The Nike Total 90 history started in 2000.
The Nike Total 90 line has been a soccer cleat favorite of players across the globe since its launch.
Over the course of the years, the Total 90 line has continuously been upgraded and pushed technological advancements.
What made this line stand out from other soccer cleat brands was its unique shot zone pad on the instep of the cleat and the asymmetrical lace design.
The intent behind this was to increase shot power and accuracy.
Whether you are a die-hard football fan or just someone who loves to learn about the history of sports, this is the story behind Nike Total 90.
Nike Total 90 Soccer Cleat/Boot Timeline
Nike Total 90 (2000)
Nike’s new range of soccer cleats was the Nike Total 90s released in 2000.
The soccer shoe was specifically designed to increase the shot power and accuracy of the player wearing them, targeting the striking surface of the cleat.
The Nike Total 90 was made with synthetic leather, featured a padded striker zone, and had a low-profile tongue with a fold-over flap.
This provided a larger and cleaner surface to strike the ball.
This was also the first Total 90 model to feature a Nike Zoom Air technology unit to help support the foot.
The Zoom air technology would continue to feature in future models
High-profile names such as Wayne Rooney, Luis Figo, and Totti help propel this model to the masses.
Nike Total 90 II (2002)
In 2002 Nike marked the follow-up to the Total 90 with the Total 90 II.
This model was made with updated synthetic leather, however, it featured a different pattern than its predecessor.
The Total 90 II was designed with new ridges and grooves to help improve ball control.
While the strike zone on the instep was redesigned for a more defined shape.
One of the new features of the Nike Total 90 II was the asymmetrical lacing system, which created a more efficient striking area for the ball.
It was also fitted with a foam insert to improve shot accuracy.
The Nike Total 90 II soccer cleat was released in 2002 as a follow-up to the original Total 90. Like its predecessor, the Total 90 II was designed with a focus on power and accuracy.
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Nike Total 90 III (2004)
The 3rd variation of the Nike Total 90 was revealed in 2004, The Total 90 III.
The Total 90 III was made with a combination of synthetic leather and mesh.
This would provide the wearer with more breathability while also increasing the durability of the shoe.
The strike zone of the cleat had a more streamlined and sleek design.
Nike also continued the theme of an asymmetrical lacing system.
The outsole of the shoe featured a modified bladed stud pattern.
This helped with sharp changes of direction and grip on the playing surface.
The stand-out color combination for this model was the silver and red version, made popular by Wayne Rooney at the 2004 European Championships.
Nike Total 90 Supremacy (2006)
In 2006 Nike launched the Total 90 Supremacy.
The upper part of the cleat was made with Nike’s KNG100 microfiber, which quickly molded and shaped to your foot for a snug fit.
The off-centered lacing system created a larger surface area to strike the ball.
This model has 14 molded studs that create a smooth transition from planting the heel to pushing off from the toes.
The stud system was so popular in this model that Nike went on to use it for their Tiempo boot line.
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Nike Total 90 Laser (2007)
The newest model in the evolution of the Total 90 line was the Total 90 Laser, which was released in 2007.
The laser was the first in this model line to introduce a shot shield zone on the instep of the shoe.
Made with foam and rubber, the shield zone was designed to improve shot accuracy and precision.
For added comfort, the cleat also included a padded tongue.
The split tongue in the cleat also improved the flexibility of the shoe which would assist players to make quick turns more effectively.
The cleat also had a split-toe design that was intended to improve flexibility and help players make quick turns and changes of direction.
Nike Total 90 Laser II (2008)
Nike released the Total 90 Laser II, the second iteration of the Total 90 Laser, in 2008.
To build on the previous success of the Laser model Nike updated the design of the shot shield zone.
Nike also altered the look of the cleat, making it more streamlined and sleek.
This model also featured a more anatomical fit, a contoured sock line, and an improved lacing system to ensure they stayed locked in during gameplay while also improving comfort.
The outsole largely stayed the same but with some minor stud changes to better improve traction on the surface.
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Nike Total 90 Laser III (2011)
Nike released the 3rd edition of the Total 90 Laser in 2011, with significant improvements from the previous model.
The Total 90 Laser III used adaptive shield technology that would shape and mold to the player’s foot, the more they wear the cleat.
This would improve the overall feel of the cleat for a more personalized fit.
The Laser III was also lighter than the Laser II.
Weighing 290 grams (10.2 ounces) compared to 300 grams (10.6 ounces).
They also improved the stud pattern on the Laser III, incorporated a unique heel design, and further enhanced its trademark shot shield zone.
Nike Total 90 Laser IV (2012)
Nike continued to outdo itself with the release of the Nike Total 90 III in 2012.
This would ultimately be the last model in the Nike Total 90 history.
However, there are rumors of a return of the soccer cleat line.
One of the biggest changes came in the form of Nike’s Hyperfuse technology.
The technology used a combination of heat and pressure to fuse multiple layers of material together.
This created an upper material that was seamless, incredibly lightweight, durable, and great breathability.
This brought the total weight of the Total 90 Laser IV down to 233 grams (8.2 ounces).
As well as featuring this new technology Nike also made updates to the Shot shield technology, Adaptive shield technology, and stud configuration.
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Evolution of other soccer cleat and boot models
If you enjoyed the Nike Total 90 history, you’d enjoy the history of these other iconic soccer cleats/boots:
- Adidas F50
- Adidas Predator
- Adidas Adipure
- Adidas Nemeziz
- Nike Mercurial
- Nike Tiempo
- 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