The SoccerBible was invited to Old Trafford, Manchester to be part of the global launch for the most anticipated boot in years, the Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly!
The latest addition to the Nike Mercurial speed range was presented infront of an international audience from all corners of the globe, and the SoccerBible had front row seats to report back for our fans the definitive verdict on this highly demanded football boot.
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Above: A collection of Vapor's were on show, from the original Mercurial 98 to the Vapor SL
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The Mercurial Vapor Superfly is the end result of two years worth of development, innovation and design from Nike at their USA HQ. From testing and trialling new technology, to implementing feedback from a host of pro players, the Superfly has been on a huge journey from concept to final edition. What you'll notice most about this boot, apart from the striking orange and silver colourway, is just how light the boot is. Those of you lucky enough to get your hands on Nike's concept boot, the Vapor SL, will know how Nike have raised the bar for a performance boot. The Superfly takes these learnings and enhances the boot design with the addition of Nike's other latest innovation, Flywire technology.
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| Above: Nike's Flywire technology and an original prototype |
The Vapor Superfly is the first football boot to incorporate Flywire technology, designed to make a football boot stronger without sacrificing weight. The essence of Flywire is to utilise high-strength threads that act like cables on a suspension bridge, which give lots of support precisely where it’s needed. What happens with the Superfly is a great case of less is more - Flywire reduces the amount of material required for the upper to the bare minimum without compromising on durability or integrity and support, thus making for an ultra lightweight boot.
The strength of Nike Flywire technology is created through the specific placement of these threads across the upper of the boot. Thanks to testing and feedback from some of the top players in the world, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Pato, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho, Nike's boot creators were able to pinpoint exactly where these structural elements needed to be placed to give the best support possible. The upper is also unique in that it is designed to adapt to the motion of the foot, making it superbly flexible and supple - just what you need to dart past a defender or change direction in an instant.
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| Above: The outstep and instep of the Superfly |
Nike have kept the carbon-fiber sole plate from the Vapor SL, one of the lightest sole units around, to keep the weight of the Superfly reduced still. Add all these elements together to deliver Nike's lightest and fastest boot to date. As top level football becomes faster and faster every season, speed is imperative. Not only are players striving to be faster with the ball, the need to accelerate quicker, react quicker and change the game quicker than the opposition is paramount to the playing elite. Of course, you'll still need the skills and determination to make it to the top, but you'll certainly be on the right track once you slip on a pair of Superfly's!
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 on April 1st 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...