Revolution: Nike Mercurial 2024-25 vs Next-gen 2026 (Superfly 11 / Vapor 17) - the Full Breakdown
Jan 29, 2026, by Phan Tich Giay
- Next-Gen Mercurial Design: The 2026 Nike Mercurial (Superfly 11/Vapor 17) represents a complete redesign, moving away from the shared features of the Vapor 12/Superfly 6.
- Material and Collar Changes: Flyknit is replaced by FlyWeave Ultra (Superfly 11) and Atomknit (Vapor 17), and the Dynamic Fit collar is replaced by a low-cut design on both models.
- Soleplate Differences: The Superfly 11 features an enhanced Air Zoom soleplate with ZoomX foam, while the Vapor 17 introduces a new FlyLight plate optimized for weight reduction and quick movements.
The next generation of Nike Mercurial is not just an update, it is a complete reinvention. Based on exclusive leaks, Footy Headlines can now provide a full breakdown comparing the current Mercurial (Superfly 10/Vapor 16) with the radical Next-Gen 2026 Mercurial (Superfly 11/Vapor 17).
Nike is discarding elements that have defined the silo for over a decade. Here is the full technical analysis.
Nike Mercurial 2024-25 vs Next-gen 2026 (Superfly 11 / Vapor 17)
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.
The End of an Era: Goodbye Flyknit & Dynamic Fit
For the first time since 2014, Flyknit is gone. The technology that defined the Mercurial for 12 years has been replaced by advanced textile tech borrowed from Nike's elite running division.
- Superfly 11: Uses FlyWeave Ultra.
- Vapor 17: Uses Atomknit.
Furthermore, the Superfly 11 returns to a low-cut design. This marks the end of the high-cut "Dynamic Fit" collar era that revolutionized football boots in 2014.
If we look at the overall design, the Vapor 17 appears to be an upper upgrade over the Vapor 16, while the outsole of the Superfly 11 seems to be an upgraded version of the Superfly 10’s outsole. Meanwhile, the outsole of the Vapor 17 and the upper of the Superfly 11 are completely new developments from Nike.
Model Breakdown: Superfly 11 vs. Vapor 17
Since they are no longer clones, we must analyze them separately.
Upper
- Superfly 11: The FlyWeave Ultra upper is designed for a snug, sock-like fit while remaining incredibly lightweight. It is a completely new direction for the Superfly upper.
- Vapor 17: Uses Atomknit. This material is drastically lighter and thinner than Flyknit, offering a barefoot feel while maintaining structure. Visually, the upper looks like a direct upgrade of the current Vapor 16.
Soleplate
- Superfly 11: The soleplate appears to be an evolution of the current Air Zoom generation. It is built on the Air Zoom foundation but upgraded with three additional studs for better traction during explosive movements. It incorporates a ZoomX foam liner (used in the Alphafly running shoes) for higher energy return with every step.
- Vapor 17: This is where the Vapor diverges. It uses an all-new FlyLight plate. It is thinner, more rigid, and features rounded V-studs optimized for quick cuts and direction changes.
Thanks to Atomknit and the FlyLight plate, the Vapor 17 is approximately 20% lighter than the Vapor 16. We expect it to weigh in at around 160 grams.
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 is clearly pushing the boundaries of weight reduction and energy return, adapting successful running technology for the pitch.
Which concept excites you more: The ultra-light Atomknit Vapor 17 or the energy-returning Superfly 11? Let us know in the comments below.
Tottenham Reveal Custom Embroidered "Sydney Special" Nameset by Rhapzo
During Tottenham Hotspur's pre-season tour in Australia, the North London club teamed up with custom embroidery artist Rhapzo to showcase a bespoke nameset for their 26-27 home kit. Unveiled at the club's pop-up venue, Spurs House in Sydney, the special design pays homage to iconic local landmarks while celebrating the team's visit down under.
The custom nameset features intricate white embroidered back numbers incorporating a stitched graphic of the famous Sydney Opera House near the base of each digit. A thin golden accent line runs through the core of the numbers to meet a mini Spurs cockerel crest, while the club's motto "to dare is to do" is delicately embroidered in cursive script underneath.
The player names above are rendered in white with a black border.
AVS Futebol 26-27 Away Kit Released
Portuguese Primeira Liga club AVS Futebol SAD has officially launched its new away kit for the 26-27 season, produced by Adidas.
The shirt is built around a vibrant yellow base and features red brushstroke-style graphics across the front - we have seen this design several times already, for example for Freiburg, San Marino and Yokohama F Marinos l.
Aston Villa 26-27 Away and Third Kits Leaked
grhaer9 has created renders of the Aston Villa 2026-27 away and third kits, with the help of AI and in cooperation with Opaleak.
The Aston Villa 26-27 away shirt features a black base with gold accents, highlighted by the classic Trefoil logo and a standalone lion crest. A repeating subtle pattern covers the body of the shirt, complemented by claret and white trim around the V-neck collar and sleeve cuffs.
The 26-27 third kit comes in a light blue colorway paired with claret detailing on the round collar, sleeve cuffs, and shoulder stripes. Its defining feature is a detailed swirling graphic pattern across the fabric, which draws inspiration from the historic entrance gates at Villa Park.
Arsenal 26-27 Third Kit Set to Launch 3 August
As per our information, the Arsenal 2026-2027 third kit will be launched on Monday, 3 August 2026.
FSV Frankfurt 26-27 Home Kit Released
German Regionalliga Südwest club FSV Frankfurt and kit supplier Erima have officially launched the team's new home kit for the 26-27 season. The release comes shortly after the presentation of the club's new away uniform in mid-July.
The Erima FSV Frankfurt 26-27 home jersey brings back a bold look in the traditional black and blue club colors, utilizing wide horizontal hoops across the front torso. White panels along the sides and shoulders add contrast, alongside subtle white accents on the collar rim and sleeve trims. Main sponsor Ludwig Hofmann is printed in white across the chest, complemented by the club crest on the left chest and white Erima branding.
Black shorts and black socks complete the new Erima FSV Frankfurt 26-27 home uniform, which is now officially available for purchase through the club's online store.
No Adidas Logo: Charly Mexico U23 Kits Released
Mexico's U23 squad has received brand-new Charly kits ahead of their campaign at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games (Juegos Centroamericanos y del Caribe).
Fans expecting to see the customary Adidas three stripes on El Tri's youth delegation might be caught off guard, but there is a distinct structural reason behind the supplier swap for this tournament.
While the main national team and the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) are sponsored by Adidas, multi-sport events within the Olympic cycle fall directly under the governance of the Comité Olímpico Mexicano (COM). Domestic sportswear brand Charly holds the official apparel rights for all athletes representing the Mexican Olympic Committee through the 2028 Los Angeles Games, resulting in the U23 football squad dressing in Charly uniforms for these games.
The new Mexico U23 2026 home jersey features a deep green base highlighted by subtle tonal vertical stripes running down the front. The design is finished with a traditional polo collar and sleeve cuffs trimmed in red and dark green accents. Instead of the FMF crest, the chest displays the official Mexican Olympic Committee logo alongside Charly's emblem, paired with green shorts and white socks.