Breaking Down the Nike Vapor Carbon 2014 Elite

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Complex Original

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Less than a year after it introduced the first-ever 3D printed football cleat in the Vapor Laser Talon, Nike today introduces the Vapor Carbon 2014 Elite—the next generation of game-ready cleats made by using 3D printing technology.

The Vapor Carbon 2014 Elite is part of Nike’s NFL Silver Speed Collection, which the  rolled out especially for Super Bowl XLVIII. While it features a modified version of the same “V Plate” shape used in the Vapor Laser Talon, the 2014 Elite is built for use during game day (as opposed to just on the practice field). It features four large tri-star cleat studs on the forefoot of the full-length carbon fiber plate for a stronger initial burst, paired with additional shovel cleats along the sidewall for traction on quick cuts. The rear of the cleat is anchored by three conical studs.

The inspiration for the cleat is drawn from the 40-yard dash. Through a long-standing partnership with legendary gold-medal sprinter Michael Johnson, Nike used years of insight from profession athletes, coaches, trainers and even bio-mechanists to design a cleat that could make players faster on the gridiron.

The Vapor Carbon 2014 Elite isn’t just fast, it’s also supportive. The cleat’s one-piece upper offers a snug, locked-in fit, while adaptive Flywire technology provides lightweight support around the midfoot.

While it won’t make its on-field debut until Super Bowl Sunday, the Vapor Carbon 2014 Elite is available for pre-order starting today, January 9. For now, only the “Championship Silver” colorway is available. Look for additional color offerings to hit shelves this Fall.

$150

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