Built for Players who prioritize ball control, playmaking and tight-space technical play (creative/attacking midfielders.
A firm-ground boot focused on control that gives excellent ball touch and a roomy forefoot but has split opinions about how durable the soleplate is and how consistent the traction is.
| Released | 2024 | Brand | Nike |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Phantom GX 2 Elite | Type | Soccer · Cleat |
| Level | Elite | Upper | Nike Gripknit (coated knit yarn) |
| Soleplate | Agility/FG plate with mixed stud geometry (Nike describes a versatile/agility plate with multiple stud shapes) | Surface | Firm ground (FG) |
| Who it's for | Players who prioritize ball control, playmaking and tight-space technical play (creative/attacking midfielders | Weight | 196 g |
| Fit | Reported as true to size / accommodating for slightly wider feet (many reviews say stick w | MSRP | $260 |
Synthesised from 8 independent reviews, every claim traces to a quote in the breakdown. We don't test products ourselves.
A top-tier firm-ground boot built around a textured coated knit upper and a soleplate with mixed stud shapes for multi-directional grip. Reviewers agree it gives very close touch and precise control. The main drawback is disagreement about how tough the soleplate is and how well the studs work in some wet or changeable conditions.
Released in 2024 as Nike's elite-tier Phantom GX 2 (second generation).
Upper: Nike Gripknit, a coated knit yarn, with Ghost Lace covering and offset lacing. The knit is meant to give textured contact on the ball and a sock-like wrap for a close fit.
Soleplate: Phantom GX agility/FG plate with mixed stud shapes for multi-directional traction. Reviewers also compare the outsole to a Cyclone 360-style pattern. The boot is made for firm ground (natural grass).
Weight and MSRP: listed at 196 g per shoe (size UK 9 reference) and an MSRP of 260.
The Phantom GX 2 Elite is aimed at creative playmakers and attacking midfielders who need a close, textured touch and extra forefoot room for passing and holding the ball in tight spaces. It also fits attacking full-backs who value ball control over pure top speed.
The boot is suitable for competitive and elite players on natural grass (firm ground). It also suits players with slightly wider feet. Players who want a very narrow, locked-in fit, pure sprint-focused wingers, or who play mostly on artificial turf should look elsewhere.
Reviewers mostly agree the Gripknit upper gives a very close, textured feel on the ball that helps control in tight spaces. Outlets such as Boot Wizard, Boots Tracker and FourFourTwo call the upper tactile, flexible and grippy rather than smooth. Several reviewers link the material to better passing and first touch.
Comfort scores are high across reviews. Multiple outlets say the boot feels comfortable straight out of the box and has a supportive heel. SoccerTAKE and FourFourTwo rate comfort highly. Boots Tracker notes the heel counter is relatively stiff but still supports the Achilles.
The boot offers an exceptional level of comfort, making it one of the most comfortable options available, even straight out of the box.. SoccerTAKE
Traction is generally seen as good for firm ground. Reviewers point to the mixed stud shapes and the multi-directional outsole as reasons it grips the ground well. Boots Tracker and SoccerTAKE give positive traction ratings. Noah Cavanaugh gives a lower score, and BOOTHYPE warns the outsole used for artificial grass can make traction less consistent in wet or variable footing, so opinions are split.
Most reviewers say the GX 2 fits true to size and gives more forefoot room than the previous generation. That makes it better for slightly wider feet. FourFourTwo highlights the roomier forefoot. BOOTHYPE warns the extra width can cause more upper bunching around the midfoot for some players.
One of the best football boots for wide feet, the GX 2 Elite has plenty of volume and space in the forefoot, making them feel relaxed rather than strapped in.. FourFourTwo
Control and passing precision are frequent positives. Several reviewers say the Gripknit upper combined with the soleplate produces consistent, confident ball control. Boots Tracker and Soccer Reviews For You rate control highly and say the boot lives up to its control-focused reputation.
This is where the Phantom GX 2 earns its reputation.. Boots Tracker
Impressions of durability are mixed. Some reviewers report good early durability and solid build quality. At least one reviewer says the soleplate still feels too flimsy compared with the prior model, and that is the clearest durability concern mentioned.
At about 196 g per shoe (reference size used by reviewers), the GX 2 is light but not an ultra-light speed boot. Reviewers say it feels lighter than the previous generation but not as light as dedicated speed models.
The Phantom GX 2 Elite is best for creative midfielders and playmakers, and attacking midfield roles that prioritize close control and precise passing. It also suits players who operate in tight spaces and value ball feel.
The Phantom line is typically worn by players who prioritise playmaking and technical control. Think creative playmakers and attacking midfielders rather than pure speed specialists.
Most reviewers report the boot runs true to size. Several outlets explicitly state it fits true to size but with a slightly roomier, more open shape compared with the previous GX.
The boot is designed for firm ground (FG) surfaces. Reviewers consistently refer to FG use and the mixed stud geometry meant for natural grass. It is not aimed at artificial-turf-specific play.
Reviewer opinion on durability is mixed. Some outlets report good build quality so far, while at least one reviewer flags the soleplate as too flimsy compared with the prior generation.
The Elite FG is listed at about 196 g per shoe (UK 9 reference). Reviewers describe this as light without being featherweight.
Bottom line, The Phantom GX 2 Elite is a firm-ground, control-first boot for creative midfielders and playmakers who want very close touch and a roomy forefoot. Players who need a very stiff soleplate, completely consistent traction in all wet conditions, or a narrow, locked-in fit should consider other models.
The Cleats Hub Score is a weighted aggregate of these independent reviews, normalised to 0–10 and weighted by source authority, recency and sample size. We don't sell or physically test products. Read the full methodology.
Put the Nike Phantom GX 2 Elite head-to-head against another cleat on every aggregated characteristic.
