As part of the official launch event for the new Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly football boots, a selection of VIPs were given the opportunity to experience this new boot first hand. Naturally, the SoccerBible's resident boot experts were on hand to sample this highly anticipated boot.
Taking place at Manchester United's Carrington Training ground, our SoccerBible man was given his kit and the weapon of choice for the session - a brand spanking new pair of Mercurial Vapor Superfly's. "From simply opening the box and lifting out a boot, it is incredible how genuinely light these boots are!" our boot tester commented. And weighing in at 185g, this comment comes as no surprise. But there wasn't much time to admire them, as we were taken into the indoor playing arena to put the boots through their paces.
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Above: the re-designed studs of the Vapor Superfly
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The Mercurial Vapor Superfly has been in development for two years and over that time has seen many amendments, improvements and tweaks to make it Nike's lightest boot to date. Running out onto the hybrid astro turf/grass surface our boot tester could already feel the benefit of not having a heavy boot weighing the foot down.
Players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who both had extensive input and feedback throughout the development process, demand a boot that drives acceleration, grip and offers lots of stability. With our boot tester going through some sprint bursts and darting movements around the pitch, it became aparant Nike have addressed these needs.
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Our boot tester commented that changing direction quickly felt a lot easier thanks to the traction from the studs - which have also been redesigned to be stronger yet lighter.
You'll notice that the studs are now hollowed out to make this possible - also removing unnecessary weight from the centre of the stud.
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The Vapor Superfly retains the carbon-fiber sole plate first seen on the Vapor SL, but with one vital change - the addition of an extra stud under the ball of the foot for faster direction change and stopping. This was added as the result of feedback from the quickest of players, most notably Didier Drogba. These are players that run very fast, and often a split second change in direction is needed to beat a defender or gain some space. The initial feedback from our boot tester was that this seemed to do the trick, but it was to be put against the clock with the next part of the play test.
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| Above: The Mercurial Speed Test Course |
The Mercurial Speed test was designed to see who was the fastest to the ball, and who is the fastest with the ball over a bespoke 45m track. Earlier in the season, Aaron Lennon and Gabriel Agbonlahor set the pace - now it was our boot tester's turn! With all the technology incorporated into the Superfly, this is the perfect test for agillity, speed and control. After a quick warm up, our man posted a non-too-shabby time of 15.57 seconds - although this was not good enough to knock Aaron Lennon off the top spot.
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| Above: Speed Test challengers waiting for the results |
Our tester reported that the boot was feeling snug and comfortable, even after the stresses from the speed test. The Superfly uses a Teijin synthetic upper, which feels super-thin and light. This gives the boot a "second-skin" like feel and combines well with the taught fit of the Flywire technology. Leaning towards a slim, tighter fit, the Superfly reverts to a traditional lacing system which no longer has a lace cover, unlike it's Mercurial Vapor SL counterpart.
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| Above: Lacing up the Superfly |
It's all very well turning and sprinting, but what are the Superfly's like to actually play with? On to another area of the Carrington complex for a quick match, where our boot tester's skills would be put to a proper test! The subsequent match gave plenty of opportunities to get a feel for the boots with a ball and in pressure situations - the new upper feeling close and silky as passes were sprayed around, shots were fired in and challenges avoided.
Those of you who love your Mercurials won't be disappointed with the new Superfly in this department and our boot tester reported there was plenty of ball feel from the boot - a very important factor when considering a new boot purchase.
Overall, our boot tester was very impressed with this latest release. The combination of materials and technology make for an excellent elite level boot and those worried about the Superfly not living up to the hype surrounding it can rest easy. We're sure you'll be just as eager to get your feet into a pair and equally pleased with the performance this boot delivers!
The Superfly will make their on-pitch debut when Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic face off for the return leg of the Champions League. Manchester United host Inter Milan on March 11th, which is also the day you'll be able to pre-order your pair - along with the rest of the Mercurial series including the Vapor V. The Superfly boots are expected to retail at £225 GBP and will no doubt be in huge demand once they hit the shelves from 1st April 09. Last year, when Ronaldo debuted the Mercurial Vapor IV against Newcastle, the Portugese star hit his first United hat-trick. We can only wait with mass anticipation as to what may happen this time around...