'Strapless' Keeper Gloves, Nike FTR10, Revolutionary Snood - These Are Nike's Top 5 Football Innovations in 2018
Dec 24, 2017, by Chris
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.
FC Ingolstadt 26-27 Special Kit Released
FC Ingolstadt 04 and Italian kit maker Erreà have unveiled a new special kit for the 2026-27 season. Embracing local Bavarian heritage, the jersey pays tribute to the region's rich brewing tradition and folk festival culture.
The Erreà FC Ingolstadt 26-27 special jersey arrives in an elegant cream base complemented by warm brown details. A subtle all-over tonal pattern depicting hop cones, vines, and traditional Bavarian motifs covers the shirt, creating a distinct Trachten-inspired look. The club's standard crest is replaced on the chest by the standalone panther emblem in brown, matched by Erreà's logo and sponsor branding.
Brown accents also appear on the unique notch neckline and the side panels, while "SCHANZER" lettering is printed neatly on the upper back. The kit is paired with brown numbers and lettering to complete a bespoke, festive aesthetic.
Sukhothai FC 26-27 Third Kit Released
Thai League 1 side Sukhothai FC and local brand Warrix have officially unveiled the club's new third kit for the 26-27 season. The launch rounds out the Fire Bats' wardrobe for the campaign following the earlier arrivals of their home and away uniforms.
The Warrix Sukhothai FC 26-27 third jersey brings a fresh and distinct aesthetic, featuring a light lavender purple base paired with vibrant orange accents on the shoulders and sleeve cuffs. Deep purple panels run along the sides, while a clean white V-neck collar finishes the look. A subtle all-over tonal pattern decorates the body, complemented by the club crest on the left chest, Warrix branding, and front sponsors CP and Chang.
Bayern München 26-27 Oktoberfest Kit Spotted for Sale
The upcoming Adidas Bayern München 26-27 Oktoberfest jersey has been spotted hanging on retail racks ahead of its official launch in September.
Moving away from the club's traditional Bavarian-inspired palettes and subtle motifs of previous years, the new Wiesn shirt introduces a radical look featuring a vibrant, multicolored abstract graphic set against a black base. The energetic design is complemented by off-white Three Stripes on the shoulders, the classic Adidas Trefoil logo, an ornate heritage Bayern Munich crest, and cream sponsor detailing.
Bukayo Saka and Yan Diomande Debut Whiteout New Balance Furon V9 Boots
Arsenal talisman Bukayo Saka and Real Madrid signing Yan Diomande have both taken to the pitch wearing all-white New Balance Furon V9 boots at the start of the 26-27 campaign. Thanks to @volkyfootballboots.v2 for spotting.
As two of the primary headline athletes for New Balance's flagship speed silo, their synchronized switch away from standard on-pitch colorways to a whiteout look points toward an upcoming limited-edition pack or special release from the American brand in the near future.
It’s normal that brands hide their new flagship-shoes with a whiteout colorway until their release takes place officially, so competitors can’t already get an early glimpse into their newest design.