- Model: Nike Phantom VNM Elite
- Player: John Stones
- Condition: Match Worn
- Season: 2019/20
- Size: No size labels, measured to be: UK8 / US9
- Soleplate: SG-Pro (CTR360 Maestri III/T90 Laser IV/Tiempo Legend IV)
- Made in: Montebelluna, Italy (Nike Athlete Services)
- Headline Features:
- Nike Phantom VNM Elite match worn by John Stones, England international and one of Manchester City’s most technically gifted defenders.
- Worn during the 2019/20 season in the Carabao Cup Semi-Final (2nd Leg) — the Manchester Derby at the Etihad Stadium on 29 January 2020.
- This match contributed to City progressing 3–2 on aggregate before ultimately winning the trophy at Wembley, securing their third consecutive Carabao Cup title.
- Produced at Nike’s world-renowned Montebelluna Athlete Services factory, fully custom built to Stones’ exact specifications.
- Exceptional levels of personalisation, including:
- • ‘STONES’ + England flag to the lateral heel.
- • ‘GET IT IN YA’ and a pencil emoji to the medial side — an inside joke between Stones and teammate Kyle Walker.
- Constructed on Stones’ custom foot lasts, with his last-ID markings written on the internal carbon plates.
- A rare pair showcasing some of the most extensive professional modifications seen on a modern Nike Phantom model.
- Fully authenticated with the BC Boots UK Certificate of Authenticity.
- Player Features & Modifications:
Athlete Services Construction:
- Manufactured in Montebelluna, the same elite production line used for Nike’s top contracted athletes.
- Built to Stones’ unique measurements, resulting in a tailored internal fit and enhanced structural support.
Custom Soleplate Specification:
- Features a completely non-retail, hybrid SG-Pro soleplate — created by combining stud layouts and tooling from:
- • CTR360 Maestri III
- • T90 Laser IV
- • Tiempo Legend IV
- The plate has been made transparent for disguise purposes, a technique frequently used on pro boots to avoid revealing unreleased or unconventional tooling.
- Designed for optimal soft-ground traction and stability in elite-level match play.
Internal Performance Enhancements:
- Custom carbon fibre plate inserted inside each boot, improving rigidity and energy return while offering Stones-specific foot support.
- Stones’ custom foot last ID is hand-written on top of each carbon insert.
- A bespoke padded layer has been installed beneath the laces to prevent lace bite and improve game-time comfort.
Personalisation Details:
- Lateral heel personalisation: ‘STONES’ + England flag.
- Medial text: ‘GET IT IN YA’ plus a pencil emoji, referencing an ongoing private joke with Kyle Walker.
- Unique to the player and never commercially available.
- Collector & Investment Significance:
- An incredibly rare, match-worn, highly modified Nike Phantom VNM from one of England’s most important defenders of the modern era.
- Directly tied to a high-profile Manchester Derby in a competition Manchester City went on to win, giving the pair strong historical and match relevance.
- Extensive pro-level customisation — particularly the hybrid soleplate and carbon-fibre internal construction — makes this pair exceptionally desirable among collectors of top-tier modern Nike boots.
- A standout item for any collection focused on Manchester City, England internationals, or heavily personalised Nike Athlete Services models.
- Accompanied by the BC Boots UK Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring secure, long-term provenance.
