Nike React Gato review

Who should buy the Nike React Gato

This futsal cleat is a great match for you if:

• You want a shoe that is perfect for making quick cuts and sharp movements during play
• You are after an indoor cleat that offers great traction and enhances ball touch

Who should not buy the Nike React Gato

This Nike football shoe is not recommended for football players who have wide feet. If you are a player who would like to go all out on the field, try checking out Nike Phantom GT Elite Dynamic Fit FG and Nike Mercurial Vapor 14 Elite FG.  

Nike React Gato: The futsal specialist

Featuring a data-driven design, footballers showered the Nike React Gato with praise for its innovations that push touch, comfort, and durability to the next level for the small-sided game. This Nike indoor model highlights technologies to drive performance. 

Some players wished that there should be more colorway options for futsal players to choose from.

Heightened underfoot feel

People who bought this pair praise it for enhancing their underfoot ball feel, which makes sense given the 360 technology of the shoe which features ‘touch pods’. As these flexible rubber pods or ‘pistons’ extend slightly, they push to the sole of the foot, which in turn, increases the player’s awareness of the ball. 

Lightweight and responsive cushioning

Giving an ‘instant go’ feeling, the responsiveness and softness, futsal players commented the Nike React foam is one of the best from the brand, as it springs almost instantly after each step that is taken. 

Durable and comfortable upper

Some athletes mentioned that this pair hugs their feet snugly, thanks to its Flyknit upper that delivers a comfortable sensation. This knit element is reinforced with TPU zones that protect the shoe from abrasion. The texture from these zones also aids ball touch and control. 

Superb comfort but has questionable fit

Many futsal players commented about the superb comfort that this shoe brings, saying it feels broken in even if it's their first time wearing it. However, some also expressed their complaints about the shoe's sizing, saying it's not suitable for wide feet.

Nike React Gato vs Nike Lunar Gato II: an update?

Some argue that the Nike React Gato is the true successor of the well-loved Nike Lunar Gato II - and they’re not wrong. The brand has not only answered the demand for the return of these classic futsal cleats, but they also decided to put an innovative twist on the pair. Here are some of the changes: 

• The Lunarlon cushioning of the Nike Lunar Gato II has been replaced with React foam for the Nike React model. The latter provides more responsiveness and is softer than other Nike foams. 
• While the premium leather and mesh combo used for the Lunar model effectively delivers softness and breathability, these benefits are well-covered by the Flyknit upper of the Nike React Gato.