Up-Close: Nike Tiempo ’94 – A Classic Reborn

Now ubiquitous on soccer fields around the world from the amateur to professional level, Nike Soccer is celebrating the twentieth anniversary of its first boot – the now legendary Tiempo Premier.

Worn by ten players from the Brazil and Italy national teams that contested the final of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the Tiempo has gone on to become the first choice boot of countless superstars (including Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Paolo Maldini) over the last twenty years.

In celebration of the boot that arguably kicked off Nike’s incredible run to becoming one of the biggest soccer brands in the world, the company has released the special edition the Tiempo ’94 shoe. A must have for soccer players, boot lovers and sneaker heads, the Tiempo ’94 is now available at World Soccer Shop and the Nike Store (and selling fast). This is Football Fashion’s World Exclusive look at what is sure to be a collectors’ item.

Aesthetics

The Nike Tiempo ’94 uses the 1994 Tiempo Premier as the inspiration behind its design. As with the original, the Tiempo ’94 uses a black leather upper with classic soccer boot stitching towards its front and suede overlays on its toe and heel areas. The mid-sized Nike Swoosh of 1990s shoes appears on each side of the shoe while oversized text reading “NIKE” is printed on the heel.

One of the highlights of the Nike Tiempo ’94 is it oversized, removable tongue. Raise it up and you will find the text “NIKE TIEMPO PREMIER” printed. While any soccer player will spot that this shoe is inspired by The Beautiful Game, the tongue screams to all observers that this is indeed the case.

The outsole is a premium gum cup sole that has been infused with modern technology such as an orange Phylon midsole for lightweight cushioning. While everyone loves a classic, a subtle modern touch like this adds to the appeal of the Tiempo ’94.

As you can see from our high resolution pictures, what all of this amounts to is a pure masterpiece from Nike. In a time when classic sneakers such as Nike’s Air Force One remain as popular as new releases, the Tiempo ’94 fits right into modern casual style but carries enough differentiation from other kicks on the market to stand out from the rest of the pack. Wear these out and you will have at least one sneakphile asking you where you got them.

Fit

The Nike Tiempo ’94 fits slight above size. However, this is not terribly so. We tried on a size 10 on feet that usually take size 10. What we found was that there as just a little extra space past the toe than usual. If we had to quantify the fit we’d say that the size 10 fit more like what would be a size 10.25 (if such a thing existed). In terms of width, the fit was true to size.

Ride

Once on the foot, the Tiempo ’94 is a comfortable as any other casual shoe on the market. The ride is well-cushioned from heel to toe and reminiscent of wearing a cross trainer or soccer training shoe. Given the soccer legacy and build of the Tiempo ’94, it is quite tempting to knock a ball around with it. This we did not do however in fear of tarnishing a work of pure class.

Extras

The Tiempo ’94 comes boxed with a high-quality shoe bag (which can double as a gym sack) with Nike’s classic logo printed on one side of it. The other has “94” stitched in its lower right corner in the same pattern and gold color used for the digits on the inside instep area of the shoe.

When to Wear

With the Nike Tiempo ’94, the question is really when not to wear. Take a real life look at these beauties and you’re torn as to whether you want to put them in a display cabinet or show them off. Of course, the latter will win and you will end up showing the Tiempo ’94s off with everything from jeans to cargoes to khakis and just about any top. Such is the flexibility of their design. If you are in the entertainment business, you could even rock them with a slim fitting suit.

Regardless of where or with what you wear them, the Nike Tiempo ’94 will let everyone know that you are truly a Soccer Man.

Big Ups to Jacie!!!!