Nike Tiempo Legend 9 Boots

Tiempo Legend Boot Versions

Types For Different Pitches

Grass – FG (Firm Ground)

The FG Hyperstability soleplate of the Tiempo Legend has a good balance between traction and rotation. The blades on the rear and the blade and chevron right on the edge of the toe box gives the tooling the necessary bite on the ground, while the rest of the stud configuration are filled with conicals. The curved and ridged midfoot structure is designed to shave-off weight as well as give the outsole a speedy modern look.

Muddy – SG (Soft Ground & Anti Clog)

Consistent with the theme of being the lightest Tiempo ever, the SG Tiempo Legend 9 utilises the new make of the SG-Anticlog soleplate where the metal studs are no longer replaceable in order to do away with the heavy screw-in inserts found on the first-gen SG-AC.

Artificial – AG-Pro

The conical-heavy AG-Pro Tiempo GT is composed of numerous short studs that distribute the pressure coming from the depth but harder 3G/4G/5G artificial grass pitches.

Mixed – MG (Grass & Artificial)

Like the other Nike MG boots, only the Academy Tiempo and below have this type of tooling that is designed for dual-surface usage.

Turf – TF

Aside from meeting the challenge of playing in the shallowness and hardness of the first-gen Turf pitch, the TF Tiempo, usually found in the Pro variant, has a springy React Foam cushioning to match the comfort provided by the quality leather upper

Indoor & Court – IC

The poundings from the hard flat surface of 5-a-side and futsal is allevaited by the React Foam cushioning of the Pro Tiempo Legend 9 IC. Textured non-marking outsole provides multiple contact points to prevent unnecessary slippage, while the soft upper aids you in receiving and controlling the ball.

Tiempo Legend VIII

The Tiempo Legend 8 was launched in June 2019 and featured a streamlined layering of K-leather, Quadfit Mesh, and Flyknit. The Legend VIII removed the foam ridges, getting its textured touch instead from the heat-pressed diamond quilt patterns on the K-leather itself. The four-way stretch Quadfit evolved the containment functions of the VII's Fit Mesh.

The Flyknit around the midfoot no longer had the Flywire cables, opting for a more snug, supportive fit instead. The Tiempo VIII was the second boot to feature the Hyperstability soleplate. The Under the Radar Tiempo was the launched model of the 8th generation. The Tiempo 8 also had notable colourways like the limited Dazzle Camo, the Future DNA based on the launch colour scheme of the Tiempo IV, and the 2020 Tech Craft based on the '94 Nike Tiempo Premier black which had a black and yellow-orange colourway.

Tiempo Legend VII

The Tiempo Legend 7, released in June 2017 as part of the yellow-and-black themed Lock In Let Loose Pack, provided another redesign that would also inform the build of its successor. The K-leather sat on top of foam skeletons, forming a ridged pattern texture necessary for ball control. A Fit Mesh inner liner, connected to the biteline, tightened up upon pressure and provided most of the foot containment, preventing the K-leather from overstretching.

The Tiempo VII was also the generation that applied Flyknit around the midfoot. The Flyknit on this boot was housing Flywire cables that supported midfoot lockdown. The Hyperstability plate was first introduced to the Tiempo and contained a mixture of conicals, blades, and chevrons for multidirectional traction.

Tiempo Legend VI

The release of Nike's Liquid Chrome Pack in November 2015 included the Tiempo Legend VI. The 6th generation of the iconic silo replaced the stitchings on the leather upper with an internal vacuum-pressed cushioned cage, resulting in the Tiempo VI retaining the touch attributes but without compromising the leather. Without the perforations from stitchings, the boot had a more seamless construction and more pliable upper. The removal of the quilting also aided in reducing water uptake.

Tiempo Legend V

With the Tiempo Legend 5 in December 2013, Nike introduced Hypershield technology into the leather silo, coating the upper with the All Conditions Control (ACC) coating and reinforcing it with a hydrophobic mesh layer. With Hypershield, the Tiempo Legend V significantly reduced water absorption and consistently provided the same ball touch regardless of weather conditions. Inputs from Carlos Tevez, Gerard Pique, and Ronaldhino help create the Tiempo Legend V. The boot debuted with a Desert Sand/Atomic Orange/Black colourway.

Tiempo Legend IV

In June 2011, Nike introduced the Elite Tiempo Legend IV; it had a Kangalite midfoot reinforced by Flywire cables and removes the classic Tiempo tongue. A stitched premium K-leather comprised the forefoot with an inner carbon fibre chassis running the full length of the sole. The Tiempo Legend 4 debuted with a Black/White/Total Orange colourway, a colour scheme that the Future DNA Tiempo Legend VIII would remake in 2020.

Whilst the first ever Nike Tiempo was witnessed at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, it wasn't until 2006 football boot fans saw the emergence of their Tiempo Legend I. Headlined by Ronaldinho, The Tiempo Legend was all about luxurious touch and feel.

As the Tiempo Legend has continued to evolve, each upgrade has seen the silo feature more modern technologies upon its heritage theme e.g. carbon fibre, Flywire cables & Flyknit.

Whilst it could be argued that the quality of K-Leather has slightly decreased on recent models, the Tiempo Legend has undoubtedly become lighter and more innovative.