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.
Aston Villa 26-27 Third Kit On Sale Early in Adidas Store
Aston Villa's 26-27 third kit has gone on sale early at an official Adidas store in Tenerife ahead of its official launch.
Photos shared by supporter @squirrelvilla confirmed that the complete strip was available to buy in Playa De Las Americas, giving fans an early look at the new shirt and matching shorts in hand.
The Adidas Aston Villa 26-27 third shirt features a light icy blue base covered in an elaborate, repeating swirl pattern across the front and sleeves. Claret detailing highlights the crew neck collar, sleeve cuffs, and signature Three Stripes, while both the centered Adidas logo and Aston Villa crest sit prominently on the chest. The version bought in store was sold without a main front sponsor.
FC Penafiel 26-27 Home Kit Released
Portuguese Liga 2 club FC Penafiel has officially launched its new home kit for the 26-27 season, produced by Nike. The release heralds a new kit deal for the club, leaning into a classic aesthetic that honors their traditional Rubro-Negro identity.
The Nike FC Penafiel 26-27 home jersey is predominantly red, styled with a contrasting black polo collar and open v-neck cut. Adding to the retro design, the club badge is set within a dark circular crest frame on the left chest, accompanied by a black Nike Swoosh and white Abanca sponsorship branding across the chest.
The FC Penafiel 26-27 home shirt is available now through the club's official webshop, priced at €59.99.