Nike Drop Vapor IX “Fast Forward 2010″

In the summer of 2010, Cristiano Ronaldo stepped onto the pitch in South Africa in the Mercurial Superfly II, a boot featuring groundbreaking innovation for the time. The boot’s unique color combination, designed for increased visibility, became an instant classic. So with that, Nike has recently dropped the OG paint job with the Mercurial Vapor IX Fast Forward ’10 edition boot.

 

The 2010 boot featured several new innovations in football footwear. Nike Flywire technology enabled lightweight, supportive construction, while a carbon fiber plate created a boot 5 percent lighter than its predecessor. The high-contrast colors of Metallic Mach Purple and Total Orange were engineered together for enhanced visibility, enabling players to quickly spot teammates and execute a game-changing pass.

 

To recognize the innovative contributions of the Mercurial Vapor Superfly II, the Mercurial Vapor IX Fast Forward ’10 provides today’s players with modern boot technology inspired by visual elements of the 2010 boot. Subtle graphic references and colors combine with modern materials and technology to celebrate the boot’s legacy of speed while commemorating the summer of 2010.

Cristiano Ronaldo will take the field wearing these on March 23 and then they will be available to the public on March 24.

Nike drop 2002 Inspired Mercurial Vapor IX

Has it really been 15 years since the OG R9 sported these on the pitch? If you know boots then this release is iconic. In 2002, Brasil forward Ronaldo returned to center stage debuting groundbreaking boot technology. With a new, sleeker silhouette that looked more track spike than football shoe, the ‘02 Mercurial Vapor was Nike’s first sub-200 gram boot. It also featured the company’s first stitch-less upper and was designed using Nike’s first anatomical last.

Wearing the boot, Ronaldo scored eight times in Japan and Korea and confirmed his status as the world’s best striker. Ronaldo’s bold chrome color way stood out as a new icon of football footwear — just as his 1998 boots had done.

To celebrate the heritage of the ‘02 classic, the 2014 Mercurial Vapor IX Fast Forward ’02 Edition provides today’s players with modern boot technology inspired by the  ’02 model. Subtle graphic references, colors and prints combine with modern materials and innovation to celebrate the boot’s legacy of speed while commemorating a magical summer tournament for Ronaldo and the Mercurial.

A small heel logo mark identifies the original year of inspiration, and the sockliner tells the story of key moments in the Mercurial’s history. However, there is no OG R9 logo which was so iconic about these boots and more importantly the man that gave birth to the speed boot and the phrase in today’s boot world “Be Mercurial”.

The Mercurial Vapor IX is engineered for support and touch and to deliver a combination of speed and skill when it matters most. Nike’s new texture on the boot’s upper helps provide players with the confidence to perform at high speed with enhanced friction. The Speed Control texture wraps around the foot, giving the boot friction when necessary without compromising on the soft touch players require. The upper also locks down the foot to prevent unnecessary movement within the boot, while a minimal and soft heel area maximizes comfort. Its snug, responsive fit is a hallmark of Mercurial boots.

The Mercurial Vapor IX Fast Forward ’02 Edition is available at Nike.com.

CR7 "Im off the planet" Series...

In a series of teasers CR7 and Nike have dropped some short clips to celebrate the upcoming release of his new boots. His new boots which are being referred to as the Galaxies drop early November. Each clip basically shows CR7 being off the planet with crazy moves and tricks. 

 

 

 

‘Is Ronaldo from this planet?!’”

It's here boot nerds...Nike’s latest version of the Mercurial boot celebrates and pays tribute to the phenomenon in which we often refer to as CR7. In total now there are seven signature CR7 releases. With this signature "Supernova" inspired release the Nike Mercurial IX CR7 Boot takes inspiration from Ronaldo and his off the planet playing style and performances.

“We were watching a game, and after Cristiano scored yet another amazing free-kick the commentator posed the question ‘Is Ronaldo from this planet?!’” remembers Denis Dekovic, Nike Footwear Design Director. “When we got back to the design studio we got to thinking about CR7’s style and how similar it was to the definition of a supernova – a celestial body that radiates energy – and that was it, we had our inspiration.” 

“The concept of a star that burns brighter than others reflects Cristiano’s style, speed and the idea that as a player he plays without limits, much like the outer reaches of the galaxy. What Cristiano is able to achieve on the field is something that we felt was limitless. So we took that direction and focused on creating a highly luxurious finish fused with modern print and color choices,” added Dekovic.

Many of you are wondering if the stars mean anything? 

According to Nike Football "The CR7 Galaxy Mercurial IX boot features an all-over digital print of the Star Vela Supernova and includes a seven star path print, paying homage to Cristiano’s shirt number. The supernova print is juxtaposed with a chrome swoosh flecked with silver fleck and a Blue Glow outline." 

In terms of point of difference, hands down this is the best paint job on a pair of boots in 2013. While looking at the boots upper/graphic you get a sense of being off the planet. I am a big fan of the upper and in terms of signature boots I think this could be the the best CR7 release yet. 

