Pack releases in the traditional sense are usually reserved for the on-pitch silos, but now Nike concentrates on the court, bringing some swagger to the small-sided game with the launch of the Lunar Gato II, Tiempo Legend VIII React Pro and Premier II Sala in linked black, orange and white colourways.
On the back of the launch of the new React Gato, Nike highlights the range and diversity on offer in its small-sided arsenal by releasing three of its court creators in corresponding colourways. Backing up the React Gato is its sibling, the Lunar Gato II, the Tiempo Legend VIII React Pro and the Premier II Sala, all given black, orange and white paint jobs for a strong presence away from the pitch.
The Lunar Gato remains a firm favourite on the court scene, and it was welcomed back from early retirement with open arms early last year. The Gato stands alone as Nike’s only small-sided specialist, designed and created specifically to meet the demands of futsal and other smaller variations of the game, where the action is quicker and takes place in tighter spaces.
Featuring durable goat-leather at the forefoot and hyperfused mesh panels in the midfoot, the Lunar Gato offers a smooth, natural feel and precision strikes combined with structured support and breathability. The reinforced vamp enhances the superb ball feel for ultimate touch plus extra durability, while Lunarlon cushioning and an articulated traction pattern create a springy, responsive ride for quick cuts. Built for purpose.
Backing up the Lunar Gato is the Tiempo Legend VIII, which gets the off-pitch treatment; Nike kitting it out with a React foam mid foot for ultimate comfort and energy return on court surfaces. While the studs are obviously switched out for a data-driven non-marking rubber outsole, still present is the signature stitch-less upper with that instantly recognisable diamond moulded texture. Of all of Nike’s on-pitch boots, the Tiempo, with is ability for close control, comfort and touch, is surely the one that is best suited to the demands of the small-sided game.
And completing the collection is the Premier II Sala, which features a suede overlay to promote a better touch on the ball. The Premier II Sala is a proper workhorse of a shoe, just like its on-pitch counterpart, and it’s been kitted out with springy Lunarlon foam to ensure cushioned comfort on the court for the duration of the game. Despite the modifications it still retains that simplistically strong and instantly recognisable Premier aesthetic, with that big, bold Swoosh taking pride of place down the side.
Check out Nike's small-sided selection at prodirectsoccer.com
