Academy Phantom GT2 Nike Review
Are you looking for a more affordable model of the boots worn by Kane, De Bruyne, and Grealish? If so, then the Phantom GT Academy is the one for you. Find out more about this takedown boot, including a variant that is truly one of a kind, in the discussion below.
7 Things About the Phantom GT2 Academy You'll Want to Know:
- Availablie in low cut (£73) and DF Collar (£80)
- Updates the GT tech into a streamlined, chevron-shaped texturing; no longer has the elements towards the rear of the boot unlike the GT1 Academy
- GT2 Academy also has the Flyease model for athletes with special needs
- Multigrounded by default
- A budget option for a synthetic control boot with grip elements
- No significant difference from the GT1 Academy aside from the updated GT tech; still the same soleplate, upper material and construction, and off-centred lacing
- DF and low-cut essentially the same, just the collar (or lack of) is different; save up by going to the low
Your Phantom GT2 Academy Options:
ACADEMY MG
Also available in DF Neoprene collared version
ACADEMY SG-Pro Anti clog
Provides decent bite on soft and wet pitches while the hydrophobic plate enables easy removal of mud and dirt; also comes in collared model
ACADEMY MG FlyEase
Introduces the fold-over heel and velcro strap enclosure; best suited to young players and players with physical needs
Jr ACADEMY MG
Economically efficient option for a child's boot playable in both natural and artificial pitches; also available in a collared model with pull strings
Jr ACADEMY IC
A safe buy to ensure that the young player performs well on flat indoor courts
What we think about the Phantom GT2 Academy
In terms of value for money, the GT2 Academy lags behind the Tiempo Academy, which is the best among Nike Academy cleats in approximating the experience of its parent Elite model. However, in comparison to its direct competitor adidas Predator Freak.3 laced, the GT2 Academy has better responsive and secure feeling, with the grip elements also more pronounced than the Demonscale print of the adidas takedown boot. Another positive about this Nike takedown boot is the above-average feel of the soleplate. One thing to take note is that the upper does require some break-in time. Overall, it is an okay boot, not too bad but also not too outstanding to be recommended especially if there are previous-gen top-tier boots on discount.
7 Things About the Phantom GT Academy You'll Want to Know:
- Availablie in low cut (£70) and DF Collar (£80)
- Synthetic upper still has the Generative Texture elements, though obviously are less sharp or pronounce than the Elite GT
- Aside from low cut and DF Collar, the Academy GT has a unique model called Academy FlyEase, the fold-down heel and velcro strap support technology that allows easier foot insertion
- Feels a bit tighter and not as wide as the top models
- Like other Academy Nike boots, the stud configuration is multigrounded
- Soleplate is above quality for the price point as the lateral bar connecting the split stud plates offer similar torque support as the Elite Hyperquick; inner chassis is also not as stiff as other takedown boots
- Unless you're a fan of collared boots, you can do away with the DF version
Your Phantom GT Academy Options:
ACADEMY MG
Also available in DF Neoprene collared version
ACADEMY AG
Built with Nike's trademark multiple short conical studs for harder pitches
ACADEMY SG-Pro Anti clog
Provides decent bite on soft and wet pitches while the hydrophobic plate enables easy removal of mud and dirt; also comes in collared model
ACADEMY MG FlyEase
Introduces the fold-over heel and velcro strap enclosure; best suited to young players and players with physical needs
Jr ACADEMY MG
Economically efficient option for a child's boot playable in both natural and artificial pitches; also available in a collared model with pull strings
Jr ACADEMY AG
A safe buy to ensure that the young player performs well on synthetic surfaces
Expert Phantom GT Academy Reviews:
We've combined our own personal opinions of the Phantom GT, with those of some of the most trusted voices on Football Boots on YouTube, to save you time! You can find video reviews of the Phantom GT Academy MG and their main view points below:
SR4U's review of the Phantom GT Academy said:
- Synthetic upper has cheaper material compared to that one used for the discontinued Phantom VNM Academy
- Soleplate is a positive as it has good flexibility for its price point
- Because of its tighter fit, recommends going true-to-size
- Would be better to go for the Tiempo Academy or the previous Phantom VNM academy whenever possible
- Stiffness of the upper woul require break-in time
- Generative Texture is less pronounced
- MG configuration, like those of other Nike MG boots, is better than the FG/AG of other brands
- More value for money on the low cut if the choice is just between the low cut model and the DF model
Unisport's Nike Phantom GT Academy review:
- Generative Texture is less grippy and less aggressive
- The GT DF has a 2-piece upper construction, an outer synthetic and an inner neoprene sock that also forms the collar; upper's synthetic profile will require some breaking in period
- Feels a bit plasticky
- Inner board of the TPU outsole is a bit wider compared to the top end models
- Multiground designation qualifies for the boot for synthetic pitches without the worry of losing warranty
Your Phantom GT Academy Questions Answered
What are the changes applied from the Elite going to the GT Academy level?
The upper is made out of cheap synthetic that is a bit stiff to begin with, and the Generative Texture has been toned down in terms of grippiness. The outsole's performance is relatively good for its price point and the inner board is made a bit wider.
How does the Phantom GT Academy compare to the Academy takedowns of the other Nike football boot silos?
The Phantom GT Academy is a bit of a letdown especially when compared to the Phantom VNM Academy, which uses a mesh-based Nikeskin upper that feels more premium than the current Phantom's stiff synthetic. Tooling-wise, the GT Academy has an edge though.
What size of Phantom GT Academy should I choose?
If you have a standard width, go true-to-size.
How much does the Phantom GT Academy cost?
The Academy cost £70 for the low cut and £80 for the DF collared model.
What is the GT Academy FlyEase?
The GT Academy Flyease has the same upper and tooling construction as a regular academy. The difference is the application of the soft, pull-down heel for an unobstructed foot insertion which is then locked in by a velco strap that also tightens up the connected off-centre laces. Flyease works best with young and/or handicapped players that might have difficulty securing their boots with regular laces.
Find out more about Nike's cheaper boots, with our Academy reviews of the Vapor, Tiempo and Superfly: