Nike have done it again… Their recent release included not only a brand new 3rd CR7 installment, but a brand new boot in the famous Mercurial line: The Victory VI Dynamic Fit
Let’s start this article with a current Mercurial line breakdown!
At the top of the pyramid, we have Nike’s illustrious knitted Superfly V: the most explosive shoe on the market. Right below that we have the world renowned Vapor XI. Following is the Veloce III, which recently had the dynamic fit collar fitted on for a low cut Veloce model and a mid-cut Veloce model. Afterwards, the Victory VI and the Vortex III rounds up the different versions.
However, we now have something that will drive all soccer parents to finally shout in joy: a Victory VI with a dynamic fit collar. Meaning you no longer need to pay top dollar for a mid-cut ankle design! Ridiculous right?
A 3rd tier boot with a feature that just a few months ago was strictly available on the top-end boot! Well personally I’m stuck here because it’s equally smart and equally useless.
We’ll get into my opinion later, let’s talk tech!
I’ve held the boot in my hands, took some time analyzing it, and it’s very straightforward.
The upper is made of a thin lightweight synthetic, not a teijin synthetic like the Vapor or the Veloce , however it is relatively thin upper for a 3rd tier boot. I find the synthetic to have a cheaper plastic feel at first, but I’ve held worn ones and they get a lot more soft after time.
In terms of the dynamic fit collar and the knitted material on the boot, you don’t exactly get as much as you think. The material itself is truly low grade and it’s expected with a 3rd tier boot.
What Nike have done is simply stitch it to all the edges and that’s all, it doesn’t span more than that. The knitted material is seen between the laces and it is in fact there, but it ends right at the lace holes, everything after the lace hole towards the sole is the regular Victory VI synthetic.
As you can see from the above picture on the left, the ankle area was designed much like the laces, bare minimum of knitted material. On the top end Superfly and the Veloce III DF (above right), Nike make the transition from collar to heal counter very streamline. They simply took the Victory boot and stitched the sock to the ankle area, and of course it’s to be expected once again being a 3rd tier boot.
As for the outsole, it’s a straightforward TPU plastic material, nothing extraordinary here. It looks similar to the top end Vapor and Superfly, however it’s a simple flat soleplate with studs shaped and designed like that the top end models. That being said, the traction level is superb, dozens of clients tell me they love the grip and push off they receive in these.
Now what do I think of these boots and Nike’s decision?
Truthfully, I’m more disappointed than impressed. I’ll give it to Nike, they had to contend with Adidas who were offering their mid-cut designs on lower tiers, and in terms of marketing – it’s genius. Anyone can now wear a mid-cut style Nike boot for a quarter of the price it originally costed. Where this bugs me is that they’re basically losing value in my eyes.
When this whole mid-cut revolution began, you knew anyone wearing them paid an arm and a leg for them (unless they were replicas). Now, anyone can have that look or style, and as a boot fanatic the whole mid-cut Nike revolution loses some meaning to me. Next thing you know, Adidas will be offering Ace 16.3 laceless models! I hope it never comes to that, but I hope you understand my viewpoint on this.
With all that being said, this boot is definitely going to make an impact. Anyone can look just like CR7 for half the price! Question is, can they play like him?
Players: Based on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Superfly
Availability: 7th November 2016
Weight: 240g (UK size 8)
Price: £75
Shop: CR7 >>
