It’s been a massive few days for Nike with the launch of the new Mercurial Vapor V and Superfly football boots.
But even before the Mercurial V hit the press pages, we detected that Nike might be getting a little ahead of themselves. The reason? A long running debate which has resurfaced big time. So, Footy Boots thought it only right to try and settle the current Mercurial argument. In other words, forget the MV V and the Superfly for a moment and take a view on the REAL question - which Vapor is best, the III or the IV.

On Footy Boots last week, we featured Yossi Benayoun who continues to wear the Vapor III in red, black and silver despite the fact that the boots came out nearly 3 years ago.
However, judging by your comments, it seems many of you agree with the choice of the Israeli international.

Exhibit A - the Vapor III
So, after the hullabaloo that the Vapor V has made, here’s your last chance to stick up for your Vapor of choice. The III or the IV. Indeed, you might even want to issue a rallying call for the Vapor I or Vapor II.

Exhibit B - the Vapor IV
Which is your favourite Mercurial Vapor?
- Vapor IV (50%, 1,758 Votes)
- Vapor III (36%, 1,251 Votes)
- Vapor II (8%, 281 Votes)
- Vapor I (6%, 201 Votes)
Total Voters: 3,491
Having cast your vote, why not make a comment below making the case for your favourite Vapor and we’ll make a judgement call on which football boot receives the better press over the next few days before declaring a winner.
Let battle commence.


