The Nike Tiempo history can be traced back to the 1980s when the company started experimenting with leather materials to create a soccer cleat that offered durability, comfort, and ball control.
In the last 3 decades, it has become an iconic soccer cleat in the industry. It has been worn by numerous high-profile soccer players.
To carry the brand forward Nike has consistently pushed the boundaries with new technologies.
Always looking to improve to meet the needs of modern-day players.
This model helped Nike stand out against other soccer shoe brands.
Nike Tiempo Soccer Cleat/Boot Timeline
Nike Tiempo Legend (1994)
The Nike Tiempo history started in 1994 when Nike launched the Tiempo Legend.
The soccer cleat was designed as a premium leather option for players to wear, focusing on helping players improve their touch while playing.
The upper of the soccer shoe was made with kangaroo leather, which was softer than other types of leather on the market.
This gave the players an excellent feel for the ball when they had it at their feet.
The Tiempo Legend quickly rose in popularity with professional players when it launched and was worn by high-profile players at the time including Baggio and Romario.
Nike Tiempo Premier (1994)
Further along in the year, Nike released their second model of the Tiempo, the Tiempo Premier.
This model was designed to be more durable and rugged than the Tiempo Legend.
Instead of being manufactured with kangaroo leather, the Premier was manufactured using slightly thicker full-grain leather.
The models also used a different tongue on the cleat design.
While the Tiempo Legend had a fold-over tongue stitched to the upper, the Premier has a more traditional tongue.
To further protect the cleat a rubberized toe cap was also introduced to this Tiempo model
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Nike Tiempo Premier II (2000)
In 2000 Nike launched the Tiempo Premier II, which was an improvement various the original model.
This model was made with thinner and more supple leather, which improved comfort and also featured a new outsole.
The outsole was made with a mix of conical and bladed studs which provided more versatility when playing on different surfaces.
Nike Air Tiempo Legend II (2005)
Nike released the Air Tiempo in 2005.
As the name suggests this soccer shoe came with an Air-Sole unit in the heel for better cushioning and comfort.
Similar to the Premier this model was manufactured with full-grain leather and featured a stitched toe box to improve the longevity of the boot.
Another unique feature that was added to the Air Tiempo was the herringbone pattern on the outsole that improved traction and grip on a variety of different surfaces.
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Nike Tiempo Legend III (2009)
The Tiempo Legend III was released in 2009 with some major improvements.
The first change came to the upper of the soccer cleat.
This was made from premium kangaroo leather, and a unique stitching pattern that reduced the stretch of the cleat.
These features added a softer feel to the player and improved ball control.
Nike’s Flywire technology was also used in the lacing system to helped reduced pressure points while playing and provide a firm fit.
An EVA sock liner in this model also provided better support and cushioning during play.
These boots were famously worn by Ronaldinho.
Nike Tiempo Legend III Elite (2010)
Although similar to the Tiempo Legend III, the Elite model provides several enhancements.
The first is the material used in the upper.
In the Elite model, synthetic leather is used which provides a more lightweight, consistent feel across a variety of different weather conditions.
The second difference is the introduction of the Adaptive Shield.
The Adaptive Shield technology allows the cleat to mold to the shape of the foot, allowing for a more personalized feel and fit.
Flywire technology is also integrated into the midfoot area of the Elite model.
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Nike Tiempo Legend IV (2011)
The Nike Tiempo Legend IV was released in 2011.
This Tiempo model was designed with a sleeker profile for a more modern look.
Nike also included a “Hybrid Plate” in this model, which combined lightweight materials with a firm structure to help improve balance and stability on the pitch.
They also redesigned the outsole with a mix of molded and removable studs, so players could adjust the feel for different surfaces.
Nike Tiempo Legend V (2014)
The Nike Tiempo Legend V released in 2014.
This soccer shoe model was made with a combination of kangaroo leather and synthetic leather.
Which takes the softness of the kangaroo’s leather while also providing more durability with the synthetic leather.
Nike constructed the cleat with a unique hyper shield method, which created a thin, lightweight layer that would cover the upper part of the cleat to provide extra protection against abrasion.
The material was also treated with Nike’s All Conditions Control technology, which helps improve the player’s ball control in a variety of different weather conditions.
The Nike Tiempo Legend V is a soccer cleat that was released in 2013 as part of the Nike Tiempo line. It was designed to provide excellent touch, comfort, and durability for soccer players of all levels.
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Nike Tiempo Legend VI (2015)
2 Years later Nike released the Nike Tiempo Legend VI in 2015.
Like its predecessor, it was also made with a combination of kangaroo and synthetic leather to help maintain the cleat’s durability and water resistance.
This also included being treated with Nike’s ACC technology.
The Quad-Fit Mesh was the name given to the new tongue construction that would allow the tongue to adapt to the shape of the foot with a secure locked-in fit.
Nike Tiempo Legend VII (2017)
Released in 2017 the Nike Tiempo Legend VII was the next addition to the Nike Tiempo history line.
This model featured a Flyknit constructed heel with Flywire cables, the enhanced the stability and responsiveness of the boot by ensuring the player’s foot was locked into position.
The Flyknit material also improves the flexibility and breathability of the soccer shoe, ensuring that it remained comfortable while playing for extended periods of time.
Instead of a combination of materials, the Nike Tiempo Legend VII was just made with premium kangaroos leather.
This model has been worn by numerous professional players, including Sergio Ramos and Virgil van Dijk.
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Nike Tiempo Legend VIII (2019)
The Nike Tiempo Legend VIII builds on the standout features of the Tiempo Legend VII.
One of the most significant improvements is the Quadfit mesh lining.
This creates a snug, custom fit around the foot, providing superior comfort and precision.
Another notable feature is the premium Kangaroo leather upper, treated with Nike’s All Conditions Control (ACC) technology.
The Flywire cable lacing system is another significant enhancement that adds stability and support.
This reduces the risk of injuries and keeps the foot securely in place during intense gameplay.
Nike Tiempo Legend IX (2021)
the Nike Tiempo Legend IX soccer cleats were released in 2021 and feature several improvements from the Legend VIII model.
One of the biggest changes was the introduction of the Flyknit tunnel that runs through the midfoot, which increases stability.
The Flyknit upper is also made with recycled polyester yarn.
One significant upgrade is the introduction of a new Flyknit Fit Tunnel that runs through the midfoot, allowing for better lockdown and stability.
The Flyknit upper is also made with recycled polyester yarns, making it more sustainable.
The Legend IX has a redesigned soleplate that features a combination of conical and chevron studs for improved grip on multiple playing surfaces.
The cushioning system has also been updated with a new Nike React foam that reduces stud pressure.
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Evolution of other soccer cleat and boot models
If you enjoyed the Nike Tiempo history, you’ll enjoy the history of these other iconic soccer cleats/boots:
- Adidas F50
- Adidas Predator
- Adidas Adipure
- Adidas Nemeziz
- Nike Mercurial
- Nike Total 90
- Nike Hypervenom Phantom
If you are looking at buying soccer cleats and don’t know where to start this is a comprehensive soccer cleats buying guide to make the process simpler.
Thank you,
Toby