FOOTYG: UNVEILS NEW MERCURIAL VAPOR IX

It seems like now days boot releases come and go so quickly on the market. Personally, as a boot nerd I love the new releases and hate them at the same time. I love the new releases because I am always fascinated on what the boot company has done to improve the boot to make it a point of difference not only compared to the last version but also on the boot market. The reason I hate the flurry of new releases is because once I purchase a pair of boots, they will be obsolete within six months due to how fast the releases have been coming! For example, I was a big fan of the old F50 leather boots because of the unique style and TPU overlays. But with the recent F50 release, I have not been a big fan of the design or color ways of the leather options. But the odds of me finding the old leather F50’s in my size are very low…

Furthermore, a boot release that always is sure to grab boot nerds attention is the Mercurial Series. Any time a new Vapor drops consumers are always intrigued about the specs and of course what paint job the boots are available in. Let’s be honest, the Mercurial Series gave birth to the speed boot race we have experienced in recent years.

 So it only seems normal for boot nerds to freak out when a new Vapor drops. Unfortunately, it seems like yesterday that the Vapor 8 dropped but it seems that in the past couple of months Nike has been the one to innovate and tried to stay ahead of the curve and drop new releases and color ways to keep consumers coming back for more. Times have changed in the past couple of years. Back in the day, consumers would have one pair of boots but in today’s market consumers have multiple boots in different silos and many think of their boots as a status symbols.

A big status symbol in the boot market that many boot nerds have been chatting about recently is the release of the Mercurial Vapor IX. After weeks of teaser images from Nike and its athletes it seems that Nike are ready to release the next generation of the Vapor. Like all of the Vapor releases the Vapor IX will be lightweight, bright and offer a snug fit for those speedsters seeking a boot to stop and change direction on a dime. Compared to the last release the Vapor 9 will feature a completely new synthetic upper that is ultimately designed to provide players with an extra level of grip/touch on the ball.

For weeks boot nerds have been wondering what was up with the golf ball/dimples on the upper. It visually looks very unique and the folks at Nike are calling the upper a Speed Control texture that enhances friction/touch on the ball to enable you to have a better touch in tight conditions. In my opinion, the upper looks gimmicky and rather focus on the touch of the boot I am more concerned if the new upper improves the overall fit and comfort of the boot. Time will tell but when I review the Vapor IX that will be a big talking point in terms of the boots performance. Just remember boot nerds, at the end of the day the player makes the boot! The boots do not make the player…

Other points of difference that feature on the Vapor IX are the use of ACC technology/coating on the upper which according to Nike provides a consistent touch in wet and dry conditions. In addition, Nike seems to have stuck with the two piece out sole that provides increased flexibility and more torque when pushing off/changing direction. 

The same outsole was featured on the MV8 and I am glad Nike has stuck with the outsole because compared to the MV7 the MV8 has been awesome in terms of comfort and the overall flexibility.

Color Options? As usual Nike will release two color ways in the Vapor IX called the Fireberry aka Purple and the Sunset aka the Gold/Orange color way. CR7 will endorse the purple color way while Neymar will rock the Sunset color way.

Opinion regarding the release… Overall, the only thing Nike have changed with this release is the upper which is fine because with the release of the Vapor 10 upon us I am expecting Nike to completely remake the boot from top to bottom. The Vapor IX (9) from Nike is simply a visual upgrade if you ask me which is important but this is definitely not a new boot which a lot of sites are calling it/labeling it. The Vapor 9 is a visual upgrade and with this release Nike did a good job innovating the boot and making it look more futuristic which is why many Vapor fans are interested. However, the Vapor IX weighs the same and features the same outsole as the MV8. The only difference is the textured upper and increase in price so Nike calls it the Vapor IX (9)? For years Nike have stayed with the straight lacing on the Vapor series and I personally think that it is time for them to adapt the lacing system to evolve the boot in terms of the fit and by changing the lacing it will allow consumers with a medium to wide foot to rock the vapor series. The straight lacing is old school in my opinion and the boots on the market that offer the best fit have been the boots with the off center lacing like the CTR360 and the Predator LZ…

Launch Date Specs: The Mercurial Vapor IX will hit stores world wide February 1st and will be $225.