The next generation of Nike football footwear made a first appearance on the feet of one of the brand's leading players this week as Chelsea's Willian trained in a blacked-out version of the upcoming silo. The Brazilian provided a first look at some of the key technologies that the Swoosh will incorporate into their upcoming project.
Nike have already begun a re-shuffle of their boot silos this season as the PhantomVSN replaced the Magista line earlier in the summer, and what we're looking at here is undoubtedly the next chapter of another current Nike boot series. Nike have yet to announce any official details but we can assume that Willian is wearing the boot that will replace the Hypervenom silo in the coming months.
Why do we say that? Just look at all that shooting tech built into the upper of Willian's blackout boots. Looks like you need an intense three-week induction course and a license to operate that stuff. On first look the silhouette appears to share some characteristics with the new PhantomVSN silhouette, but what's more intriguing is that this packs a whole lot of Nike T90 Laser IV vibes, and nobody's going to be complaining about that.
Unlike the PhantomVSN, Willian's boots feature a lo-cut construction with visible laces towards the top of the traditional tongue areas. The Hypervenom series originally launched in 2013 and a five-year stint is decent shift in terms of a modern market lifespan. Nike are still keeping the name under wraps for now, but the new silhouette will join the Mercurial, Tiempo and PhantomVSN silos as Nike's updated quartet.
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford also got to grips with the same boot in training on Monday afternoon as Nike continue to supply their leading attacking players with the new technology in search of further feedback. Don't expect an imminent release though, we're thinking more early 2019 for an official launch.
Stay tuned for the latest news on Willian and Rashford's unreleased Nike football boots...
