The new Nike Phantom Vision 2 are now a reality. And, surprising as it may seem, they’ve been released as futsal shoes. The American brand is committed to our sport, as was clearly evident with last year’s return of the Nike Lunar Gato II futsal shoe, one of the best boots ever made.
We mentioned this a while ago in our review of the Nike React Phantom Vision Pro IC, thinking that this shoe wasn’t being given its due, because, as we all know, futsal players tend to be very traditional, choosing classic-style shoes as their only viable option. As we’ve already said, the words ‘the ultimate boot’, ‘durable’ and ‘just right’ were like a miswritten set of directions – something we, to make matters worse, thought was way out of our reach. Picking up the boot, putting it on and discovering that those adjectives were tapping me on the shoulder – and that, from that moment on, everything changed… and with the second generation, we’ll continue to confirm this.
Nike React Phantom Vision 2 Pro IC
Nike’s top-of-the-range futsal shoes carry the ‘Pro’ designation – don’t confuse this with the ‘Elite’ designation used for Nike football boots. The Phantom VSN 2 features an updated fit, combined with excellent texture and an easy slip-on design, to meet the performance needs of attacking players.
Let’s start with the upper – and, to be honest, technologically speaking, little has changed compared to its predecessor, but BEWARE: the way the materials are used and arranged in this new boot is a whole different story. For a superb fit, the upper is constructed from a symmetrical Flyknit outer layer, accompanied by the now-familiar lace-concealing system – Ghost Lace – which provides a uniform striking surface and allows for customisation of the lace fit with a single pull. The QUADFIT technology makes a return, of course (the triangle on the inside), as it has become the hallmark of this range. It stands out and looks absolutely ready for shots, whilst also emphasising its durability. This time, this technology is positioned further forward on the second-generation boot.
Moving on to the chassis and support. Everything’s just right – we can see that the heel counter is very similar to the one in the first generation, perfect for withstanding all those sudden movements that are so common in our sport. Rounding off the fit, and as a new feature, we see a new Dynamic Fit Collar, designed to provide a more dynamic and elegant silhouette. The ‘sock’ has been lowered below the medial malleolus to maximise ankle mobility and support, much like the design found in the Nike Mercurial Superfly football boots. In addition, tabs have been added to make it easier to put the boots on and take them off, featuring a small numerical graphic indicating the GPS coordinates of Nike Football’s design studio in the United States.
We can feel its React technology in the midsole. This is Nike’s top-of-the-range cushioning, which we’ve already discussed in the post: ‘adidas Boost vs Nike React’. React technology is characterised by its resilience. It’s important to bear in mind that this technology is designed to withstand the high demands of running or basketball – sports that make much more frequent use of this type of cushioning. To ensure this midsole is 100 per cent suited to footballers, Nike has developed a sole we’ve never seen before, featuring a distinctive geometric pattern. We’re struck by how the American brand has shaped this sole as if it were two tectonic plates. It offers excellent flex and adapts to even the most aggressive movements. The foot moves as a single unit, of course, but the sole doesn’t necessarily have to do the same. Interesting. A rubber compound that guarantees maximum grip on the futsal pitch and makes rotating in all directions a breeze, thanks to the design features mentioned above.
This is the new generation of the Nike Phantom Vision 2. As you’d expect, the new Nike Phantom Vision 2 football boots are now available too. Ready to take control of the game?
