Nike-Stealth-Pack-II-Boots headline

Hyper Punch, Volt, Beetroot Purple, some crazy black and white designs, this summer saw some really, really bright boots on display at the World Cup. And who can blame the brands for doing so? You would want to be catching the eye of the world on arguably the most cut-throat battleground from a sponsorship point of view. But post-World Cup, Nike are taking boot colourways into the opposite direction, with the Stealth Pack being relaunched for the upcoming 2014/15 season. You can never knock back a good looking blackout, and these boots have certainly had a few loving glances from us guys at the Instep HQ…

It seems to be a bit of a traditional thing from Nike now, the launch of a blackout series of boots at the start of each season. It is starting to become as expected as adidas bringing a curtain down on a boot with a blackout and whiteout release of it’s own. While we love our boots in full technicolour, there is always something about blackout boots that just takes our breath away. The Instep has your lowdown on Nike’s newest pack of releases.

Nike Mercurial Superfly IV

Superfly Black Pack side angle

Black Superfly 360

Click for a 360 view

I will just come right out and say it: I have been waiting for this beauty for a LONG time. While the Hyper Punch Superfly IV certainly captured attention at the World Cup, Nike have followed it up with a classy blackout number that will capture the market who thought the original Superfly IV may have been a bit on the bright side. However, a pop of colour from the top of the Dynamic Fit collar catches the eye as well, giving a modern twist on the traditional blackout.

 

Superfly Black Pack top angle

The Mercurial Superfly IV is all about speed, and it celebrates Nike’s famed Flyknit in all it’s glory. Made from three different layers of Flyknit, the Superfly IV is about achieving a barefoot feel for the ball without compromising on durability. Extra strength also comes in the form of the Brio cables, that carry the second benefit of locking down the foot when you tie the laces up, a similar benefit to the Dynamic Fit collar. Finished off with a carbon fibre soleplate, the Superfly IV is all about getting to the ball first, setting you up for a deadly touch.

Superfly Black Pack soleplate

Nike Magista Obra

Black Pack Magista Obra

Coming off the back of a very strong review by yours truly, the Nike Magista Obra captivated the world when it was unveiled by Nike a few months back. Then came that agonising 2 and a half month wait until the boot was put on the market, which made using the Magista Obra that little bit sweeter. The Magista had a very successful campaign at the World Cup, worn by plenty of classy players and the Magista helping the ball hit the back of the net on 15 occasions, including Mario Götze’s match winning strike in last night’s final.

Black Magista Obra closeup

The Magista, like the Superfly, brings out the benefits of Nike’s Flyknit technology in a football boot. With the Dynamic Fit collar and Flyknit being used extensively throughout the whole boot, the upper has also been combined with Nikeskin for an awesome fit and feel for the ball. The outsole has also been cleverly constructed, with a highly responsive nylon outsole working very well with any sort of movement. The conical studs then ensure quick ground penetration and a full 360° of movement.

Black Magista soleplate

Nike Hypervenom Phantom

Hypervenom side view

While all the attention may have been heaped onto the Nike Magista and Superfly IV, the Hypervenom Phantom certainly stood it’s own ground at the World Cup, with Miroslav Klose re-writing the history books in the Hypervenom Phantom. While Nike are probably winning over the kids wanting a piece of Neymar’s gold Hypervenom Phantoms, the cool blackout Hypervenom Phantom captures attention without being too loud about it.

Hypervenom side view 2

Hypervenom top view

The Magista and Superfly IV is all about celebrating Flyknit, but the Hypervenom Phantom is a tribute to Nikeskin (which, we should not forget, is also implemented on the Magista and Superfly IV). The Nikeskin upper hugs the foot and gives a brilliantly close feel for the ball, which doubles as a very solid upper for striking the ball that takes the sting out of a shot. A nylon soleplate again comes in handy on the Hypervenom Phantom, which combined with the perforated sock liner that mirrors the shape of the foot that is built for agility.

Hypervenom soleplate

Nike Tiempo Legend V

Tiempo side view

In an age of amazing football boot technologies, the Tiempo is arguably the forgotten child of Nike football boots. You can have your Flyknit, your Nikeskin, your carbon fiber soleplates, but the old school pair of leather football boots has been doing the goods way before those snappy pieces of technology were even considered. However, like a 55-year-old in a flash Armani suit talking into an iPhone, it is infused with some modern touches too.

Tiempo side view 2

Tiempo top view

But at it’s core, the Tiempo Legend V is all about K-Leather. The superior leather of choice that used to be so widely available on the market is now reserved for only a few football boot releases, but it provides the most natural feel for the ball on the market. Plus it is pretty damn comfy, and with players from midfield wizard Andrea Pirlo to defensive dynamo Gerard Pique rocking the Tiempo V, you can never knock back a classic that has been hitting the pitches week in week out for 20 years. Hypershield technology in the instep ensures 73% less water is absorbed, while a TPU outsole aims to work with the natural movements of the foot.

Tiempo soleplate

Are we excited for the Stealth Pack? Damn straight we are, and they are available from today from SoccerPro. Do any of the boots catch your eye? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

 

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