Just a Camouflaged Nike Mercurial Superfly? We Take a Closer Look At The Football Boots by Chinese Olympic Uniform Supplier 361°
Mar 2, 2016, by Chris
Update: We've received the first detailed pictures of the Chinese Nike Mercurial Superfly Boots (big thanks to @kingwaang). While it previously was not certain that upper of the 361° Boots would be identical to Nike's boot, the new pictures show off that the cleats are in fact just a 'camouflaged' version of Nike's Speed Boot (the sole plate has many things in common with the one from the Nike Hypervenom).
Just camouflaged. The upper of the 361° Cleats is identical to the one of the Nike Mercurial Superfly
361° Football Boots - Sole Plate
Dynamic Fit collar, Flywire strings and a tongue-less design. When Nike introduced the Nike Mercurial Superfly Boots ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the US-giant changed the design of football boots forever. And while since the other big brands such as Adidas and Puma (unreleased Puma evoTouch) also decided to bring the sock-like collar to their cleats, Chinese brand 361° has created a boot that draws more than inspiration from Nike's cutting-edge speed boot.
Founded in 2003, 361 Degrees Group is the 2nd largest sports brand in China. In November 2014, it was announced that the Chinese sportswear company 361° would provide more than 106,500 uniforms for technical staff and volunteers at the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The sportswear supplier started its international expansion in 2013 and has entered the US, European and Brazilian market so far.
361° 2015-2016 Football Boots
Close-up pictures of the boots worn by China international Xu Yang.
Worn by 29-year old China international Xu Yang, who currently plays for Shandong Luneng, the 361° Football Boots boast a remarkable design combining the colors light blue, pink and white. On the instep and the outstep is the 361° logo, while the upper part of the sock-like collar features a remarkable triangular pattern to showcase that these boots are made for speed. However, while the design is easily visible on the pictures, less is know about the technologies of the boots.
The 361° 2015-2016 Soccer Cleats, from which we even don't know the name, combine a sock-like collar with a tongue-less design and Flywire-like strings in the upper. It's a boot that seems to copy all features of the Nike Mercurial Superfly, while the only major difference is the sole plate of the boots.
The 361° Football Boot comes with an external heel counter and features mostly conical studs, whereas the Nike Mercurial Superfly comes without an external counter and a triangular stud configuration.
Even though the boots are used by Xu Yang for several months now, the 361° Football Boots seem to be not available to purchase online. So we also don't know the price tag of the boots yet.
Just a copy? What's your verdict on 361°'s football boots for the 2015-2016 season? Let us also know in the comments below if you have more information about the boots.
OH Leuven 26-27 Away Kit Released
Belgian Pro League club Oud-Heverlee Leuven have officially unveiled their new 2026-27 away kit. Made by Jako, the new shirt introduces a bold dark look for the upcoming domestic campaign.
The Jako OH Leuven 2026-27 away shirt features a black base with deep green vertical stripes and vibrant orange pinstripes running down the body. Dark green detailing appears on the collar and sleeve cuffs, while the Jako logo and club crest are centrally positioned on the chest.
What do you think of the new OH Leuven 2026-27 away kit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
New Material for UEFA Champions League Patches?
Based on images from Manchester United's recent posts, it appears that the Starball and UEFA Foundation sleeve patches for the 26-27 UEFA Champions League might be moving away from the traditional velvet material. Instead, they seem to feature a noticeably thinner and flatter composition.
Without high-resolution close-ups, the exact material specifications cannot be fully confirmed just yet.
However, this potential shift remains unconfirmed, as other clubs have not displayed this change. Real Betis, for instance, still appeared with standard velvet-textured patches during their recent 26-27 Champions League portrait photoshoot sessions.
We will have to wait for official confirmation and close-up looks once the competition gets underway. Big thanks to @jerseystory_vn for the collage.
Almere City 26-27 Cup Kit Released
Dutch club Almere City have officially unveiled their new 2026-27 Cup kit. Made by Craft, the special “HANASAKA!” shirt celebrates the club’s connection with Japan through owner Yanmar and the Yanmar Hanasaka International Youth Cup, an U19 tournament organised by Almere City at the Yanmar Stadion.
The Craft Almere City 2026-27 Cup shirt features a black base with subtle tonal cherry blossom branch motifs across the front. Mint green and pastel pink details add contrast, with a mint crew-neck collar and sponsor branding joined by a pink monochrome club crest, Craft logo and sleeve trims.
What do you think of the new Almere City 2026-27 Cup kit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Sutton United 26-27 Third Kit Released
English club Sutton United and kit manufacturer VX3 have officially unveiled the club's new third kit for the 2026-27 campaign. Themed around the slogan "Where Passion Blooms," the release pays homage to the local area's historic lavender fields and was presented alongside players from the Sutton United Women's squad.
The VX3 Sutton United 26-27 third shirt is predominantly light lavender purple, paired with contrasting dark purple raglan sleeves and a matching polo collar. A monochrome purple club badge sits on the left chest, complemented by dark purple sponsor logos and an embroidered sprig of lavender on the upper back just below the neckline.
The new third kit completes Sutton United's kit set for the 2026-27 season alongside their previously released home and away strips.
Plymouth Argyle 26-27 Third Kit Released
Puma and Plymouth Argyle have officially launched the club's new third kit for the 26-27 season. Designed to make a bold visual impact on the pitch, the new strip brings back a vibrant tangerine look for the Pilgrims.
The Puma Plymouth Argyle 2026-27 third jersey combines a vivid orange base with contrasting black trim across the collar, shoulders, and cuffs. The front proudly features a monochrome black version of Argyle's iconic Mayflower crest, accompanied by black Puma cat branding and sponsor detailing from Lighthouse Charity.
The new third kit is available immediately via Argyle's official online store and in-person retail locations.
Catania FC 26-27 Away Kit Released
Italian club Catania FC and technical sponsor Erreà have officially launched their new away kit for the 2026-27 season. Arriving as part of the brand's "COLORI DEI TERRITORI" collection, the release completes the club's full wardrobe for the new campaign following the earlier debuts of their volcanic-themed third and traditional rossazzurri home strips.
The Erreà Catania 2026-27 away shirt is predominantly white, accented with dark grey detailing along the thick V-neck collar, sleeve cuffs, and shoulder trims. Across the front and sleeves, the jersey incorporates a subtle tonal graphic pattern inspired by local Catanese heritage and the city's iconic elephant symbol.
The new Catania FC 26-27 away uniform is completed with matching shorts and socks and is available now through the club's official retail channels.
FC Penafiel 26-27 Away Kit Released
Portuguese Liga Portugal 2 side FC Penafiel have officially launched their new away kit for the 2026-27 season. Produced by Nike, the secondary strip arrives two weeks after the release of the club's traditional red-and-black home jersey.
The Nike FC Penafiel 2026-27 away shirt is predominantly white, highlighted by a classic horizontal chest band in red that is bordered by thin black stripes. A black polo-style collar with a front insert adds a refined touch to the design. The Nike Swoosh and FC Penafiel crest are placed inside the red chest hoop, while the ABANCA sponsor logo appears in black across the midriff.
White shorts with black detailing and white socks round off the clean look of the new FC Penafiel 26-27 away uniform, which is already available to purchase through the club's official channels.
