The Nike Mercurial history started in 1998 with a story of how Nike’s innovation paved the way for modern-day soccer cleats and soccer shoe brands.
Since its first release, the Mercurial brand has globally become one of the most iconic soccer cleats.
This model was designed to be lightweight and streamlined to allow players to reach increased speed and agility on the pitch.
Over the years to stay true to its word, Nike has continued to implement new, game-changing technologies to push players’ abilities to the max.
The Mercurial has been worn by superstars such as Ronaldinho, Christiano Ronaldo, and Neymar
This post will go over the Nike Mercurial history and how it has evolved over the years.
Table of Contents
- Nike Mercurial Soccer Cleat/Boot Timeline
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- Nike Mercurial R9 – 1998
- Nike Mercurial Vapor I – 2002
- Nike Mercurial Vapor II – 2004
- Nike Mercurial Vapor III – 2006
- Nike Mercurial Vapor IV – 2008
- Nike Mercurial Vapor V and Nike Mercurial Superfly – 2009
- Nike Mercurial Vapor VI and Nike Mercurial Superfly II – 2010
- Nike Mercurial Vapor VII and Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly III – 2011
- Nike Mercurial Vapor VIII – 2012
- Nike Mercurial Vapor IX – 2013
- Nike Mercurial Vapor X and Nike Mercurial Superfly IV – 2014
- Nike Mercurial Vapor XI and Nike Mercurial Superfly V – 2016
- Nike Mercurial Vapor XII and Nike Mercurial Superfly VI – 2018
- Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII and Nike Mercurial Superfly VII – 2019
- Nike Mercurial Vapor XIV Nike Mercurial Superfly VIII – 2021
- Nike Mericurial Vapor XV – 2022
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- Evolution of other soccer cleat and boot models
Nike Mercurial Soccer Cleat/Boot Timeline
Nike Mercurial R9 – 1998
This is where the Nike Mercurial history started.
With the help and influence of Ronaldo, the Mercurial Line launched onto the soccer scene in 1998.
At the time of release, the cleat only weighed 200 grams, which was significantly lighter than any competitors.
The Mercurial was constructed with lightweight materials and an innovative frame with a sleek and streamlined design.
There was also a special plate on the sole that would assist in making quicker and sharper turns
This design was specifically designed for players to enhance their touch by getting a closer feel for the ball.
Nike Mercurial Vapor I – 2002
The Nike Mercurial Vapor I was the follow-up to the R9, which was released in 2002.
This model came in weight at 196 grams, making it even lighter than the R9.
The Nike Mercurial Vapor I was manufactured with a synthetic leather material called KNG-100.
This was specifically designed to be lightweight and more durable.
Nike also designed the Vapor I with a tongue-less upper that included a lace cover.
This helped players have a cleaner first touch and better ball control.
Nike Mercurial Vapor II – 2004
The Nike Mercurial Vapor II was released in 2004.
Nike went even further to reduce the overall weight and increase durability by using a stronger and lighter carbon-fiber outsole.
They also re-engineered the upper part of the cleat, making it marginally thicker, implemented cushioned areas around the ankle with a larger heel tab, and made the boot patterns more pronounced.
This enhanced the feeling of a more natural fit for the player.
A new stud configuration was also implemented to give players bet grip and traction off the playing surface.
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Nike Mercurial Vapor III – 2006
The Nike Mercurial Vapor III was released in 2006.
This was one of the first models to implement Teijin microfibers which were a thinner and more versatile synthetic material than KNG-100.
It was also a debut for the unique Mercurial traction plate, with its strategically placed studs for improved stability and grip on the pitch.
This traction plate was also a lot more flexible than other cleats allowing for sharper changes of direction and acceleration.
A modified sock liner was also introduced.
Nike Mercurial Vapor IV – 2008
Nike released the Mercurial Vapor IV in 2008.
This model showcased an improved Teijin microfiber that was softer and more flexible than previous various, allowing for a better fit.
The soccer cleat was also treated with a special coating that made the boot more durable and water-resistant.
The Vapor IV also included a stronger heel cup that would ensure the foot locked into place which provides better ability when twisting and turning.
Nike Mercurial Vapor V and Nike Mercurial Superfly – 2009
The Nike Mercurial Vapor V and Superfly were introduced in 2009, marking a significant shift in the design of the line.
While the two cleats shared many similarities, the Superfly stood out for its use of Nike’s innovative Flywire technology.
Which was a first in the Nike Mercurial history.
Flywire was a revolutionary material composed of a series of ultra-lightweight filaments that were arranged in a crisscross pattern.
This unique construction provided superior support to the player’s foot while reducing the overall weight of the cleat.
In addition to the Flywire, both the Vapor V and Superfly featured a contoured chassis and cushioned sock liner.
The chassis helped to provide additional support and comfort to the player’s foot.
The cleats also boasted a glass fiber composition heel counter, which improved stability and reduced the risk of injury.
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Nike Mercurial Vapor VI and Nike Mercurial Superfly II – 2010
Building on the success of the previous models Nike released the Mercurial Vapor VI and the Superfly in 2010.
Both these models came with upgraded Teijin microfiber for the Vapor and Flywire for the Superfly.
The traction plate was also modified to be more lightweight and responsive.
Clint Dempsey was the first player to debut the Nike Mercurial Superfly II in March 2010.
