Nike Tiempo Legend 7 AG version review

I've been wearing the Nike tiempo line a long time, but at long last I was able to go back to the 7th Tiempo Legend version. This time though I was lucky enough to a find a pair of the artificial grass version on sale.

Puma Evopower Vigor Leather & Nike Tiempo Legend 7 AG

There are three features that make this leather boot stand out from the market. However Nike seems to be following the trend of tongueless boots with inner frames for stabilty that have become the norm in the market. For instance in the same category, we have leather boots such as Mizuno Rebula (not tongueless), Adidas Copa 18.1 and even the latest Puma One 18.1. I want to remind also that the leather version on Puma Evopower Vigor has similar tongueless sock-like seamless design.

When it comes to performance, the legend 7 is a quality choice even though the durability in in question since after only a couple of abrasive sessions one boot started to show some tearing of the leather upper so much so that I had to reconsider using the boot for high-speed training sessions. That said, I found the performance otherwise to be outstanding. The internal frame supports your foot but the lock-in sensation is lacking although the suede heel liner is cushioned and velvety. So far the touted grip insole feels no different from regular insoles. In reality, with abrasive surfaces and hard turns, your feet is likely rub against the insides of the shoe and cause blisters no matter what innovation is added to the the concept.

The stud pattern is befitting for the modern AG surfaces and the stud length provides necessary grip for firm ground natural grass. However the outsole and the stud pattern combined feel a bit inadequate when playing on harder surfaces and you can expect enough stud pressure to make you want to reconsider at least a thicker insole. Overall feel of the shoe is light and compact, unlike some of the leather models in the market which do feel more stiff and clunky compared to sleek and lightweight. Shooting and touching the ball feels seamless in spite of the fact that the cow leather is not of premium quality compared to some of the kangaroo leather models of rival brands.

Overall Nike Tiempo Legend 7 is a solid leather boot with some modern innovative features. However compared to the leather boot market available at the moment, Nike's leather game is lamentably under performing in regard to the synthetic boots choice the company is promoting. The little brother of the Nike leather football boots, Nike Premier II, is equally marred with quality problems though the softness of the leather, lower price and classic design has equal appeal to Adidas Copa Mundial models.

Overall score 8/10