Nike Vapor Edge 360 UT Review: Classic Style, Speed Plate, But Loose Fit
Introduction
The Nike Vapor Edge 360 UT is one of the most talked-about returns in the football cleat world. Designed to bring back the iconic 2014 silhouette with a modern twist, this cleat is all about speed, clean looks, and that legendary Edge traction plate. But in a world where cleats are becoming more technical, more padded, and more position-specific, does this minimal, throwback cleat still get the job done? Let’s break it down.
Comfort
Comfort on the Vapor Edge 360 UT is a bit of a mixed bag. The cleat is clearly built to be lightweight and performance-first, which means you're not getting a ton of luxury cushioning. The flyknit upper is the best part in terms of comfort — it hugs your foot like a sock and is soft to the touch. The ankle cuff is nice in theory, but it’s looser than I’d prefer and doesn’t provide as much of that secure feel you get from tighter collars like on the Vapor Edge Pro 360 or Jordan Reacts.
You do get a small heel tab to help slide your foot in, which is helpful, though a front tab would’ve made it even easier. Inside the heel, there’s a small amount of padding — enough to provide structure but not enough to really cushion your foot, especially over long periods of wear. The heel cup feels a bit intrusive, and you can definitely feel your foot pressing into it. That being said, Nike’s standard Vapor insole is present, and it’s serviceable. It’s thin but still offers enough impact protection for most players. Overall, the comfort is passable, but definitely on the minimal side.
Fit & Support
This is where the cleat started to throw me off. The Vapor Edge 360 UT doesn’t fit the way I remember it. I went true to size, and yet the cleats felt loose — not just around the ankle, but also in the midfoot and sides. I even double-checked the label to make sure I didn’t get the wrong size. It turns out the fit has been adjusted a bit from the original and the cleat now runs bigger than expected. If you’re planning to grab these, go down half a size or try them in-store.
Nike includes their Flywire lacing system, which helps create a tighter lockdown when you crank the laces. That definitely helped, especially with midfoot lockdown, but the overall loose fit remained an issue. In terms of support, there’s not much to speak of. These cleats are meant for speed and responsiveness — they’re not built with thick ankle support or a ton of structure on the sides. That said, once your heel sinks into the back of the cleat, you do feel it lock into place a bit. Still, if you’re looking for a supportive cleat with firm side-to-side stability, this probably isn’t it. This cleat is built for the player who wants to feel free, fast, and unrestrained.
Traction
Now let’s talk about the star of the show — the traction plate. The Edge plate from Nike is still one of the absolute best in the game. It’s a two-piece plate with angular studs positioned along the edges of the forefoot and heel. These studs are designed to be the first thing that hits the ground during a cut, and they deliver.
The traction here is sharp, responsive, and aggressive. Cuts feel snappy, transitions are clean, and you feel a spring under your foot thanks to the full-length plastic shank in the plate. This shank adds stiffness, which translates to better energy return when sprinting and cutting. Whether on grass or turf, the Edge plate continues to perform like a top-tier cleat should. If traction is your number-one concern, this cleat is hard to beat.
Style
There’s really no argument here — this is easily one of the best-looking cleats on the market. It’s a clean, sharp silhouette that pays homage to one of the most iconic cleats of the last decade. The backward swoosh, wave overlays on the side, and clean Nike branding at the heel all work together to create a cleat that just looks fast.
Currently, the cleat is available in only two colorways — the classic white/gold and a black/white combo. Hopefully Nike drops more in-season, because this is a silhouette that deserves a full color rollout. The nostalgia and aesthetic alone are enough to make you want to lace these up, even before you test their performance.
Best Position
The Vapor Edge 360 UT is a true skill cleat. It’s built for wide receivers, defensive backs, quarterbacks, and running backs — basically anyone who plays fast and wants to feel light on their feet. It’s not a cleat built for contact-heavy roles or players who need maximum support in the trenches. If you’re a speed player, this cleat is for you.
Price
At $180, this is definitely one of the more expensive skill cleats on the market. For that price, you’re paying for premium design, the nostalgia factor, and one of the best traction plates in football. While the materials are solid and the plate performs extremely well, the loose fit and minimal padding might give some players pause. Still, for what it offers — especially to skill guys — the price isn’t unreasonable.
Overall
I’m hyped that Nike brought the Vapor Edge 360 UT back, but I was a little disappointed by the changes to the fit. It’s still an elite-looking cleat with top-tier traction and a lightweight build that caters perfectly to speed athletes. If you’re planning to grab these, just make sure to try them on and get the right size. Once you do, you’ll get a cleat that looks amazing, moves incredibly well, and performs at a high level on game day.
Whether you’re chasing deep balls, breaking on a route, or cutting up the field, the Vapor Edge 360 UT will help you move with confidence — as long as the fit is right.