March 6th, 2009 at 8:10 am
Vapor 2
March 6th, 2009 at 8:21 am
MV3 FTW! i loveeee that boot!
March 6th, 2009 at 8:24 am
Got to be the Vapor III for me. It has such a classic look.
The IV has always looked a bit ‘plasticy’ to me (as does the V).
March 6th, 2009 at 8:35 am
Nike Match Mercurial is the best nike boot ever…and if anyone has one in a size 8 US polease let me know
March 6th, 2009 at 10:37 am
I’ll go with the vapor III
March 6th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
I concur, worth it for the Styling alone
March 6th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
ill go with the MV IV because it has the style nd the weight that suits me best
March 6th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
I’ve only ever had 3’s, so I can’t really judge both - I’ll let you guys scrap amongst yourselves!
March 6th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
vapour 4..because of its cool colourway and nicer design…dont forget comfort too
March 6th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
I like VAPOR II coz of the styling and lines at he side of boots that always make me feel that’s built for speed ….. also more comfort than VAPOR III
March 6th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
its gotta be the vapor IV cos of the cool colour peeps, if i had to buy a pair it would deffo be those boots.
March 6th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
I love the III maybe the most, but the Vapor SL(not mercurial SL) are simply fantastic, the IV normal sucks and gave me blister and pain like f**k in my heel.
March 7th, 2009 at 12:20 am
Well the 4′z w/o a doubt are a little more comfortable.. But for meeh I go with the 3′zz.. They look more stylish and they have a bit wider fit. The weight is not a big difference tough..
March 7th, 2009 at 2:31 am
I have vapor III in silver so go for them
March 7th, 2009 at 6:00 am
i’ll go for the MV IV .
its nice to kick once its seasoned.however,the only problem is that blisters will appear at the back of the heel.i think nike must solve this problem
March 7th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
I’ve owned the Vapor III and IV and they both have their advantages and disadvantages.
In my opinion, the Vapor III are aesthetically better looking and lighter than the Vapor IV. I’ve never been a big fan of the lace cover from the Vapor IV.
However the Vapor IV provide more protection around the foot and are slightly more comfortable than the Vapor III, especially when wearing for long periods.
Which is better? Personally, the Vapor IV edges it as they perform better, but they are not as good looking a the Vapor III.
March 7th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Vapor 3s by far.
ive had every version of the vapor and nothing compares to the 3s. Its a shame you cant buy them any where though!
Bring them back!!
March 8th, 2009 at 2:50 am
a teammate had 3’s and they were sick but i have 4’s.. i owned original dark blue/baby blue edition. i got mad blisters so i couldn’t even walk! but i went to tha red gold edition. perfect! however lace cover is annoying. as it is ripping away anyways. im going 3’s next purchase (20 days)
March 8th, 2009 at 3:47 am
i want the mercurial vapor III, but i dont find them, where can i buy them ?????????
March 8th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Im thinking of buying the mv 3’s. i just cant seem to find em in my country.
March 8th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
My personal favorite is the Nike Mercurial Vapor II. The design had a very sleek look to it and it was a quality boot with a great fit.
March 8th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
i have played in both mv3 and mv4 and the third vapors r so much better. they r da best
March 8th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
The Mercurial Vapor II is the best vapor ever. Ever since those they have gotten worse and worse. Added more and more weight, a stupid lace cover, and they have gone away from the sleek design. Ever since Henry left Nike they have sucked. The Vapor II’s are a class ahead. And the Vapor IV’s are by far the worst vapor ever made. They suck. They are heavy. All of you Moron’s saying Vapor IV’s are basing it on the colors. The boot SUCKS.
March 8th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
yeah same. i have the iv in lime green and they give me bad blisters nd i have only trained in them once. i hope they have solved this problem on the new ones
March 9th, 2009 at 2:07 am
Vapor 2. They were the lightest at 7.1 oz. and had the best range of colors including the orange ones, and the gold ones.
March 9th, 2009 at 2:23 am
Mercurial Vapor III are the GOD of Vapors. They are the best ever, both by style and performance. Although people argue over how much protection they provide like all Vapors.
March 9th, 2009 at 7:34 am
well i think the lace cover isnt really a big problem and isnt really a big help either.. so, having it there, i wouldnt mind.. unless when i’m washing it.. dirts tend to get stuck in the lace cover.. but with it, it looks much cooler.. i hav both vapor 3 and 4.. i’ll go for 4.. coz the 4 has the carbon fiber around or above the heel level, i mean the height.. therefore offering a really tight fit feeling which i need it.. 3’s heel part gets loose overtime.. it’s true that 4 gives blisters and 3 din, for me.. but some shoes do need to be broken in so, i’ll definitely go for the 4.. plus, it’s the 4 that looks sleeker.. it’s a very shinny and appealing cleats..
March 9th, 2009 at 7:54 am
Vapor IIIs are by far the most comfortable boot I have ever worn. Style wise, I have to say my favorite of all Vapors-boots in general-would be the original Vapors with the silver and red; the ones Henry wore with France in the opening 2002 World Cup game against Senegal. Still best shoe, is the Vapor III.
March 9th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
im all over the new superflys…these will be amazing!! they look like they meen buisness..cant wait to have a pair
March 10th, 2009 at 3:36 am
The IIIs are where its at. I’ve got a pair of IIIs and IVs and I’ve gotta be honest, the lace cover ruins the look of the boot. But the IIIs just have a much better fit. Gotta love the classic(ish) look o them. And on that note, bring on the Superflys!! I’ll DEFINATELY be buying a pair on release day.
March 10th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Vapor 2 OFC!
March 11th, 2009 at 9:23 am
MV2 forever. They were the best looking ones, but I still have the scars from the blisters I got from them lol
March 29th, 2009 at 2:47 am
ithink the best predator are the one to the 3….i hate mercural vapor 4
April 4th, 2009 at 1:43 am
Well I have both tha vapor III and the vapor IV..and I have to say that the vapor III are tha best ones..they bot are good but I feel like the vapor IV focus to much on lookin good..
April 8th, 2009 at 1:09 am
I have both vapor 3 and vapor iv. It’s just insane how the vapor 3 is lighter than the vapor iv. I’m slowly beginning to agree with the people that say Nike is starting to go backwards. They say every shoe is built for speed then why do they keep adding weight to the boot. They added weight to both the iv and now the V. The 3 is even lighter than the iv sl. So that says alot!
April 27th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
I have the mv III cactus and the IV in red/gold and the difference between them is gigantic III´s are so much lighter an comfortable
April 29th, 2009 at 3:45 am
ermm..i would choose the MV IV..
May 29th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
i’d have to go with the MV III. by far the most comfortable boot of the series. i’ve had MV III-V and my favorite is still the III
June 9th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
i have MV III and IV and i love the IV cuz i get the best power out of em and the III’s r to thin first day i got em i clipd a players back stud barley and my toenail came off
June 21st, 2009 at 12:18 pm
i have had the IV and the III and the III are a nicer look and dident give me plisters like the other. so mv III for me
July 6th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
MeRcUrIaL VaPoR Iv ThE BeSt In ThE WorLD!1!1!1!1
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:36 am
yeah i totally agree with rico, except i was going to say vapor 2 and 3 are equally good. they fit my foot so good, i don’t even need to tie them and they stay on perfectly. I just got vapor 5s (because i couldn’t find a single vapor 3 for sale my size) and everything that i liked about my 3s are changed… its disappointing…
September 5th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
nike is selling the mercurial vapor 3 direct at nike.com in mens soccer
for 195 dollars right now
October 30th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
VAPOR 3 ARE THE BEST!!!!
AND MY FAVOURITE IN WHITE SILVER <3