Should you go for Pro or Elite Nike football boots?
Now that may be the question you are wondering about after having scoured around Nike’s online store of boots.
These types of boots are a part of a tier system at Nike. In total, they have four tiers of boots that people can purchase.
When Nike release new boots, unless they are special one-off boots, they will come with four versions of them.
So let’s say you like the look of the new Nike Phantoms that have hit the store. You will likely see them under four prices.
Thus, I thought what would be a good idea is to explain what these tiers are, which one is best, and most importantly, which one is right for you.
Table of Contents
What Are The Different Types Of Nike Boots?
This section will talk about each of the four types of Nike boots plus how much you can expect to pay for each.
Nike Elite Football Boots
The top boots and the same ones you will see on the feet of the pros are the elite football boots.
These are the best ones you can get from Nike, and because they are packed with all the latest tech come at a hefty price point compared to the other tiers.
For these boots, you are looking at a price tag of £200-300. However, what is important to understand is these are the best boots you can buy.
Nike Pro Football Boots
Moving a level down, and you have the Nike pro football boots, these are at a more reasonable price and are for those who want to buy some good quality boots without forking out too much.
Of the four tiers, the pro and the elite are the closest, but if you look into the details, you will find finer details in the elite boots.
These boots are around the hundred mark, and you will be able to pick some up between £95-£130, depending on the icon.
Nike Academy Football Boots
Third on the list is Nike Academy boots, which are the second cheapest boots you can buy. These don’t include the tech that comes with the two types we have talked about above.
The difference between Elite boots and Academy football boots is a combination of quality in the materials as well as price.
These will offer a good playing experience, and you will be able to get the model boot you desire between £70-£95 which is just under half the price of an elite pair.
Nike Club Football Boots
The last boots which are the cheapest of the four are the Nike Club football boots.
However, these boots feature the same look as all other tiers on a simpler and more basic level. It doesn’t feature the same technology, or the quality isn’t optimum.
But for a price of £30-£50, you can’t go wrong with them.
Since these are much cheaper than the elite, it is much easier for footballers who are either on a budget or only plan on playing football here and there to pick them up.
Which Boots Do The Professional Footballers Wear?
You may see some players wearing pro boots in the lower tiers, but in the professional leagues of the players who choose Nike, the elite versions are most common.
Now not only is this because most professional footballers earn good money that allows them to spend money comfortably, but they need the top boots available.
With the elite boots, just as the name sounds, they are made to give you the best performance and comfort.
They are also durable, which is important since footballers play multiple times a week.
Having brought a few pairs of Nike elite boots, you can feel the difference between them and cheaper boots and give you confidence on the pitch.
Reasons To Buy Elite Nike Boots?
1. Look Better
The first reason I would go with is that the elite boots have a better look to them compared to the other tiers.
Now since they are designed to look the best and feature high-quality materials, you can see clear disparities between these and the pros.
2. What The Pro’s Wear
If you like the idea of wearing the same boots that your role models wear, then that is another reason to go for the elites.
While technically buying any of the tiers will give you the same boot, there is something nice about wearing a pair that you know are the same ones worn by professionals.
3. Will Last Longer
Since the quality overall is better, this includes the materials and the stitching. These boots should last you much longer than cheaper-priced ones.
I have personally owned a few pairs over the years, and all of them lasted me at least a season of football. Meaning I haven’t had to change my boots as frequently in the past seasons.
When you pay for extra, you do get more, and that is the case with these, so if you are looking for boots to last you, then that is another reason to go for these over the others.
Reasons Not To Buy Elite Nike Boots?
While I think the pros outweigh the cons with the elite range of Nike boots, I still think there are a few reasons not to buy them.
1. Can Be Expensive
It’s quite evident that Nike Elite football boots are expensive; however, they will set you back at £200-£300 depending on the boot.
Now the pros back up why that price is justified because they will give you such a good playing experience.
However, if you don’t have spare money to afford them, then choosing the pro tier version or lower will perfectly suffice.
2. You Don’t Play Football Often
The elite football boots come at a big price tag, so if you don’t plan on playing week in week out, it may not be worth buying them.
So if you don’t play football too much, apart from the odd six-a-side game on a Monday, it might not be worth paying that extra amount.
However, despite saying that if you want the best experience, then there are no other boots, I would recommend more than elite football boots.
Conclusion
While the elite football boots are designed to be the best, the reason behind having four tiers is to accommodate footballers with different budgets.
Not many people have the luxury of spending money freely on football boots like the pros.
So if you are on a budget, then going for the Pros, Academy, or Club is perfectly fine.
However, if you have the funds spare or are constantly checking out the newest boots, then there isn’t a pair I would recommend more than the elites.
While the look does stay the same through all tiers, there is a distinctive quality with the elite, making them shine above the rest.
Now I hope this post has helped to figure out whether to go with a pro or elite boots or maybe another tier.
But if there are any questions you would like to ask me, you can drop them down below, and I will get back to you when I can 🙂