Heavily promoting the latest from its boot lineup, Nike taps in the Phantom GX to spearhead the launch of the brand’s first black pack for 2023. For all the features and benefits of the GX, it might be this black look that finally clinches up a deal with the traditionalists of the game. It may not be leather-based but it still looks focused and straightforward, surely something to consider especially for Academy players.

The quarter and the outsole are pitch black, with the latter having a bit of a gloss on it. The Gripknit is more of a smoky dark grey to give visibility to its bespoke knit pattern. The stud tips go in clear orange, so you’ll surely know in one look that your tooling is still intact and complete. Nike’s imprint on the boot through the various Phantom brandings and logos are in white, and a tonal black Swoosh outline accompanies the smaller solid-filled white one on the outstep. Given that this is the tenth anniversary of the Phantom series, it’s remarkable to point out that the Black 2023 Phantom GX feels like a reverse of the launch colourway of the OG Hypervenom Phantom.

But wait, there’s more! Shut off the lights and see that this specific Phantom GX release delivers a reflective look. As such, the white Nike details mentioned above look like stars on a restful night time skyline.