Famous for breaking through opposing defenses since 1998, the Nike Mercurial has conquered everything and is Nike’s flagship soccer shoe.
It all started with the ultimate example of explosive pace: R9, Ronaldo. His original shoes, the Nike Mercurial R9, were designed to make him—and anyone who wore them—faster. Their lightweight synthetic construction set the trend in soccer shoe design, and the same super-fast concept still lives on in today’s modern Mercurials.
From the iconic Vapor I to the revolutionary Superfly IV and the beloved Vapor Flyknit Ultra, the Mercurial series includes some of the most popular soccer shoes of all time. They have also been worn by some of the world’s best players, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, Eden Hazard, Ada Hegerberg, and Didier Drogba, who have joined R9 in the Mercurial Hall of Fame.
If you’re new to the Mercurial world, here’s the key thing to know: there are now two main variants. The Vapor, which is a low-cut soccer model, and the Superfly, which features a collar that covers the ankle. Some players prefer the more traditional, streamlined fit of the Vapor, while others appreciate the extra support and sock-like feel of the Superfly. It’s a personal choice.