- Nike Total 90
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A pair of Nike Total 90 Laser boots in Black and Red with the Soft Ground (SG) soleplate
Nike Total 90 is a brand of Nike sportswear and equipment first introduced in 2000, and specifically designed to be used for association football. The range of products consists mainly of shoes, shirts, and shorts, but also includes other items such as socks, shin guards, equipment bags, drink bottles, goalkeeper gloves, and balls.
The Total 90 brand name is derived from the 90 minutes traditionally played in a football match, with 'Total' implying that the athlete who represents the 'Total 90' ethos is capable if giving maximum effort at any point in the game. It is now commonly abbreviated by Nike themselves to 'T90'.
The majority of Total 90 apparel is designed for athletic purposes and is made up of various materials that absorb sweat and transfer it to the outside of the material so it can evaporate quickly. More ventilated material is usually placed in areas more prone to sweat collecting such as the underarms and neck area.
In 2007, Nike introduced a new boot, the Nike Total 90 Laser. The boot's main feature was the concentric rubber rings (shot-shield) on the top of the boot, which, it was claimed, improved accuracy, swerve and power. It also boasted a "E-Vent" membrane throughout the boot's upper, which increased breathability, while blocking absorption. The boot's marketing involved several Nike-endorsed players, including Gennaro Gattuso, Carles Puyol, Gonzalo Higuaín, Diego, Fabio Cannavaro, Torsten Frings, Wesley Sneijder, Wayne Rooney, Michael Essien, Rafael Márquez, Fernando Torres, Rikard Stendal and Florent Malouda.
In April 2008, the Total 90 Laser was followed by the Total 90 Laser II. This version featured a refined "sweet spot" and reduced the area of exposed laces. The high density material of the "sweet spot" combined with the rings to help keep the ball down and add swerve to the ball[1].
There have been seven generations of Total 90 boots, beginning with the Air Zoom Total 90, followed by Air Zoom Total 90 II, Air Zoom Total 90 III, Total 90 Supremacy, Total 90 Laser, Total 90 Laser II and, most recently, the Total 90 Laser III[2].
Laser III Synthetic Black/Blue/Volt ColorwayThe Total 90 Laser III version is the most complex of the line of boots. It boasts 5 red silicon pods that are designed to improve the strike zone, it also comes equipped with TPU fins that are designed to enhance touch and control.[3].
In September 2011,[4] Nike revealed the latest incarnation of their signature power/accuracy boots; the Nike T90 Laser IV. This latest incarnation did away with the silicon pods and TPU rubber fins of the Laser III, and introduced 'strips' of hard rubber to the forefoot which shift and bend with the movements of the foot - with Nike coining the name 'Adaptive Shield' for this new technology.[5] The Laser IV also features TPU swerve fins to generate friction and ball spin, and a Power Zone that improves strength and accuracy when striking the ball.[6].
With the launch of the Nike T90 Laser IV, Nike were also keen to re-invent the silo for the modern striker. As such, the boot's weight was decreased by 20% to around 270 g (9.5 oz) (in a US size 9 boot), and the Laser IV's silhouette and shape were slimmed down from the wide-fitting Laser III.
Launched in two colourways, White/Black/Total Orange and Black/Silver/Yellow, the Nike T90 Laser IV hit the pitch early when Wesley Sneijder wore them in Inter Milan's clash with Palermo at the start of the 2011-12 Serie A season[7] .
Laser IV Synthetic White/Black/Total Orange Colorway
Laser IV KangaLite Black/Yellow/Silver ColorwayThe boot's official on-pitch debut was on 18 September 2011, when Wayne Rooney wore them in Manchester United's Premier League match against Chelsea.[8]
References
- ^ "Nike Total 90 Laser II". prodirectsoccer.com. http://www.prodirectsoccer.com/Products/Nike-Football-Boots-Nike-Total-90-Laser-II-Leather-FG-Firm-Ground-Cleats-White-Black-Sport-Red-5044.aspx?spr=1. Retrieved 17 Octover 2011.
- ^ Nike T90 Laser III Soccer Cleats 101 | Soccer
- ^ Nike T90 Laser III Review Soccer Cleats 101 | Soccer
- ^ "Nike T90 Laser IV". Footy-Boots.com. http://www.footy-boots.com/nike-t90-laser-iv-18220/. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
- ^ "Nike T90 Laser IV". Footy-Boots.com. http://www.footy-boots.com/nike-t90-laser-iv-18220/. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
- ^ "Nike Total 90 Laser IV". prodirectsoccer.com. http://www.prodirectsoccer.com/Products/Nike-Football-Boots-Nike-Total-90-Laser-IV-FG-Firm-Ground-Soccer-Cleats-WhiteTotal-OrangeBlack-37003.aspx. Retrieved 16 October 2011.
- ^ "Nike T90 Laser IV: Sneijder Debuts". Footy-Boots.com. http://www.footy-boots.com/nike-t90-laser-iv-19171/. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
- ^ "Nike T90 Laser IV Launch". Footy-Boots.com. http://www.footy-boots.com/nike-t90-laser-iv-19245/. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
See also
- Nike Tiempo range, Nike’s ‘Touch’ boot
- Nike CTR360 range, Nike's 'Control' boot
- Nike Mercurial range, Nike’s ‘Speed’ boot
Nike, Inc. Corporate directors John G. Connors · Jill Ker Conway · Timothy D. Cook · Ralph D. DeNunzio · Alan B. Graf · Douglas G. Houser · Phil Knight · John C. Lechleiter · Mark Parker · Johnathan A. Rodgers · Orin C. Smith · John Thompson · Phyllis M. Wise Keith WhiteAssets and products Air Jordan · Air Melo Line · Cole Haan · Converse · Exeter Brands Group · Hurley · Nike Air Max · Nike Considered · Nike Flywire · Nike Free · Nike Golf · Nike Mercurial Vapor · Nike Shox · Nike SB · Swoosh · Air Force 1 · Team Starter · Nike Total 90 · Umbro · Nike Multi-TurfMiscellaneous Categories:- Association football equipment
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