My opinion on the release: 

I do not like how Nike floods the market with each CR7 release. I believe that CR7 releases should be limited to point out the fact that they are a premium release and not just everyone should be able to get a pair. Once the market is flooded with this boot it is no longer special because boot nerds all over will have a pair and as a result there is no longer any individuality and point of difference. I understand Nike want to hit numbers and sell tons of boots. But sometimes I think it should be more about leaving a legacy for the boot and the player that inspired it. With this release not being limited it kind of takes away from the awe factor because I know I can pre-order it today or pick it up from my local soccer specialty shop. 

Not limited so save them for a rainy day to be original.

Hands down this will be the most unique paint job on a boot in 2013. Down side is that it's not limited so the market will be flooded which means everyone will look like twins on the pitch. I have always thought of the #cr7 brand/boots as premium which should make them limited... Save them for a rainy day and be original boot nerds. Boots hit shelves 11/1/13. #footyguru #cr7

Boot nerd photo of the day

 

After a tough session sometimes you just have to hang up the boots. Boot nerd photo of the day features the Vapor IX in the new Hi Vis color way. If you have a narrow foot and want that track spike fit and feel the Vapor is one of the best speed boots on the market. Boot offers a very flexible and minimal ride on the pitch. Would like to thank @danny1090 for the photo of his boots. As always many of you will apply but only a select few will be chosen. #footyguru #bemercurial #VaporIX

Boot nerd photo of the day:

Boot nerd photo of the day features the Stealth Mercurial Vapor IX. The black with white accents just looks super clean. Would like to thank @garrettgee for the photo of his new boots. As always many of you will apply but only a few will be chosen. #footyguru #bemercurial

Nike Football Hi-Vis Collection

 

As the fog roles in and the pitches and the lights become a little dimmer under harsh winter weather

conditions... “This collection of boots is not for the faint hearted,” adds McCartney. “Our athletes don’t play to be conventional – They play to be remembered.”

 

Nike are set to change the tone of the winter dreary months with their new in your face Hi Vis boot package.  Nike has created the Hi-Vis Collection featuring the Nike Hypervenom, Mercurial IX, CTR360 and Tiempo IV in bright and contrasting color combinations of Electro Purple, Volt, Green Glow and Electric Green. Boots officially drop October 1st but in upcoming weeks I am sure as a teaser Nike athletes will debut them on pitch to further infuse the buzz.

 

For the past couple decades color insights have been used in the creation of soccer boots. Some boots may not have the best fit or feel but due to the right color they might be a success because consumers like it or have not seen it before. It's all about that point of difference... Back in 2010 you might think Nike was sponsoring the tournament aka the world cup with the amount of boots you saw on TV and commercials. Call it ambush marketing or whatever you want but all I saw that cup was the Nike Elite series...

 

 

 “When creating this Hi-Vis Collection we looked at our work in South Africa during the summer of 2010,” says Phil McCartney, Vice President, Nike Football Footwear. 

“The Metallic Purple and Total Orange color combination we used on-pitch really stood out both on the field for players and for the crowds in the stadium and at home.”

 

“In a game that’s more congested and faster than ever the small percentages are becoming more important,” explains McCartney. “If a player can get that flash of color in their periphery, and see a team-mate make a run, that could be the small difference between timing the pass perfectly or not taking advantage – That’s the sort of moment that can change the course of a game at the top level.”

For the Nike Football Hi-Vis Collection, the Nike Hypervenom and Mercurial Vapor IX come in a combination of Electro Purple and Volt with black detailing. The Tiempo IV and CTR360 come in a mix of Volt, Green Glow and Electric Green with Black detailing.

Nike Mercurial Vapor IX FG - Stealth Pack - Unboxing

Nike Hypervenom Phantom VS. Nike Mercurial Vapor IX

Boot nerd photo of the day: @alexswaggalan10

Boot nerd photo of the day features the citrus MV IX. Love how the color fades on this boot. In terms of the Vapor IX compared to the VIII the IX upper seems to be more elastic and more durable. Big fan of how flexible the outsole is on this boot. Would like to thank @alexswaggalan10 for the photo of his new boots. Welcome to Footy Guru. As always many of you will apply but only a few will be chosen. #footyguru #vaporix #footygurusquad

Mario Goetze/NIKE Undercuts Adidas

Battle of the brands? This is not boot related but it is footy related.

Controversy erupted in Munich this week when new Bayern signing Mario Goetze rocked a Nike t-shirt to his unveiling for the German giants. The problem is that Bayern  is an adidas club and sooo adidas that the brand actually owns 8% of the club. Interesting fact?!?  

