Revealed: The Most Innovative Nike Mercurial Boots in History
Sep 17, 2017, by Chris
Since its debut in 1998, the Nike Mercurial has redefined how football boots feel and perform several times. We take a look at the most innovative Nike Mercurial generations in history, ranging from the first-ever Nike Mercurial to the brand-new Nike Mercurial Vapor Flyknit Ultra.
1998: Nike Mercurial
Initially known as Tiempo Ultra Light, and the Ronaldo Ultra Speed, the Nike Mercurial was developed to suit Ronaldo’s extraordinary explosive style. Nike's first concepts of the boots started out as a lightweight addition to the Tiempo series, while the prototypes accelerated past anything made before and forged its own path as a "speed" boot: the Mercurial.
The Nike Mercurial feature a thinner plate than any other boot before, a KNG-100 synthetic upper (which behaved like leather but didn't absorb water like natural fabrics) to reduce weight for ultimate speed. The Nike Mercurial was worn by Ronaldo on football's biggest stage, the 1998 World Cup in France.
2002: Nike Mercurial Vapor
Another groundbreaking innovation was the first-ever Nike Mercurial Vapor, released in 2002. Nike weighed everything from glue to stitching thread in order to remove excess weight. However, as sustaining speed for a full match also required comfort, Nike also developed a new anatomical last. The innovative fit reduced weight, added comfort, and, in a testament to the Mercurial’s DNA, increased speed.
2006: Nike Mercurial Vapor III
The Nike Mercurial Vapor III signalled significant changes to football boots as the brand introduce the Teijin microfiber, which should be used for all Mercurial boots of the next few years.
2008: Nike Mercurial Vapor SL
A decade after Mercurial changed football boots forever, the Mercurial SL went back to its track sprint origins. At just 185 grams, the Mercurial SL was constructed entirely out of carbon fiber. The upper was crafted in Italy, the plate engineered in Germany, and the outsole built in South Korea. The concept boot pushed the boundaries of football and set the stage for new era of innovation on the pitch.
2008: Nike Mercurial Vapor IV
The Mercurial Vapor IV took the baton from the Mercurial SL, bringing aerodynamic sprint spike looks to the football pitch. The Teijin upper now covered the laces, offering an uninterrupted shooting surface, and allowed for a bold lateral Swoosh. A fast new aesthetic mirrored the properties of a hidden innovation: a ground-breaking internal chassis. Constructed of a glass fiber, the insert offered instant acceleration—just like the propulsive snap of a track spike.
2009: Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly
The first-ever Nike Mercurial Superfly model was the lightest Nike football boot at that time featuring a carbon-fiber sole plate and Nike's all-new Flywire strings.
2012: Nike Green Speed
Released in 2012, the Nike GS football boot was the lightest, most environmentally friendly and fastest production boot Nike has ever made. It is now wonder that the Nike Green Speed boots are one of the most sought after soccer cleats today.
2014: Nike Mercurial Superfly IV
The Nike Mercurial Superfly 4 football boot was the first-ever knitted football boot with a carbon sole plate. Born from years of R&D in the Nike Explore Team Sport Research Lab, the Nike Mercurial Superfly IV was likely Nike's biggest innovation in football ever.
2017: Nike Flyknit Ultra
The first-ever knitted low-cut Nike Mercurial boot, the Nike Flyknit Ultra cleats are a preview of what's to come for the 2018 World Cup. The Nike Flyknit Ultra football boots can be likened to the all-Flyknit Mercurial Vapor 12 that will be launched in 2018.
Mercurial Innovation.
— Pro:Direct Soccer (@ProD_Soccer) September 7, 2017
The Vapor Flyknit Ultra joins the family. Available now: https://t.co/nqso8So4KH… pic.twitter.com/5LkqjmAaFn
Which is your all-time favorite Nike Mercurial generation? Is the Nike Mercurial the most innovative football boot silo? Let us know in the comments below.
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.
