OG FootyG Nike Mercurial Vapor 8 Review:

Looking forward to testing out the Mercurial Vapor IX...

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.

Launch Update: CR7 Nike Mercurial Vapor VIII

Messi, David Beckham and Dinho have all had signature boots but the launch in recent years that have taken front row and gave boot nerds excitement is the release from Nike featuring the CR7 Series. 

For example, peep the original release teaser of the first CR7 below...

The previous CR7 launches have been outrageous when it comes to the color scheme but with this release footy fans are treated to a classic black boot combined with a modern blue/pink color scheme.  I am definitely a fan of the color scheme and with the color twist the boots are sure to pop on the pitch. At first glance, the boots simplicity and color scheme give me a OG look and feel which I crave as a boot nerd. In addition, Nike have changed the placement of the swoosh which is on the instep and outside of the boot rather than the toe box like the current Vapor 8.

As always, the CR7 and Mercurial series is all about speed and innovation and for sure style. Boot will fit exactly like the current Vapor 8 model but will feature the ACC technology combined with a Teijin microfiber leather finish. If you have a narrow foot the boot will over a snug foot and with the straight lacing and unique upper Nike’s goal is to provide players with the best lock down affect possible. However, many boot fans which have a medium to wide foot prefer something with the off center lacing.

In addition, many footy fans have been wondering about the infamous logo on the heal of the boot. The logo which I think kills the boot in a bad way is a heart overlaid with an X through it. Furthermore, the heart represents the love of winning while the X represents the hatred of losing. Either way it makes sense because as a footy fan you either love or hate the guy. However, I think the logo is super corny and would have loved if they simply put a CR7 logo on the heal or tongue of the boot.

Boots drop December 1st and because it is the CR7 edition the boots will cost $230.

Looking forward to see how Nike drops the launch of the boots. CR7 himself and Nike have already began to release images of the boot to promote the launch and buzz surrounding CR7’s next boot. 

Nike MV8 'Retro' ACC Edition.

MV8 'Retro' ACC boots up close and personal... 

Yay or Nay boot nerds?

Unboxing: Nike Mercurial Vapor VIII - Retro/Orange -

Yay or nay boot nerds?

Mercurial Vapor VIII Teaser:

The latest color way in the MV8 has already began to hit the pitch with players around the world. The color way is very bright and gives the mango color way a run for its money. Enjoy the teaser images boot nerds!

In addition, be sure to check out the Footy Guru review of the Mercurial Vapor 8 below:

Adidas Predator LZ vs Nike Mercurial Vapor 8

Özil Switches to Predator LZ

In one of the most surprising boot spots in a long time the Nike poster boy named Ozil played an entire match in the latest Predator LZ. It is unknown if Ozil contract is up with Nike or he simply had a problem with his Nike boots. Throughout the past major tournaments, Ozil has been one of the big endorsers of the Nike Mercurial series. 

As a boot nerd, I would love to hear what he thought about the LZ compared to the Vapor 8.  Personally, at the moment the LZ is my boot of choice because it is the perfect balence/blend of speed and power. The LZ comes in at 7.9 oz while the Vapor 8 comes in at 6.5 oz. Both boots offer a form of lightweight speed but i feel that with the off center lacing and the extra weight that I get more power from the Predator LZ. 

Ozil a week before rocking the Clash Vapor 8

Here is my video review regarding the Predator LZ.

Latest MV8 Color Way.

Probably the best color way to drop in the Vapor yet. I am calling it the seaweed color way. Has a touch of green in the upper and with the volt swoosh I think it looks like a really classy boot. 


Yay or Nay Boot nerds?

Nike MV9 Teaser.

As many of you close followers know that I live in Portland,Oregon and with Nike and adidas in the same city. You can bet that someone is playing in a pair of sample Vapor 9’s or the next generation of adizero because both Nike and adidas have testers test sample boots to get an idea on durability and fit even before they hit the shelves. Those of you that do not know, I grew up in the hot bed of when the Vapor was the king of speed boots and I still think the boot and color ways need improvement. So i guess there has always been a soft spot in my heart for the boot series...

