In-Depth Analysis: Next-Gen Nike Mercurial Superfly Boots | Nike Flyweave, Dynamic Fit Collar, Heel Counter and Sole Plate
Oct 13, 2015, by Chris
As things came extremely unexpected and fast last evening, we today take a closer look at all elements of the next-gen Nike Mercurial Superfly 2016 Cleats including the Flyweave upper, the redesigned Dynamic Fit collar, the all-new external heel counter and the outsole.
Yesterday, Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first player to lace up in a blackout version of the Nike Mercurial Superfly Cleats in Real Madrid's training session. And as there are almost a dozen images of Cristiano Ronaldo training in the upcoming Nike Mercurial Superfly, we already know more about the boots as one might expect.
Nike Mercurial Superfly 2016 Boots - Flyweave upper
While we rumored that Nike could introduce the revolutionary Nike Flyweave technology to football boots in June 2015, yesterday's training session almost certainly confirmed that Nike will bring the all new upper construction to the next-gen Nike Mercurial Superfly Cleats. What makes us so certain about it?
In 2014, Nike introduced the first-ever basketball shoe featuring the revolutionary Nike Flyweave upper structure. The Nike Air Jordan XX9 shoe was the first product to feature the performance-woven upper, even though Nike didn't mention that the upper is in fact the all-new Flyweave technology back then. In June 2015, Nike finally introduced the Flyweave technology and announced that the performance-woven upper structure 'takes shape'.
The upper structure of the Nike Air Jordan XX9 has many things in common with the blackout Nike Mercurial Superfly 2016 Boots. Like the blackout prototype cleats worn by the Portuguese superstar, the basketball shoe comes with the remarkable lines upper structure, which is a clear indication that both products are using the same material for the upper - Nike Flyweave. But what are the innovations of Nike Flyweave?
Whereas Nike Flyknit, which is used for the Nike Mercurial Superfly 2014 Boots, is based on the traditional process of knitting, Flyweave originates from weaving. It allows Nike to use advanced materials for a stronger and more intricate fabric than knitting. Additionally, like it was the case with Flyknit, Nike can also integrate Flywire strings for even more stability and lockdown. What are the direct advantages for the Nike Mercurial Superfly 2016 Cleats?
Designed to act like a bionic second skin, Nike Flyweave will further improve the lockdown and stability of the Nike Mercurial Superfly Boots for better acceleration and more speed. Additionally, as the Nike Flyweave material is much stronger than the Nike Flyknit, it's expected that the Nike Mercurial Superfly 2016 Boots will be more durable than the previous generation of the the speed boot.
Nike Flyweave makes it possible for Nike to customize "individual Flyweave uppers by the megapixel". For example, computer-aided engineering allows designers to directly weave the Swoosh inside the upper structure, while the famous branding had to be glued on the Nike Flyknit boots previously. So it's also possible for Nike to completely change the upper design for the same generation (from one "colorway" to the next release).
Let's talk about the next remarkable element of the next-gen Nike Mercurial Superfly Boots, the Dynamic Fit collar.
Nike Mercurial Superfly 2016 Boots - Dynamic Fit collar
While the upper of the fifth generation Nike Mercurial Superfly Cleats introduces a totally new technology, the Dynamic Fit collar is rather similar to the current generation. Made from Nike Flyknit, the Dynamic Fit collar is designed for a sock-like feel with no distractions.
But what's most eye-catching is that the collar is much lower than the collar of the Nike Mercurial Superfly 2014 World Cup Boots. And even though Cristiano Ronaldo uses a similar collar concept for his modified Nike Mercurial Boots, it's very likely that the prototype boot worn by the Real Madrid striker are very similar to the regular version of the next-gen Nike Mercurial Superfly. Therefore, we can expect that the next-generation Nike Mercurial Superfly Football Boots will feature a low-cut collar.
But the Nike Mercurial Superfly 2016 Boot not only introduce a new upper and Dynamic Fit collar, but also come with a totally new heel counter and sole plate design. It would be a mistake not to separate the all-new external counter and the outsole as both parts were newly developed for the the next-gen Nike Mercurial Boots.
Nike Mercurial Superfly 2016 Boots - External Heel Counter
The Nike Mercurial Superfly 2016 Boot is the first Mercurial to feature an external heel counter since the release of the Nike Mercurial Vapor IV Boot in 2008. Made for more stability and lockdown, the heel counter of the next-gen Nike Mercurial Superfly Boots is anything but ordinary.
