The viral #BootsOnlySummer hashtag may have seemed like satire when it bubbled up on TikTok in early May, but it looks like the trend could have staying power throughout the summer.
In lieu of wearing studded cleats, brands are introducing modified boots with TPU shells wrapping their would-be spikes, and it’s not just modified cushioning like what’s been seen on the Nike Total 90 and Kith’s recent Adidas Soccer collection.
The latest batch of street-ready boots, such as the upcoming Adidas F50 Adiframe, are largely unchanged versions which don’t remove the studs, but instead wrap them in a translucent casing. Now, Nike is hitting the pitch with its own take on the concept.
Revealed Friday via Nike Football’s official social media channels with further teasers shared by brand partners, the new Nike Cryoshot series includes lifestyle spins on Ronaldo’s Mercurial R9 cleats and Ronaldinho’s Tiempo Legend R10, both in their respective classic colors.
On Saturday, Patta co-founder Guillaume “Gee” Schmidt shared a look at a third pair: a Patta x Nike Cryoshot Mercurial collaboration. With metallic silver striping, the style features similar color blocking to Ronaldo’s pair, but mixes in black and orange in place of the original blue and yellow. Patta’s version features a long-tongue attachment stamped with the Amsterdam brand’s logo. Patta has also recently been teasing the launch of its Air Max 90 “Waves” collaboration.
Along with Schmidt’s teaser, Corteiz founder Clint Ogbenna shared an in-hand look at the Cryoshot Mercurial R9 while attending Paris Saint-Germain’s dominating Champions League win over Inter.
Soccer-informed footwear has been an enduring trend in recent years. From the Adidas Samba to the Louis Vuitton Footprint, the movement has infiltrated both the sportswear and high fashion industries.
Despite the multiple teasers, release and pricing information for the Nike Cryoshot was not announced, however the franchise is expected to be introduced at retail during summer 2025.
