Since Nike re-launched the original 'Mercurial Vapor I' famously worn by R9 at the 2002 world cup, we can’t help but wonder if any other Nike re-gens are in the pipeline to be released this year. We had a look through the archives at some of Nike’s best boots that we want to see make a return.
Nike Air Zoom Total 90 II – 2002
A boot I'm sure would be a sell out if Nike did choose to re-launch. A vintage classic, worn by icons such as Luis Figo, Paul Scholes and Roberto Carlos. This white and red colourway looked outstanding at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea. Let's not forget to mention how hard players wearing jewellery use to look.
Nike Mercurial Vapor I - 2002
We all knew this couldn't be missed. After the shock re-lauch of this model last year became a fan favourite, it wouldn't be surprising to see this continued into other colourways. The "Shock Orange" colourway is one of the most loved of all time and possibly one we could see make a return at some point.
Nike Hypervenom I – 2013
A young kid from Brazil took to the Nou Camp in the first ever model of the Hypervenom. The rest is history. These boots became one of the most sought out Nike models amongst fans, until Nike discontinued them in 2018. We've seen the likes of Michael Olise wearing old Hypervenoms in current games, so could they make a comeback?
Nike Magista Obra – 2014
13 July 2014. Mario Gotze made the world tremble. Scoring the winning goal in the 113' minute of the World Cup Final to see Germany lift the most prestigious trophy in football. All whilst wearing Magista Obra's. Not a bad campaign for the debut boot.
Nike Tiempo Legend IV – 2011
What a boot, what a player. Pirlo was the face of the Tiempo, a boot riddled with elegance and class. A relaunch of the Legend IV in this chrome blue colour scheme would be warmly welcomed, after Nike have teased similar colourways in recent years.
Nike Mercurial Vapor IX – 2013
This colourway is unreal. A model worn by the likes of Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Pedro – three ballers who danced their way past Premier League defenders. A boot that was the beginning of the soft and smooth upper that was so loved for years before Gripknit technology. Imagine this colourway making a comeback on the feet of Marcus Rashford and Cole palmer.
Nike Air Zoom Total 90 III – 2004
Another T90 boot makes it onto this list because, frankly, I'd like to see all T90 models make a return. With lifestyle trainers already heavily rumoured to make a return in the spring, is this boot next? This white and gold colourway is one of the freshest editions of a boot in Nike history. Paired with the feet of arguably the best dribbler the game has ever seen. Clean.
Can we also take a minute to appreciate that T90 ball...
Nike CTR360 Maestri – 2009
An underrated boot crafted for control. Designed for the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Andrés Iniesta, Nike wanted to focus on building a boot for the playmakers. A boot that had a short time in the spotlight, is this one due for a comeback?
Nike Mercurial Vapor IV – 2007
Unlike any other Nike boot of its time, this generation of Mercurial came with covered laces – much like more recent boots such as the Phantom GX I. Some of the colourways of this model were crazy, Nike emhphasing on standout colours like orange and pink. Here is Didier Drogba donning the orange colourway in the 2007 Chelsea away kit.
Which boot do you want to see make a return?