Clint Dempsey’s move back to MLS and the Seattle Sounders has taken a lot of people off guard and caused quite a stir in the US soccer world. Over in England, Dempsey has carved out a valuable name for himself and he was set to start the season with one of the strongest teams in the league, Tothenham Hotspurs. But he made his decision, and that was a very lucrative move back stateside to help the Sounders battle for a playoff spot and their first MLS title.
We decided to take a look back at Dempsey’s career and the boots he has worn during the most important moments. The one thing we know is that Dempsey is most definitely a Nike fan, with every boot on the list coming from the home of the swoosh.
Bryan Byrne is the founder of
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Dempsey Leaves New England Revolution
Date: November 12th 2006
Boots: Nike Mercurial Vapor III in Chrome Yellow
After contributed ten goals and nine assists in 26 games during the 2005 MLS season, Dempsey was picked up by Fulham and he gratefully accepted the opportunity to make the move to one of the most competitive leagues in the world.
Before leaving the Revs, Deuce had become a key Nike endorsee and he seemed to have his pick of boots. During the 2005 season, he was wearing the very iconic Chrome Yellow colorway of the Vapor III, the one that featured some Green detailing to create a Brazil like appearance. This version of the Vapor featured a Teijin synthetic upper and was ultra-lightweight. It also included Nike's new "Speed Last" that provided a more flexible ride. One of Nike's goals with the Vapor III was to produce a more streamlined boot that offered players a much more dynamic type of performance through wear.
First EPL Goal – the Strike that Kept Fulham Up
Date: May 5th 2007
Boots: Nike Mercurial Vapor III in White
Could there have been a more important time for Deuce to score his first EPL goal. His strike vs Liverpool on May 5th 2007 proved to be the winner and gave Fulham the 3 points they needed to avoid relegation.
Beginning life at Fulham, Deuce stuck with the same Vapor III, but he chose to switch his colorway to the White version. Again, Nike focused on speed with the Vapor range and this installment is remembered for being one of the most consistent – so much so that fans still crave pairs of this release. In total, Nike released a record for its time 14 colorways in the range.
Goal vs England at the 2010 World Cup
Date: June 12th 2010
Boots: Nike Mercurial Superfly II in Elite Pack
There was tremendous build-up to the US opening game of the 2010 World Cup, with the opportunity to test themselves against the home of soccer being a lively treat. England took the lead in the game, but Dempsey scored to secure a well-deserved point for the US.
By this stage of his career, Deuce had switched to wearing Nike’s high end and ultra-elite Mercurial Superfly range. These boots featured a carbon fiber soleplate and FlyWire through the upper. The goal of Flywire is to minimize weight and maximize support. Its high-strength threads work like cables on a suspension bridge with support engineered precisely where a foot needs it. Reaction from players and fans was very mixed when it came to the inclusion of FlyWire on a soccer cleat, primarily as it really locked the foot in place with little room for stretch through wear.
First American Player to Score a Hattrick in EPL
Date: January 20th 2012
Boots: Nike Vapor VII in Court Purple
Deuce became the first US player to score a hat-trick in the EPL on January 21, 2012, in a game vs Newcastle. It was actually his second hattrick of the month; after he helped Fulham beat Charlton 4-0 in the FA Cup.
Deuce, like a lot of fellow pro’s, decided to move away from the Superfly range and to the more affordable (and comfortable) Vapor range. The Superfly at this stage was on its last legs and the new Vapor VII seemed to suit exactly what Deuce was looking for in a boot. A Teijen Microfiber upper matched with a Tepex glass composite chassis allowed for a lightweight boot that weighed in at 8oz.
Spurs First Win at Old Trafford in 23 Years
Date: September 29th 2012
Boots: Nike Vapor IX in Neptune Blue
Spurs managed to beat Manchester United for the first time in the EPL for a very long time and guess who scored the game winner! It was his first goal as a Spurs player and immediately gave the fans something to cheer his name for.
Being that he has become one of the leading US players, Deuce is regularly at the front and center of Nike’s US advertising for new boots. Such was the case with the Vapor IX and his big money move to Spurs made his role even more important. The Vapor IX is all about explosive speed, with Nike placing an emphasis in creating a comfortable, well-constructed, lightweight boot. The performance characteristic that sets these apart is the dimpled synthetic upper; it is very pliable and offers excellent touch and control on the ball.
Seattle Sounders Bound
Boots: Nike Hypervenom Phantom
On August 3rd, 2013, Dempsey signed with MLS club Seattle Sounders in what is the most expensive MLS transfer of all time.
On his feet, I expect to see Deuce making his debut in a pair of Nike Hypervenom Phantom. Since the release of Nike’s latest boot, he has been sporting the range and wore them right through Spurs pre-season. The Hypervenom is all about agility and offering players the opportunity to switch direction at high speed with the ball at their feet. The upper is comprised of a mesh underlay, a layer of skin over it and the final product is treated with ACC technology. Nike call it NikeSkin.
The question then becomes, which colorway does he choose or will he sport a personalized pair? A pair in Rave Green/ Sounder Blue would be pretty sweet!
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