The touch you can depend on. The Nike Tiempo is a revolutionary part of the history of football footwear, known for its unimagined comfort and feel. In this article, we will break down their history, size, fit, and some of their biggest moments on the pitch.
Tiempo’s Biggest Moments and History
The Tiempo has been around since 1984 but picked up its first real feel for speed in 1994, after debuting at the World Cup Final in California on 8 of the 22 players. This game was a pivotal moment for the Tiempo, grasping the world's attention for decades to come. Coming off of this strike of marketing genius after the World Cup, Nike launched “The Wall,” an iconic ad featuring the Tiempo Premier on global stars.
Image Courtesy of Shaun Botterill
Fast forward to 2005, the Tiempo got a radical facelift. Nike introduced the Nike Air Tiempo Legend, marking a massive moment for the boot. This included the most notable evidence of its versatility and ability to adapt to a changing game, which it is still known for today. The boot featured a more modern look and added a mesh tongue for increased ventilation and a Zoom Air soleplate for increased support in the heel. In 2009, Nike introduced the Nike Tiempo Legend III, which put even more emphasis on comfort as it featured a new leather used in the upper. As time went by and got closer to the 2010 World Cup, all eyes were on Nike. They released The Elite Pack and upgraded all of their existing boots. It included a unique two-tone color way, each featuring a carbon fiber soleplate loved by fans and players alike.
Many editions and improvements were made to the Tiempo over time. However, more recently, the Tiempo began to change and shift with more advanced technology. In 2011, one of the most sought-after and anticipated releases was the Tiempo Legend IV. It combined the unmatched touch and feel with a flywire upper and a new stud configuration widely loved among players. In 2013, Nike used hypershield technologies designed to reduce water uptake for the first time. The Tiempo Legend has made history by always being present in the biggest moments and constantly evolving and adapting to the constant changes in technology and the game.
Who Wears Nike Tiempos?
The World Cup of 1994 made history as 8 out of the 22 players wore Nike Tiempos, including Romario and Paolo Maldini. Later on, it was marketed as the “Number 10 boot” while it was adorned by the famous number 10 and Barcelona’s king of soccer, Ronaldhino, who was made leader of the new generation of Tiempo. 2006 is when the first complete signature line was created by Nike exclusively for one of their football stars. This was the Nike Ronaldhino 10R, the first of many special edition lines. In the last decade, the Tiempo has solidified its place as the best cleat for center-backs after adorning the feet of famous defensive-minded players Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos. It has also been worn by Virgil Van Dijk and Jan Vertonghen, among many others.
How Does The Nike Tiempo Fit?
The Nike Tiempo fits true to size. With the addition of synthetic fly touch technology, the Tiempo is designed to fit snug around your feet and offers excellent flexibility due to its lightweight upper. It also fits wide-footed players and has a relatively thin material, allowing for an easier time when breaking them in and optimal comfort.
What position is the Tiempo Best For?
The Tiempo was made for more defensive-minded players and perfect for center-backs. While the Tiempo is a widely versatile boot that can serve many purposes for many different players, it is mostly recommended for center-backs. Given its focus on comfortability, it is perfect for defenders who want an intimate touch.
How To Break In The Tiempo
The Tiempo is unique because it is extremely flexible and comfortable due to its lightweight and thin material, meaning you shouldn’t struggle too much with breaking it in. However, some steps can be taken to make the break-in time faster. Wear them for quick jogs or smaller training sessions for a good feel. After a few wears, you should be able to play in them comfortably and freely.
The Tiempo Today
The latest edition of the Tiempo is the Legend 10. The new boot offers an entirely new definition of comfort with the addition of the Flytouch Plus material. It aims to provide a soft, light, and strong synthetic upper material, allowing for optimal touch. It is the lightest version of the Tiempo to date and quickly molds to a player's foot over time, given its thin, flexible nature.
The Tiempo is one of the most consistent and reliable boots on the market, proving that if it's not broken, don't fix it. It's a touch you can depend on and grow with throughout generations. Shop your favorites here.
