rules on how to take care of your boots. After playing in the rain two weeks ago, I left them outside to dry off – but I failed to clean them. The result is a pair of very baked pair of boots.

Moral of the story; to ensure you get the best life out of your boots wipe them down before you leave them out to dry, or in other words the opposite to above! I have cleaned them in the time since and finally got them out on the pitch for comparison this morning. In terms of the new CTR360 Maestri II, they are working out really well, a great boot that has thus far been super easy to break-in. Below is a teaser picture, stay tuned for a full review in the next week.

The new Nike CTR360 Maestri II (Elite version), just arrived today, in time for tomorrow nights training session! These boots have received plenty of attention since their release last week, and now that I have them in person I can see why!

One thing to note real quick, the Receive Pad located on the instep of the boot resembles the TPU fins seen on the Nike T90 Laser III. More about this in the review, which will be up after testing!

If you want a pair of the Maestri II, they are available to order right now.

Throughout the past 12 months, there has been one strong new trend on the field that I have specifically noticed – a shift towards Artificial Grass (or AG) soccer cleats. AGs are, as you would expect, designed specifically for artificial soccer pitches. The unique layout and design of the molded studs is what sets them apart from FG or even turf shoes!

I haven’t had an opportunity to test out a pair, so I entrusted the help and advice of a good friend of mine, Kyle Holland, who has played in AGs for the past few seasons. Kyle is currently an assistant coach at Cal State Dominguez Hills, and we play on the same team (Doxa Italia).

In recent times, he has been wearing, and scoring goals in, a custom pair of Nike Tiempo Classic AG in a Black/Black/White colorway, and he has shared his full review after testing the boots for several weeks below.

Kyle is participating in coaching sessions daily as well as training and playing games each weekend, so his review is very valuable.

Reviewing: Nike Tiempo Classic AG
Regular Size: 8 US
Size for this review: 8 US

First impressions of the boot (or history using):
Very comfortable for all activities – coaching, playing, refereeing.

How were they breaking in, have you had any problems with them, comfort:
These shoes are made of soft, yet durable natural leather. They are not stiff like many natural leather boots are when first wearing them. The leather is supple which allows for great feel of the ball for collecting, passing, and shooting. These shoes are ready to play in straight out of the box, no breaking in required.

Since you started wearing them how have they performed, any issues, have they lasted well:
These shoes hold up well without tearing like many boots do after several uses on artificial turf. The outsole is perfect for artificial surfaces. The multi-ground cleat size and formation provide great stability for changing directions and don’t slip like firm-ground cleats do on artificial fields. These boots also do not have any uncomfortable “hot spots” where a cleat will irritate the bottom of the foot because it doesn’t sink into the turf.

Overall impression of the boot:
The best thing about this shoe is that it has the traction and stability of a turf shoe, yet it plays like a firm-ground boot. The awkward touch of a turf shoe is eliminated because it is shaped like a regular soccer shoe. So you can ping long balls without hesitation or thinking you may not get under the ball enough like with a turf shoe. And you still have the control on the bottom of the shoe to do roll over moves and collect with the sole of the foot with the full feel of the ball.

Would you recommend them, if so to which type of player:
I would recommend this boot to all players, coaches and referees at all levels for games or training on artificial surfaces. They take pressure off your joints because the outsole of the shoe is designed to distribute pressure through more points than the firm-ground cleats.

Anything else you want to add about the boot or the range:
There are a couple of negatives things I found in the multi-ground shoes. One drawback to the multi-ground shoes is the weight. In the era of ultra-lightweight, synthetic soccer boots, this shoe feels like a full leather boot similar to the Adidas Copa Mundial. The other is the water retention of the leather. These shoes soak up moisture like a sponge. When playing in the rain or on damp surfaces this shoe gets wet and stays wet. So stuffing them with newspaper and leaving them in the garage overnight is required after playing on rainy days.

Thanks Kyle for the excellent review! The best place to find a pair of AGs is at Nike ID, where you can create a custom pair for around $170.

We are on the verge of the new Nike CTR360 Maestri II release and let me be on of the first to say that these boots look pretty tasty! There is a lot of pressure on Nike to follow up with a boot that matches the performance of the original CTR360 release, and I have a feeling that these boots will stand up to the test.

Cesc Fabregas is again the player Nike are using for the new release, and it seems the Red/Black/White colorway will be a perfect match for the Arsenal kit. I actually really like the design, especially the black line that runs across the face of the boot.

In terms of technology, there are some changes to the second release, but nothing too significant. You still get a Kanga-Lite upper and the front dampening pods designed to give play-makers a little extra on the field. One of the more noticeable new additions is the new pass component located the instep of each boot. It seems like this could be a play off the Muiketan panel seen on the Mizuno Wave Ignite – it will be an interesting new feature to test out!

We will have the boot in testing over the next few weeks, with a full review to follow. As reference, the boot will be available for pre-order on 12/7 – stay tuned for more images!

If you are a soccer boot nut like me you are going to love this site – and dare I say it, you might even end up splurging on a new pair of boots at the same time. The site is called ShoeMetro.com and I came across it while searching for some old school Lotto cleats (I wore Lotto soccer cleats while I played in college). And they have one of the best Lotto collections I have ever seen!

One thing you have to bear in mind – each pair come in limited sizes, so if you find a pair in your size they are well worth snagging. Especially at the discount prices.

I managed to get a pair of Lotto Stadio Azzurri in size 9 for $35 (which have since sold out) and I also have my eye on a pair of Nike T90 Laser II’s right now!

The best deal I found is for a pair of Nike Air Legend II’s (seen above) that were originally $200 – priced at $54.99 and available in sizes 6, 6.5, 12, 12.5 at time of posting. I am not kidding – that is an absolute steel if they are your size!

Check out the full range at Shoe Metro.

These arrived today thanks to our friends over at Nike, who wanted to give us an opportunity to test out the Elite series versus the regular Total 90 Laser III. We profiled the Challenge Red version a week or two ago, so we already have a good starting point!

Watch out for a full review and comparison in the coming weeks.