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 a few months of playing in these cleats, here’s my honest take:

• Comfort: The upper and sole are super comfy, and there’s plenty of padding where it counts.
• Colorway & Design: I was craving something a bit lively, and the bold colors really hit the mark for me.
• Nike Cyclone 360: I know some folks aren’t fans, but I’m into the 360 stud pattern—it feels great when you’re cutting, digging in for passes, or taking shots.

What I Don’t Like About the Cleats

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

My one gripe is that the synthetic material feels a bit cheap when compared to the premium version but that’s probably expected.

I did slip on my heel which is pretty slick when playing on wet turf.

Compared to the Elite version, they are a bit heavier. This could make a difference for some players.

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.

Should You Buy Them?

At $90ish, these cleats hit the sweet spot between performance and affordability. They’re ideal for:

• Competitive youth players who like to turn quickly and have a soft touch on the ball
• Adults playing regular weekend games
• Anyone seeking elite-level features without breaking the bank

Final Verdict

The Nike Phantom GX 2 Academy proves that you don’t need to spend $250+ for quality cleats. They deliver where it matters most: comfort, control, and durability.

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!