Nike Phantom GX2 Review – A Detailed Look at Nike’s New Era of Control and Comfort
When Nike dropped the Phantom GX2, expectations were sky-high. Following the success of the original Phantom GX and the Phantom Luna, fans anticipated something truly revolutionary.
Instead of completely reinventing the wheel, Nike merged the best features of both boots—the GX and the Luna—into a single model that feels fresh yet familiar.
In this Nike Phantom GX2 review, I’ll break down what’s new, what’s improved, and what could still use a tweak. From grip knit upper innovations to the Cyclone 360 outsole, I tested every detail to see how the GX2 performs under real match conditions.
Whether you’re a playmaker, a winger, or a striker, this review will help you decide if the GX2 deserves a spot in your bag.
The Evolution: From GX1 and Luna to GX2
The Nike Phantom GX2 isn’t just a simple update—it’s more of a fusion. Nike took the grip knit upper from the GX1 and the 3D ribs from the Luna 1, then blended them into a new single-layer upper. This upper combines sticky coated yarns with uncoated high-tenacity yarns to achieve the sweet spot between control and natural feel.
The result is a boot that remains soft and pliable but feels slightly more structured than the first GX. While the GX1 was famous for its “mind-bending softness,” the GX2 trades a bit of that for improved responsiveness. On the pitch, the difference is subtle, but it’s there. The upper molds to your foot beautifully—like a glove that understands your every move.
Comfort and Fit: Familiar Yet Refined
Slip into the GX2, and the comfort feels instantly familiar. Like its predecessor, it adapts to your foot shape quickly. The single-layer construction brings a more relaxed fit, especially compared to the tighter GX1. It’s not loose or baggy—it just breathes more and feels slightly freer around the midfoot.
Players with wider feet will appreciate this change. The GX2 offers a touch more space in the toe box and a more accommodating midfoot. That said, those who loved the snug, second-skin sensation of the GX1 might find the GX2 just a bit too relaxed.
There’s a small trade-off here: the looser structure leads to slightly reduced lockdown, particularly when bending your foot. While it’s not a major issue, it’s noticeable. Personally, I found the lockdown sufficient for sharp cuts, though I did experience a bit of bunching near the forefoot—something I didn’t see in the first GX.
Still, overall comfort is superb. The deep heel cup, sculpted midfoot, and balanced forefoot shape make the GX2 easy to wear for long sessions right out of the box.
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The Upper: Grip, Texture, and Touch
The grip knit upper remains the heart of this boot’s DNA. It delivers that signature “sticky” feel that helps you control the ball in tight spaces.
But Nike has refined it for better balance. On the GX1, the stickiness could sometimes be too much—especially on dry pitches where your foot might literally cling to the ball. The GX2 tames that behavior, keeping the control without the chaos.
The texture feels amplified yet more controlled. You can feel the ball connect with your foot through the yarns, offering tactile feedback without extra bulk. The result is a boot that provides precision when dribbling and confidence when striking.
It’s less about gimmicks and more about intuitive control. On AG (artificial grass) surfaces, I noticed that the GX2’s grip felt just right—not overly sticky but enough to keep touches sharp and predictable.
Fit and Sizing: True to Size with a Touch of Room
For this Nike Phantom GX2 review, I wore my standard size, and it felt spot-on. The fit is true to size, though slightly more generous than before. If the GX1 hugged your foot tightly, the GX2 gives it a little more breathing room. The forefoot is wider, and the overall feel is more accommodating.
However, I’d advise players with narrow feet to wear thicker socks or use performance insoles to reduce internal space, especially around the heel. While not a dealbreaker, the heel area does feel less secure than ideal. I could even fit a finger down the heel counter—something I didn’t love.
Despite that, break-in time is minimal. From the first wear, the GX2 felt game-ready, with no pressure points or stiff zones. It’s a cleat that welcomes your foot rather than fights it.
Design and Aesthetics
Visually, the Phantom GX2 stands out with its streamlined silhouette and textured upper. The slightly higher collar adds a modern touch without feeling restrictive. However, the naming strategy can be confusing—especially since the Luna 2 is essentially the same boot with a higher collar. Think of the GX2 as the “low-cut” version and the Luna 2 as its “Superfly twin.”
That said, the materials, patterns, and finish on both are nearly identical. The boot feels premium in hand and on-foot, with every detail—from the laces to the grip zones—built with purpose. It’s a shoe that screams performance but whispers comfort.
Performance: On-Ball Control and Precision
On the pitch, the Nike Phantom GX2 shines where it matters most—ball control. Whether receiving passes, shielding the ball, or taking touches under pressure, the grip knit upper provides consistent feedback. The combination of stickiness and softness helps stabilize the ball on your foot during quick transitions.
When dribbling, I felt more confident maintaining possession, especially in tight spaces. The tactile feedback is addicting—each touch feels calculated. However, because of the toned-down stickiness, I could focus more on my movement rather than worrying about the ball getting trapped under my sole.
Passing and shooting both benefit from this refined texture. The boot provides that clean strike zone feeling, with no intrusive overlays or seams. The grip knit enhances spin control without feeling artificial, making long passes crisp and accurate.
