Upper Design and Materials Provide Lockdown Fit
One of the standout features of the Nike Menace Pro 2 is the upgraded upper design and materials compared to the original Menace Pro model. Nike utilized a synthetic leather material on the upper of the Menace Pro 2 which provides a super locked-in fit once you lace up the cleats. The synthetic leather really wraps your foot snugly and prevents any slipping inside the cleats during razor sharp cuts or changes in direction.
In addition, the synthetic leather upper material on the Menace Pro 2 is lightweight yet very durable. Even after countless practices and games, the upper maintains its structural integrity and continues to hug your foot for maximum stability and agility. The lightweight nature also prevents any muscle fatigue that can come from heavier cleats over the course of a full game.
For added foot lockdown, Nike included a central lacing system with Flywire cables that integrate with the synthetic leather upper. The Flywire cables connect to the shoelaces and tighten across your foot as you lace up the cleats. This creates a dynamic fit that customizes to your foot width and shape. The Flywire cables lock in your midfoot and prevent any sliding from lateral cuts or jumps.
Breathability was also a focus for Nike with the design of the Menace Pro 2 upper. Laser-cut perforations throughout the upper allow air flow to your foot to help prevent overheating. Despite the perforations, the synthetic leather upper still provides a water-resistant barrier in wet conditions. Your feet will stay dry in light rain during games.
Overall, the upgraded materials and upper design makes the Nike Menace Pro 2 one of the most locked-in, stable high-top football cleats on the market. The snug fit maximizes your agility and control on the field across all positions.
Midsole and Cushioning Provide Responsive Ride
In addition to the upper, Nike also upgraded the midsole and cushioning system on the Menace Pro 2 compared to the original model. This results in a more responsive and comfortable ride underfoot.
The midsole utilizes a full-length Phylon foam whichdelivers lightweight, responsive cushioning. Phylon is a soft foam material that compresses under pressure to absorb impact. This helps prevent foot and leg fatigue from continuous pounding on hard turf.
In the heel area, Nike added a cushioned pod unit right underneath the Phylon foam midsole. This crash pad zone helps absorb harsh heel-strike impact from abrupt stops and cuts on the field. The cushioned crash pad prevents jarring discomfort and makes cleat breakdowns easier on your feet and legs.
Forefoot flexibility was also a focus in the design of the Menace Pro 2. Flex grooves are incorporated into the forefoot area of the Phylon midsole which enable your toes to bend naturally as you sprint. This creates a smooth toe-off motion to maximize acceleration on runs.
Finally, the sockliner provides additional padded cushioning right underneath your foot. It is designed to form to your individual foot shape over time for customized comfort. The soft sockliner works together with the Phylon foam midsole to attenuate shock and impact.
In summary, the upgraded midsole and cushioning system on the Nike Menace Pro 2 provides a plush yet responsive feel underfoot. Your feet are protected from harsh impact while still feeling stable and secure during cuts and jumps. This creates a smooth and natural ride for versatile multidirectional movements on the football field.
Outsole Traction and Durability for Versatile Play
The Menace Pro 2 features an upgraded outsole design that provides excellent traction and durability for versatile play across field conditions and positions.
The outsole utilizes a full-length carbon rubber material with aggressive multidirectional cleats. The carbon rubber has a firm density for durable wear resistance against abrasion from turf or grass. The cleat pattern features triangular and blade-shaped studs that provide excellent grip for accelerating, cutting, and stopping.
In the forefoot area, the cleats are aligned for forward propulsion during sprints. There are also cleats along the lateral and medial sides to prevent sliding during cuts and jumps. The heel has compressed triangular cleats for digging in on backpedaling and generating explosive power out of breaks.
For positional versatility, the Menace Pro 2 has a mix of short cleats in the forefoot and midfoot with longer studs in the heel. This configuration allows quick movements for speed positions along with the stability needed for linemen. The stud alignment also helps reduce lower leg stress and injury risk compared to other cleat designs.
The durability of the outsole is also evident even after many games. The firm carbon rubber withstands abrasion well to maintain the cleat shape and traction. Replacing cleats is also quick and easy by using the removable studs.
With the blend of traction, support, and durability, the Menace Pro 2 outsole performs well across different field surfaces. The multidirectional cleats provide solid anchoring in the turf for demanding sport movements at all positions.
