Nike football boots 2018: Rating the Phantom and 10 other rival pairs to buy for the new season

The new season is upon us – and that means one thing: new boots.

Over the course of the campaign, Premier League footballers will wear more new boots than they eat hot dinners.

From Nike to Adidas and Puma to Umbro, we’ve tasked Pro:Direct Soccer’s football boots expert TIM BAYLISS to pick out the top 11 pairs available on the market today.

So, whether you are looking for the playmaking capabilities of De Bruyne, the speed-play of Mbappe and Ronaldo or the deadly finishing of Mane, here are the title-chasing new boot innovations that will have you playing like the elite come the new season.

 

1. NIKE PHANTOM ROC

Nike’s newest boot and one of their most innovative to date, with an evolved Flyknit upper that is of different proportions relating to the area of the foot that has contact with the ball. One of the first data driven products featuring countless insight and analysis from top players, plus a unique construction and hidden ‘Ghost Lace’ system to give a clean strike zone without compromise of lockdown.

Worn by: De Bruyne, Coutinho, Eriksen

4. ADIDIAS PREDATOR TEAM MODE

The Predator is back and this version pays homage to the classic Black, White, Red colourway. No longer a heavy power boot, the Predator 18+ aims to master control with cutting edge tech such as Adidas’ patented Ultraboost cushioning integrated into the sole, Primeknit laceless collar for ultimate fit and those iconic Predator vamps across the toe box.

Worn by: Pogba, Ozil, Rakitic, Dele Alli

Buy the Adidas Predator Team Mode here .

5. PUMA FUTURE UPRISING

Puma disrupt the dominance of the big two brands with a unique take on a laced boot, introducing NETFit to football. This means an almost endless lacing possibility from a customised fit that can be laced how you want. The Future also features an evoKnit sock to give support and comfort around the ankle and is a sophisticated choice for pre-season and beyond.

Worn by: Griezmann, Reus, Arnautovic

Buy the Puma Future Uprising here .

6. MIZUNO MORELIA NEO BLACKOUT MIJ

Mizuno know a thing or two about craftmanship, and these Morelia Neo boots come highly regarded as they are with the ‘Made in Japan’ touch. This means ultimate fit and unrivalled comfort through premium Kobe leather, 24 hour lasting and intricate hand-crafted production.

Worn by: Yoshida, Okazaki

Buy the Mizuno Morelia Neo Blackout MIJ here .

7. NIKE TIEMPO ROC

While the Tiempo Legend may not be on as many generations as its’ Mercurial stable mate, it’s bloodline can be followed right back to the first Nike football boots and as such represents Nike’s football heritage in more ways than one. A boot named Legend has a lot to live up to, and this 7th edition of the famous Tiempo line more than delivers. With Flyknit introduced for the first time alongside a premium k-leather forefoot make this boot a sophisticated choice.

Worn by: Sergio Ramos, Maguire, Van Dijk

Buy the Nike Tiempo ROC here .

8. ADIDAS NEMEZIZ TEAM MODE

The Nemeziz has a bold facelift with a modification of a higher Agility Knit collar, and it’s all the better for it. The boot of choice for Lionel Messi, the Nemeziz has a foot-hugging construction that is inspired by a boxer’s hand tape, allowing for flex and function without restriction of movement. Couple this to a lightweight Torsion outsole and you’ve got a boot more that packs a punch in looks and performance.

Worn by: Messi, Firmino, Mata

Buy the Adidas Nemeziz Team Mode here .

9. PUMA ONE UPRISING

You want fast without compromise? Enter the Puma ONE, a lightweight, engineered boot thanks to a rapidsprint outsole for unrivalled acceleration. Designed to fit perfectly around the foot with a combination of evoKnit sock extension and FUSEFit material and effortlessly offers more feel of the ball than the competition.

Worn by: Lukaku, Giroud, Aguero

Buy the Puma One Up Rising here .

10. NEW BALANCE FURON

For deadly finishing and decisive accuracy, this is the boot for you. The fourth generation Furon enhances the previous model with a new layer construction and frame design for a superior fit. The feel around the front of the foot is unrivalled and the tongue-less upper design gives a clean, comfortable fit with perfect lockdown.

Worn by: Mane

Buy the New Balance Furon here .

11. UMBRO VELOCITA IV

Space age, sleek-looking football boots, designed for multi-directional speed – and at an affordable price.

Worn by: Michail Antonio

Buy the Umbro Velocita IV here .