As a boot nerd it
feels like Christmas has come early. Whenever a new boot release drops I am always
curious of the reception it will receive on the market and the hype it draws
within the boot community. But in recent months, the boot that has drawn the
most hype is the “GS” Nike Green Speed that was teased/offered to boot nerds
this summer in limited quantities. The Nike GS has taken the boot world by
storm. Nike produced a boot lighter than the Vapor and better yet they made it
limited the first offering.
Ultimately, Nike has
created an elite series boot all over again but was smart about it. Rather than
flood the market with the boots they teased the boots at the Olympics and then
released a select numbers of pairs. I have always said that when a new boot
drops its dead after a month because the market is flooded with the boot/color.
However, the GS2 will now be available for general release for the boot nerds
who did not get the boot the first time around.
Furthermore, every component
of the Nike GS2 has been optimized to reduce weight and waste, creating Nike’s
lightest boot ever to date. The GS2 has boot nerds salivating not only because
it is something new but because the boot will again weigh an astonishing 5.6
oz. Unlike the current MV8, which comes in at 6.5 oz the GS2 will be 9 oz
lighter.
In terms of
quality, the boot is born and manufactured in Italy. So those of you that know
your boots, means that anything manufactured in Italy are for sure grade A. The
Nike GS2 features recycled and renewable materials throughout the upper and
outsole. The outsole along with the sock liner is made of 100% castor beans which
ensure strength and flexibility. The GS laces, lining and tongue re made from a
minimum of 70% recycled materials. In addition, the toe box and collar of the
boot are made up of at least 15% recycled materials.
In addition, in
terms of the performance the Nike GS 2 traction plate combines a high
performance chassis with a strong responsive and agile form. The sole plate is
made of 50% renewable Pebax (a plant derived material made with 97% castor
beans) and 50% TPU, made from renewable materials. The plate is 15% lighter
than a traditional plate composition which means the boot is just meant for all
out speed.
In terms of the
upper, the GS2 features a kanga lite synthetic upper which provides a touch in
just the right spot. Combined with the kanga lite Nike reinforced the upper
with synthetic bands that provides the boot with a tighter fit and lock down
affect.
Overall, the style
of the boot looks unique and the black/white contrast gives it pop on the
pitch. As a boot enthusiast, I am interested to see how the fit of the boot is
compared to the regular MV8. However, never mind the fit with this release.
Nike have seemed to create a new silo and offered boot fans another option in
the speed boot category. Expect the GS2 to be around $300 which is way more realistic
then the last concept boot known as the Super Fly.