New Nike Nightfall Pack

Nike’s futsal shoes are simply all the rage. Following the spectacular launch of the new Nike React Gato, it looked as though things would remain unchanged for a few months. But if there’s one thing Nike is known for, it’s surprising and delighting us with its designs and technologies. As we saw with the Nike Sunrise Pack, light and a new dawn waiting to be discovered. Now, however, this pack takes a completely different approach, drawing inspiration from understated elegance and the last glimmers of daylight.

Nike Nightfall Pack: futsal shoes

The Swoosh’s futsal shoes have always been associated with major technological innovations, yet they’ve always kept their feet on the ground, never forgetting what futsal is all about and the deeply traditional community that plays it. For this very reason, we see tradition embodied in three classic-style shoes: the Nike React Tiempo Legend VIII; the traditional Nike Tiempo Premier II Sala – the most conservative and the most classic of the lot. And finally, one of the best high-end futsal shoes on the market, a firm favourite amongst players and fans alike, as we saw in our very own Oscars ceremony: the Nike Lunar Gato II.

Nike React Tiempo Legend VIII Pro

We’ve always understood that Nike’s PRO range is considered the mid-range within each silo; in this case, however, that isn’t the case, as the ELITE range has no place in the Tiempo silo and instead becomes the flagship range. The fact that the Swoosh brand may not be the favourite among most futsal fans does not detract from the fact that they offer us some truly marvellous products, as is the case here.

The upper is crafted from extremely soft natural leather designed to make contact with the ball, aided by a 3D hexagonal design, which allows the leather to flex and adapt without creating any gaps or giving way excessively, whilst also providing additional grip when controlling the ball. The standout feature of these Nike futsal shoes lies in their midsole, which incorporates one of the leading technologies in the world of running – React – responsible for delivering excellent cushioning and energy return with every step.

Nike Tiempo Premier II Sala

Let’s start with the upper, which is made from natural leather, although there are a few nuances. Firstly, the main material is once again that ‘mesh’, which shows us that this is a model designed specifically for this sport and not an adaptation, as we see in other cases where the upper is simply copied. This mesh is found in many types of futsal shoes and, as well as making the shoe lighter, it helps with breathability. This construction is complemented by a layer of suede on the front, giving us not only excellent durability but also a truly exquisite feel.

As for the outsole, we can see that it is the same as that found on Nike’s ‘IC’ or indoor models; it features a hexagonal pattern that extends across the entire surface and is combined with the ‘Lunarloon’ midsole – a material which, as well as being responsive, ensures the shoe fits like a glove.

Nike Lunar Gato II

As always, let’s start with the upper. The upper is made from an extremely soft and flexible natural leather, which provides perfect contact with the ball, whether you’re ready to shoot or to keep the ball close to your foot. One of the features that ensures durability isn’t an issue is the grained reinforcement area, both on the toe and on the sides. A synthetic material that is heat-sealed to the leather.  The sides of the boot feature panels with Hyperfuse technology, which is combined with a mesh to make it lighter and more breathable, reinforced with side panels that provide rigidity, capable of withstanding all the lateral movements that are so common in futsal.

Let’s move on to the outsole, where we find one of the biggest innovations: PURE ERGONOMICS. This part of the shoe is divided into three main zones, each with a different design tailored to the specific needs of that area. In the forefoot and outer section, there is a design featuring small perforations which, upon contact with the court, provide excellent grip. In the forefoot and inner section, there is a simple multi-linear design, intended to support the foot, and finally, in the heel section, there is a design similar to that of the inner part of the forefoot but with much more widely spaced lines to provide greater stability.

Lunarlon is one of the American brand’s flagship cushioning technologies. Lunarlon made its debut in 2008 in the running sector with the Lunarglide model. At the time, Lunarlon was Nike’s most cutting-edge technology, until the hugely popular React was launched in 2017. The technology behind the Nike Lunar Gato II shoe features a soft foam core injected into a lightweight structure. This ensures that all the impacts we experience on the pitch are distributed evenly across the entire sole, thereby significantly reducing the strain on our heels and forefoot – the areas that usually bear the brunt of the impact. Lunarlon remains a staple in the world of futsal, primarily due to its high durability.