No Real Mercurials Anymore? Next-Gen Nike Mercurial Boots Feature Gripknit
Apr 18, 2024, by Phan Tich Giay
- Technology Shift: The Nike Mercurial 2024 boots will replace Flyknit technology with Gripknit technology, marking a significant change after 10 years.
- Gripknit Details: Gripknit is a sticky material designed to improve ball touch, provide consistent grip in various conditions, and mold to the foot's shape.
- Flyknit Overview: Flyknit is a lightweight, woven material used in previous Mercurial boots, known for securing the foot and providing support with variable knit patterns.
After 10 years of development, the Nike Mercurial 2024 (Vapor 16/Superfly 10) boots will likely no longer feature the iconic Flyknit technology, but instead Gripknit technology (from the Nike Phantom GX/Luna boots).
Next-Gen Nike Mercurial 2024 Boots Feature Gripknit Technology
The new Nike Mercurial 2024 boots could be a revolution, as it is the first time in 10 years (from Superfly 4 to Superfly 9) that the Flyknit technology has been removed.
Over the last 10 years we have become very familiar with the Nike Mercurial Flyknit. Therefore, removing the Flyknit technology may make the Mercurial no longer a real Mercurial shoe.
Gripknit is sticky material technology currently used by Nike on the Phantom GX/Luna silo.
Gripknit Technology
Nike Gripknit is a sticky material that provides better touch to the ball. It covers the first 2 laces, taking up more surface area. It molds to the shape of your foot and gives you an equal grip in wet or dry conditions.
The upper is made with the new Nike Gripknit yarn, which is soft and pliable but has a grippy sensation that footballers love. It also offers unique weatherization benefits: The way the Gripknit yarn is melted and coated, it protects the knit from getting wet without having to add extra coating materials (skins) for weatherization, allowing the player to have a better boot-to-ball connection.
Flyknit Technology
Nike Flyknit is a material made up of strong yet lightweight strands of yarn that have been woven into a one-piece upper, securing an athlete's foot to the shoe platform.
Different types of knit patterns are used within a single Flyknit upper. Certain areas have a tighter weave to give the foot more support, while other areas are designed to be more flexible or breathable. Data from Nike's 40+ years of studying the foot determines where each pattern is applied.
What will you think when the Nike Mercurial 2024 boots no longer feature Flyknit technology? Comment below.
Adidas Argentina Messi 'Farewell' 2026 Kit Leaked - Coming Soon
@EldenMonitors has leaked the launch images of the special Adidas Argentina Messi “Farewell” 2026 jersey, which is set to be released soon.
Novara 26-27 Third Kit Released
Italian Serie C side Novara FC and technical partner Erreà have officially released the club's new third kit for the 26-27 season. Following the release of their traditional azzurro home strip earlier in the summer, the new third shirt delivers a stealthy, understated alternative aesthetic for the current campaign.
The Erreà Novara 26-27 third jersey is built on a solid black base and adopts a full monochrome palette. Instead of the standard club crest, the chest features Novara's historic crossed shield rendered in clean white embroidery. Erreà's logos on the right chest and shoulders, alongside long-time front-of-shirt sponsor Igor Gorgonzola and secondary partners Cristanini Viaggi and Intesa Pour Homme, are similarly applied in monochrome white.
Completing the strip, matching black shorts and black socks with white accents and crest detailing round off the uniform for the 26-27 Serie C campaign.
RB Linense 26-27 Away Kit Released
Spanish Tercera Federación side Real Balompédica Linense, popularly known as La Balona, has officially unveiled its new away kit for the 26-27 season. Produced by long-term technical partner Hummel, the new strip follows the release of the club's classic striped home kit earlier this summer.
Presented under the slogan "Segunda Piel" (Second Skin), the Hummel RB Linense 26-27 away jersey combines a deep navy base with rich gold detailing. Across the front, the shirt features tonal diagonal sashes that create a dynamic textured look. Gold accents appear on the V-neck collar, the sleeve cuffs, and Hummel's trademark shoulder chevrons, which are matched by a monochrome metallic gold club crest and Lotus chest sponsor.
The new away uniform is completed by matching navy and gold shorts and socks. The RB Linense 26-27 away shirt is already available for purchase through the club's official offices.
US Amal Tiznit 26-27 Home Kit Released
Moroccan club US Amal Tiznit have officially unveiled their new home kit for the 26-27 campaign, manufactured by domestic sportswear brand Bang Sports. The launch arrives during a historic chapter for the side, having achieved back-to-back promotions to compete in Morocco's top flight, the Botola Pro, for the first time in club history.
The Bang Sports Amal Tiznit 2026-27 home jersey is centered around the club's traditional sky blue colorway, decorated with intricate Moroccan geometric patterns across the entire front. Gold accents line the V-neck collar, while white side panels and sleeve trim bring contrast to the shirt. On the reverse, the kit adopts tonal vertical pinstripes alongside clean white player names and squad numbering.
Several sponsor marks are placed across the chest, sleeves, and lower back, complemented by Bang Sports branding and an authentic licensed patch near the hem. The new strip will be worn throughout US Amal Tiznit's debut season in the Moroccan top flight.
Match Debut? Kylian Mbappé Back in On Boots Ahead of France vs Turkey
Kylian Mbappé has once again trained in prototype On football boots during France's camp ahead of their UEFA Nations League fixture against Turkey. Following the conclusion of his long-standing partnership with Nike and his high-profile move to the Swiss brand, the French forward has tested On LightSpray prototype cleats in training sessions. Despite testing the new boots behind the scenes and in training, Mbappé wore disguised, unbranded whiteout Nike Mercurial Superfly cleats for the first competitive match against Atlético, leaving his boot choice for the clash with Turkey as one of the key gear storylines to watch.
Official: Santos Announce Adidas Kit Deal From 2028
Santos FC and Adidas have officially confirmed a major agreement that will see the German sportswear giant become the club's official kit supplier starting in the 2028 season. The six-year partnership, running through 2033, marks the third collaboration between both parties following previous stints in 1980–1981 and 1984–1988. Long-time partner Umbro will continue to manufacture the team's kits until its current contract expires at the end of 2027, with Santos opting for Adidas due to expanded global marketing, superior commercial terms, and international distribution across approximately 120 Adidas flagship stores across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.