It’s a new year, and with it comes a new Vision for Nike; one that’s set to be much faster and sleeker than what came before, pushing for a more attack minded approach. This here is the next-generation PhantomVSN II, launching in a familiar colour combination as part of the "Future Lab" pack.
Firstly, that colourway is very first-gen CTR360 so you're on board already. If not then check out the stealthy colourway that's also dropped. Secondly, Nike have been busy under the bonnet to deliver a few timely tech upgrades to the Phantom VSN II. It's been designed for comfort straight out of the box thanks to a revamped fit, as well as an improved connection with the ball, boosting the key areas that have been specified by players such as Kevin De Bruyne.
Improving and progressing is a natural part of the evolution of a football boot, and Nike always prioritise the feedback that they receive from their players. For the PhantomVSN, that meant listening to one of the best midfielders in the game today, Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian is a man whose technique and manipulation of the ball is unparalleled, so when he speaks of how to improve a boot, it’s well worth listening.
The PhantomVSN replaced the Magista in Nike’s roster – no easy feat – and now the PhantomVSN II has to take the next step in that journey. To do that the designers at Nike have taken everything that worked from the original VSN, including the Ghost Lace system and Quadfit technology, and wrapped it in a new, sleeker silhouette, tweaking the fit while they were at it.
As part of these tweaks they’ve brought down the collar a touch, shifting the Swoosh and signature control triangle forward to emphasise the move to faster attacking. The control triangle is combined with a full wrap across the upper, with the collar almost forming an arrow that points the boot ever forwards, in line with the new attacking approach that’s being touted for the boot.
The texturised control elements have been significantly reengineered and spread across key zones on the upper, on both the lateral and medial sides, amplifying control when shooting, passing and dribbling – supplying the control when needed but not too much that the ball gets stuck to your foot when dribbling. The improved feel on the ball has been achieved by reducing layers internally, removing a layer of mesh to amplify sensitivity. This in turn has lent to another improvement: a decrease in weight, a nice added bonus, and one that just adds to the overall comfort of the boot. Finally on the upper, pull tabs have been added just to make it easier getting the boot on and off.
On the underside it's business as usual, with the PhantomVSN II retaining the same soleplate from before. Small-sided variations have also been launched, with Nike React cushioning taking its place and providing an additional level of comfort for the turf and courts. And there you have it, a new VSN for a new year.
Pick up the Nike PhantomVSN II football boots at prodirectsoccer.com from Jan 23. The indoor and turf version are available now.