True to Size Fit Accommodates All Foot Shapes
Finding the right cleat fit is crucial for optimal performance and the Nike Menace Pro 2 accommodates a wide variety of foot shapes with its true-to-size fit.
The Menace Pro 2 is built on a medium width last that provides a anatomical shape through the midfoot and forefoot. This allows most foot types to experience a comfortable glove-like fit straight out of the box. Even for wider foot players, the synthetic leather upper material has a forgiving stretch to adapt after break-in.
In the length sizing, Nike designed the Menace Pro 2 to align with standard shoe length dimensions. Going true-to-size based on your normal athletic shoe size will give you the ideal snug fit through the toes and forefoot. This prevents any looseness and sliding during cuts which can lead to blisters or loss of traction.
However, the lacing system and Flywire cables do allow you to customize the midfoot fit. Players with higher arches or insteps can loosen the laces slightly, while those with flatter feet can crank them down tighter. This tunability ensures your individual foot shape is locked in securely.
The toe box room is also suitable for most foot volumes, avoiding any squeezing or jamming of the toes during sprints or jumps. Your toes stay comfortably aligned and work seamlessly with the flexible forefoot grooves during acceleration and push-off.
With accommodating dimensions and adjustability, players can go true-to-size with confidence that the Nike Menace Pro 2 will become a seamless second skin fit customized to their foot shape.
Ankle Support and Lockdown for Agile Maneuverability
As a high-top cleat, the Nike Menace Pro 2 provides excellent ankle support and lockdown for agile maneuverability on the field.
The synthetic leather upper extends over the ankles to integrate with the tongue and lacing system. This creates a seamless wrapped fit around your ankle joints. The material has just the right amount of flexible padding to prevent any pinching or discomfort during wear.
Additionally, the mid-cut collar is designed with targeted foam pads that grip above your ankle bones. This enhances the already stellar lockdown from the Flywire cables and laces crossing over the ankle junction. Your ankles feel stabilized from all directions during cuts and jumps.
An inner sleeve also lines the inside of the ankle collar with a smooth fabric. This helps prevent any abrasion against bare skin, keeping your ankles comfortable all game long. The sleeves maintain their soft interior feel even after many wears.
For mobility, the ankle support does not feel overly restrictive or bulky during play. Your ankle joints maintain a natural range of motion for planting, pivoting, and accelerating in all directions. The flexible synthetic leather follows the movement of your ankle without irritating rigid pressure.
With the Menace Pro 2’s unrivaled ankle lockdown and interior comfort, players gain the confidence to perform ankle-twisting moves at top speed without the fear of rolls or injury.
Lightweight Yet Durable Construction
Nike designed the Menace Pro 2 with a lightweight yet durable construction to optimize speed and longevity.
Starting with the upper, the synthetic leather material provides a super light and thin feel. Despite being lightweight, the upper maintains a dense weave that resists tearing or abrasion damage even after countless games. Your feet stay protected without excess bulk.
The Phylon midsole foam is also engineered to be soft and responsive while remaining featherlight. Phylon has an advantage over EVA foam in that it compresses efficiently to cushion impact force with less density and weight.
In the outsole, the placement of the carbon rubber cleats is strategically mapped to provide traction precisely where needed. The cleats are also beveled into the plate instead of protruding excessively, reducing overall weight.
Ventilation was also a key consideration for reducing weight. The synthetic leather upper has perforations and laser cut-outs placed in sweat zones rather than all over. This improves air flow to the foot without compromising structure.
At just 11 ounces, the Menace Pro 2 is over an ounce lighter than the previous model. Players notice the reduced weight when moving up and down the field all game, helping maintain fresh legs into the fourth quarter.
Breathable Construction Keeps Feet Cool
Maintaining cool and dry feet is crucial for comfort and performance on the field, and the Menace Pro 2 provides excellent breathability.
The upper is constructed using a synthetic leather material that is perforated and laser-cut in key sweat zones. The perforations allow hot air to escape from around your foot to prevent overheating inside the cleat. Despite the perforations, the upper still prevents external moisture from seeping in.
Mesh fabric lines the interior walls of the ankle collar providing maximum airflow to your ankles. This prevents the buildup of heat around your ankles which can cause rubbing and blistering during play. The ankle collar mesh maintains its breathability even after regular use.
