For every Elite offering there is always a budget alternative for all Nike silos. The Academy Luna is just that for the brand’s first-ever football boot designed for the anatomical foot needs of women. Are there still hints of similarity to the Phantom Luna Elite or are the changes so drastic that the Academy version feels generic (or even worst as a football boot)? We break down the facts, the features and the on-feet experience here in Football Boots UK. Know the Academy Luna boot experience beforehand should you decide to go for a pair…
Things to Know about the Academy Luna
- Can only be bought as a ‘Nike By You’ personalised release; not part of standard colourway launches but lots of custom design choices!
- Costs £140, almost double the price of regular Academy pairs and around £10 to £20 more than the price of the other Academy By You boots
- NikeSkin mesh upper helps the boot maintain the snug fit the Phantom Elite has to cater the narrower profile of women’s feet
- Needs a bit of break-in time, but after that the upper still has that solid, substantial feel that makes it responsive
- Lockdown is also decent because of the laces
- Ball touch is barefoot-like because of the upper’s thin profile
- Totally absent is the Gripknit; ridged texturing just there for adding friction and touch points
- Like the Elite, only comes in a collared version
- True-to-size boots; better suited for narrow-fitting foot types
- Decent traction with a bladed stud configuration; Cyclone 360 helps ease up your forefoot twists and pivots because of the circular formation of the blades; best for slightly damp, short-grassed pitches
Some Personalisation Options for the Nike By You Academy Luna:
- Plain base colour or with a slithery snake-skin like all-over print (to represent the Nikeskin mesh)
- Can also add the Nike United Graphic to reflect the gravitational power of women’s football
- Option for a 7-character branding on the heel and up to two digits numbering on the sides
- Inclusion of metallic shades for the logos
- FG by default, but can also choose to have a Soft Ground or an Artificial Ground soleplate
Design Your Luna
Design your own Phantom Luna Academy with the Nike Phantom Luna FG By You service. Between a wide range of vibrant colours and choice of all-over print or knitted graphic, you can show off your personality and/or what the Phantom Luna stands for.
