Cristiano Ronaldo Unveils The New Nike Mercurial Superfly IV In The Spanish Capital
All eyes were on Nike today as they created another landmark moment in their history with the launch of the 2014 Mercurial Superfly IV. Unveiled in Madrid as part of Nike's World Cup Innovation Summit, Ronaldo was joined by Nike design chiefs Mark Parker, Trevor Edwards, Phil McCartney and Denis Dekovic as the radical boot was let loose to the world's media.
SoccerBible had a front row seat to witness the action unfold and become one of the first to experience the Nike Mercurial Superfly IV hands (or feet) on. After a three year hiatus, the Mercurial Superfly silo returns for a second spell as the pinnacle of Nike's own performance product. Lets see how long it sticks around for this time.
For their biggest launch of the year, Nike called on their main man to headline the unveiling. After first appearing as part of Nike's new "Winner Stays" commercial projected to the room, Ronaldo arrived silhouetted behind a curtain before strutting his Superfly boots down the make-shift catwalk. CR7 and Nike at their best.
After a quick Q&A discussing the World Cup, his new boots and even acting, Ronaldo's promotional duties were done and it was over to VP of Nike Sport Performance Footwear, Phil McCartney, to introduce the new Mercurial Superfly boots. "Players have told us that the Mercurial fits like no other boot. We’ve delivered the boot for this new game because we know what a split second means. It can mean the difference between qualifying for the next round and elimination. That drive and pursuit of perfection has led us to today and the Mercurial Superfly.”
The Nike Mercurial Superfly IV joins the Nike Magista Obra as the brands two statement boots for this summer's World Cup. Much like the breakthrough Magista Obra, the Superfly IV is driven through Nike’s most advanced technology: Nike Flyknit. A new three-knit weave puts less material between the foot and the ball to enhance players’ touch. The high-top Dynamic Fit Collar is designed to create a better fit and a heightened sensation of the boot as an extension of the foot.
Other vital breakthrough additions include Brio Cables which are knitted directly into the upper and locked into the outsole. By connecting this tendon-like support to the heel, the Superfly acts like a slingshot that helps propel the player forward. In addition, a new, more-flexible full-length carbon plate helps players to more efficiently transmit power through the ground.
Stay tuned for our full video feature from the event and a more detailed review of the Nike Mercurial Superfly IV. For now though, get stuck into the debate. What are your thoughts on the returning Superfly and the new design? Join the conversation online, on Twitter and on Facebook.
