'Strapless' Keeper Gloves, Nike FTR10, Revolutionary Snood - These Are Nike's Top 5 Football Innovations in 2018
When it comes to product innovations in football, nobody can deny the fact that Nike has been on top of the game in the past few years. The brand not only changed the design of football boots forever with the launch of the knitted high-cut Nike Magista ahead of the 2014 World Cup, the Swoosh also brought out some other groundbreaking innovations such as the Anti-Clog boot technology recently.
In 2018, the year of the World Cup, Nike is yet again ready to revolutionize some soccer products.
Next-Gen Nike Mercurial Boots
Nike will launch their first important product of the year in February 2018 - the next-generation Nike Mercurial soccer cleat. Designed for ultimate lockdown, speed and touch, the Nike Mercurial 2018 World Cup boots are nothing really new but actually almost the same as the Nike Ultra Flyknit cleats that were launched in September 2017 (in fact, the Nike Ultra Flyknit are somehow Nike's 'hidden' preview of the next-generation Mercurial).
The next-generation Nike Mercurial will bring us the first knitted Nike Mercurial Vapor as well as an heavily updated Nike Mercurial Superfly (For the first time, the Superfly and Vapor are identical apart from the collar -> there won't be a synthetic Nike Mercurial boot for the first time in history ).
'Strapless' Goalkeeper Gloves
In Spring 2018, Nike will release their first-ever high-end goalkeeper gloves that do no look like keeper gloves at first glance. The all-new Nike Goalkeeper Vapor Touch gloves come without that traditional strap system but with revolutionary reverse-stitched gusset wraps that let them feel like an extended part of the hand. Before seeing them from from near distance one would guess they are usual gloves at first glance.
New Carbon Fiber Shin Guards
Another innovation that will draw peoples attention is the launch of the Nike Attack Carbon Fiber Elite 2018 shin guards, which will be Nike's most expensive shin guards released to date. They replace the original, first Nike carbon fiber shin guards that were released 10 years ago.
Nike FTR10 Football Boots
Just four years after they were introduced, Nike will replace the revolutionary Nike Magista football boot silo in favor of the all-new FTR10 soccer shoe. Designed for the modern player who does not only need control but also speed, agility and perfect shooting, the Nike FTR10 feature a brand-new design for Nike football boot with 'ghost laces' and various other innovations.
Nike Snood
The most-sought innovation, however, is a product that hasn't seen any special attention over the past decades - neckwarmers. Nike is set to change the look and feel of traditional neckwarmers forever with the Nike Snood, a cutting-edge neckwarmer that comes with a neoprene material with holes around the mouth for breathing. The Nike Snood will drop in Fall 2018.
Which new Nike product do you look most forward to in 2018? Do you also think that Nike has been the clear leader in the football market when it comes to product innovations in the past few years (High-cut, knitted boots, Anti-Clog boot technology)? Let us know in the comments below.
Vintage Football Shirts
from Cult Kits
1979/82 Edmonton Drillers *BNWT* Home Shirt (M) Admiral Nasl
2006/08 England Away Shirt (S) Umbro
2002/04 Argentina Zanetti #8 Home Shirt (L) Adidas
2015/16 Northern Ireland 1/2 Zip Training Top (M) Adidas
2002/03 Galatasaray Xavier #12 Home Shirt (M) Umbro
2011/12 Roma *BNWT* Away Shirt (S) Kappa
2010/11 Real Madrid Ronaldo #7 Away Shirt (L) Adidas
1993/95 Bayern Munich #11 Away Shirt (L) Adidas
1980'S Adidas Template Shirt (M)
2001/02 Mexico C.Blanco #10 Home Shirt (M) Atletica
Dorking Wanderers 26-27 Home & Away Kits Released
English National League South side Dorking Wanderers have officially revealed their new home and away kits for the 2026-2027 season.
The new 26-27 home shirt introduces a classic and timeless design, stripping things back to a traditional aesthetic. It features bold red and white vertical stripes that draw inspiration from historic European football heritage. To complete the clean and authentic on-pitch look, the home jersey is perfectly paired with deep blue shorts and traditional white socks.
Following the launch of the primary strip, Dorking Wanderers also introduced their new 26-27 away kit, which delivers a much sharper and modern edge. This secondary jersey is defined by striking black and orange stripes, creating a strong contrast between dark and vibrant tones.
Notably, the club has thoughtfully replaced the betting sponsor with health and wellbeing partner Nuffield Health for all junior kits, while also actively reducing the price of youth shirts by £6 down to £39 to help younger fans afford their colors.
Which of these two striped Dorking Wanderers designs do you prefer? Let us know in the comments below.
Special Goiás 2026 'Romaria' Kit Released
Brazilian side Goiás EC and technical sponsor Diadora have officially launched a special edition "Romaria" kit for the 2026 season. This unique jersey is designed to honor the deep-rooted faith and cultural traditions of the club's supporters, known as the Emerald Nation.
Tying heavily into the local religious pilgrimages that take place in the state of Goiás, the release operates under the fitting motto, "Faith is not explained. It is carried," successfully blending regional heritage with modern football apparel.
The design of the new Goiás 2026 Romaria shirt is anchored by an off-white base that is heavily detailed with an intricate, tonal graphic pattern. This all-over print features ornate filigree and religious iconography directly inspired by the Divino Pai Eterno (Divine Eternal Father), a central figure in the state's famous annual pilgrimage. To contrast the subtle background artwork, Diadora has applied its logo and the classic circular 'G' club crest in a sharp, dark green on the chest, while subtle gold piping accents the shoulder lines.
The most striking colorful details of the kit are reserved for the sleeve cuffs, which feature vibrant, tricolor bands of blue, green, and yellow. Upon closer inspection, these colored stripes are inscribed with repeating "Divino Pai Eterno" text, further cementing the jersey's homage to the region's spiritual traditions.
What are your thoughts on this intricately detailed Diadora and Goiás Romaria kit? Let us know in the comments below.
Aldosivi 2026 Home and Away Kits Released
Kappa has officially unveiled the new home and away kits for Argentine side Aldosivi ahead of the second half of the 2026 season. Launched under the campaign themes of "Familia" and "Barrio," the Italian sportswear brand has delivered a set of bespoke designs that celebrate the club's rich history and deep connection to its local community in Mar del Plata.
The Kappa Aldosivi 2026 home shirt is part of the "Familia" collection, which serves as a tribute to the inherited passion that unites different generations of the club's supporters. The design stays remarkably true to the team's historical visual identity, featuring the classic green and yellow vertical stripes. The green stripes have a subtle pattern.
Complementing the primary strip is the new Aldosivi 2026 away kit, introduced as part of the "Barrio" collection to honor the local neighborhood and the people who define the club's everyday identity. This alternative jersey opts for a modern look in black with gradient logos and elements.
