Phantom Luna/GX II Story
The Nike Phantom series is the evolution of Nike’s commitment to control-focused football boots, born from a desire to push past the limitations of traditional silo categories like power or agility. Its origins trace back to the merging and reimagining of earlier models like the Hypervenom and Magista—two boots that served creators and finishers in their own right.
In 2018, Nike introduced the Phantom Vision, a boot designed for playmakers operating in tight spaces. It featured a textured Flyknit upper and an internal Quadfit system for lockdown, paired with a ghost lace cover for a clean striking surface. It was all about precision, control, and stability.
Alongside it came the Phantom Venom, aimed at attackers. This boot was built with power and accuracy in mind, featuring strike zones designed to enhance shooting and passing.
By 2020, Nike refined its vision and combined the best elements of both silos to introduce the Phantom GT (Generative Texture). This marked a major shift. The GT featured data-driven texture mapping to maximize grip and control across the entire upper. It streamlined the concept of a “control” boot into one that was lighter, sleeker, and more versatile—favored by players who orchestrate and finish plays.
In 2023, the line evolved again with the launch of the Phantom GX. This model introduced Gripknit, a sticky, adaptive upper that offered enhanced feel and control while maintaining a barefoot-like fit. It also debuted the Cyclone 360 soleplate, designed for sharp rotational movements—ideal for quick turns and agile shifts in play.
The latest in the series, the Phantom GX II and Phantom Luna II, represent the most advanced iteration yet. Both use the same core technology but are offered with different collar designs to cater to different player preferences. The Luna, with its mid-cut asymmetrical collar, was developed with female athletes in mind, while the GX II retains a more traditional low-cut shape.
Across every generation, the Phantom series has evolved to serve players who want total command of the ball—from deep-lying playmakers to lethal forwards. It's not just a boot for one type of player—it's a boot built for those who control the tempo of the game.