I Bought the Nike Phantom GX 2 Academy Soccer Cleats (My Review)

I recently bought the Nike Phantom GX II Academy LV8 on soccer.com. Not for my son either!

As a 40 year-old, these are the first pair of quality cleats I’ve purchased for myself in over a decade.

I’ve used some cheap or second-hand pairs of cleats so I do have something to compare my experience on.

I will go over some of the aspects I like and dislike about the cleat.

Nike Phantom GX 2 Academy LV8 Review

Before we get into it, keep in mind there are two versions of the Nike Phantom GX2:

• Nike Phantom GX II Academy LV8 (this review)
• Nike Phantom GX II Elite LV8 (more expensive version)

Here’s the difference between the two.

What I Like About the Nike Phantom GX 2 Cleats

After playing in the cleats for a few months, I think the following is on point:

• Comfort: The upper and sole feel very comfortable. There’s good padding in both.
• Colorway & Design: I needed some brightness in my life so I love the colors in the design.
• Nike Cyclone 360: Some players don’t like it but I like the 360 stud pattern. It feels good when you cut or dig into it to pass or shoot.

What I Don’t Like About the Cleats

There’s not a lot I don’t like about the soccer cleats.

My gripe is that they feel narrow at the top. This is pretty typical with cleats but I understand will get better once they are broken in.

Also, some of the synthetic material feels a bit cheap when compared to the premium version but that’s expected.

What is the Difference Between the GX 2 Academy & Elite?

The main differences between the Nike Phantom GT II Academy and Elite are in the materials.

The most noticeable difference is the Nike Gripknit (on the upper) on the Elite version. This material provides better grip and touch on the ball. For competitive soccer players, this can give you a slight edge.

Holding the pairs side by side, you can tell the difference in quality.

The pair that I bought retails for about $90 while the Elite version costs north of $260.

For me, I’m just training with my son so the Academy version is more than suitable.

Final Verdict

Overall, I like the fit and feel of the Nike Phantom GX 2 Academy soccer cleat.

These are ideal for players and families who are budget-conscious but don’t mind spending a little extra for quality.

They are a step above past models of base model Phantoms.

These are also great cleats for younger players who don’t need the extra technology of the Elite version.

Oh, and they are also ideal for us Dads who just want to kick the ball around.

If you have an older player or more competitive player, the Nike Phantom Elite version may be worth the extra $150. The materials are noticeably better.

I hope that review helps!