Revolutionary | Next-Gen Nike Mercurial 2026 Boots Leaked: Vapor & Superfly Finally Split Again
Feb 6, 2026, by Phan Tich Giay
- Nike Mercurial Split: The Nike Mercurial Vapor and Superfly boots will once again be fundamentally different in 2026, ending the era of shared uppers and plates.
- Vapor 17 Features: The Nike Mercurial Vapor 17 will be the lightest Vapor ever, featuring an Atomknit upper and a FlyLight soleplate, designed for speed and agility.
- Superfly 11 Features: The Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 will feature a FlyWeave Ultra upper, a low-cut collar (returning for the first time since 2014), an updated Air Zoom unit, and a ZoomX foam sockliner for explosive acceleration and lockdown.
Update: With the latest leaked images, Footy Headlines can provide you with a visual update on the differences between the Mercurial 2026 boots, where the Vapor 17 and Superfly 11 will once again be fundamentally different boots. After years of sharing the same upper and plate, Nike is separating the two models with distinct materials, tech packages, and on-pitch identities.
Next-Gen Nike Mercurial 2026 Soccer Cleats
The next-generation Nike Mercurial 2026 football boots end the 12-year standard Flyknit era, replacing it with new construction methods across the silo.
Most importantly, the Nike Mercurial Vapor and Superfly will be different boots again - previous generations were the same except for a low-cut (Vapor)/high-cut (Superfly) collar.
Since the Vapor 12 and Superfly 6 in 2018, the two boots have been identical in terms of features and soleplates, with the only difference being the Dynamic Fit collar. That ends in 2026.
The Superfly 11 and Vapor 17 will feature different upper materials, different technologies, and even different soleplates.
Nike Mercurial Vapor 17 Football Boots – Atomknit & FlyLight Plate
The Nike Mercurial Vapor 17 2026 soccer cleats are Nike's lightest Vapor ever, built around an ultra-thin Atomknit upper (which is actually built on Nike Flyknit) that wraps the foot in a high-tension, featherweight layer designed for clean ball contact and a tight, responsive fit.
The new FlyLight soleplate is even thinner and stronger than previous versions, contributing to a boot that is around 20% lighter than the outgoing model. The stud layout remains chevron-based but is reshaped for quicker directional changes, giving the Vapor its most aggressive agility profile in years.
Nike Mercurial Vapor 17 – Features
- Atomknit upper for a lightweight, close-to-ball feel
- All-new FlyLight plate, thinner and stronger than previous versions
- 20% lighter than the previous Vapor generation
- Rounded chevron studs for faster cuts and directional changes
- Featherweight construction focused on speed and responsiveness
- Designed as the lightest Mercurial Vapor ever
Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 – Air Zoom & FlyWeave Ultra
The Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 soccer cleat takes a different path. It returns to a low-cut collar for the first time since 2014, opening up more ankle mobility while keeping the signature Superfly lockdown feel.
The upper switches to FlyWeave Ultra, a tightly woven material made to balance containment with a thinner touch surface.
The plate retains Nike’s forefoot Air Zoom unit but introduces an updated structure with three extra studs on the Air Zoom chamber for added bite when accelerating. The Superfly also receives a ZoomX foam sockliner, the brand’s most responsive cushioning.
Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 – Features
- FlyWeave Ultra upper for a contained yet thin touch
- Forefoot Air Zoom unit for long-sprint responsiveness
- Three additional studs on the Air Zoom chamber for improved traction
- Low-cut collar returning for the first time since 2014
- ZoomX foam sockliner for added energy return
- Built for explosive acceleration and lockdown
The Biggest Mercurial Update Since 2014
This is the first time since 2018 that the Vapor and Superfly aren’t just collar variations of the same boot. Instead, each model has its own tech identity.
The difference between Flyweave (Superfly) and Atomknit (Vapor) lies in their development and application: Flyweave is a separate, supportive weaving technology from Nike, while Atomknit is an advanced and lighter version of Flyknit technology, where the yarns are steamed and stretched.
The Vapor and Superfly apparently also have different sole plates. The Vapor's FlyLight plate is all about lightweight, whereas the Superfly comes with Air Zoom and ZoomX for that extra spring, but with a bit more weight.
– Vapor = extreme lightness + direct touch
– Superfly = explosive spring + structured fit
Summary of Changes
| Feature | Current Gen (2024–25) | Next-Gen (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Relationship | Identical Tech | Completely Different Boots |
| Material | Flyknit | FlyWeave Ultra (Superfly) / Atomknit (Vapor) |
| Collar | Dynamic Fit (Superfly) | Low Cut (Both) |
| Soleplate | Air Zoom (Shared) | ZoomX Enhanced (Superfly) / FlyLight (Vapor) |
Nike will launch both models in June 2026, set to be worn at the 2026 World Cup.
Are you excited to see Vapor and Superfly become different boots again? Which concept excites you more: The ultra-light Atomknit Vapor 17 or the energy-returning Superfly 11? Let us know in the comments.
