The Phantom carries decades worth of Nike football boot evolution with a genealogical connection to past iconic power and control silos like the T90, Hypervenom, CTR Maestri, and the Magista Obra.
Tracing further the Phantom tree line, the Nike Phantom 6 succeeded the Phantom GX and the Phantom GT, which rolled the VNM and the VSN into one.
What You’ll Find On This Page:
- Elite Phantom 6 Review
- Phantom 6 DF Elite
- Phantom GX 2 Pro
- Your Academy Luna/GX 2 Expert Review
- Nike Phantom Club
- History of the Nike Phantom
Your Phantom GX II Questions Answered:
What are Nike Phantoms designed for?
The Nike Phantom football boots are designed for the technical players and playmakers, mostly worn by midfielders as they are the ones who initiate and dictate the passage of play. But even those up front are into the Phantom, especially those who create and provide goal scoring opportunities in advanced roles.
Which is better Mercurial or Phantom?
Both are actually great football boots (not playing it safe here!). One becomes better depending on one’s preferences and foot shape. That’s why I like providing these kind of reviews, for you to know more about the boots so you can understand yourself better what will suit you. If you want a full breakdown read this article I wrote on them.
Nike Phantom 6 Elite Review
| Model | Quality | Pitches | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Launch Colourway |  Gripknit & Flyknit upper Cyclone 360 Outsole |  |  >> Get Elite Phantom 6 Low at Nike |
Latest Colours
Five Things You’ll Want to Know:
- Can be considered as a competitor to the adidas Predator
- Comes with asymmetrical lacing system
- Two-layer Gripknit upper comprised of outer shell of sticky coated yarns and inner base layer, all in a knitted base material
- Comes with collared and low-cut variants
- Marketed as Nike’s control option; sold together with the speedy Mercurial and the heritage Tiempo
My 2025 Phantom 6 Expert Review
Judging the boot on its own, the Nike Phantom 6 is one of those that deliver you that grippy feel on the ball, which is perfect if you need something extra ball control for dribbling, crossing, shooting from a distance and first touch. The two-layer tuned Gripknit upper indeed has that sticky, waxy sensation and has a firmer, denser strike zone ribs for added power. It’s a nice little feature, but I think it’s something we can live without.
As I’ve mentioned, the upper is two-layered. I think the combination of an inner Flyknit and an outer shell of Gripknit created a malleable upper that still has its structure. Some might welcome the increase in lockdown and responsiveness, but others might miss the magical softness of the previous GX generations. The incorporated ribbings on the weave of the Gripknit tones the grip down a bit relative to the GX 1 and GX 2. I can see how some would like the optimised grip and how a certain section would long for the uber-grip of the previous Phantoms.
I personally like the balance of the Cyclone 360 stud configuration, with the blades on the forefoot and few on the rear giving that bite on ground while the conicals do the work for the twists and pivots. I think everyone can agree though that the extra conicals toward the midfoot does resolve the stud pressure complaint a few have experienced on the old GXs. Where others might disagree again is the stiffened midfoot, which is good for objective performance but a slight decrease on comfort.
If the Mercs are trending to become wider and more accommodating, the Phantom 6, while still primarily a wide-boot, is now trying to appeal to the opposite foot-shapes. The structure of the upper itself already tends to compress the fit and feel, as opposed to the more relaxed wrap of the GXs. But the real kicker here is the more secured heel fit and the true-to-size length. Those coming from the GX 1 and GX 2 might find the Phantom 6 a bit tighter, if not outright tight.
Conclusion
The Phantom 6 is a nice control boot option that has a balance between structure and pliability as well as an optimised grip. There are those that would definitely miss the defined bias of the previous phantoms toward uber-sticky grippiness and wide-fitting profiles. But I believe the move of the Phantom 6 toward the centre-from responsiveness/comfort to fit and feel, will help the boot attract more wearers beyond its usual base of players.
How I Conducted The Review Of The Nike Phantom 6
I’ve spent plenty of time training & playing in the Phantoms, like my other boot reviews, this Phantom 6 review followed some guidelines that the team thinks is necessary for boot testing. Besides the usual running and movement drills, I subjected the Phantom to more shooting and passing tests.
This is necessary to see if Gripknit does really make a difference to your ball touch and grip, especially as we have the adidas Predator dominating in this category with its own grip elements. To eliminate any possible shooting or passing issue due to lack of fit or lockdown (and therefore decreased responsiveness), I was chosen to lead the review since I have a wide-foot shape.
