Following the launch of the new Nike Phantom GT boots, the American brand’s perspective and approach shifted slightly. Let us explain briefly: the Nike Phantom Vision boots, despite being one of our favourites, and the Nike Phantom Venom boots – a must-have for some of the deadliest players on the planet – ultimately failed to win over both the general public and the world’s top professional players. With that in mind, Nike is offering this new boot, designed as a fusion of the two aforementioned models. Two boots whose only flaw was that they were unmarked, with no obvious branding – and that is where this fusion was born.
Gloves Phantom Elite Black-Chile red
€129.99
Nike Phantom Elite – The reinforced glove from the brand with the “Swoosh”
Just as we described its sister model as a football boot specially designed for players who have more contact with the ball at their feet, so too do we describe this glove. It has a very distinctive character, which is the complete opposite of the Nike Mercurial Touch Elite glove. Right from the start, it offers a construction that is unlike any other glove from the brand.
After reviewing the technologies and materials used on the back of the glove, Nike decided to incorporate a breathable fabric into the upper half. Meanwhile, the lower section features traditional neoprene. Despite using two different materials, it feels incredibly light and snug. These two distinct zones are joined by a heat-sealed PU strip. Let’s get to the crux of the matter; we can see that around the entire back of the hand, there is an encapsulated embossed pattern, which is what gives meaning to the word ‘armoured’, plain and simple. On the downside, we don’t see a clear grip pattern in the clearing area; as this is missing and the density is the same across the entire back of the hand, it falls a little short in this regard.
Something that will interest you all is the palm of this glove. According to Nike, it’s the Contact Grip palm, their most widely used design. It offers poor durability and resistance on abrasive surfaces. However, this palm performs at its best on natural grass. What Nike has done is cater to a niche market and offer a little extra to goalkeepers who play on softer pitches. We must remember that this is a top-of-the-range glove. A 4 mm palm, with a thumb tip and a wrap featuring the famous ACC, are the key details you need. If your game is based on playing on natural grass, this glove will have a purer latex, which translates to greater grip but at the cost of abrasion resistance. The cut that Nike has chosen—and which is spot on—is nothing more and nothing less than the negative cut. A cut which, as you all know, hugs and grips the fingers fantastically. One detail to bear in mind is that between the fingers, there is a breathable fabric for those days when your hand gets very sweaty.
The closure features an extension of the back panel and an elasticated closure strap with two Velcro fastenings. Where there is no such extension is the latex section leading to the wristband – a feature that is standard on other gloves and which, quite frankly, we find ourselves missing. A classic, extra-wide, single-wrap elasticated fastening strap will make it much easier to secure the glove, whilst also acting as a functional bandage.
Do you fancy a pair of Made in Nike gloves? What are your first impressions of these Nike Phantom Elite gloves? Let us know in the comments section.
Log in or
create your account
Your best self starts here. Come in and get in your prime