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. 

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:

Nike GS Teaser.

Launch Update:The Nike GS drops August 15th and is limited to 2012 pairs.

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.

CTR360 III Teaser

Boots drop 10/1/2012

#MOSTDOPE

Take it to the next level this weekend... Dream big and just remember anything is possible.

Nike Mercurial SF III

Yay or Nay?

Vapor 8 Teaser...

Yay or Nay?

NikeiD Custom Mexico SuperFly Boots.

Compliments to Luis D. from NY for sending me a picture of his customized Mexico inspired Mercurial Superfly boots. Have always been a fan of the concept of the SuperFly and have promised myself that if I ever have the money I will customize a pair of boots that Rep Footy Guru.

Blogger Note: If you have a sweet collection or a customized boot send me a picture repping the Footy Guru sign. I will put it on the blog for the rest of the boot world to see.

Holler footyguru.fleck@gmail.com

CTR360 III Teaser...

Nike are set to release the third version of their one hit wonder control boot. Boots drop in October and after taking a look at this unreleased boot/ image I think Adidas and Nike will be battling it out to see who is the new control boot king. What do you think about the design/style of the next CTR?

More information to come sooner closer to release date...

Nike Spring 2012 Leaks...

Many boot fanatics have been wondering what color ways Nike have up their sleeves but below is the Spring color ways in the the T90 IV, Tiempo IV, and the big launch will be the introduction of the Vapor 8 in Spring 2012.

Furthermore, these boots/color ways will drop April/May and after that I am expecting the CTR360 to be replaced and once again shock the boot world. Rather than the Vapor or T90 the CTR360 has been a banger/hit with consumers since the first day it was introduced. Unlike the T90 and Vapor which seemed to be stalled/lacked creativity the past couple of years the CTR360 was always in the limelight due to awesome price point, extreme comfort, and the durability of the boot.

CTR360 Teaser...

Next color-ways of the CTR360...The ultimate control boot that is probably hands down one if the most comfortable boots on the market.

In 2010 it was voted the boot of the year by many of the Footy review sites/blogs but only time will tell if it will be a repeat and claim the number on spot! Midnight blue CW launches 1/1/2012 and the Black/ Green launches in Aril/May.

What would be your boot of the year for 2011 and why?

Vapor Teaser...

The evolution of the Mercurial series has come a long way... 

Picture above showcases the once popular concept boot known as the Super Fly.

"Perfect Strike" Laser IV

Vapor 8 Teaser...

Teaser image of the 2012 Vapor 8. This boot will be released in Spring 2012 and will be like the Mercurial series of old. No more stiff upper or out sole, these boots due to the reconstruction and the changes Nike have made will be soft/supply and will be a hit with consumers. They will not be as light as the 2012 adizero however when it comes to the shape/comfort of the boot I think the speed race of 2012 will be very interesting. Only time will...

Nike iD: Fernando Torres x Custom Boot Room

Fernando Torres goes into the custom boot room and explains the qualities he seeks in a boot.

Brice's Footy Collection....

Check out this boot collection...

From left to right we have the T90 Laser III, CTR360 II, Mercurial Vapor & new T90 IV

Blogger Note: Thanks Brice for the picture and for showing off your collection. 

The support means a lot and it is much appreciated.  

MERCURIAL VAPOR 8 TEASER

Neymar silky smooth...

Check out around the 1:56 mark, the move is rediculous...