However, being only visible on some of the pictures and only used for the medial side of the boot, the external heel counter of the Nike Mercurial Superfly 2016 Cleat is the most mysterious element of the cleats. It's very likely that Cristiano Ronaldo laced up in two different prototype boots with one cleat featuring the external heel counter and the the another prototype lacking the element. Therefore, let's continue with the outsole of the Nike Mercurial Superfly 2016 Cleats for now.
Nike Mercurial Superfly 2016 Boots - Sole Plate / Outsole
While it's not possible yet to recognize the material used for the sole plate of the blackout Nike Mercurial Superfly 2016 Boot, it's already possible to analyze the brand new sole plate of the cleats.
Similar to the next-generation Nike Tiempo Legend 6 2016 Boots, the Nike Mercurial Superfly 5 boasts a unique graphic design on the outsole to make a bold statement on the pitch. But what's even more interesting is the all-new stud alignment and the shape of the cleats.
The alignment of the studs is rather similar to the previous generation. However, Nike removes the third stud from the medial front area of the boots while adding one all-new stud in the medial area of the sole plate. The cleats in the rear area of the boots are rotated to the outside of the boot, while those studs were previously rotated contrary.
Almost all cleats feature a triangular shape, while the previous generation of the Nike Mercurial Superfly comes with triangular and long narrow studs. It's Nike's aim to offer players even more traction for faster acceleration on Firm Ground surfaces.
Are there any questions left? Let us know in the comments section below.
Hellas Verona 26-27 Third Kit Released
Hellas Verona and Joma have officially launched the club's new third kit for the 26-27 season. Unveiled under the campaign slogan "Custodi della Storia" (Guardians of History), the jersey celebrates the historical monuments and cultural heritage of the city of Verona.
The Joma Hellas Verona 26-27 third shirt introduces an elegant white base highlighted by an embossed vertical band pattern on the front. This textured detailing reinterprets the ornate gothic ironwork and ornamental shapes of the Arche Scaligere, one of Verona's most famous historic sites. Refined gold accents complete the design, applied to the V-neck collar, sleeve cuffs, Joma branding, and a monochrome edition of the club crest.
Several bespoke elements are worked into the collar construction, including the club's founding year "1903" on the front insert, the phrase "We Are Hellas" printed inside the neck, and the traditional motto "Dai Verona" on the upper back. Matching white shorts and socks with gold detailing round off the full 26-27 third strip.
Most Lucrative Premier League 26-27 Sleeve Sponsorship Deals: Manchester United Top List
Manchester United have claimed the top spot in the Premier League sleeve sponsorship rankings for the 26-27 season following their multi-year agreement with global fintech firm SumUp. Worth a record-breaking £22 million per season, the partnership surpasses United's previous £20 million annual contract with DXC Technology. The SumUp branding will appear across the playing kits of the men's, women's, and academy sides in all competitions. Big thanks to @Lu_Class_.
The new agreement pushes Manchester United ahead of neighbors Manchester City, whose sleeve deal with cryptocurrency exchange OKX brings in £20 million per year. Arsenal follow closely in third place after securing an £18 million-a-year contract with payroll and HR platform Deel. Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur both collect £15 million annually from their respective partnerships with Expedia and Kraken.
Further down the table, Newcastle United sit on £7.5 million per season with Noon, while Everton and Aston Villa generate £6 million annually from Stake and Betano. Chelsea remain the only notable high-profile side yet to announce a primary sleeve sponsor for the 26-27 campaign.
Buriram United 26-27 Third Kit Released
Thai powerhouse Buriram United have officially unveiled their in-house 26-27 third kit. Produced under the club's own label as is tradition for domestic competitions, the shirt utilizes a very dark navy base covered with subtle geometric cross motifs, complemented by light pink accents across the buttoned collar, monochrome crest, and sponsor graphics. The release has sparked debate among supporters and collectors, as Buriram's 26-27 home kit also relies on a dark navy template, differing primarily by pairing it with coral detailing rather than pink.
Clermont Foot 63 26-27 Third Kit Released
French Ligue 2 club Clermont Foot 63 and Italian brand Kappa have officially unveiled the club's new third kit for the 26-27 season. Deeply rooted in regional pride, the new strip draws inspiration from the distinctive dark Volvic volcanic stone (pierre de Volvic) that defines much of Clermont-Ferrand's historic architecture.
The Kappa Clermont Foot 63 26-27 third jersey features a charcoal base covered in an elaborate line-art illustration across the front. The design incorporates several key regional landmarks and cultural symbols, including the Puy de Dôme volcano, the iconic twin spires of Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral, the Stade Gabriel-Montpied, a football marked with the department number 63, and the traditional Auvergnat gonfanon. Off-white trim on the collar and sleeve cuffs complements the monochrome cream club crest, Kappa Omini emblems, and CA Centre France chest sponsorship.
