Nike Dark Lightning Pack

As 2016 draws to a very active close with adidas dropping the Red Limit Pack and their new ACE model, Puma giving us a few new colorways, Umbro launching the Velocita 3, and a few other brands throwing out quality releases before the end of the year, the “calm before the storm” is certainly over.  Perhaps with that in mind, Nike soccer has decided to zap their way into the fray with their newest colorway launch: the Dark Lightning Pack.  Absolutely vibing with electricity, these boots will definitely help you stand out on the pitch as the winter months roll on…

The first jolt of electricity comes in the form of the two-tone Mercurial SuperFly and Vapor.  A split down the middle has a black upper split with paramount blue and electric green running down the speed ribs and a white Swoosh standing in stark contrast to the rest of the boot.  We wonder how many “not quite volt” colors that Nike actually has, and we also wonder whether this is actually volt and Nike just don’t want to admit that they’ve used their favorite color again.  The new Mercurial boots are fantastic releases, with an amazing fit and top-tier soleplate, it’s no wonder that these boots continue to make up Nike’s flagship silo.

Nike Mercurial Superfly Dark Lightning

The next boot is the Magista, and it might be our pick of the bunch.  A boot that sits on a black base with gradual fades to paramount blue, especially on the heat map, this is a classy version of the Magista.  It would definitely be seen as the most reserved version of the boot since the Pitch Black collection.  The Swoosh, much like on all the boots in the pack, is a bright white that really pops off the boot.  The Magista Obra is an incredible creation of FlyKnit that offers a premium touch on the ball and a level of padding that was thought to be fairly exclusive to leather, but any and all wearers of the Magista series have quickly become fans.

Dark Lightning Nike Magista Obra

The Tiempo from the Dark Lightning Pack actually has the most differentiated look from the other boots because of the Hyper Orange that is used on the heel.  The Tiempo doesn’t get the paramount blue of the other boots, and is a predominantly black boot.  The heel also includes some flashes of volt, and it all wraps together for a classic look for the Tiempo.  It reminds me of the colors used on one of the original Tiempo IV elites, but it will be a good look for the kangaroo leather lethario.  The Tiempo Legend VI is a beautiful blend of modern touches and heritage leanings, and there isn’t a better time to embrace the warmth of leather under the Nike umbrella.

Dark Lightning Nike Tiempo Legend

The last entry for the pack is the HyperVenom, complete with an actual acknowledgement that it includes Nike’s volt.  Like the rest of the pack, the boot sits on a black upper with blue paramount fades and volt flashes.  The soleplate on this boot might be the brightest thing in the entirety of this grouping, but it all comes together for a collection of boots that really has a sharp look.  The Phantom, with its updated upper, is a soft touch combined with an incredibly responsive boot, and Nike’s upper change mid-stream now looks like a stroke of genius.  If we had to only get one boot from the whole pack, the Phantom would probably edge out the Magista by the narrowest of margins.

Dark Lightning Nike Hypervenom Phantom

Don’t expect to see a lot of on-pitch support for the Dark Lightning Pack as most Nike players will be sporting the Floodlight Pack for the next couple months.  Considering that these boots are fairly subtle in terms of looks, we aren’t too surprised.  Still, with how fantastic these boots look, we’re sure a few professionals will find a way to sneak into these boots.  Let us know what you think…are we in for stormy weather?  Or, despite the name, is it blue skies ahead?

 

Tags: , , , , ,