Traction and the Cyclone 360 Outsole
One of the biggest highlights in this Nike Phantom GX2 review is the Cyclone 360 outsole. Originally seen on the Phantom Luna, this soleplate focuses on multi-directional traction while minimizing unwanted knee rotation during planting.
The circular studs under the forefoot allow smoother pivots, giving you more natural movement when changing direction. I particularly enjoyed the responsive push-off sensation—there’s a springiness that helps with acceleration and lateral agility.
The plate is slightly on the stiffer side, which some players might not prefer, but I personally appreciated the extra responsiveness it provided. Compared to the FG outsole of the original GX, this new tooling feels more dynamic.
Nike also carried over the AG Pro outsole, which delivers a smoother ride and slightly lower toe box. On artificial turf, it performed better than most firm-ground boots I’ve tried, providing stable traction without stud pressure.
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Drawbacks and Areas for Improvement
No boot is perfect—and the Nike Phantom GX2 has a few quirks worth noting:
- Stud Pressure: Some users, myself included, experienced mild stud pressure underfoot, especially during long sessions. It’s not painful, but noticeable.
- Soft Midfoot: The midfoot area of the Cyclone tooling feels a bit too flexible. I would have preferred a more stable, supportive base for quick cuts.
- Excess Material: There’s minor bunching near the midfoot that looks untidy and can be felt while playing.
- Heel Lockdown: The heel fit remains loose, particularly for narrow-footed players, which can lead to slight movement inside the boot.
While none of these issues ruin the experience, they prevent the GX2 from reaching perfection.
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Comparing Nike Phantom GX2 vs GX1 vs Luna 1
Let’s break down how the GX2 stacks up against its predecessors:
| Feature | GX1 | Luna 1 | GX2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper | Dual-layer Grip Knit | Grip Knit with rigid ribs | Single-layer Grip Knit with 3D ribs |
| Fit | Snug and adaptive | Tighter midfoot | Looser, more natural |
| Lockdown | Firm | Moderate | Slightly relaxed |
| Outsole | FG tooling | Cyclone 360 | Cyclone 360 + AG option |
| Grip | Very sticky | Sticky and structured | Balanced and controlled |
| Comfort | Excellent | Slightly stiff | Softer and more forgiving |
From this comparison, it’s clear that Nike aimed to balance comfort and control. The GX2 feels more universal—less specialized but more versatile.
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Who Is the Nike Phantom GX2 For?
The GX2 caters to players who value comfort, control, and balance over extreme snugness or ultra-lightweight speed. It’s perfect for:
- Playmakers who love manipulating the ball with precision.
- Midfielders needing both comfort and touch during long matches.
- Wingers and forwards who want solid traction for quick directional changes.
- Players with medium to wide feet seeking a more accommodating fit.
If you liked the GX1 but found it too tight, the GX2 is your redemption. If you adored the original’s perfect lockdown, though, you might still prefer the older generation.
Durability and Build Quality
Nike’s craftsmanship shines here. The materials feel premium, the stitching is clean, and the single-layer construction reduces potential weak points. After several sessions on both AG and FG surfaces, the upper maintained its shape without overstretching.
The outsole’s durability is equally impressive—no early wear or splitting along the studs. While the softer midfoot may concern some players, structurally, it’s built to last through intense play.
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Final Verdict: Nike Phantom GX2 Review Summary
After extensive testing, here’s the honest conclusion of this Nike Phantom GX2 review: it’s a strong evolution, not a revolution. Nike refined what worked, toned down what didn’t, and created a boot that feels familiar yet more forgiving.
Pros
- Exceptionally comfortable out of the box
- Balanced grip knit upper — sticky but controlled
- Cyclone 360 outsole improves traction and agility
- True-to-size fit with more room for wider feet
- Excellent ball control and responsive touch
Cons
- Heel lockdown could be firmer
- Minor stud pressure underfoot
- Midfoot lacks structural support for aggressive cuts
- Slight excess material near the arch
So, is it an upgrade over the GX1? Not entirely—it’s more of a side step. The GX2 maintains the same DNA while offering a slightly different flavor: softer, freer, and more versatile. For me, the magic of the GX1’s ultra-snug grip is gone, but in its place comes comfort and accessibility for a broader audience.
Conclusion: Nike Phantom GX2 Review
The Nike Phantom GX2 doesn’t try to reinvent control—it refines it. By combining comfort, intelligent traction, and balanced grip, Nike delivers a boot that feels both progressive and familiar. While it won’t completely replace the GX1 in die-hard fans’ hearts, it opens the door for more players to experience the Phantom series’ brilliance.
If you’re after a modern control boot that blends comfort with technical precision, the Nike Phantom GX2 deserves serious consideration. It’s not perfect, but it’s a step forward in the right direction—just a little differently than we expected.
James Walker is a professional writer and passionate football enthusiast who specializes in reviewing soccer cleats. With years of hands-on experience testing different models on various surfaces, he offers honest and detailed insights that help players choose the best cleats for their playing style and position. His reviews focus on real performance factors such as traction, comfort, ball control, and durability, making them valuable to both amateur and professional players.
Driven by a deep love for the game, James is committed to helping footballers find gear that enhances their performance and reduces the risk of injury. From world-famous brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma to rising names in the market, his balanced and informative reviews are trusted by readers who want expert advice before buying their next pair of soccer cleats.
