After the reveal of the Superfly IV, long-time fans of Nike lightweight footwear could worry there might not be any surprises left for the boot that revolutionised the game; the Mercurial Vapor.
Thankfully, no amount of brio cables could steal the thunder of the daddy of the speed scene, as the Nike Mercurial Vapor X packs enough new features to be worthy of the tenth entry into the Vapor lineage.
The headline change to the Nike Mercurial Vapor X‘s design compared to previous generations is the new tongue-less design, instead integrating a new lacing system with a super-thin, stretchy microfibre for the most low-profile, form-fitting Mercurial yet.
Nike have completely re-evaluated the heel-cup – once the most problematic area of a Mercurial Vapor – Nike say the new lacing system locks the foot in place whilst still being as comfortable as the last couple of generations.
Let’s talk a little about that upper, though; the new, thinner, synthetic offers a truly new feel on the ball from both the Superfly and the Speed Control Texture on the Vapor IX.
Naturally, the Nike Mercurial Vapor X also comes equipped with the ACC All Conditions Control finish that has now been going on since the Vapor VIII for consistent touch in even harsh weather.
You’ll also find a new soleplate: the split-toe design follows on from a successful introduction for tech on the Hypervenom.
The Nike Mercurial Vapor X also packs the same stud config as the Superfly IV, and a nylon soleplate for durability, flex and gramme-shaving for all you speed junkies.
All in all, fears that the Vapor would be waylaid by the Superfly can the thoroughly dismissed; this is probably the most significant update to the boot since Mark 8.
At £160/$200/$195, it also shaves some £70 off the Superfly, too.
Having already been sported by massive Vapor stars like Hazard and Zlatan, will you be joining these Nike stars in the Mercurial Vapor X?
Drop us a comment – we’d love to hear from you!
The friggin ‘swoosh’ tick insists on being on top of the boots. Gotdamn it, they keep squeezing the cash cow. All I see here is new colors and nothing else. The last good vapor were the III’s.