Next-Gen Nike Mercurial Superfly or Vapor: Which Are Pros Choosing for the 2026 World Cup?
- New Nike Mercurial Boots for 2026 World Cup: The next-generation Nike Mercurial Superfly and Vapor boots were introduced just before the 2026 World Cup, generating significant interest and posing choices for professional players.
- Professional Player Switching Trends: After pre-tournament training, many professional athletes have been observed switching between the Superfly and Vapor models, with the Superfly 11 becoming highly convincing and prompting a noticeable migration from the low-cut Vapor once adapted to the foot.
- Notable Player Choices for Superfly and Vapor: High-profile players like Federico Valverde, Marcus Thuram, Enzo Fernández, Désiré Doué, and Cristiano Ronaldo have transitioned to the Superfly, while stars such as Vinícius Júnior, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Tijjani Reijnders continue to prefer the Vapor, and Hakan Çalhanoğlu uniquely switched from Superfly to Vapor 17.
The introduction of the next-generation Nike Mercurial boots just ahead of the 2026 World Cup has been very interesting not only in terms of hype but also somewhat complicated for professionals. Thanks to Boots Culture for the story and images.
Next-Gen Nike Mercurial Superfly & Vapor - Players' Choices
Following pre-tournament training camps, several high-profile athletes have been spotted switching between the Superfly and Vapor models. Boot experts at BootsCulture noted that while the Superfly 11 can feel initially less comfortable, it becomes highly convincing once adapted to the foot, prompting a noticeable migration from the low-cut Vapor.
Notable players making the jump to the heavier yet more comfortable Superfly include Federico Valverde, Marcus Thuram, Enzo Fernández, and Désiré Doué. Doué notably wore the Vapor in the 2025-26 Champions League Final before switching to the Superfly for international duty. Cristiano Ronaldo has also returned to the Superfly 11 after a recent stint in the Vapor.
Despite the surge in Superfly adoption, the Vapor 17 remains the most popular choice overall. Stars like Vinícius Júnior, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Tijjani Reijnders are sticking with the Vapor. Interestingly, Hakan Çalhanoğlu has gone against the current trend, dropping his previously preferred Superfly models to wear the new Vapor 17.