[Swoosh] Quick Thoughts: The Nike Mercurial Vapor IX Football Boot - Speed Meets Control?

In Nike Football’s line of boots, the Mercurial series is generally designed for speed which is quite apparent through its general design philosophy that paid a lot of attention to lightweight structure and ground traction (remember the Nike SENSE dynamic extendable studs on Mercurial Superfly II?). That being said, it seems to me that Nike decides to pay some attention on a different element for the new Mercurial Vapor IX boots: control.

The reason why I said that is due to two features that Nike has included into the Mercurial Vapor IX: the new Speed Control texture on its upper as well as the boot’s All Conditions Control (ACC) technology.

Close-up of Speed Control texture on Nike Mercurial Vapor IX football boot.

According to the company, the Speed Control texture – which in my opinion, made the boot’s upper looks like snake skin - provides enhanced traction to its wearer. Meanwhile, the ACC all-weather layer is there to ensure no change in traction level regardless in wet or dry condition.

However, this is not the first time ACC tech appeared in Mercurial boots as Nike has applied the tech on Mercurial Vapor XIII when the company refreshes all its football line with the all-weather layer few months ago.

Summary of Nike Mercurial Vapor IX features. Click to enlarge in a new window.

Those new elements seemed to have no effect on Mercurial Vapor IX weight as it still have the same weight as the Mercurial Vapor XIII at around 187 grams. Nike’s tradition of offering striking colors for its football boots also continues with Mercurial Vapor IX through Fireberry and Sunset colorways.

As usual, the new boot has made its way to numerous professional footballers out there including Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid and Portugal who has been a long-time Mercurial wearer and it is still the same case for the new Mercurial Vapor IX.

The new Nike Mercurial Vapor IX is readily available at Nike Stores globally starting from 29 January onwards for RM 780. More info: www.nikefootball.com.my or www.facebook.com/NikeFootballMY.