In Detail - Nike Mercurial Vapor III 2006 Football Boots
In 2006, Nike introduced the all-new Teijin microfiber for the Nike Mercurial III football boots. Eleven years later, Nike's Teijin synthetic material is still used for the upper of the Nike Mercurial Vapor soccer boots. We take a closer look at the Nike Mercurial Vapor 3 football boots, which were worn in training by Valencia striker Simone Zaza this week.
Nike Mercurial Vapor 3 Soccer Cleats - 2006
Here are some of the most famous colorways of the Nike Mercurial Vapor III soccer cleat (some pictures by @toffem).
The Nike Mercurial Vapor III brought significant changes to Nike's ultimate speed product with Teijin microfiber, engineered to conform and adjust to the foot's shape, introduced to the upper.
The Nike Mercurial Vapor 3 also featured increased padding on the exposed, form-fitting heel cup to evolve the fit, completed by an anatomically contoured speed last and a carbon fiber heel wrap to distribute heel-strike impact. Thanks to a two-piece plate with direct injection studs, no concessions to multidirectional traction or acceleration was spared in the design.
Like its predecessors, the Mercurial Vapor III came in colors befitting its speed. The Brazilian Ronaldo celebrated his all-time tournament scoring record in 2006 with a limited-edition version of the Mercurial Vapor III R9, and signaled a decade of Mercurial speed with a 10th anniversary edition (released in 2007) that brought the distinctive color scheme of the original Mercurial to the carbon fiber-aided Mercurial Vapor III platform. Cristiano Ronaldo wore a bold Cactus colorway.
All in all, it can be said that the Nike Mercurial Vapor 3 soccer boots were one of the most important new generations marking a important point in the evolution of the iconic speed cleats.
What do you think of the Nike Mercurial Vapor III? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Vintage Football Shirts
from Cult Kits
2000/01 Chelsea Zola #25 L/S Away Shirt (L) Umbro
2007/08 Thonon Évian Grand Geneve F.C. #9 L/S Home Shirt (XL) Adidas
1987/88 Japan #5 *Olympic Qualifier - Player Issue* Away Shirt (M) Asics
2008/10 South Korea Ji Sung #7 Home Shirt (L) Nike
2004/05 Sweden Ibrahimovic #10 *Centenary* Third Shirt (M) Umbro
2008/09 Juventus Del Piero #10 L/S Home Shirt (L) Nike
1991/92 Celtic Home Shirt (XL) Umbro
2019/20 Nice Tracksuit Top (M) Macron
2013 Netherlands *BNWT* Vs Romania Home Shirt (S) Nike
2006 Japan Adidas Samurai Blue Supporters Tee (M)
El Clásico Retro Kit - Semi-finals
Four kits are remaining in the El Clásico retro kit competition by Kit Creator. You can vote now here: https://fifakitcreator.com/showcase/competition/227
Neymar Gives First Look at Puma 2026 World Cup Boots
Neymar has trained in the World Cup edition of the Puma Future football boots, called Showtime. The Puma 'Showtime' 2026 World Cup soccer cleats pack is set to release on Thursday, May 28, 2026.
Inter Milan 26-27 Home Kit Spotted for Sale
The new Nike Inter 2026-2027 home shirt is set to launch soon. Thanks to Solo ed esclusivamente Inter for the images.
Adidas Boca Juniors 1992 Retro Collection Leaked
According to reliable club apparel source @marto_m3, the German brand is preparing to launch a full line of vintage garments for the Argentine giants Boca. The leaked mock-ups showcase a four-piece capsule that accurately revives the bold aesthetic of the early 1990s, consisting of a classic track jacket, matching track pants, and two distinct retro t-shirts.
The standout pieces of the collection are the two jerseys, which feature the famous 1992 template, A central placement for both the vintage Adidas Trefoil logo and the historic Boca Juniors crest completes the authentic 1992 look. Complementing the shirts is a vibrant tracksuit, with the blue jacket sporting a striking yellow angled panel across the chest and the pants featuring oversized yellow and white geometric color-blocking down the sides.
This upcoming release is part of a 1992 retro collection for many Adidas teams.
Vauxhall Motors FC 26-27 Away Kit Releasedmacr
The the striking new Vauxhall Motors FC 2026-2027 away kit has been revealed, introducing a highly vibrant aesthetic for the upcoming campaign.
The shirt features a dark navy base that is heavily contrasted by an intricate, retro-inspired geometric pattern applied in neon pink, yellow, and light blue across the torso and sleeves. Pink Macron 'Hero' logos sit on the right chest and both shoulders, perfectly complementing the colourful graphic elements, while the traditional club crest rests on the left breast.
Right in the centre, the logo of front-of-shirt sponsor Premier Jet Support, complete with an aeroplane motif, is printed in crisp white to stand out against the busy background design.
What are your thoughts on this bold, colourful pattern for the new Vauxhall Motors away strip? Let us know in the comments below.
