left to right: the NIKE CJ elite TD (NIKE alpha speed), NIKE vapor untouchable (NIKE vapor speed) and NIKE lunarbeast elite TD (NIKE strike speed)

 

today NIKE announced three new american football cleats: NIKE vapor speed, NIKE alpha speed and NIKE strike speed – each cleat has unique design characteristics informed by how athletes in different positions play football.

 

 

 

 

 

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NIKE alpha speed – side view

 

 

NIKE alpha speed ‘the NIKE CJ elite TD cleat’
designed and tested for over two years with direct insight from calvin johnson, JR., the NIKE CJ elite TD cleat was built for hybrid athletes like johnson, JR., luke kuechly and amari cooper. it provides maximum strength, durability and support in a minimal, lightweight package. flyweave technology enables the creation of a one-piece woven upper that provides incredible strength-to-weight support where it is needed most based on demands of the game.

 

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NIKE alpha speed – the one piece flyweave upper is supported by flywire cables to help lock down the midfoot

 

 

the precise patterning of the new flyweave upper reduces bulk while providing flexible and durable strength. the woven material also allows for advanced positioning of flywire cables to help lock down the midfoot offering exceptional containment much like a seatbelt or harness system. extra thread has been added to areas such as the lateral forefoot to enable more forceful cuts, and removed from areas like the arch where it isn’t required. working in concert with an injected TPU outsole, the flyweave upper encourages 360-degree propulsion.

 

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NIKE alpha speed – plate features conical studs and a wide traction pattern for precise lateral movement

 

 

the cleat plate incorporates redesigned conical studs and a wide traction pattern for precise lateral movement, while a single talon cleat at the heel advances grip and acceleration off the line. additional support and structure come through a minimal NIKESKIN overlay on the toe and heel. the result is a strong, supportive cleat built for quick bursts and multi-directional movement.

 

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NIKE vapor speed – side view 

 

 

NIKE vapor speed ‘NIKE vapor untouchable’
this design was conceived with vertical speed on the field in mind. its flyknit upper delivers a tight yet flexible fit that adapts to the foot’s natural motion. the cleat was designed and tested first with the university of oregon football team, and built for athletes who need all-out speed like richard sherman and marcus mariota.

 

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NIKE vapor speed – flyknit upper made with recycled polyester yarn

 

 

the NIKE vapor untouchable also leverages the power of sustainable innovation, continuing NIKE’s commitment to delivering high-performance products with minimal environmental impact. flyknit technology knits shoe uppers precisely engineered for zoned strength and support, while reducing waste in the manufacturing process. the NIKE vapor untouchable is also the first flyknit football cleat made with recycled polyester yarn – each pair is knit with the equivalent of five recycled plastic bottles.

 

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NIKE vapor speed – carbon V plate

 

 

drawn from almost two decades of cross-sport athlete insight, the cleat’s NIKE carbon v-propulsion system generates traction for maximum acceleration — enough to turn every play into a 40-yard dash time trial. it has the mobility of a low-cut cleat, combined with the support of a mid-cut version, while the advanced flyknit upper creates a second-skin feeling. bringing the foot closer to the ground and offering a greater sensation of natural motion, the NIKE vapor untouchable provides the perfect weapon for athletes who need to accelerate to maximum speed in a split-second.

 

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NIKE strike speed – side view

 

 

NIKE strike speed ‘the NIKE lunarbeast elite TD cleat’
built for the biggest, strongest guys on the field, the NIKE lunarbeast elite TD cleat supports unrivaled speed through force. developed with insight from defensive tackle ndamukong suh, the NIKE lunarbeast elite TD is engineered for a quick first step. an innovative NIKEskin upper provides lightweight durability and protection. dynamic NIKE flywire locks the foot in place for support.

 

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NIKE strike speed – NIKEskin upper provides lightweight durability and protection

 

 

a proprioceptive collar allows full freedom of movement without sacrificing lateral ankle stability and support. alongside a cushioned midsole, the plate gives the NIKE lunarbeast elite TD an innovative, powerful traction system with a tough, comfortable base to help athletes dominate point-of-contact battle.

 

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NIKE strike speed – traction system

 

 

all three of the new cleats are available online at nike.com and at select nike retail locations from today, with additional styles and colors coming in june.

 

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read our interviews with NIKE designers:

 

mark parker »
eric avar »
martin lotti »
tinker hatfield »
tobie hatfield »
paul francis »
nathan vanhook »
matt nurse »
andrew oldknow »
david franklin »