When dealing with an old school boot like the Tiempo, it would be understandable for Nike to take the easy way out year after year, but as they proved on the Tiempo Legend IV, that's just something the swoosh just isn't happy doing.
It's no surprise, then, that Nike have worked their magic on the Tiempo Legend V, packing it full of features whilst retaining that inimitable Tiempo charm.
Especially evident on this Black / White / Silver colourway, it's clear that Nike's design team aimed to keep the spirit of the boot intact with design cues like the iconic swoosh symmetrical on the lateral and medial sides of the boot and central lacing.
But at the same, you'll find the modern spirit of what separates this boot from true heritage releases like the Copa Mundial – the huge contrast colour instep and sleek silhouette just two examples.
In fact, the whole boot is one of duality; Nike clashing concepts and technology that couldn't be more different yet further the boot forward as a whole.
For instance, the upper is made of two materials; the instep and forefoot use some of the best Kangaroo leather we've seen used on a Nike boot, whilst the heel and collar are Nike's signature Kangalite – the synthetic alternative first used on the CTR, here used to cut down on water uptake and improve durability.
You'll also find it in the Tiempo V's approach to comfort. A traditional quilt-stitched forefoot vamp creates a fit that will flex with every movement of the toe, whilst cutting down on stretching.
And on the modern side, you have the Nike Hypershield & ACC technology; under the trimmed-down leather, part of the hyper shield is a hydrophobic mesh that keeps moisture away from the foot whilst playing and help the boot dry after a game.
Whilst outside of the leather, ACC provides all conditions control for consistent touch in any weather – all helping form the Hypershield system and helping keep your feet comfortable in the most tricky weather.
You'll even find the old-meets-new on the Tiempo Legend V's soleplate; traditional conical studs in the forefoot allow freedom of movement in this high-pressure part of the foot, whilst the bladed heel studs offer exceptional stability.
Rounding out the soleplate is a similar mid foot stability shank to the Hypervenom Phantom and a split-toe and graduated flex combo that gives more bend under the toes for more a more responsive ride.
Speaking of similarities to the Hypervenom, Nike have also built the Tiempo Legend V on the same X1.1 last as the Phantom – which as anyone who has worn Nike's latest silo will confirm is a very, very good thing.