TSG Hoffenheim 26-27 European Kit Released
German Bundesliga club TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and Italian kit maker Macron have officially unveiled the club's new Euro kit for the 26-27 season. Designed specifically for the Kraichgau side's upcoming UEFA Europa League campaign, the strip marks their first dedicated international jersey under their new multi-year partnership with Macron, who took over from Joma this summer.
The Macron Hoffenheim 26-27 Euro shirt comes in a dark navy blue base overlaid with an eye-catching graphic pattern. Inspired by the stag antlers found in the historic coat of arms of Hoffenheim, the motif is reinterpreted in purple and blended with irregular vertical brushstrokes in blue and purple. According to the brand, this aesthetic synthesizes the visual themes and color palettes seen across Hoffenheim's 26-27 home, away, and third shirts.
Contrasting white details are used on the collar, sleeve cuffs, and along the raglan sleeve seams.
Bayern München 26-27 Oktoberfest Kit Leaked - Full Look - 9 New Official Pictures
We can reveal the full Bayern Munich 2026-2027 Oktoberfest kit, including the shirt, shorts, and socks. The Three Stripes on the shorts use the pattern of the kit.
Manchester City Wear C.P. Company for European Travel
Manchester City have worn exclusive C.P. Company travelwear for their first UEFA Champions League away trip of the 2026-27 season, travelling to face Porto.
C.P. Company has been City's Official Fashionwear Partner since 2024, providing customised off-pitch clothing for European trips and high-profile arrivals. The new “Blue Moon Lens” collection blends C.P. Company's signature black with City's traditional light blue across pieces including the Coach Jacket, Puffer Jacket, polo shirts,...
The collaboration will soon extend from travelwear to the pitch, with Puma and C.P. Company set to release a special Manchester City 2026-27 fourth kit, bringing the Italian label's distinctive design identity to a City shirt.
What do you think of Manchester City's latest C.P. Company travelwear? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
All-New FIFA ASEAN Cup Logo Revealed
The logo for the first FIFA-organized Southeast Asian tournament has been revealed. The design incorporates a colorful, stylized globe depicting the Southeast Asian region.
Our partner, What The Kit, has created a prediction concept mockup of the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup patch, featuring a prominent blue background.
Adidas Predator Y-3 'Tiger' 2026 Boots Leaked - 6 New Images
Footy Headlines can now leak 6 new images of the special Adidas Predator Y-3 'Tiger' 2026 boots. Big thanks to shoptcrampons.
The boots feature an incredibly aggressive and bespoke aesthetic, dominated by a highly detailed, hand-painted-style graphic of a snarling tiger with bared teeth and glowing red eyes across the upper.
Cittadella 26-27 Third Kit Released
Italian side AS Cittadella and technical sponsor Erreà have officially unveiled the club's new third kit for the 2026-27 campaign. Conceived by Erreà Creative Lab, the strip draws its inspiration directly from the iconic medieval defensive walls that surround the historic city.
The Erreà AS Cittadella 26-27 third shirt combines a predominantly black base with an irregular, lived-in texture that mimics the surface of ancient stone. A striking mix of purple, aqua green, and granata accents enlivens the textured graphic across the front, back, and sleeves. The club's crest is rendered in vibrant aqua green embroidery on the chest, complemented by matching Erreà branding and sponsor detailing, while the club's founding year, 1973, is stitched onto the upper back.
Completing the outfield range alongside the previously launched home and away jerseys, the new third kit is now available through the club's and Erreà's official channels.
Isco Makes Champions League History With Fifth Different Spanish Club
Real Betis captain Isco made European history during his side's return to the UEFA Champions League, inspiring Los Verdiblancos to an exciting 3-2 away victory against Lille. By taking the pitch in Betis' opening fixture, the veteran playmaker became the first footballer in history to appear in the Champions League with five different Spanish clubs, having previously featured in the competition for Valencia, Málaga, Real Madrid, and Sevilla.
Beyond his unique journey across Spanish football, Isco enters the 26-27 campaign holding an unmatched distinction: no active player in this season's competition has won more Champions League titles. The midfielder lifted Europe's most coveted trophy five times during his spell with Real Madrid, triumphing in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2022. Betis qualified for the Champions League for the first time in 21 years, and their talisman marked the milestone occasion in style by registering an assist in France to cement his enduring European pedigree.