Mercurial Vapor 8 Launch Event - NikeTown London
Nike called on two of their favourite Mercurial players for the official launch event of the Nike Mercurial Vapor VIII football boots. SoccerBible joined Luka Modric and Aaron Lennon at the event held in NikeTown London, where the two players joined a selected audience...
Competition winners joined global media in the audience at the Mercurial Vapor 8 Launch, as the Nike staff and players discussed the benefits of the new boots, tried out Explosive Speed on a timed artificial running track, and steam-fitted their new Vapors for the ultimate customised fit.
The Mercurial Vapor 8 has been one of the most sensational launches for some time, sending ripples throughout the boots community, as the boots look incredibly eye-catching on-pitch. The launch event gave us the opportunity to hear the Nike story behind the boots, and also to hear the players feedback.
With the audience gathered in front of the stage at NikeTown London, we heard from people involved in the new Mercurial's development. Who explained that for the Vapor 8 it's wasn't just about lightweight, it's about the right weight, as the focus is on Explosive Speed.
We learned how Nike have worked with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo to develop the new traction outsole, and heard of the feedback from lead wearers Didier Drogba saying this is an awesome product and Franck Ribery who exclaimed: This boot is a revolution. The difference with the previous one is huge.
But now it was time to meet two of the Premier League's very own long-standing Mercurial speedsters, firstly attacking playmaker Luka Modric, and then a player who knows a thing or two about pace Aaron Lennon. We heard from both Modric and Lennon who explained how the comfort, materials, weight and performance have been improved for this next generation Mercurial boot. I think it's the lightest one. You feel quicker, it's a new material and I think it's the best one they've had so far to be honest said Lennon, a sentiment echoed by Modric who said They are very very light...I feel much faster in them.
After the onstage interviews had finished, both Lennon and Modric joined the gathered Mercurial fans to steam, personalise and try out the new boots. The steamer is inspired by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Theo Walcott, who soak their boots in hot water before putting them on to mould to the shape of their foot.
Lennon led the way in the boot steaming, as fans custom fit and shaped their new Mercurials, whilst Luka Modric was helping fans to personalise their football boots using the NIKEiD service. Both players were of course happy to pose for photo's and sign autographs, as they shared some of their favourite footballing moments and fielded on the spot questions from the fans.
Next up for the gathered media was the Explosive Speed track, to time your speed in the Nike Mercurial Vapor 8 football boots compared to the likes of Juan Mata over the same distance. Using Nike SPARQ training equipment the gauntlet was laid out, and we're proud to say SoccerBible defeated our media colleagues clocking a time of 2.04 seconds for the short course. Although we have to confess it was a competition winner who clocked the fastest time overall, breaking the two second barrier to win a brand new pair of Mercurial Vapor VIII's.
So once again Nike didn't disappoint, a launch event with Premier League stars, boot fitting and customisation, and a track to test your speed. The new Nike Mercurial Vapor VIII football boots have certainly had an impact on the game, and you can check out our full feature on the Mercurial Mercurial Vapor VIII. Join the conversation and share your thoughts on one of the year's biggest boots releases online, on Twitter and on Facebook.
