American sportswear company Nike introduces Phantom Luna

While an elite footballer might run more than seven miles during a 90-minute match, the split-second changes of direction — dictated by a boot’s rotational traction — are what often decide the outcome. After years of study from Nike’s team of scientists and engineers, Phantom Luna features a new, breakthrough circular stud pattern near the toes that hits the sweet spot of traction. Named Nike Cyclone 360, this traction pattern allows players to move with agility, precision, and confidence on the pitch.

Phantom Luna’s fit is also tuned to the female footballer. Featuring a new upper design, Nike Asym Fit, the boot has a more snug fit around the ankle, based on feedback from female footballers.

As the women’s game intensifies and the style of play leans toward attacking as a team, female footballers need their boots to accommodate quick passes and accuracy as they move down the pitch. Because her foot, on average, is smaller than that of her male counterpart, she needs bigger touch zones for this control and accuracy. Nike applied its latest football innovation, Nike Gripknit, to the Phantom Luna upper, for optimal boot-to-ball connection. The coating gives a 'tacky' feeling and is integrated into the material, so the boot stays soft and pliable.

“Phantom Luna is a direct reflection of Nike’s focus on being her biggest champion,” says Dr Elysia Davis, principal researcher in the Nike Sport Research Lab. “From research to testing to design, we put her at the centre of the process. With Phantom Luna, we’re offering a boot that is thoughtfully designed for her with a new circular stud pattern and fit, helping athletes to move with precision and confidence on the pitch.”

Nike Phantom Luna Elite and Phantom Luna will be available starting late June 2023.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)