At the Nike T90 Laser IV launch…

As per my previous post about the Nike T90 Laser IV soccer boots/shoes (or football for the rest of us) here, I have finally got the chance to test drive the T90 Laser IV boots. Thanks to Milk PR (Sher, Jason and David) and Nike Malaysia for giving me the opportunity to experience the new boots myself.

The Perfect Strike? Definitely!

The launch was held at Wisma FAM Kelana Jaya last Thursday, complete with media briefing and demonstrations of the so-called ‘Rooney Challenge’, hands-on test of the T90 and some football pointers from the expert. Nike Malaysia decided to use the synthetic turf at the Wisma FAM for the media trial, for whatever reason.

This is the first time I’m joining Nike’s product launch and hopefully it’s not the last. It has been more than 30 years since I had my first Nike shoes, and it’s only now I had the opportunity to test the product officially, hahaha!

The event kicks off with the welcome note by Nike Malaysia’s Country Marketing Manager, Ms Joan Yeoh (nice meeting you!) and after viewing the Rooney Challenge’s video, the Laser IV’s technology is further explained by Nike Malaysia’s Product Specialist, Mr Cheng Yik Hoong (nice talking to you about the Laser III and IV).

The new T90 Laser IV

Anyway, let’s get back to the boots. The boots is Nike’s forth edition of the T90 series (hence the ‘IV’ moniker), and the technology involved is greater with every boots edition. For the T90 Laser IV, the tech involved:

• Having a lighter weight due to the new synthetic leather (seriously, it’s really light!);
• Redesigned from scratch;
• Adaptive shield design at forefoot;
• Enhanced fit and and feel for the wearer.

Check out the Adaptive Shield

Wanna know my take on the T90 after testing it? Read on:

• Well, what really surprise me is how light the boots compared to its older siblings. It’s really important for me, coming from a heavy player’s point of view. I don’t have to worry about dragging my feet around anymore. I can just run and concentrate on the game;
• The synthetic leather upper looks high tech and super strong, but still prone to scratches. But for day to day usage, you can always rely on the synthetic leather. Nike is offering a Kangalite version to those wanting a more natural feel of leather (black/white/yellow colourway), but I don’t know whether Nike Malaysia will bring that version in;

Grippy studs

• The fourteen studs are grippy, but be warned, as beginners will find the studs too grippy for their taste. The result will be a lot of tripping on field;
• The sweet spot is greater now, thanks to the position of the flexible strips and tiny fins near the sole;
• The fit is almost spot on. The Laser IV is redesigned from the ground up and it shows. I have fit problems in most boots like Adidas, Umbro and Puma, but the Laser IV minimised this problem for me.
• The Laser IV carries the ‘memory form’ technology from the III’s, and this is a good thing;
• I specially like the low heel counter, as a high heel counter might interfere with the flexibility of your heels;
• My only gripe is that the T90 Laser IV is too strikers-oriented. What really can it do for a defender like me?

Flexible and nimble

What can I say? I like the shoes very much! If only the price is lower, I will bet my bottom dollar that the Laser IV will flies off the shelves like karipaps, man! Hahaha! But given the efforts and technology put in the shoes, the premium price (RM 729) is somehow justify.

Almost perfect fit

Pros: Very light and strong; almost perfect fit; large sweet spots; full of tech; grippy.

Cons: Premium price; sizes are only available up to only UK10/US11 (in Malaysia); strikers-oriented boots; beginners might find this boots too advance for them (and best to avoid all together).

More photos of the event after the jump.

We're kitted up in T90 attire from head to toe!

Trying out the boots for size

Looks good visually too!

Nike Malaysia has converted the synthetic turf area at Wisma FAM Kelana Jaya as the trial place of the Laser IV

The current elusive Malaysia Home jersey is on show at the event. Too tight fit to some people. Might be good to offer larger sizes for options.

Same goes to the Away jersey. Did you noticed that the Malaysian team likes to wear the away jersey more than the home?

Introducing the Laser IV

Tiempo Legend IV Elite (as worn by Gerard Piqué)

Mercurial Superfly III (as worn by Cristiano Ronaldo) was there too

CTR360 Maestri II Elite (as previously worn by Wesley Sneijder)

The EPL ball also makes an appearance...

The new T90 Laser IV has a low heel counter, good for stabilising the heel without feeling discomfort

Some of the media at the event

Can you spot the Laser IV?

Yeah, that's our Laser IV boots!

Miss Yeoh giving her opening speech

Let's see whether the boots can stand scraping against the fence or not (hahaha!)

Mr Yik Hoong explaining the tech behind the Laser IV

The media can't wait to start the trial

Half a field and I'm already tired

Let's take a breather...

The photographers are also kitted in...

The lead trainer (Ben, if I'm not mistaken) is leading the warm-up

Two female members of the media becomes instant models (and they pretty too!)

Fully kitted with the T90

I'm not sure whether Nike has women-specific model for the Laser IV, but they looks good in it...

Nike's Ms Yeoh being interviewed by Astro Awani news team

The trainers at the Nike event

Yik Hoong showing the difference between the Laser III and Laser IV. Actually, both pairs are excellent football boots.

Thanks to everybody (Nike Malaysia and Milk PR) for inviting me to the event. More of those event, please!

Note: All photos are taken with Nikon D80. If you like to have the actual untouched photos (as above) of the event, please contact me via email.

The New Nike T90 Laser IV

I was given an email containing a press release, photos and videos of the new Nike T90 Laser IV football boots (as worn by Man Utd’s Wayne Rooney) by Nike Malaysia’s PR firm, Milk PR Sdn Bhd (thanks Sher Wizeman for the head-ups) yesterday.

