Nike to Bring Back the Upper of the Original Nike Hypervenom
Mar 23, 2016, by Pat
Update: Nike has accidentally shown off a prototype of the second-gen Nike Hypervenom Phinish featuring the upper of the Nike Hypervenom Phantom 1 Boots in their Nike AntiClog Traction that shows off footage collected during Nike Anti-Clog Traction product testing. This is again a proof that Nike will bring back the upper of the first-gen Nike Hypervenom Cleats (they already created a unique Nike Hypervenom 2 with the upper of the first-gen Nike Hypervenom Boots for Ross Barkley).
Exclusive. In an unprecedented move, Nike is set to completely ditch the controversial upper of the Nike Hypervenom II football boots. Both the Nike Hypervenom Phantom II and the Nike Hypervenom Phinish will return to the upper of the first-generation Hypervenoms from September 2016.
Nike Will Bring Back the Upper of the First-Generation Nike Hypervenom
Close-ups of the upper of the first and second generation of the Nike Hypervenom cleats.
The first-ever Nike Hypervenom boots were unveiled by Barcelona and Brazil star Neymar in May 2013. Debuted in a Brazil - England friendly in early June, the upper of the original Nike Hypervenom was designed to offer a feeling that would be as close as possible to that of playing barefoot.
"The Hypervenom's upper is created using the new NikeSkin system. This execution of NikeSkin features a soft, supple mesh bound with a thin polyurethane film." - Nike Hypervenom press release.
To achieve this, Nike experimented and came up with the iconic honeycomb-like structure of the original Hypervenom. And it was a success, which proved popular amongst professionals and boot lovers alike.
"Ultimately, every component of the original Hypervenom evolved into something better for Hypervenom II." - Nike press release
Two years later, Nike released the second generation of the Hypervenom. In order to bring something new to the table, Nike not only added a heightened collar to the top model, the Hypervenom Phantom II, but also completely altered the upper, both in structure and material composition.
“Players loved the original Hypervenom, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do even better. We’re not afraid to make as many changes as the boot needs to be the best. The kind of players who wear Hypervenom would expect nothing less.” – Max Blau, VP of Nike Football Footwear on the release of the Hypervenom II.
While the debut went well and Neymar, face of the Hypervenom silo, won the Champions League wearing the all-new Nike Hypervenom Phantom II boots, problems began to arise at the beginning of the 2015-16 season. First Neymar, who switched to Mercurials before receiving special hybrids in October, and later other Hypervenom players like Ross Barkley and Mario Mandzukic who got the same treatment this year - it's obvious that something is not quite right with the new Hypervenoms.
Many players, most importantly Neymar, received special Nike Hypervenom II boots.
Soon, they'll be able to switch back to the 'regular' Nike Hypervenom II soccer boots. But instead of utilizing the upper of the Mercurial, like in the player-exclusive hybrid models, the brand will completely revert to the upper of the first-gen Nike Hypervenoms, a move that is sure to make great waves in the boot world. Other features of the Nike Hypervenom II, such as the one-piece upper construction or the Flywire strings are set to remain the same.
The new (old) Nike Hypervenom boots are expected to look almost exactly like this prototype Nike reveiled last summer.
The 'all-new' Nike Hypervenom II boots will see the light as early as in September 2016, while the new (old) upper is unfortunately only expected to make its way to the two top models, the Phantom II and the Phinish.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
Austria Lustenau Release Special-Edition 26-27 "Vintage" Kit
Austrian club SC Austria Lustenau has unveiled a special-edition jersey, dubbed the "Vintage" kit, created in collaboration with Italian brand Erreà. The limited-edition shirt was launched for the friendly match against German giants FC Schalke 04 at the Sun Minimeal Arena.
The Erreà Austria Lustenau 26-27 "Vintage" jersey comes in an off-white cream base adorned with a subtle all-over floral damask pattern. It is complemented by a dark green polo collar with dual gold pinstripes, an aesthetic echoed on the matching ribbed sleeve cuffs. To complete the clean retro look, the club crest, Erreà chest logo, and Sun Minimeal front sponsor are all rendered in monochrome dark green.
On the back, the retro styling continues with an elegant serif typeface in green for the player names and squad numbers. The release represents another custom design from Erreà in their first season outfitting the Austrian side, after taking over the club's technical contract ahead of the 26-27 campaign.
Betting Ban: Brazilian Club Vila Nova Announce BYD Main Shirt Sponsor Deal
Brazilian club Vila Nova FC has officially announced Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD as its new primary front-of-shirt sponsor. Described by the club as the largest commercial partnership in its history, the agreement places the BYD logo prominently on the chest of the team's Volt Sport kits through the end of 2026, with an option to extend into 2027.
The sponsorship is executed in collaboration with Saga, an authorized dealership network representing BYD in Brazil, whose small logo appears directly underneath the main BYD mark. The automotive manufacturer replaces previous shirt sponsor Bet da Sorte, following a wave of regulatory restrictions on betting companies operating in Brazilian football.
Currently fighting at the top of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série B table and chasing promotion to the top flight, Vila Nova is set to debut the redesigned shirts immediately. The landmark agreement secures vital financial stability for the club's promotion push while expanding BYD's growing footprint across South American football.
Legia Warsaw Release First Adidas Originals Collection in Decades
Legia Warsaw and Adidas have officially launched an all-new Originals lifestyle collection, marking the club's first dedicated project under the iconic Trefoil banner in decades. The retro-infused streetwear range draws heavily on vintage terrace fashion and archival sportswear aesthetics.
Rendered in Legia's traditional palette of green, white, and black, the drop includes classic full-zip track jackets, hoodies, track pants, and t-shirts. Every piece is detailed with Adidas' signature Trefoil logo and prominent Three Stripes down the sleeves and legs. Fans are also treated to two distinct badge options across the garments, with items arriving with either the club's modern crest or the iconic circular 'eLka' emblem.
The Adidas Originals Legia Warsaw collection is available now through the club's official online fan store and selected physical locations. Prices range from 259 PLN for t-shirts to 419 PLN (60-95 EUR) for the full-zip track tops.