The Phylon foam midsole is designed to resist heat retention and absorption from your foot. The air pockets within the foam allow body heat to dissipate quickly out of the cleat instead of being trapped inside.
The removable sockliner is also built from an open-cell foam that wicks away moisture from the footbed. Sweat on your foot evaporates into the sockliner instead of collecting inside your shoe.
Weighing just 11 ounces, the lightweight build also promotes air circulation in and out of the cleat. Overall, feet stay cool, comfortable, and blister-free when wearing the Nike Menace Pro 2 thanks to its breathable construction.
Innovative Protection Features
Nike integrated innovative protection features into the Menace Pro 2 to shield your feet during high-impact collisions.
In the upper, the synthetic leather has a dense weave and supporting structure to resist abrasion. The material stands up to scuffs and scrapes far better than mesh or knit fabrics. Your feet are shielded from turf burn or cuts after hard hits.
The Phylon midsole also provides protection from impact by compressing to absorb shock force on contact. The cushioned crash pad in the heel is essential for dissipating the brunt of collisions when running routes or blocking.
The plated outsole gives you a rigid platform to push off from, preventing your feet from bending painfully on jumps and cuts. The durable carbon rubber also shields the bottom of your feet from the abrasive turf.
Targeted foam pads line the interior of the ankle collar, protecting your ankle bones and Achilles from painful bumps. An inner sleeve fabric prevents any skin irritation around your ankles as well.
With the Menace Pro 2’s protective features, players can move confidently without worrying about impact-related injuries to the feet or ankles. The innovative construction truly safeguards all sides of your foot.
Ideal for All Positions and Field Types
The versatile performance of the Nike Menace Pro 2 makes it ideal for players of all positions on different field types.
For speed positions like running back, receiver, cornerback, and safety, the Menace Pro 2 provides a lightweight feel to maximize acceleration. The forefoot traction also generates sharp cuts and multi-directional traction on routes and coverage.
Bigger athletes like linebackers, tight ends, and linemen appreciate the ankle stability and midfoot lockdown when engaging blocks and tackles. The cleats dig in well during power moves and changes in momentum.
On grass, the slightly longer cleat length gives solid footing to push off from. The cleat tips resist sinking or slipping in soft muddy grass. Synthetic turf is no issue either, with the dense rubber gripping cleanly even on abrasive nylon fibers.
From Pop Warner leagues up through college and the NFL, the Nike Menace Pro 2 performs excellently across different field types and positions. Young athletes can also feel assured growing into the cleats over multiple seasons thanks to the durable construction.
For a versatile cleat built for today’s demanding multi-directional game, the Menace Pro 2 is a top choice for players all over the field looking to elevate their play.
Durable Construction With Minimal Maintenance
The durable construction of the Nike Menace Pro 2 requires minimal maintenance for long-lasting performance.
Starting with the upper, the synthetic leather material resists tearing or fraying even after many abrasive plays on rugged turf fields. The dense weave shields your feet from the elements and doesn’t stretch out over time.
The Phylon midsole also maintains its responsive cushioning and shock absorbing properties season after season. Phylon holds up better over time versus EVA foam which can compact and lose bounce.
Additionally, the high abrasion rubber outsole shows minimal signs of wear even after heavy use. The durable traction makes it feasible to use the Menace Pro 2 for multiple seasons before needing replacement.
To clean, you can use warm water and gentle dish soap on the upper and scrub with a brush. Avoid using harsh cleaners which can damage the synthetic material. Let the cleats air dry fully before wearing again.
The Menace Pro 2’s durability also makes it a top choice for younger athletes in youth leagues. Growing kids can get multiple seasons of play out of the sturdy construction before outgrowing them.
Unique Style Options for Customization
Nike offers the Menace Pro 2 football cleat in a variety of stylish colorways to customize your look on the field.
Popular bold and bright hues like crimson, royal blue, and neon green allow you to match your team colors in eye-catching style. The colors really pop against the dark gray synthetic leather upper.
For schools with more understated uniforms, the Menace Pro 2 also comes in versatile neutral tones like black, white, and gray. The contrasting chrome Swoosh logo adds some flair to the minimalist look.
