Revolution? Last-Gen vs Next-Gen Mercurial 2021 Boots
Jan 26, 2021, by Chris
The next-generation Nike Mercurial 2021 football boots were released this month. They introduce a fresh and modern new design with various key features - we compare them to the last-gen Nike Mercurial 2019 football boots to find out how big the changes made to the boots.
the silo's regular names remain the same
The launch edition of the next-gen Nike Mercurial 2021 soccer cleats is officially called "Dragonfly", but the silo's regular names remain the same - Mercurial Superfly 8 (high-cut) and Mercurial Vapor 14 (low-cut).
Nike Mercurial Superfly 7 & Vapor 13 vs Mercurial Superfly 8 & Vapor 14 Soccer Cleats
The Nike Mercurial 2021 football boot is again released as low-cut and high-cut version. Both of the versions (Superfly & Vapor) are identical except the construction around the ankle.
Natural structures were one of the main sources of inspiration
“Natural structures were one of the main sources of inspiration. We sought to create that same lightweight expression with strategically placed materials for the new Mercurial. We think this is the future of speed and the kind of feel players have been asking for.” Jeongwoo Lee, Nike Soccer Footwear Designer.
Collar
The collar of the next-gen Nike Mercurial Superfly is similar to the previous gen, with slight differences. The end of it in the front area is straight, and the collar is a bit higher.
For the Vapor version, the differences are bigger - there is an extra (orange) pull tab / element at the heel.
Upper
The main change of the next-gen Nike Mercurial 2021 soccer cleats is the upper. In contrast to the previous Mercurial, the next-gen Nike Mercurial 2021 boots have a stripped-down version of the Flyknit upper. Minimal materials leave only what is truly needed while reducing its weight in the process.
The upper was designed for maximum efficiency with no excess materials
Like a dragonfly’s wings, the new Mercurial 2021 was designed for maximum efficiency with no excess materials.
Sole Plate
The second big change of the 2021 Mercurial boot can be found on the bottom. In contrast to the two plate construction of the last generation, the Nike 2021 Mercurial boots have a single Nike Aerotrak plate for ultimate speed. The studs appear to be a bit thicker.
The two plate construction caused some major problems when introduced in 2018
In 2018, the all-new two plate construction of the Nike Mercurial 360 2018 boots already caused controversy after the cleats of Eren Derdiyok were extremely bent, causing nearly a horror injury.
Nike Mercurial 2021 vs Nike Mercurial 2021 Football Boots - Overall
It can be said that the next-generation Nike 2021 Mercurial boots are not a revolution, but a big update for the silo. The main differences are the upper and the sole plate, which have been both revamped. The silo's claim remains the same - to be THE boot silo for fast players.
The next-generation Nike 2021 Mercurial boots are not a revolution, but a big update
The Nike Mercurial Superfly 8 2021 football boots are available for 275 USD, the same price as the previous-gen Nike Mercurial 2021. The Vapor version retails at 250 USD.
Are you a fan of the next-generation Nike Mercurial Superfly 8 & Vapor 14 2021 football boots? Which launch colorway do you prefer? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
FC Tokyo 26-27 Third Kit Released
J1 League club FC Tokyo has officially revealed its new 26-27 third kit produced by New Balance. Following the club's full collection unveiled earlier in the summer, the new third uniform builds on the overarching dawn theme with a distinct design concept titled "THE BORDERLESS BALANCE".
The New Balance FC Tokyo 26-27 third shirt combines New Balance's signature gray tone with deep navy to capture the transition from night to dawn over the capital. Subtle red gradient streaks emerge along the shoulders and bottom hem, adding a dynamic accent to the dark base. All sponsor logos and the FC Tokyo crest are applied in clean monochrome white, creating a sleek lifestyle-friendly look.
FC Tokyo will debut the 26-27 third kit in J1 League action in February 2027 against V-Varen Nagasaki and JEF United Chiba.
No More Hummel: Stimulus Puerto Rico 2026 Home & Away Kits Released
The Puerto Rican Football Federation (FPF) has officially launched its new home and away kits for the 26-27 cycle, marking the beginning of a technical partnership with American sportswear brand Stimulus Athletic. The Minneapolis-based custom kit maker takes over the apparel duties for El Huracán Azul, officially replacing previous supplier Hummel.
The new home shirt boasts a bold geometric pattern in deep blue and black shades, inspired by the historic cobblestones of Old San Juan alongside the luminous glow of Puerto Rico's world-famous bioluminescent bays. The striking mosaic extends across the entire front and sleeves, complemented by subtle teal accents along the collar and cuff trims. Black shorts and blue socks complete the primary uniform.
In contrast, the away jersey provides a crisp white design adorned with details drawn directly from the national flag. It features dynamic red striping down the flanks that fades into a digital gradient towards the hem, flanked by cyan and red accents on the collar and sleeve cuffs. Both shirts are available for $80 through the official FPF online store, alongside dedicated goalkeeper versions.
Official 26-27 TV Scoreboard Of Top European Competitions
Following the start of the 26-27 season, we have had a complete view over every official TV scoreboard of the biggest European competitions. Though there are mostly no changes, we can see how many of the top leagues are adapting the current trend of minimalistic designs.
Join us to take a look at current scoreboard graphics from Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League. Huge thanks to our partner @whatthekit_x for amazing compilation.
Chattanooga Red Wolves Reveal Vibrant Hispanic Heritage Pre-Match Shirt
USL League One club Chattanooga Red Wolves SC have unveiled a striking special-edition warm-up top in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Worn ahead of the club's annual Hispanic Heritage Night celebrations, the design pays homage to the rich cultural contributions and traditions of the Hispanic and Latino communities within the local area and across the sport.
Set against an off-white base, the standout feature of the shirt is a massive howling wolf graphic across the front. The silhouette of the club's emblem is brought to life through intricate Mesoamerican and folk art motifs, filled with vibrant shades of teal, red, yellow, orange, and violet. Matching cultural diamond patterns run down the red side panels, while the sleeve cuffs are detailed with horizontal sequences representing various Latin American flags.
The reverse side continues the celebratory theme with a sun wheel and mythological fauna gracing the upper back. Centered below is the club's rallying cry, "DALE LOBOS," printed in a bold red textured font and framed by geometric borders.
US Cremonese 26-27 Third Kit Released
Italian club US Cremonese and technical sponsor Acerbis have officially unveiled their new third kit for the 2026-27 campaign. Designed by Cremona native Carlo Enrico Bonvicini, the jersey is built around a deep navy base enhanced by an alternating pattern of glossy and matte tonal pinstripes for subtle depth.
Elegant golden trim outlines the classic polo collar and sleeve cuffs, complemented by monochrome gold sponsor branding and a reimagined two-tone club crest that references 1980s and 1990s iconography alongside the historical Giovanni Baldesio legend.
