Nike Mercurial Superfly

Nike Debuts Superfly

Cristiano Ronaldo, Old Trafford, the hush of an expectant crowd. All the familiar ingredients were in Manchester yesterday, but with one big difference: CR7 wasn’t playing. He was unveiling the latest and lightest installment in the Nike football boot dynasty – the Mercurial Superfly.

Here’s what the World Player of the Year, European Player of the Year and winner of the European Golden Boot said about working with the Nike development team to bring his dream cleat to life.

“I give feedback about what I like best, what makes me feel good and things I’m accustomed to. Nike listens to my feedback and they improve the boots each time. This boot is very different to the one I’m using and I prefer these to my old boots. The Mercurial Vapor Superfly is much lighter and helps me attack faster.â€.

And of all the boots out there, why is the Mercurial so special?

“Since I was 16 or 17, I’ve always played with the Mercurial. These boots are very different to others – they’re much lighter, but I think the boots are perfect to play in. It is something very special to play with these boots because they are known for being fast. For people to associate speed with my style of play is flattering.â€

When 76 000 fans pack Old Trafford on March 11, one thing’s for certain: with debut goals in both his Mercurial Vapor IV and Mercurial SL boots, the world will be watching the clock to see how long it takes CR7 to hit the scoresheet with his latest weapon.

Flywire

Nike Flywire technology utilises high-strength threads that act like cables on a suspension bridge, delivering engineered support precisely where it’s needed. This revolutionary technology transforms how footwear is engineered by reducing the amount of material required for the upper of a soccer cleat to the bare minimum without compromising on durability or integrity and support. The strength of Nike Flywire technology is created through optimal placement of threads providing support where players need it most, coupled with highly tuned composite upper package that locks the threads in place, allowing the upper to adapt to the motion of the foot. The composite upper package uses an ultra-thin Teijin skin to cover the top of the foot, and together with the Flywire threads locks the foot in place. The Mercurial Vapor Superfly also incorporates a revolutionary lightweight traction sole plate and a carbon fibre chassis that shave precious grams from the boot, ensuring the player remains quicker than ever without compromising integrity or traction. Nike assert that the Mercurial Vapor Superfly is their lightest and fastest soccer cleat ever, a fit with the modern game that is now being played faster every season with a need for quicker reactions and acceleration.

Specs

Engineered Flywire Thread is positioned to meet the needs of the fastest players, providing optimal support precisely where the foot needs it.

Composite Upper combines five ultra thin layers that encase the Flywire threads to create a finely tuned shell that functions in harmony with the foot.

Teijin Synthetic Skin exterior surface, only 300 microns thick, to ensure the best possible fit and feel.

Flywire, Composite Upper and Teijin Skin combine to create Nike’s thinnest football upper to date and provide a uncompromising foot to boot, boot to ball fit.

Lightweight Traction Sole Plates incorporate a higher density inner structure providing the necessary integrity yet allowing the extraction of unnecessary weight from the centre of the studs. These super-light, super-strong direct injected dual-density molded studs deliver optimal traction.

7-layer carbon composite outsole shaves off weight while delivering maximum resilience, strength and flexibility.

Minimal Internal Heel Counter provides added integrity in the heel for ultra explosive players.

One-piece Seamless Heel Pod Liner offers added comfort and fit.

Details

• Family: Mercurial
• Made In: Italy
• Ball Control Elements: yes
• Ball Control Type: Special coating
• External Heel Counter: no
• How Attached To Upper: Injected
• Insole Material: EVA foam
• Insole Removable: yes
• Lacing: Covered
• Midsole performance features: TEPEX thermoplastic chassis is engineered for flexibility in the forefoot and stiffness in the arch.
• Primary Upper Material: Teijin microfiber
• Secondary Upper Material: Flywire filaments
• Sizing: Runs slightly longer than normal. For a snug fit, order down 1/2 size. For a roomy fit, order your normal size.
• Stud Material: PU
• Stud Shape: Bladed
• Studs Removable: no
• Suitable For: Firm Natural Surfaces
• Weight: 6.8 oz.