Lifestyle
Nike Football Cleats Offer Different Dimensions of Speed
For over 40 years, Nike has pushed the limits of football-specific speed through innovation. As the pace of the game increases, speed and quickness are valued not just on the edges of the field but in the trenches as well.
Now Nike invites football athletes at every level to choose their style of speed, whether explosive, elusive or relentless.
Three new Nike football cleat types — Nike Vapor Speed, Nike Alpha Speed and Nike Strike Speed — respond to athlete-specific needs and facilitate speed across every position, at every down.
The Nike Vapor Untouchable Cleat
The Nike Vapor Untouchable, first unveiled during the College Football Playoffs in December 2014, fuels explosive, vertical speed on the field. Its sleek Flyknit upper delivers a tight yet flexible fit that adapts to the foot’s natural motion. The cleat was designed and tested first with the University of Oregon football team, and built for athletes who need all-out speed like Richard Sherman, Odell Beckham, Jr. and Marcus Mariota. The Nike Vapor Untouchable also leverages the power of sustainable innovation, continuing Nike’s commitment to delivering high-performance products with minimal environmental impact. Flyknit technology knits shoe uppers precisely engineered for zoned strength and support, while reducing waste in the manufacturing process. The Nike Vapor Untouchable is also the first Flyknit football cleat made with recycled polyester yarn – each pair is knit with the equivalent of five recycled plastic bottles.
Drawn from almost two decades of cross-sport athlete insight, the cleat’s Nike Carbon V-Propulsion System generates traction for maximum acceleration — enough to turn every play into a 40-yard dash time trial. It has the mobility of a low-cut cleat, combined with the support of a mid-cut version, while the advanced Flyknit upper creates a second-skin feeling. Bringing the foot closer to the ground and offering a greater sensation of natural motion, the Nike Vapor Untouchable provides the perfect weapon for athletes who need to accelerate to maximum speed in a split-second.
Designed and tested for over two years with direct insight from Calvin Johnson, Jr., the Nike CJ Elite TD cleat was built for hybrid athletes like Johnson, Jr., Luke Kuechly and Amari Cooper. It provides maximum strength, durability and support in a minimal, lightweight package. Flyweave technology enables the creation of a one-piece woven upper that provides incredible strength-to-weight support where it is needed most based on demands of the game.
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he precise patterning of the new Flyweave upper reduces bulk while providing flexible and durable strength. The woven material also allows for advanced positioning of Flywire cables to help lock down the midfoot offering exceptional containment much like a seatbelt or harness system. Extra thread has been added to areas such as the lateral forefoot to enable more forceful cuts, and removed from areas like the arch where it isn’t required. Working in concert with an injected TPU outsole, the Flyweave upper encourages 360-degree propulsion.
The cleat plate incorporates redesigned conical studs and a wide traction pattern for precise lateral movement, while a single talon cleat at the heel advances grip and acceleration off the line. Additional support and structure come through a minimal NikeSkin overlay on the toe and heel.
The result is a strong, supportive cleat built for quick bursts and multi-directional movement.
Built for the biggest, strongest guys on the field, the Nike LunarBeast Elite TD cleat supports unrivaled speed through force. Developed with insight from defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, the Nike LunarBeast Elit
e TD is engineered for a quick first step. An innovative NikeSkin upper provides lightweight durability and protection. Dynamic Nike Flywire locks the foot in place for support.
A proprioceptive collar allows full freedom of movement without sacrificing lateral ankle stability and support. Alongside a cushioned midsole, the plate gives the Nike LunarBeast Elite TD an innovative, powerful traction system with a tough, comfortable base to help athletes dominate point-of-contact battle.
The Nike Vapor Untouchable, Nike CJ Elite TD and Nike LunarBeast Elite TD cleats are available online at nike.com and at select Nike retail locations beginning April 28, with additional styles and colors coming in June.