Since I’m into all footballs, Nikes and gadgets (hey, football boots can be gadget too!), I’ve decided to feature ’em in my entry (keep ’em coming, Sher!).

The Maserati of football boots

Since the boot is currently worn by Rooney, more or less Nike is targeting it to be used by strikers. Why? It’s because on how the boot is designed. Read further:

• The new T90 Laser IV is 20% lighter than its predecessor;
• Redesigned completely to suit the modern strikers;
• Features a streamlined silhouette that provides an enhanced fit and feel for the player;
• The forefoot features a new adaptive shield design;
• The upper is made from performance synthetic leather;

Strips to enhance power

• The shooting and swerve zones are reconfigured by designing the insteps to flex naturally as the ball hits the boot – this is to ensure accuracy;
• The key contact zones are broken up into several strips to enhance the natural power and accuracy of the foot;
• Along the tongue and top of the boot, shape correction form increases instep for accurate strike of the ball;
• The studs are remodeled to increase penetration on the pitch, without pressure from the stud;
• Heel, medial, lateral and toe-off edge traction combined with a more flexible plate enhance agility and reduce slippage.

New adaptive shield design

The T90 Laser IV is available at all authorised Nike retailers since 17th September, and retailed at a premium price of RM729.

Check out Wayne Rooney’s The Perfect Strike and the making-of videos below.

Nike Cortez Retro (Black with Gold accent) shoes

Thanks Apit for the photo

Nike Cortez started off as a running shoes back in the 80’s. Without the technology currently available now, the cushioning of the Cortez is near borderline non-existant. With all the Nike Air or Zoom Air technology, running in the minimal-cushioned shoes must be tiring, and it will makes your feet hurt, like crazy.

Now, the Cortez has been re-issued and the same design is retained. This time it’s not for running. It’s more for chilling out at the mall kind-of-thing.

Honestly, the shoes still looks fresh. I got a pair of Cortez (albeit aptly named Nike Original) but the design is quite different from the current Cortezs. In my opinion, the colourway of the shoes makes it stand out, where the combination colour of black and gold really hits the spot.

The shoes retailed for RM199 last year (Cortez has been re-issued a few times since a couple of years ago), but my brother got it for a bargain. Without thinking twice, he swooped the shoes off the display rack.

I can’t blame him. With an iconic shoes and an even cheaper price, you should be wearing it now.

More photos after the jump.

Front

~~~@@@~~~

Top

~~~@@@~~~

Back

 

Nike5 Football Boots

Nike Malaysia has recently sent me the press release for the new Nike5 boots. Please read on.

Nike is proud to present new boots designed to the exact specifications of specific small sided games – Nike5 Bomba Finale (cage), Nike5 Elastico Finale (caneta) and Nike5 LunarGato (sala), all available now.

Nike5 Collection

Players are bound to find a boot to fit their game, with a collection of boots led by the Nike5 Bomba Finale (cage), Nike5 Elastico Finale (caneta) and Nike5 LunarGato (sala). With a range of surfaces and game styles the Nike5 footwear is designed to the exact specifications of specific small sided games. Cage is typically played on artificial surfaces, including indoor and outdoor games in Europe, Central America and North America. Caneta is primarily played on indoor courts, while Sala is played on hard surfaces such as dirt and hard courts; both originate from Latin America. These homegrown games are quickly expanding around the world.

Cage: Nike5 Bomba Finale

• Shape correction Shot Shield advances true low-trajectory striking

• CTR360 inspired in-step area enhances touch for fast distribution

• Protective rubberized screen provides durability and strength in high-impact zone

• Evolved forefront AG TPU traction technology increase toe acceleration and plant foot stability

• New rubber turf pattern provides underfoot ball control and stability

Caneta: Nike5 Elastico Finale

• Revolutionary outsole technology enhances underfoot ball control in all directions

• Full transition lightweight outsole increases 360 degree ball control while enhancing touch for quick distribution

• Anatomically contoured barefoot construction provides a lightweight fit

• Forefoot debosed dots work with the Kanga-Lite synthetic leather upper to provide a soft touch, while amplifying touch under more impact

Sala: Nike5 LunarGato

• Lunarlon platform technology, tuned specifically for the small sided game, maximizes balance stability, support and cushioning

• New Gum Rubber outsole design provides traction, flexibility and underfoot ball control

• Forefront leather upper cushions ball impact enhancing touch and control

• Seamless no-sew system increases comfort and flexibility

• Protective rubberized screen provides durability and strength in high-impact zones

The full 2010 Nike5 Collection will be available beginning October 1, 2010.

Nike5 Elastico Finale is available at all Nike retailers and is priced at RM359. The Nike5 Bomba Finale is only available at Al-Ikhsan stores and retails for RM369 while the Nike5 LunarGato retails for RM299 and is exclusive to Nike stores nationwide.

Nike’s Lace Up Save Lives (NIKE)RED

Get this for RM15 a pop

I have been supporting this Nike campaign for quite some time (I even put it on my FB’s status), but didn’t actually buy the product. Today, I bought the laces (RM15 at your reputable Nike stores everywhere) and with it, some feel good feelings that I’m contributing some money to Africa for them to fight AIDS.

And you'll get 2 red laces...

The Nike campaign is fronted by the African football stars (notably Didier Drogba). Assholes aside, this is a very good cause to be indulge in and by buying the laces for RM15, it’s money well spent (than your early morning cappuccino at your local coffee shops).

You can read more about this campaign at (NIKE)RED and Nike Football.

The Red Lace on my AF1 Jordan

Just a word of caution: the red laces are primarily designed to be used on football boots (hence the origin of the African footballers), therefore the laces are smaller and shorter than the normal sneakers. But by tightening the laces (or even skipping some holes on the shoes), you will be able to tie the laces together.