Phantom 6 High Elite
Nike Phantom 6 High is essentially the same boot as the Phantom 6 low-cut. At this point, the difference between the two should be easy to tell. The Phantom 6 High features a high-cut sock, dynamic fit collar, which I find is there for looks than performance, leaving the regular Phantom 6 Elite as the low-cut option. This distinction is basically the Superfly/Vapor of the Mercurials applied in the Phantom line.
| Model | Quality | Pitches | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Launch Colourway | Gripknit & Flyknit upper Cyclone 360 Outsole | |  >> Get Elite Phantom 6 High at Nike |
Other thing to point out though is that the DF also has the Ghost Lacing system back. It might clean up the look and the striking surface, but personally I prefer not having it as the cover gives me a bit of a hard time when adjusting the laces.
*Takedowns to be updated soon
Phantom GX 2 Pro
| Model | Quality | Pitches | |
|---|---|---|---|
 GX Pro |  Engineered Mesh upper |  |  >> Get Phantom GX Pro at Nike |
What makes the Phantom Pro feel similar to the Elite is the use of a knitted upper. You might just need some time to fully break that in, but in the end you’ll still get that sock-like benefits. Unfortunately, you don’t get any simulation of the Gripknit technology. The least that you get is the curved ribbings that are patterned after the Gripknit weave on the Elite.
Another change to point out is that the midfoot feels like has been narrowed down a bit, and that the heel liner has less padding. This might affect lockdown depending on your foot shape.
The outsole, however, feels more solid and has the same Cyclone 360 stud configuration. If you don’t mind just having a simple knitted upper and a more responsive soleplate, you might indeed consider the Pro over the Elite.
Your Academy Luna/GX 2 Expert Review
Things to Know about the Academy Luna/GX 2
- Luna is the collared (DF) and GX is low-cut
- £88 for the DF; £78 for the low
- Directly competes with the adidas Predator League
- Replaces Gripknit with a toned-down NikeSkin material attached to a relatively more structured synthetic quarter
- Studs configuration similar to Pro and Elite GX; multigrounded by default
- Features alongside Academy Superfly 10/Vapor 16, Academy Tiempo Legend 10 at the time of release
- Academy Luna/GX 2 also produced in Nike Jr. Kids sizes
Luna/GX 2 Academy Options
| BOOTS | DESCRIPTION | SOLEPLATE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Despite having the same stud configuration as the Elite and Pro, Academy GX 2 is labelled by Nike as suitable for natural and artificial grass; add a neoprene collar to get the Luna 2 Academy; grey and volt colour combination to mark the entry of the Nike Phantom in UCL games at the beginning of 2024/25 |  MG – Mix Grass & Artificial |  >> Get Academy GX/Luna 2 MG at Nike | |
Nike By You Academy Phantom | Create a one-of-a-kind colourway for your Phantom pair with the Nike By You service; select through a variety of options for the main colour and trim designs | 
MG – Mix Grass & Artificial |  >> Get Academy GX/Luna 2 MG at Nike | |
 Easy-on Academy Phantom | Perfect for those with accessibility needs; still based on the Phantom GT that the GX replaces |  MG – Mix Grass & Artificial |  >> Get Academy GX/Luna 2 Easy-On at Nike | |
 | Much better for option for synthetic pitches, if you ask us |  AG – Artificial Pitch |  >> Get Academy GX/Luna 2 AG at Nike | |
 | Phantom fitted with AntiClog technology for the Soft Ground version; packs a bit of weight |  SG – Wet and Muddy Pitch |  >> Get Academy GX/Luna 2 SG at Nike | |
 | For 5-a-side games on ragged, shallow turf playing surfaces |  TF – Turf (more but shorter studs) |  >> Get Academy GX/Luna 2 TF at Nike | |
 | A pair of budget futsal boots based on the looks of the Elite GX/Luna 2 |  IN – Indoor & Concrete |  >> Get Academy GX/Luna 2 IN at Nike | |
 | Size, width and material optimised for the growing feet of young players |  KIDS – Children’s Size |  >> Get Academy GX/Luna 2 Kids at Nike | |
✔️ Pros
- Multiple soleplate options
- Nikeskin mesh upper breaks down nicely; initial plasticky sensation helps retain some structure and responsiveness after break-in time
- Generic lasting applies to a variety of foot shapes; good for wider foot types than the Mercurial Academy
- Same stud configuration as the Elite’s Cyclone 360, if you like what it offers
- Heel lockdown feels ok for the price
❌ Cons
- Don’t expect any grip; has at least some ridge texturing for a tactile sensation
- MG tooling might actually be too aggressive for artificial grass
- Luna 2 Academy’s collar on the flaccid side
Boot Rankings, Best For…
Nike Phantom Club
| Model | Quality | Pitches | |
|---|---|---|---|
 GX Club |  Textured Synthetic materials |  |  >> Get Phantom GX Club at Nike |
Like other Nike Club takedowns, you get a generic-fitting, synthetic boot that is made to look like the Phantom GX 2 Elite. It’s as basic as you can get-an upper and an outsole. A pair of the Phantom GX 2 Club is great placeholder especially for young players, who would eventually need to upgrade to the Academy at the very least. If you want the Luna collar, you also get a cheap execution of it here at the Club.
