Nike Mercurial Vapor 8 Play Test
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We've seen the boots on-pitch in action, had a close-up look at them with exclusive photography and even spoken to the team responsible for designing the new Nike Mercurial Vapor VIII football boots. But now it's time to put them through the new style SoccerBible Play Test and see how they perform...
At SoccerBible we've got our very own football version of The Stig, who has not only completed the Crossbar Challenge on Soccer AM but has also played against Cristiano Ronaldo. We take the boots to our private play testing arena and run the boots through speed, passing and shooting drills, to score them out of 100 in a variety of categories.
In a football season the launch of a new Nike Mercurial probably causes the biggest response from the boots community. Visually the boots are always striking, but with performance issues on the previous few incarnations due to technology, it's time to find out how the Vapor VIII performs.
Before we take the boots out of the box, let's talk visuals. We have to accept here that colour preference is a very individual choice. But in terms of a clean looking upper, the one-piece material is going to deliver that sleek look associated with the likes of the Vapor IV through the various colours it will be released in. The Swoosh on the front has proven to be quite controversial, as the smaller version has previously been associated with take-down boots, but we think the large Swoosh on the instep is a great addition and something you'd classically associate with Nike.
With the boots in-hand, the upper feels very different to the previous version. The matte finish is almost crepe paper-like in appearance, but instantly feels soft and comfortable whilst being a lot thinner than the last boot. Gone is the Flywire, and when you slip your foot inside the boots instantly feel comfortable.
You do once again have to accept the narrow Nike fit, which if this has been a previous issue for you then expect to break your boots in. But the upper is definitely more malleable, so we think it's really going to hug your feet over time, and of course the boot now feels incredibly light which just makes you feel faster.
Throughout the time taken to repeatedly run the various drills, it gave us a feel of what to expect for comfort over 90 minutes from the Nike Vapor VIII. As mentioned, these boots do need to be broken in, but thanks to the thin and flexible material they don't feel restrictive and painful to the feet, and once worn in fit tightly across the midfoot. The insole is slightly thinner than the previous version so expect less shock absorption on firm ground pitches, but with the smaller heel counter, heel padding and more flexible upper, the Vapor 8's comfort is a vast improvement on the Vapor 7.
We think to judge the Nike Mercurial Vapor VIII football boots, you need to put aside all prejudices against the colour of the upper. Imagine this as a prototype model all blacked out, and what you have is a really top football boot. In a comparison to the Vapor 7 this boot wins hands down, but even as a stand alone boot it is a great performer.
The outsole is probably the most technologically advanced on the market, expect exceptional traction from the Nike mixed stud which is something the boot community has requested for a long time. Yes you might need to break the upper in, but it's comfortable, a lot softer and more flexible for great ball feel and touch, and over time we imagine will form to the wearers foot. Combine all this into a lightweight boot that tips the scales at just 185g, and it looks like the battle to be top speed boot is once again on!
