Boot Review: Nike Phantom GT2 Elite
The Nike Phantom GT2 Elite is a soccer cleat that combines elements from the PhantomVSN and PhantomVNM boots while paying homage to the much-beloved Nike Hypervenom Phantom 1 from 2013. This boot is designed for creative playmakers, offering a barefoot touch, comfortable fit, and grip for enhanced control on the field. In this comprehensive review, we will discuss various aspects of the Phantom GT2 Elite, including its design, performance, comfort, and durability, as well as insights from other reviewers and professional players who use the shoe.
Design and Aesthetics
The Phantom GT2 Elite has a textured Flyknit upper, known as the Generative Texture (GT), that provides grip on the ball and off-center laces for a clean strike zone. It features a semi-split soleplate design, which gives the arch of the foot more freedom and contact with the ball. The boot is available in different colorways, but it's important to note that the white and black colorways have slightly different fits, with the white version being wider and sloppier.
Other reviewers have appreciated the minimalist design of the Phantom GT2 Elite, with some comparing it to the Hypervenom Phantom 1 in terms of aesthetics and feel.
Performance
The single layer of Flyknit on the Phantom GT2 Elite offers an extremely barefoot touch, thinner than the Mercurial series, which provides an excellent feel for the ball when shooting and passing. However, some reviewers have found the Generative Texture to be less effective in dry conditions and not as aggressive as they expected.
The semi-split sole construction is praised for providing better contact with the ball and enabling players to whip in crosses and place shots into the top corners more easily. The boot's stud configuration offers a balance between rotational movement and a nice bite when pushing off in various directions.
Comfort
The Phantom GT2 Elite is one of the widest boots on the market, with the semi-split soleplate design offering even more space for the arch. Flat-footed players have welcomed this change, as it allows the arch to sink in comfortably. However, the lack of Quadfit or Flywire system means that the midfoot may give way when making aggressive turns.
Other reviewers have noted that the black and white colorways fit differently. For players with wide feet, going true to size in the white colorway is recommended, while those with average to narrow feet should consider going half a size down in the black colorway.
Durability
The Phantom GT2 Elite is a well-constructed boot with durable materials. However, the lack of some features, such as the Quadfit mesh from the Phantom VSN, may affect its overall performance over time.
Nike’s Marketing Claims
Nike's marketing claims for the Phantom GT2 Elite primarily focus on the Generative Texture (GT) across the upper, which is designed to provide enhanced touch and control for shooting, passing, and dribbling. The off-center lacing ensures a clean strike zone for more accurate and powerful shots. Another key feature is the Hyperquick Soleplate System, which improves traction during quick changes in lateral direction. Furthermore, the semi-split soleplate offers a freer sensation and better ball contact with the arch of the foot. Lastly, the wider fit caters to different foot shapes, offering greater comfort and versatility for players.
User reviews generally align with Nike's marketing claims for the Phantom GT2 Elite, as many players have praised the enhanced touch and control provided by the Generative Texture, the improved traction from the Hyperquick Soleplate System, and the comfortable wider fit. The semi-split soleplate's unique feel and better ball contact have also been well-received by users, further validating the accuracy of the marketing claims.
Boot History
The Nike Phantom GT2 Elite is the latest addition to the Phantom series, which has its roots in the former Hypervenom and Phantom VSN/VNM lines. The original Hypervenom Phantom debuted in 2013 and was praised for its barefoot touch, comfortable fit, and grip. However, it was replaced by the Phantom VSN and Phantom VNM lines, which focused on different aspects of the game, such as a clean, natural touch and shot-enhancing technology.
The Phantom GT, launched in 2020, combined elements of the Hypervenom, Phantom VSN, and Phantom VNM lines to create a boot that catered to the needs of creative playmakers. With the GT2 Elite, Nike has further refined the boot by enhancing the Generative Texture on the upper, optimizing the semi-split soleplate, and offering a wider fit.
Over the years, Nike has experimented with various technologies and designs to cater to different types of players. The evolution from the Hypervenom series to the Phantom VSN/VNM lines, and finally to the Phantom GT, shows the brand's dedication to continuous improvement and innovation in the soccer boot market.
What Other Reviewers Are Saying
Overall, reviewers have found the Nike Phantom GT2 Elite to be a comfortable and minimalist boot that offers a barefoot touch and excellent control on the field. The semi-split sole construction has been praised, but the Generative Texture has received mixed reviews. Some reviewers have expressed concerns about the boot's responsiveness, especially when compared to its predecessors, the Phantom VSN and Phantom VNM.
Pro Players
Professional players who wear the Nike Phantom GT2 Elite include Kevin De Bruyne, Mason Mount, and Phil Foden
The Bottom Line
The Nike Phantom GT2 Elite is a soccer cleat that combines elements from previous Phantom models while offering a barefoot touch, comfortable fit, and excellent control on the field. However, the Generative Texture technology may not be as effective as expected, and the boot's responsiveness could be improved. Overall, these are versatile soccer cleats that cater to creative players who value a barefoot touch and comfortable fit. The semi-split sole construction and AG-friendly stud configuration are highly praised, making the boot suitable for various playing surfaces. While there is room for improvement, especially in the responsiveness and effectiveness of the Generative Texture, the Phantom GT2 Elite remains a popular option among professional and amateur players alike.
Pros:
Barefoot touch
Comfortable fit
Semi-split sole construction
AG-friendly stud configuration
Wide fit suitable for flat-footed players
Unique and minimalist design
Cons:
Generative Texture not as effective in dry conditions
Responsiveness could be improved
Different fit between white and black colorways
