Nike Hypervenom Phantom III GX 2017 Boots Released

Celebrating one of its most important early football boot creations, Nike today finally released the limited-edition Hypervenom Phantom III GX. Closely inspired by the 1997 Nike Air GX, the remake boots are set to be worn by Inter Milan forward Mauro Icardi, who tried out a blackout prior to release, as well as AC Milan's André Silva in this weekend's derby.

The latter has received a special red-and-black version of the boot, as it would have been rather odd to see the Rossoneri forward lace up in enemy colors. This is possible thanks to the boots being available on Nike ID.

Nike Hypervenom Phantom III GX - Black / White / Game Royal

This image shows 2017 Nike Air GX remake cleat.

Back in 1996, Nike established its famous football boot factory in Montebelluna, Italy. There, the Nike Air GX soccer cleat was created, produced and subsequently released in 1997. To this day, the facility remains key to development and testing of key Nike soccer launches. It's also the place where the most decorated professionals get their customized boots produced.

The 1997 Nike Air GX boot can be seen as a predecessor of sorts to the later Air Zoom / Total 90 football boot silo, which really kicked off at the start of the new century. It went on to be discontinued in 2013, in favor of the Hypervenom.

For the 2017 Nike Hypervenom 3 GX remake boots, Nike combines the iconic design of the original with a modernized construction ready for today's challenges.

Recognizing its heritage as ancestor of the modern Hypervenom line, Nike chose to take from the modern-day Hypervenom Phantom III. This includes the sole plate, which is nothing like that of the original boot, and the tongue, made of Flyknit and used to create the type of one-piece construction that's seen on so many soccer boots these day. Flywire strings are run down along the sides for a better lockdown.

The upper is made of Alegria leather, while the stitching present at the front and along the sides of the original is replaced by carvings, which serve the same purpose and help reduce the weight by a hefty 35% compared to the 1997 shoe. Finally, an Italian flag detail is present on the outside rear, while a special 'Montebelluna 20 Years' logo is visible on the heel as well as the sockliner and string bag.

Nike Hypervenom GX - Features

• Alegria leather upper
• Flywire lockdown
• Hyper-Reactive Plate
• Hyperreative Texture in strike zone
• Chevron studs
• ACC technology

The 2017 Nike Hypervenom Phantom III GX remake football boots are already available to buy - around 20 years after the original, which was launched in June 1997. No details on how limited the boots are were disclosed so far. The RRP is EUR 290 (GBP 260) in Europe - it remains to be seen whether they'll drop stateside as well.

Are you glad to see Nike recognize its heritage and bring back one of its 'early hits', as far as football boot are concerned? Drop us a line below, and check out the Boot Calendar for more.