Latest Mercurial pays homage to groundbreaking '02 Vapor design.
Nike turn to their distinguished back catalogue once again to reinvent another of their most famous and inconic Mercurial Vapors. The new Mercurial Vapor IX is inspired by the first ever boot of the Vapor series from 2002, Nike's first sub-200g boot which Ronaldo wore to score both goals in the 2002 World Cup final win over Germany.
The silver/volt/black drop is more than a colour update, the release comes with a story. Just like the 1998 re-release towards the end of last year the boot is inspired by the genius that is R9. Wearing the boot, Ronaldo scored eight times in Japan and Korea and confirmed his status as the world’s best striker. Ronaldo’s bold chrome colorway stood out as a new icon of football footwear — just as his 1998 boots had done.
To celebrate the heritage of the ‘02 classic, the 2014 Mercurial Vapor IX Fast Forward ’02 Edition provides today's players with modern boot technology inspired by the ’02 model. Subtle graphic references, colors and prints combine with modern materials and innovation to celebrate the boot’s legacy of speed while commemorating a magical summer tournament for Ronaldo and the Mercurial.
The silver paint job on top of the Speed Control texture gives off a slick chrome finish and the bold 'Nike' lettering on the instep is blasted with bright volt, which is also found on the studs and insole. A small heel logo mark identifies the original year of inspiration, and the sockliner tells the story of key moments in the Mercurial’s history.
The story on the sockliner is explained in four points; The Moment - Ronaldo scoring twice in the World Cup Final and being named Player of the Tournament. Innovation - Referencing Nike's first anatomical design. Design - The chrome finish, the lightweight factor and the brand's first stitchless one piece upper. As with the previous release Nike let fans into a little secret by stating that the boot was inspired by the McLaren F1.
Tech wise it's as you were, 185g grams of ultimate speed. Since its original launch more than 15 years ago, the Mercurial has always stood out. Bold and exciting, the boot’s color and design has always ensured its players are noticed and have the best in speed innovation.
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