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.
Real Madrid 26-27 New Shirt Number Owners
Real Madrid have officially confirmed their squad numbers for the 2026-27 season. Thanks to @jersey_story for the design visuals.
Raúl Asencio steps into the No. 2 shirt previously worn by Dani Carvajal, while new signing Dean Huijsen takes over No. 4 from David Alaba. Endrick also returns to the No. 9 after his loan spell at Marseille.
Among the new arrivals, Ibrahima Konaté will wear No. 16, Marc Cucurella No. 17, Carlos Espí No. 19, Denzel Dumfries No. 24 and Yan Diomande No. 25. Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva will continue wearing No. 20 following Fran García's departure. The number is closely associated with the Portuguese midfielder's most successful years at Manchester City.
Which new number catches your eye the most? Let us know your answer in the comments below.
Paris Saint-Germain Debut 26-27 Kits Featuring Two Stars
PSG debuted a two-star version of their 26-27 kits during recent friendly matches, commemorating their pair of UEFA Champions League titles. This special detail will be used exclusively in international competitions.
Despite Ligue 1 placing no restriction on star crests, PSG announced they will not feature the stars on their domestic league kits. Special thanks to @jerseystory_vn for the spot and graphic.
No More Nike: Adidas Croatia 2026 Training Kits Revealed
Following their switch from Nike to Adidas, Croatia's new training kit set for 2026 have been unveiled in the latest training camp for youth teams' goalkeepers.
However from what we've seen, both of the new jerseys are simply from Adidas Tiro 26 League template range, using default black and grey color choices. These are very likely just temporary options for the mean time, until the actual designs with probably bespoke colorways are officially released.
What do you think of the new Adidas Croatia 2026 training kits? Let us know in the comments below.