Other options incorporate exciting prints and textures for statement-making style. The leopard print Menace Pro 2 turns heads with its ferocious look, while the textured Gold Sharkskin edition brings championship swagger.
To switch up your style week-to-week, the ankle collar is easy to accessorize with different colored socks or tape. You can also swap in custom lace colors to make them your own.
With its diverse aesthetic options, the Nike Menace Pro 2 helps you showcase your personality and look great playing the game you love.
How the Menace Pro 2 Compares to the Original
The Nike Menace Pro 2 makes notable upgrades over the original Menace Pro model in key performance features.
The upper on the Menace Pro 2 uses a synthetic leather material compared to a mesh build on the original. The synthetic leather brings a more locked-in fit with greater durability.
Midsole cushioning is upgraded with full-length Phylon foam and a heel crash pad. The original used EVA foam which packs out over time. Phylon maintains responsive cushioning for longer.
Traction gets a boost from the use of durable carbon rubber in the outsole along with a blade and pin cleat configuration. The original had less cleat coverage and relied on softer rubber compounds.
Weight is reduced in the Menace Pro 2 through strategic placement of cleats and ventilation. At 11 ounces, it’s over an ounce lighter than before for better speed.
Overall, the upgrades make the Menace Pro 2 a true next-level performer. It maintains the ankle support and protection of the original Menace Pro while bringing modern innovations in fit, cushioning, and traction. Serious players will notice the performance improvements right away.
Excellent Traction on Natural and Synthetic Surfaces
The versatile outsole of the Nike Menace Pro 2 provides excellent traction on both natural grass and synthetic turf surfaces.
On natural grass, the combination of conical and triangular cleats in the forefoot, midfoot and heel dig in to prevent slipping on acceleration, cuts, and jumps. The cleat tips give you a solid platform to push off from in the turf.
The carbon rubber compounds also maintain grip on wet, slick grass so you don’t lose your footing in rain games. Excess mud can build up between the widely spaced cleats but is easy to clear out.
On newer synthetic turf fields, the durable rubber and aggressive cleat pattern resist sliding on the abrasive fibers and granular infill. Traction stays consistent even as synthetic surfaces get worn down.
For older turf fields, the Menace Pro 2 cleat length helps prevent the stiff fibers from bending painfully under your feet. The plated sole protects from impact through the thin synthetic carpet.
With versatility for both grass and turf, the Menace Pro 2 provides reliable traction so you can play your fastest and most confident regardless of field surface.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
The Nike Menace Pro 2 has several standout pros but there are some cons to consider as well when choosing your next football cleat.
On the pro side, the Menace Pro 2 provides excellent lockdown fit, ankle support, and protection thanks to the durable synthetic upper and robust construction. Traction and cushioning are also upgraded from the previous model.
The bold style options allow you to customize your look while the true-to-size fit works for most foot shapes right out of the box. Overall durability makes them a long-lasting investment as well.
In terms of cons, the higher ankle cut may feel restrictive for some players who prefer a lower cut, minimalist feel. The Menace Pro 2 also runs on the expensive end at over $130 retail.
There have been some reports of premature outsole separation after heavy use. Also, the fit may be too snug for wide foot players even after break-in.
On the whole, the Nike Menace Pro 2’s advantages in stability, traction and protection make it one of the top performing cleats on the market today. Prioritizing those attributes makes the Menace Pro 2 a strong choice.
Is the Nike Menace Pro 2 Worth Buying?
For players looking for a durable, high-performing cleat, the Nike Menace Pro 2 is definitely worth the investment.
The upgraded synthetic leather upper provides a super locked-in fit to maximize your agility and stability during cuts, jumps and route running. Your feet feel securely cradled in the cleat after lacing up.
Underfoot cushioning gets a noticeable boost from the full-length Phylon midsole and heel crash pad unit. Landings and sharp cuts feel well-protected and comfortable even on unforgiving turf.
Traction keeps you glued in the turf thanks to the durable carbon rubber outsole and multidirectional cleat configuration. Acceleration, braking, and side-to-side movements feel razor sharp.
Durability is also a strong point of the Menace Pro 2. The sturdy construction holds up season after season to make them a long-term investment. Maintenance is easy with basic cleaning.
For playmakers demanding peak stability, cushioning, and traction, the Nike Menace Pro 2 delivers excellent performance and protection worth the premium price tag.