Today we are going to review one of the most consistent leather boots on the market, Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Pro version. Why the pro version? You may ask. Based on my research, I saw there is too many reviews about the elite version already which is quite pricey if I am being honest. Therefore, I want to review the second tier of the model for you that might have a smaller budget. Without a further ado, let’s jump right into it!
Overview
The Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Pro is the takedown model of the elite’s version that is designed for players and serious enthusiasts. The boot has a premium leather upper that provides a comfortable and snug fit, as well as a natural touch on the ball. A bit different to their big brother which is mainly made of kangaroo leather, the pro version’s leather is made out of a calf skin which is quite thin and flexible. Nike has always been known to deliver quality leather. This will give you peace of mind in terms of the durability of the boots.
Considering the slightly thin upper, it still provides a grippy touch which will help you to engage and feel the ball. It also treated with a water-resistant coating to help keep your feet dry on wet pitches. The stitching and the overall construction of the boot is also of high-quality and gives the boot a premium feel.
The boots are designed to adapt to your foot shape. Therefore players with wide feet should not be worry about them fitting in to your feet. With all of these features, they weight at 220 grams (5 grams more than the elite) which is considerably light for boots like these. I would say Nike has done a very good job to keep the weight this much considering it is a leather boot. Compared to the elite version, this is an amazing value for money which will not break your bank. With some new added feature by Nike, I would say this the Nike’s best control boot at the moment.
Soleplate
The soleplate seems quite chunky however, it is still designed to provide maximum traction and stability on the field. With mostly rounded stud pattern both on artificial grass (AG) & firm ground (FG), they will allow you to twist and turn with ease. The outsole is made of a lightweight and durable material that is designed to provide excellent grip on the field. The stud configuration is also well thought out which has 13 studs, 4 bladed rear, 6 rounded rotational, 3 for additional bite and reaction (FG version). This inherently allows for quick cuts, effective responsiveness and movements on the field. The outsole is also designed to be flexible and functional. This will ensure the foot to move naturally and helps to reduce the risk of injury such as bruises which normally comes when breaking in new football boots.
Fit
One of the standout features of the Tiempo Legend 9 Pro is its comfort. I have experienced it myself, it is unbelievably comfortable. Straight out of the box they are very comfortable and even better when you have broken them in. They literally just moulded to your feet which is good news for players with slightly wider feet. Thanks to the soft material inside which made it possible.
In terms of sizing, the boot run true to size. Bear in mind, most leather boots including Tiempos they stretch over time. Therefore, it is recommended to go true to size to create that 1 to 1 feeling with the ball.
Additionally, the new inner structure presents a nylon reinforcement tunnel. Therefore makes it effective for change of direction and minimise the feet from moving around. The boot has a cushioned insole that provides excellent shock absorption. This can help reduce the impact of hard tackles and sudden stops. This feature is essential for these days and age where the game has become much more quicker.
The tongue and collar of the boot are also padded to provide added comfort and support around the ankle. The boot also has a well-padded heel. This will ensure a comfortable fit and helps to keep the foot stable inside the boot. It would provide you with another layer of protection and security when trying to break your boots in, since new football boots tend to be stiff and rigid out of the box.
Style
The Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Pro also has a sleek and stylish design that is sure to turn heads on the field. Nike has maintained its simple design yet classy and elegant touch for the Tiempo 9’s line. It has a central lacing system with a kitted tounge and it is stitched internally. If you pay attention to your aesthetic when you play football, then this is an amazing news for you. The boot is available in a variety of colourways, including black, white and even maroon which makes it easy to match with your team’s colours or training kits.
Conclusion
In general, the Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Pro is one of the top-performing and affordable football boots in the market. It is designed for any players that want that extra comfort but not sacrificing style and performance. They are comfortable, supportive, and provides excellent traction and stability on the field. The boots’ premium leather upper and water-resistant coating also provide added protection and durability. The sleek and stylish design is also a plus. The boots would normally cost around €110-140 but it is worth the investment compared to the elite version. If you are looking for a top-performing football boot that will not brake your bank account, will last you a long time and provide comfort and support on the field, then look no further, grab your pair by checking the catalogue here.
P.S. These boots are not going to make you a better player. Instead, consistent training and games will turn you into a more of a complete player.