The club because of the adidas affiliation were forced to apologize to adidas. Hats off to the marketing rep from Nike who told Mr. Goetze to wear the shirt for the presentation. It’s always about the product placement… 

Boot nerd photo of the day:

 

Boot nerd photo of the day features the Vapor IX from the Stealth Pack aka Black Pack recently released from Nike. Big fan of the upper on the Vapor IX because of the soft pliable upper compared to other synthetic speed boots on the market. In terms of the Stealth Pack I think the Vapor is the best looking boot mostly because I can not remember the last time they dropped a black vapor. This release is definitely a point of difference on the market. Would like to thank @darkknight711 for the photo of his new boots. Welcome to Footy Guru. Give him a follow boot nerds bc like you he lives and breathes boots. As always many of you will apply but only a few will be chosen. #footyguru #vaporix #footygurusquad #footyporn

Boot nerd photo of the day:

 

Boot nerd photo of the day features the Vapor IX in the latest citrus color way. In terms of pop I love the black accents on the boot combined with the color fade on the boot. With the Vapor IX you can expect less stretch on the boot compared to the MV8. That being said, the Vapor IX speed control upper has more elasticity so it offers less stretching and more of a lockdown affect for a longer new boot fit/feel. Would like to thank @kentoudomphong for the photo of his new boots. Welcome to Footy Guru @kentoudomphong. As always many of you boot nerds will apply but only a few will be chosen. #footyguru #footyporn #vaporix #footygurusquad

Boot Nerd Photo of the day:

Boot nerd photo of the day features the MVIX in the Neptune color way. When it comes to playing footy the Vapor IX is always in my bag but right now it has taken a back seat to a recently released boot... In terms of fit the vapor is great for people with narrow to medium width feet. The upper on the VaporIX is hands down one of the best when it comes to comparing speed boots... Very form fitting and very pliable. Another point of difference i like about the Vapor IX is the outsole flexibility it offers. However, the upper does stretch on the boot after a couple months so that new boot fit and feel quickly fads. Would like to thank @fafm for the photo of his boots. Welcome to Footy Guru. As always boot nerds many of you will apply but only a few will be chosen. #footyguru #vaporix #footygurusquad #footyporn

Boot Nerd Photo of the day: @gbonnell_97

Boot nerd photo of the day features the new Citrus/Volt Vapor IX color way. In terms of style and contrast I think this could be the best paint job Nike has dropped in the Vapor IX boot. The black accents combined with the Citrus/Volt fade really does make it pop. In terms of a sock like fit and feel the Vapor IX offers one of the best fits in the speed boot game. Would like to thank @gbonnell_97 for the photo of his new boots. @gbonnell_97 needs no welcome to the #footygurusquadas he has been part of the movement since day one. As always boot nerds many of you will apply but only a few will be chosen. #footyguru #vaporix#footyporn 



Boot Nerd Photo of the Day:

 

Boot nerd photo of the day features one of the hottest boots on the market right now. Don't believe me? Checkout eBay to see the the demand of these limited edition MV IX boots. In my opinion, limited boots like these are hard to get but really reward the true boot nerds and footy fans if they get a pair. Big fan of the OG style combined the new school technology and feel. Would like to thank @yunalaska for the photo of his boots. Welcome to Footy Guru @yunalaska. As always boot nerds many of you will apply but only a few will be chosen. #footyguru #footyporn #R9

VAPOR IX’S SUMMER UPDATE – VOLT / BLACK / CITRUS

To kick off summer with a bang Nike Soccer is set to launch a range of boots to help celebrate the Confederations Cup in Brazil. The latest boot revealed is the Mercurial Vapor IX color way which is being refereed to Volt/Black/Citrus. Considering the Neptune release was very weak I am expecting this Citrus paint job to make a splash on the pitch and the boot market. The upper along with the black accents on the boot really make it a point of difference and give it that extra bit of class.

 

Thanks to Stephan el Shaaraway ( Above) many boot nerds were able to see the boots last month when he tweeted a picture of them.

My thoughts regarding the Vapor IX....

In terms of fit and getting that sock like feel the Vapor might be the best on the market at the moment when it comes to speed boots. Rather then weight Nike has done a better job focusing on fit which I think has paid off for them. The new speed control upper is very pliable on the MVIX compared to other boots on the market. In addition, the boot is coming in at an estimated 6.5 oz but the thing about the Vapor IX is the fit and the sock like fit you get when you put it on. I feel like the IX's upper is more elastic compared to the Vapor 8 which had a tendency to stretch and lose its form/new boot fit and feel. Overall, the Mercurial Vapor IX is on my list for top three speed boots on the market mainly because the fit and comfort.

Boots should drop 6/15 and you should expect all the Mercurial guys slowly transitioning into this Citrus color way.

Boot nerd photo of the day:

Boot nerd photo of the day features a custom pair of Mercurial Vapor IX boots. I have always been a big fan of customization and individuality when it comes to boots on the pitch. It's hard as a boot nerd sometimes because when a color way drops or a new style launches the market is flooded with the color way and everyone and their grandmother is rocking the same boots. If you want to be unique customize a pair of boots but it will cost you $$$. Big fan of the latest Vapor release and I am working on the review right now. Would like to thank @enzoc25 for the picture of his boots. Welcome to Footy Guru @enzoc25. As always boot nerds, many of you will apply but only a few will be chosen. #footyguru #vaporIX #footyporn

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