Nike Anti-Clog Traction: A Revolutionary Solution for Muddy Pitches

Nike introduce Anticlog sole plates in 2016

How Nike tackled the age-old problem of mud-clogged studs — and changed SG boots forever.

In March 2016, Nike unveiled one of their most important innovations in football boot technology: Anti-Clog Traction. This wasn’t about aesthetics, flashy colourways, or signature player editions — this was about pure performance engineering, designed to solve a problem that had plagued players at all levels for decades: mud build-up on soft ground studs.

If you've ever played on a boggy pitch, you’ll know the frustration. Mud clogs the soleplate, reduces traction, and forces players to slip, slide, and adapt their game. Nike's solution? A new plate technology that uses a proprietary polymer material to repel mud before it has the chance to stick.

Nike Anticlog sole plates

The brilliance lies in its simplicity: when wet, the plate becomes slick and flexible, preventing mud from adhering. As the surface dries, it firms up again. No moving parts. No extra maintenance. Just clean, functioning traction throughout the game — especially on the kind of pitches most of us actually play on.

At launch, Nike rolled this tech out across all four of their elite silos:

• Mercurial Superfly IV

• Magista Obra II

• Hypervenom Phantom II

• Tiempo Legend VI

Anticlog in action

Initially released in stealthy blackout colourways with distinctive chrome soleplates, these early Anti-Clog models are now collectors’ favourites. But even beyond the hype, it was a genuine leap forward in real-world performance — showing Nike’s willingness to invest in practical innovation, not just marketing spin.

BootsFinder’s Take:

This wasn’t just another gimmick — this was a meaningful update that made a difference, especially for grassroots players slogging it out on muddy Sundays. Today’s SG-Pro models owe a lot to Anti-Clog’s foundation. Whether you're a Sunday leaguer or an elite pro, it reminded the footballing world that traction isn't just about speed — it's about control.

Take a look at this early video from our founder, Maximus Rigby, at the age of 16 to help explain in more depth what Anti-clog technology is:

A word from our founder way back in 2016

Keywords:

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