Nike Lunargato football boots

Lunargato football boots

In the early 2010s, Nike launched its first Gato futsal boot. Sleek and low-profile, it inspired other sporty silhouettes, including 2013’s Lunargato II, which offered a more lightweight, stripped back design that balanced speed, comfort and control. After fans expressed their disappointment at its 2015 discontinuation, Nike revived the popular short-sided football boot in 2019.

The Nike Lunargato II features a lightweight upper with soft, quilted goat leather stretching across the forefoot and medial flank to provide a natural feel and precise ball control. It breaks in quickly and moulds to the foot, thus increasing comfort over time, while the toe area is protected by a durable, textured panel with a sandpaper-like roughness. The rearfoot and lateral sidewall are made of Hyperfuse mesh – a thin yet hard-wearing material that delivers structure and breathability without being restrictive. Reliable lockdown comes from the standard lacing, with its slightly offset eyestay, and the textile lining has a piece of plush suede running up the heel spine for enhanced comfort.

A flat, low-to-the-ground sole unit supports the Lunargato II, facilitating nimble movement and control in tight spaces while also providing solid stability. Its full-length Lunarlon foam midsole is comfortable, impact absorbing and responsive, with a contoured sockliner that gently cradles the foot. A sturdy rubber lip protects the front of the midsole, and a line of nylon stitching increases durability, ensuring that the shoe lasts through long hours of intense play. Underfoot, the tread pattern of the articulated outsole incorporates ridged lines for flexible grip, thus contributing to the silhouette’s overall agility.

Suave and stylish, the Nike Lunargato II derives its distinctive aesthetic from the dynamic design lines created by the criss-cross stitching of its leather sections and the structural rubberised stripes of the Hyperfuse mesh. The single Swoosh wrapping around the heel is just one of many asymmetrical features that give the shoe added charisma, with other details including Hyperfuse and Lunarlon wordmarks that highlight its performance technologies and a tongue patch adorned with refined branding. Together, these elements make the Lunargato II a great option for lifestyle as well as sporting use.

To relaunch the Lunargato II in 2019, Nike teamed up with legendary Portuguese futsal star Ricardinho. Known for his record-breaking career and unmatched all-round game, O Mágico praised the indoor football boot for its speedy, responsive sole and its ability to stop and change pace in an instant, saying that he was wearing it during some of “the best moments” of his career.

The Nike Lunargato is a versatile sports shoe that provides outstanding support on indoor surfaces and streets, offering comfort, control, speed and agility alongside a sleek, classy look.