History of the Nike Phantom
The Nike Phantom has gone a long way since its inception in 2013. Take a look at the silo’s development over the years and how arrived to this point with the Phantom GX.
Hypervenom Phantom I (2013)
Successfully replacing the iconic T90 was a tall order, but Nike did just that with the Hypervenom Phantom in 2013. It introduced a ‘new breed of attack’ by moving on from the tanky build of the former in favour of a soft and honeycombed Nikeskin mesh upper and a lightweight feel. The nimble and deft Neymar headlined the boot, and effectively epitomised what the boot stood for-skills and agility are as important as strength and power.
Hypervenom Phantom II (2015)
Not many will fondly remember the Hypervenom Phantom II. It was thought of as a massive disappointment-comfort suffered a lot because of the stiffer upper and too much lockdown from the reinforcing Flywire cables.
Pros were so unhappy that Nike moved back to the Nikeskin upper material in 2016, starting with the Hypervenom Phantom II in the Spark Brilliance pack. The DF-collared and low-cut offerings in the Phantom line first appeared in the Hypervenom II, with Nike calling the uncollared variant the Hypervenom Phinish.
Hypervenom Phantom III (2017)
Flyknit featured fully for the first time in the silo’s history with the 2017 Hypervenom Phantom III. This was also where Nike decided to simply name the collared model DF and the low-cut as simply Hypervenom Phantom.
The standout feature was the texturing on the upper that hardened upon impact, adding power without necessarily stiffening the upper. Hypervenom Phantom III was an acceptable change, though it did not reach the height of the OG release.
Phantom VSN (2018)
Replacing the Magista (which in turn succeeded the CTR Maestri), the Phantom VSN introduced the concept of control to the Phantom line in 2018. It later coexisted with the Phantom VNM at some point, kind of presenting themselves as control-power twin of the silo.
The boot had a Flyknit covering the internal Quadfit case (its primary source of lockdown), a ghost lacing cover to clean up the striking surface and a Hyperscreen coating on the upper to carry out minitexturing essential for ball touch.
The changes in the VSN II released in 2020 were minimal, such as the external heel clip, lower collar and revised Hyperscreen divisions, and not enough to change the essence of the boot. Under the Future DNA pack, the VSN effectively brought back the black and citrus launch colourway of the Hypervenom Phantom.
Phantom VNM (2019)
With the VNM in 2019, the Phantom carried on with its power roots despite the existence of the VSN at that time. The Flyknit boot was instantly recognisable with its ridged Precision PWR Zone on the instep, clearly invoking the spirit of the T90 series.
The VNM suited up with the classic black and white look of the T90 II in the Future DNA pack. Assisting the lockdown of the boot were the integrated Flywire cables. Both the VNM and the VSN gave way to the Phantom GT in 2020.
Phantom GT (2020)
Phantom GT started during the COVID year and was known for the ‘Generative Texture‘ on its Flyknit upper that aided ball grip and control. The open-arched Hyperquick tooling was targeted on stability when moving and landing side-to-side.
The only difference between the GT 1 and the GT 2 a year later was the change of the Generative Texture from a micro-pill shape with varying intensities and concentrations to a generic, all-over chevron one.
Phantom GX (2022)
Nike Phantom GX made a splashing debut in 2022 as it started appearing in the knockout stages of the Qatar World Cup. GX brought the sticky Gripknit to the football boot world and provided some formidable challenge to the dominance of the adidas Predator in the grip/control department.
Phantom Luna (2023)
Nike’s football boot ‘By her, For her.’ The Luna was released as the brand’s dedicated boot for women’s football around the 2023 Women’s World Cup and also applied the Gripknit upper technology in a fit and style that catered well to its target audience.
It had the Cyclone 360 outsole that placed some blades in a circular formation on the forefoot for better rotational traction, that was used also on the GX 2. Read more about the Phantom Luna here.
Phantom GX II (2024)
For some reason, Nike decided to collapse the Luna and GX as the high-cut/low-cut option for the Phantom GX II. With it soft, grippy one-piece Gripknit upper and the same Cyclone 360-stud configuration, the GX II still performed well, both on-pitch and boot fans’ reception. The only thing was it somehow undermined the release of the Luna as a dedicated women’s boot.
