No More Need For A Hole in The Heel Area | Closer Look - Coutinho's Unique Leather Nike Mercurial Vapor XI Boots
May 4, 2018, by Chris
In April 2017, Philippe Coutinho made the headlines in the boot world by cutting an extremely big hole in the heel area of his Nike Mercurial Vapor 11 football boots. Now thanks to football boot freak and collector of match worn football boots @photnunan, we get a look at Philippe Coutinho's custom Nike Mercurial Vapor 11 football boots that Nike created for him following his problems with the heel area of the now last-gen Nike Mercurial Vapor 11 soccer cleats.
Philippe Coutinho's Modified Leather Nike Mercurial Vapor 11 Boots
Here are some pictures of Philippe Coutinho's modified Nike Mercurial Vapor XI boot.
Based on the striking red & black Nike Mercurial Vapor XI Fire football boot, the custom boots Nike created for Philippe Coutinho come with leather in the heel area. This is almost certain because the Brazilian midfielder had problems with blisters with the standard synthetic version of the speed cleats.
Apart from the leather in the heel area and the remarkable stitching, Coutinho's handmade Nike Mercurial Vapor boot seem to be the same as the standard version of the boots.
However, the Nike Mercurial Vapor 360 2018 football boot has not many things in common with the Nike Mercurial Vapor 11 cleat that was released in 2016 (first Mercurial Vapor with knitted upper). Philippe Coutinho is wearing a non-modified version of the Nike Mercurial Vapor 360 soccer shoe.
Would you like to get a similar treatment by Nike as Philippe Coutinho to get perfect fitting bots? What do you think of these custom Nike Mercurial Vapor 11 boots? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Straight Nameset Confirmed for Manchester United 26-27 Third Kit
Following the release of the Manchester United 26-27 third kit, we wondered if the kit had straight or curved names. This has now been settled. The on-pitch appearance confirms that the names are applied in a straight horizontal alignment.
During the launch campaign by Adidas and Manchester United, one promotional photoshoot had Lisandro Martínez with a distinctive arch above the numbers - an error.
Schalke Manager Miron Muslić Wears New 26-27 Away Kit on Touchline
FC Schalke 04 head coach Miron Muslić made a unique style statement on the touchline by wearing the club's new 26-27 away shirt during their pre-season friendly against Atalanta at the VELTINS-Arena.
While his players took to the pitch in their traditional royal blue home jersey, the manager sported the popular retro-inspired white away kit, complete with the classic Adidas Trefoil and vintage club crest. The appearance provided an organic spotlight for the new release, which has enjoyed unprecedented commercial demand after selling 40,000 units in just two and a half hours alongside more than 20,000 additional pre-orders.
Vis Pesaro 1898 26-27 Home, Away & Third Kits Released
Italian Serie C side Vis Pesaro 1898 has officially launched its new kit collection for the 2026-27 season, produced once again in partnership with Macron. The launch also marks the debut of the club's new primary shirt sponsor, construction company Edilsir.
The Vis Pesaro 26-27 home kit stays true to the club's heritage, featuring the iconic red and white vertical stripes alongside a clean white round collar and matching sleeve trims. The Macron Hero logos and club crest are positioned on the chest, paired with classic styling that represents the identity of the Biancorossi.
Completing the lineup, the away shirt arrives on a clean white base highlighted by an abstract red marble pattern across the torso. The collection also includes an anthracite grey kit defined by an eye-catching white chevron across the midsection, subtle tonal textures across the chest, and refined dark trims.
Ternana Women 26-27 Home Kit Released
Newly promoted Serie A Women side Ternana have officially unveiled their home kit, becoming one of the very few women teams to have their own bespoke designs.
Made by Macron, the jersey put an interesting twist on the traditional green and red stripes, using one large central stripe and four smaller stripes around it, spreading out on the top. All of the stripes are outlined with yellow trims, matching with the logos and accents.
What do you think of the new Ternana Women 26-27 home kit by Macron? Let us know in the comments.
AEK Athens 26-27 Third Kit Released
AEK Athens have just unveiled their new 2026–27 third kit, featuring the iconic Dikéfalos (double-headed eagle) emblem on the left chest.
The kit has a simple design, with blue as the dominant color, while the collar and sleeve cuffs are black.
Nike has placed the Dikéfalos emblem on the left chest, the club’s symbol, instead of the full club crest.
Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 Kobe "Mamba" Boots Leaked - Inspired by Vapor 9 'Fireberry' Boots
Footy Headlines can leak 8 more new images of the special Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 “Mamba” boots, featuring a colorway inspired by the iconic Vapor 9 “Fireberry.” Big thanks to sbootssupply.
Valletta FC 26-27 Home Kit Released
Malta club Valletta FC have unveiled their new 2026–27 home kit, featuring an extremely simple design.
The shirt is predominantly white, with a red Swoosh logo. It has a plain finish and a crew neck collar.