Nike Mercurial Vapor VII and Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly III – 2011
In 2011 Nike released the Vapor VII and the Superfly III.
The changes to these boots from the previous models were largely down to a visual makeover.
Using brighter colors and a bolder logo to help it stand out.
These models feature no new technologies from the previous soccer cleat models.
Nike Mercurial Vapor VIII – 2012
Nike released Nike Mercurial Vapor VIII in 2012.
This is the model where Nike featured a new adaptive traction system, which was revolutionary for its time.
The soccer boot had a forefoot plate with two pressure-activated studs.
These studs would extend 3mm when the player needed more grip and retract when they were not needed.
This would help the player on a wide variety of surfaces with quick and agile movements.
Nike did not use their superfly material for this cleat.
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Nike Mercurial Vapor IX – 2013
The Mercurial Vapor IX was released in 2013, 1 year after its predecessor.
This model was made with an updated and lighter-weight Teijin microfiber with a textured surface to improve ball control.
Nike Mercurial Vapor IX boasted a brand new sole plate with a split-toe design and aggressive stud pattern, enhancing stability.
This allowed players to accelerate and make explosive movements with ease.
Nike Mercurial Vapor X and Nike Mercurial Superfly IV – 2014
The Nike Mercurial Vapor X and Superfly IV were released in 2014 and boasted several improvements over their predecessors.
Both models featured Nike’s All Conditions Control (ACC) technology, which provided superior ball control in wet and dry conditions.
The upper for the Vapor and Superfly was made with Nike’s Teijin synthetic material and NikeSkin.
The sole plate was redesigned with a new traction pattern and a split-toe design that improved overall agility and stability on the field.
The carbon fiber plate was also modified to be lighter and more responsive, allowing for quicker acceleration and better overall performance.
One unique feature of the Superfly IV was its Dynamic Fit collar, which extended higher up the ankle than previous models and provided a snug and supportive fit.
The Vapor X did not have the Dynamic Fit collar but still provided excellent support with its contoured chassis and cushioned sock liner.
Nike Mercurial Vapor XI and Nike Mercurial Superfly V – 2016
In 2016, Nike released the Mercurial Vapor XI and Mercurial Superfly V.
Both featured an innovative Flyknit upper that provided a sock-like fit and enhanced ball control.
The Flyknit material was also more durable than previous upper designs.
While both models shared the Flyknit technology, the Superfly V had a higher collar that provided additional support and a more secure fit around the ankle.
The Superfly V also featured a redesigned sole plate with chevron-shaped studs that were strategically placed for optimal traction and acceleration.
The Vapor XI, on the other hand, had a lower collar and a more traditional sole plate with a mix of chevron and conical studs.
However, the Vapor XI did feature a new ribbed upper texture that provides a better grip on the ball and improved touch.
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Nike Mercurial Vapor XII and Nike Mercurial Superfly VI – 2018
Nike released Mercurial Vapor XII and Mercurial Superfly VI in 2018, both of which saw a number of significant improvements from their predecessors.
The Vapor XII and Superfly VI both featured a redesigned 360-degree Flyknit upper, which provided a more secure and streamlined fit around the foot.
This new upper also included a special NikeSkin coating, which helped to protect the foot from water and other elements while maintaining the flexibility of the Flyknit material.
One of the most notable changes in these models was the introduction of a new sole plate design.
The plate was split into two sections, with the front featuring a chevron stud pattern for improved traction during acceleration, and the back featuring a blade-like pattern for better stability during quick changes of direction.
Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII and Nike Mercurial Superfly VII – 2019
In 2019, Nike released the Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII and Nike Mercurial Superfly VII as the latest additions to the Mercurial line.
The outsole of the Vapor XIII and Superfly VII featured an upgraded chevron-shaped stud pattern.
The Dynamic Fit Collar, a signature feature of the Mercurial line, was also updated in both models to provide a more secure fit around the ankle.
This helped to improve stability and reduce the risk of injury.
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Nike Mercurial Vapor XIV Nike Mercurial Superfly VIII – 2021
The Nike Mercurial Vapor XIV and Nike Mercurial Superfly VIII were released in February of 2021.
These cleats feature an updated design and construction that focuses on providing even more speed, agility, and control on the field.
The Vapor XIV and Superfly VIII both featured an improved Flyknit upper material.
Nike Mericurial Vapor XV – 2022
Currently, the latest model in the Nike Mercurial history line is the Nike Mercurial Vapor XV.
The latest Mercurial Vapor model currently offers the most customizable soccer cleat on the market, allowing players to even customize the glow of the chrome on the outside.
This also features Nike’s brand new soccer-specific 3/4 Zoom Air unit.
The latest addition to the Mercurial line sits in the outsole and provides an extra springy cushion underfoot that allows you to react and play faster on the field.
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Evolution of other soccer cleat and boot models
If you enjoyed the Nike Mercurial history, you’ll enjoy the history of these other iconic soccer cleats/boots:
- Adidas F50
- Adidas Predator
- Adidas Adipure
- Adidas Nemeziz
- Nike Tiempo
- Nike Total 90
- Nike Hypervenom Phantom
If you are looking at buying soccer cleats and don’t know where to start this is a comprehensive soccer cleats buying guide to make the process simpler.
Thank you,
Toby