Creative: Pro:Direct / Photography: Pro:Direct / Words: Pro:Direct
Nike Mercurial Football Boots Review | Pro:Direct Soccer
Want to know everything about the new generation Nike Mercurial? Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve plucked a pair out of The World’s Largest Bootroom to conduct a full and extensive Nike Mercurial Superfly X and Vapor XVI boot review to help you decide if it’s the boot for you to kick off the 24/25 football season in.
Firstly, you have a choice of two elite mercurial models in the new generation Nike Mercurial – the Nike Mercurial Superfly X and the Nike Mercurial Vapor XVI. The lightweight speed silo stretches back to 2002 with the Nike Vapor and to 2009 with the Nike Superfly. Since then, Nike has continued to progress the series with breakthrough technologies that enhance comfort, agility, speed, and ball control. Anyway, you know that already. How does it perform on the pitch? Let’s get to it…
For this review we’ve opted for the Nike Superfly. The Superfly X features a Dynamic Fit Collar, which provides a snug fit around the ankle, offering additional support. The Vapor XVI, on the other hand, lacks this collar but retains the same upper and soleplate.
A quick word on the design - The colorway and design of the Nike Mercurial Superfly X were inspired by Nike co-founder and athletics coach Bill Bowerman. Focused on creating lightweight shoes, Bowerman would dot a Swoosh on the side of his athletes' spikes with a ballpoint pen to avoid weighing them down. The Nike Blueprint Pack was imagined based on Bowerman's notes, creating a "blueprint for serving athletes." This is why you’ll see ‘Prototype’ on the Superfly X collar and ‘Bowerman’ on the insole, with ‘Air Zoom’ and ‘Mercurial’ in Bowerman’s handwriting.
Right, back to the Superfly X and on first impression the new Nike Mercurial feels immediately thinner than the previous Nike Mercurial, it’s also deceptively supple and soft while remaining durable and tough. Gone are the days of speed focused football boots feeling firm, rigid and uncomfortable, this Mercurial is cushioned in all the right places without sacrificing weight. There’s even very generous padding in the heel area to ensure your foot is locked in with a cushioned and plush feel.
What size Nike Mercurial football boots should I buy?
Speed boots are notoriously narrow and while the soleplate is on the narrower side the upper of the Mercurial does have a little bit of give that will accommodate a slightly wider foot – more so than your typical speed boot. In terms of what size you should buy, we’d recommend you go true to size or half a size smaller if you do prefer that tighter feel.
What’s the fit like on the Nike Mercurial football boots?
Exceptional. Especially in the Superfly. Once you’ve wiggled your way in you can feel all the air leave the boot and suction your foot into place. It’s a satisfying, locked in feel that makes you instantly feel strapped in and fast. As mentioned, there is a little bit of room around the instep if you do have wider feet but it’s not noticeable if it stays vacant.
The heel sinks into the padding and feels caressed. There’s a soft pinch to the heel that ensures your foot won’t move when inside the boot, and there’s adequate room for the toes without bunching them together like some narrow speed boots do.
What’s the difference between the Nike Mercurial Superfly and Nike Mercurial Vapor?
The only difference between the Vapor and Superfly is that the Superfly has that extended Dynamic Fit Collar that offers a more snug fit around the collar. Some players don’t like that extra bit of snugness around the Superfly and will opt for the Vapor, but you’ll only know which you prefer by trying them. The upper and soleplate are exactly the same on both boots.
How do the Nike Mercurial football boots perform?
The new Nike Mercurial is everything you would want from a modern day speed football boots. It’s as light as you would want it (there is definitely such a thing as ‘too light’). It offers an exceptional locked-in feel and comfortable ride. – sacrificing comfort for a lighter boot is a thing of the past. The soleplate is super responsive; it offers a nice flexible bend when pushing off and sprinting from a standing position, and the agility feels secure when changing direction at speed.
You just feel agile and light on your feet in the Nike Mercurial. Yes, the upper is thin which historically meant that striking the ball began to get a bit painful after time but that’s not the case here – it’s thin enough to feel very close to every touch but strong enough to offer protection and an added bit of cushioning when receiving a pass or firing at goal. The balance of soft and supple but durable is something that Nike have nailed with this boot. It feels like a Mercurial. It feels fast.
How much are Nike Mercurial football boots?
Kids sizes start from £48 for the Nike Mercurial range, while adults boot sizes start at £78 and work their way up to £265 for the Elite level Mercurial Superfly that’s worn by Kylian Mbappé.
Should I buy Nike Mercurial football boots?
If you’re after a lightweight football boot that offers incredible traction, comfort and a locked in feel then the Mercurial Superfly X and Mercurial Vapor XVI are perfect. It’s one of the most responsive football boots on the market when it comes to agility and is immensely popular with full backs, wide midfielders and forwards.
Which players wear Nike Mercurial football boots?
The Mercurial has been the go-to football boot for all Nike speed players for over three decades and is currently worn by Cristiano Ronaldo, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé.
Where can I buy Nike Mercurial football boots?
The full Nike Mercurial football boot collection is available now in The World’s Largest Bootroom at Pro:Direct Soccer. Shop multiple price points, sizes and ground types with a choice of split-payment options and next day delivery.
Shop the full Nike Mercurial collection here.