AJ Auxerre 26-27 Third Kit Released
French Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre and technical partner Macron have officially unveiled the club's new third kit for the 2026-27 season. The new release completes Auxerre's set of match wear for the campaign, following the earlier launches of their retro-inspired home kit and black away strip.
The Macron Auxerre 2026-27 third jersey is predominantly blue and centers around a broad vertical navy stripe running down the middle, framed by two thin white boundary lines. In a centrally aligned setup, both the white Macron Hero and the AJ Auxerre crest are applied in silicone on the navy chest panel. A navy crew neck collar and matching sleeve cuffs feature contrasting white tipping, while "AJ AUXERRE" is embroidered in white on the upper back neck.
Matching blue shorts featuring navy and white edge striping and blue socks with a navy band topped by white trim round off the look.
Special FC Metz Robert Pirès 26-27 Testimonial Kit Released
French club FC Metz and kit supplier Kappa have officially unveiled a limited-edition collector's shirt to celebrate the testimonial match of club icon Robert Pirès, set to take place on October 6, 2026, at the Stade Saint-Symphorien.
The special jersey pays homage to Metz's memorable 1996 kit, the season Les Grenats lifted the Coupe de la Ligue with Pirès playing a central role. Reinterpreting the distinct graphic side motif of that era, the shirt features a rich garnet base paired with an intricate geometric graphic panel running down the side, an elegant white polo collar, and a centrally placed Kappa Omini logo alongside the club's traditional Lorraine cross crest. The back showcases Pirès' famous name and number 7 in a retro font, completed by a commemorative jocktag patch at the hem.
The limited-edition jersey is available for pre-order in strictly limited numbers via Metz's online store. It will be donned on pitch during the testimonial event, which brings together legends from Metz, Arsenal, and the France national team to celebrate the career of the 1998 World Cup winner where his professional journey first began.
Brighton Become First Team to Wear Anniversary Kit in the Premier League in 18 Years
In their recent 3-0 victory over Arsenal, Brighton debuted a special 125th-anniversary kit, making them the first team since Manchester United in 2008 (who marked the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster) to wear a commemorative jersey in the Premier League.
Clause 13, Section M of the Premier League regulations strictly limits clubs to three registered kits per season, making special exemptions exceptionally rare.
Other kit exemptions over the years have been few and far between: Man City wore a one-off gold sponsor detail on the final day to celebrate their title triumph in the last match of the 20-21 season, while Newcastle had to turn a pre-match tee into an official match kit to fix an emergency kit clash against Brighton in 22-23.
Thanks to our partner @whatthekit_x for the interesting spotted and the collage.
To Never Be Worn: TSV 1860 München 26-27 Oktoberfest Kit Released
The new TSV 1860 München 26-27 Oktoberfest kit has been officially released by Joma through the club's merchandising company. However, mirroring the previously revealed 26-27 home shirt, this special Wiesn design will never be worn in an official match. Following the insolvency of the club's professional division and forced relegation to the Regionalliga Bayern, 1860 München severed ties with Joma and partnered with local Munich supplier Societas for their on-pitch kits.
The Joma 1860 München 26-27 Oktoberfest jersey presents a classic Bavarian aesthetic based on a clean white shirt. Running vertically down the left side beneath the crest is a light blue and white Bavarian rhombus pattern, framed on both sides by delicate floral vine graphics reminiscent of traditional Trachten embroidery. A dark navy V-neck collar and matching sleeve cuffs complete the look, while the inside neck is detailed with Munich's famous "O'zapft is" festival motto. The front displays the traditional embroidered black lion badge with a championship star, accompanied by dark branding from Joma and primary sponsor die Bayerische.
Brazilian Clubs Defend Betting Sponsors
Corinthians, Palmeiras, São Paulo and Santos have joined forces with the São Paulo Football Federation (FPF) and other Brazilian football bodies to push back against possible restrictions on betting, warning that major changes could have a serious financial impact on the sport.
The reaction comes as the Brazilian government prepares a possible executive order to ban online casino operations, while further restrictions on sports betting are still being discussed. Clubs are concerned that tighter rules could put existing sponsorship deals and an important source of football revenue at risk.
And the numbers show why. 13 of the 20 Série A clubs currently have a betting company as their main shirt sponsor, with the combined value of these deals estimated at more than R$1 billion per season. Flamengo (Betano), Fluminense (Superbet), Botafogo (Vbet), Palmeiras (Sportingbet), Corinthians (Esportes da Sorte), São Paulo (Superbet)...
The debate comes as major European leagues have moved in the opposite direction. Italy introduced a broad ban on gambling advertising and sponsorship in 2018, while Spain introduced strict restrictions covering betting advertising and shirt sponsorships from the 2021-22 season. In England, Premier League clubs agreed to remove gambling sponsors from the front of matchday shirts from the 2026-27 season, although other forms of gambling partnerships remain possible.
What do you think of Brazilian clubs pushing back against possible betting restrictions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.