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A new colorway for the Nike Hypervenomis slated for release on April 1st, and, thankfully, this colorway comes on a kangaroo leather boot. What is this new colorway, you ask? Well, it’s “Dark Obsidian and Metallic Silver.” What that really means is that it’s black, dark blue and gray.
The boots are predominately black with a few elements being dark obsidian and metallic silver. On the outside of the foot, the boot is black from toe to heel, with a couple of detours along the way. The Nike Swoosh is silver, outlined in blue. This is actually a good touch, and I think it works far better than if the colors were swapped for one another. Underneath the tail end of the Swoosh, at the heel, we see those characteristic Laser heel cup squares as well as the heel of the sole in dark obsidian. The inside of the foot, however, is dominated by a dark obsidian colored friction plate. Keeping in line with previous Laser renditions, these boots have 5 flat touch pads that are black islands among the sea that is the dark blue friction plate. You also of course have the stitched “T90” emblem on display at the inner heel, which actually looks pretty suave on this colorway. Given all these elements, I’m really glad Nike chose to make this edition leather. The look of the leather texture just adds so much character and class to the boot that synthetics have yet to replicate. Sure, I may be a leather “purist” if you want to call it that, but it’s a legitimate point. It’s the same kind of difference as a cast iron pot versus Teflon; sure, the Teflon has the technological advantages, but, at the end of the day, the cast iron pot holds in so much character and flavor that, in the long run, makes it a better item. Anyway, let’s move on, shall we?
As I just mentioned, the boots are made of leather, which means they’ll take a small time to break in, but once broken in, they’ll be the most comfortable pair of soccer shoes you own (unless you own another leather pair of shoes, in which case, it’s a tie). Also previously mentioned was the ShotShield area on the instep of the boot; this is the combination of the friction plate and the touch pads. If you haven’t seen or heard about this aspect of the Lasers, let me bring you to speed: the touch pads allow for greater control on distribution and receiving while the friction plate allows for greater spin and accuracy on the ball. Basically, it’s all about touch. Combined with the leather material, the friction plate and touch pads give the wearer an elevated level of touch on the ball. Will it make you a superstar by itself? No. Will it help? You betcha. Another high point with these boots is the level of balance and stability provided by the cleat pattern. The cleats themselves are a kind of ribbed blade design that allows for better traction even in softer ground. What lends a lot of the stability to the wearer, though, is the pattern underneath the balls of your feet. The outer cleats are turned horizontal with two smaller horizontal cleats in between, placed vertically. You will have zero problems cutting, turning, accelerating or stopping at a moment’s notice. If there’s only one thing you find attractive about these boots (which there is definitely more than one, in my opinion), it should be the cleats. I haven’t come across too many boots that felt this stable right off the bat.
With all that said, here’s the straight dope, as Michael Scott says. There’s a lot to like about the new laser colorway, but I don’t think it will convert anyone who isn’t on board already. If you’re a fan of the lasers, then you should continue with them; however, if you’re a detractor, then I don’t see anything that would necessarily change your opinion. They’ll cost you about $180 or so, which is definitely a fair price given the other boots on the market. They’re at least worth giving a shot if they fall within your price range. What’s the worst that can happen?
Written by: Kris Dyer, Lord Admiral of the starship Laser, soccerprose.com
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