Nike Premier combines timeless look with latest technology

A modern performance take on a classic boot design from the Nike Football archives.

"When we first showed our players the Nike Premier they said to us: 'That looks like a classic from the archive.' When they put it on though, they realized it's far from old-fashioned," said Phil McCartney, Vice-President of Nike Football Footwear, who briefed the Nike Football design team to create a classic-looking boot using the latest technology and performance insights.

"We know from talking to players that fit, touch and traction are the three things that they want from their boots. We define fit as comfort over 90 minutes, with no distractions. For touch, we look to deliver the perfect touch every time regardless of conditions, and with traction, we want to give our players the perfect traction underfoot, on demand. Our goal with the Nike Premier was to deliver those three areas in a boot with a timeless look," added McCartney.

Visually, the inspiration from the boot came from two sources: the iconic 1994 Tiempo Premier, worn by 10 of the players inthat year's World Cup final, and the first shoe to ever carry the Swoosh, a 1971 boot called 'The Nike'.

"We wanted the Premier to have a simple visual design but for it to be bold and, stylistically, carry a lot of Nike Football DNA. There are players out there who want a beautiful black leather boot that delivers a great fit and a ultra-soft touch on the ball. The Premier is for those players."

The Premier uses Nike's most anatomical football last to date, as also seen on the new Hypervenom, which helps place the foot closer to the ball and ground for greater touch. The premium leather used for the upper sets the benchmark for softness and feel for leather-based boots, and the transitional flex in the sole plate provides a firm midfoot combined with a flexible and responsive forefoot. The sole plate's design also provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces.

"A lot of players will see the Nike Premier and be reminded of the early-to-mid 1990s. When they put the boot on and get out on the pitch, they will soon realize that this is a 21st century product."

The Premier launches in North America on June 1 and will be available elsewhere from July 1.