Recently, I had a guy come into my work and show me his custom copper Vapor 8’s that he received from someone at Nike. I assure you the boots are legit and not fake because I put them on to test the fit and the outsole flexibility. With these unique boots the upper has indents much like that of a golf ball. You would think with the indents that the upper would be thicker but the upper was a micro fiber that was so soft that I was able to move it with the touch of my finger. At first i was not sure if these were a one time make or if this could be a future release. However, with a little more research I found out that this boot was a sample of the next vapor. The Vapor 9 to be exact. With the upper after a quick juggling session the dimples on the boots upper seemed to suction cup the ball and added in extra grip.

The copper upper and if you can imagine a black swoosh… I would take it one step further and can you imagine if Nike released a anniversary color way to debut the MV9 that pays tribute to the OG R9. Of course if Nike was smart they would make the launch limited to drive sales and so hopefully not everyone and their grandmother would be walking around in the boots.

In the end, I thought many of you would enjoy this teaser of this unknown/unique MV9 copper boot. Enjoy the images my fellow boot nerds.

Fan Photo: MV8

Fan Photo; Inspired MV8 NikeID

Footy Guru Comparison: Mercurial Vapor VIII VS F50 adizero

CR7 debuts NIKE MV8

Mercurial Vapor VIII: Clint Dempsey

#mostdope

Footy Guru Nike Mercurial Vapor 8 Video Review:

Boot nerds please let me know what you think of the MV8 video/review. More indepth written review and exclusive pictures coming soon. Would like to thank Nike Soccer for the boots and after testing the MV8 boots I think I have found my new favorite boot.

Nike Mercurial Vapor VIII - Inside the Design

Nike Football: Mercurial Vapor VIII: Cristiano Ronaldo vs Rafa Nadal

Was recently able to pick up a pair of MV8 boots this week from a friend at Nike and I must say that in person the boots look amazing. In terms of the comfort, fit and lockdown affect the MV8 is night and day compared to the seventh generation of the Mercurial. Will start to test the boots this weekend and will focus on the fit and durability of the boot.

In addition, I thought you Footy fans would like to see the latest Nike advert that showcases the MV8 with Ronaldo and the tennis star Nadal. The commercial is awesome and of course Ronaldo showcases the boots like no one else could.

Nike Footy the next wave of releases...

The next wave of releases from Nike will hit boot stores this Fall 2012... 

Vapor 8 Released! BOOOM

Materials that make up the MV8

With the Vapor 7 lacking in comfort/fit, weight/speed and style it seems as if the Vapor 8 will address all if those issues. It seemed like it was forever since we had a new vapor release which is why I think there is so much hype surrounding the boot.

The Vapor 8 has been redesigned to give speedsters a lighter boot as well as a sock like fit that I like to refer as the lockdown affect. Furthermore, in terms of speed the boots weight has been significantly dropped to 6.5 oz which challenges the Puma V1.11 SL, adizero, and the Pele Trinity. In terms of a point of difference compared to the other boots on the market; the Vapor 8 has a newly designed upper that allows for a very snug fit. When I say snug fit I meant that unlike past vapor releases which had firm unforgiving uppers the Vapor 8 has a sock like upper that is so soft/unique that you can leave your finger print in it. That is why this will be a point of difference in the market and to be honest I think all of the old OG mercurial fans will once again fall in love with the series again. The boot will not be the lightest but it will have a lockdown affect complimented with the newly designed upper that will really intrigue boot nerds out there.

Another thing that is different on the Vapor 8 is the outsole configuration. Myself along with many other Footy nerds have complained that the glass along with the carbon fiber was very stiff and at times unforgiving and at the end of each use your feet usually paid the price. With the vapor 8 Nike has layered the glass and added a new last/minimalist shape to the boot especially on the forefoot which allows the boot to flex more freely especially when you push off or explode.

Overall, because I have personally seen and held the MV8 I must say that I am impressed with the modifications. However, I am wondering what took Nike so long! I thought the Vapor7 would never die. With this release you can tell that Nike really focused on the comfort/fit aspect on the boot and more importantly the lock-down affect. With the change in the upper along with the out-sole modifications you can expect this Vapor release to be more comfortable and form fitting much like the OG vapor of the past.

For an update, the boots will launch world wide March 29th and will have a price point of $220. I will hopefully have these in for testing March 29th and will do an UNBOXING along with a review so you can see what all of the hype is about.