Nike Start to Release Elite Player Edition Boots - What's This All About?
Nov 25, 2023, by Chris
- Nike Player Edition: These cleats are standard, non-custom Nike releases, not customized versions for players.
- Anti-Clog: Player Edition boots lack the Anti-Clog technology found in standard versions, which makes them lighter and has replaceable studs.
- Retail: Player Edition boots are not sold by Nike directly, but only by select retailers, at the same retail price as the standard Elite boots.
In recent times, some independent retailers have started to sell "Player Edition" versions of Nike's high-end Elite football boots. What's this all about?
Nike Elite vs. Elite Player Edition Boots - What's the Difference?
First and foremost, the Nike Player Edition football cleats are standard, non-custom Nike releases. So, unfortunately, they are not the perfectly customized soccer cleats worn by Nike's star players.
Second, the Nike Player Edition football boots are mostly available for Soft Ground boots - why? The reason is the outsole, which is the only difference between both versions.
The standard SG-Pro Nike football boots have the Anti-Clog technology, while the Player Edition comes without the technology. This is because the Anti-Clog tech makes the boots slightly heavier - many pro players want it as light as possible. Thanks to Soora-Sardiel from Reddit for the info.
For example, Haaland is wearing the Player Edition version without Anti-Clog, while De Bruyne used a custom sole plate with Anti-Clog for the Nike Phantom GX.
Big thanks to BCBootsUK for the pictures of the player boots
Haaland's Custom Nike Mercurials
Another difference is that the Anti-Clog boots do not feature replaceable metal studs anymore, whereas the Player Edition boots do.
Apart from the sole plate, the standard Nike Elite and the Elite Player Edition football boots are the same. Both are not customized but standard Nike releases from the usual factory and not from Nike's player-exclusive factory in Italy.
Nike do not offer them, possibly to not confuse people
Interestingly, possibly to not confuse people, Nike are not selling the Player Edition boots at all. It are only specialist retailers like Pro:Direct, Unisportstore, and 11 Teamsports who sell them.
There also exists the original standard version of Anti-Clog soleplates from 2016, which is used for Nike takedowns nowadays. It was used by many Nike athletes like Mahrez and Lucas Hernandez after being introduced.
Both the standard Elite and Player Edition Nike football boots retail at the same price - for the Mercurials, it is 285 Euro.
Nike Elite vs. Elite Player Edition Boots - What's the Difference?
- Nike Player Edition cleats are standard, non-customized Nike releases.
- Anti-Clog technology is absent in the Player Edition boots.
- Player Edition boots feature replaceable metal studs.
- Only few retailers sell them - Nike do not offer them at all.
- Both the standard Elite and Player Edition boots retail at the same price - 285 Euro.
Did you know that Nike Player Edition boots exist? Let us know in the comments below.
Wydad AC 26-27 Home Kit Released
Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club have officially unveiled their new home kit for the 26-27 season, created in collaboration with Italian sportswear brand Kappa. Launched under the banner "THIS IS WYDAD," the shirt highlights the club's deep-rooted identity with a classic, retro-inspired aesthetic.
The Kappa Wydad 26-27 home jersey is predominantly red and accented with crisp white detailing. Its focal points include a striking red-and-white striped V-neck collar and matching trim along the cuffs. A subtle, tonal geometric pattern consisting of dynamic diagonal stripes runs across the torso, while white Kappa Omini logos sit across the chest and shoulders alongside the iconic circular Wydad AC crest.
The new Wydad 26-27 home shirt is already available for supporters to purchase through the club's official retail channels.
Albacete Balompié 26-27 Third Kit Released & Debuted
Spanish club Albacete Balompié has officially unveiled and debuted its new adidas third kit for the 26-27 season. The new strip received an immediate on-pitch premiere during the team's La Liga Hypermotion clash away to Girona at Montilivi, completing the club's 26-27 wardrobe following the release of their white home and away shirts earlier in the summer.
Created through the adidas Locker Room platform, the Albacete 26-27 third shirt features a black base overlaid with an energetic red geometric gradient pattern across the front. Striking bright orange accents add pop to the crew-neck collar and shoulder Three Stripes. The club crest is executed in a monochrome orange finish on the left chest to match the adidas performance logo and sponsor graphics.
Matching black shorts and socks, both trimmed with bright orange detailing, complete the full Albacete Balompié 26-27 third strip. What do you think of Albacete's new third kit?
CD Guadalajara 26-27 Away Kit Released
Spanish side CD Guadalajara has unveiled its new away kit for the 26-27 season. Produced once again by Kappa, the new release offers a sharp, colorful alternative that directly complements the club's primary identity.
The Kappa CD Guadalajara 26-27 away shirt is predominantly bright yellow, paired with bold purple accents honoring the club's signature morado shade. Purple covers the rounded crew collar, sleeve trim, and sponsor branding, including the Hercesa chest sponsor. Kappa's iconic Omini logos run in purple along the shoulders and right chest, while matching yellow shorts with purple hems and side logo tracks complete the full kit.
This away strip follows the launch of Guadalajara's 26-27 home shirt earlier in September, which brought a classic all-purple foundation detailed with crisp white piping and logos.
Wydad 26-27 Home Kit Released
Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club and Kappa have officially unveiled their new home kit for the 26-27 season. Built around the club's traditional red base, the shirt features subtle tonal geometric striping across the front panel for a clean and textured appearance. A retro-inspired red and white striped V-neck collar anchors the classic design, complemented by contrasting white Kappa Omini logos on the chest and shoulders alongside a monochrome white club crest.
Albacete Balompié 26-27 Third Kit Released & Debuted
Spanish club Albacete Balompié debuted their new adidas third kit for the 26-27 season during their La Liga 2 fixture against Girona at Montilivi. The Adidas Locker Room shirt features a black base adorned with a red geometric gradient stripe pattern across the front, highlighted by vibrant orange accents on the crew collar, the adidas Three Stripes running down the shoulders, and a monochrome orange edition of the club crest. Completed with matching black shorts and socks featuring orange detailing, the kit joins the club's traditional white home and away strips for the ongoing campaign.
Atalanta 26-27 Third Kit Released
Atalanta and New Balance have officially unveiled the club's new third kit for the 26-27 season. Completing the Italian side's set alongside the previously launched home and away strips, the jersey introduces an elegant aesthetic rooted in the architectural heritage of Bergamo.
The New Balance Atalanta 26-27 third shirt is finished in a warm beige base officially dubbed 'Toasted Sesame', accented by black and 'Taffy Blue' trim on the V-neck collar and sleeve cuffs. Subtly woven across the body is a geometric jacquard pattern inspired by the famous sundial of Bergamo's Palazzo della Ragione. The chest prominently features Atalanta's retro 1964 crest, which depicts the running goddess alongside traditional black and blue stripes.
The New Balance branding appears in black, while Lete's red logo and SNAIFUN complete the front sponsorship. Inside the collar, a bespoke graphic highlights the Bergamo skyline accompanied by the motto 'LA MAGLIA SUDATA SEMPRE'. Crafted with breathable NB DRYx technology, the new kit is available now via the club's official channels.
Thailand Forced to Change Kits at 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup
According to Ball Stand Thailand, the Thailand national team and Warrix must modify their kits for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, as the current uniform violates FIFA regulations.
Laws 4 of the IFAB players' equipment prohibits any political, religious, or personal slogans, statements, or images on match shirt.
Thailand’s 2026–27 kits by Warrix feature an pattern of the national anthem lyrics. Although national anthem lyrics are not explicitly classified as prohibited text, incorporating a full sentence from the anthem or extracts with ideological undertones onto the kit is still considered a violation of slogan regulations.
