Nike Launch The Mercurial Vapor ‘Future DNA’ Edition

Written by Daniel Jones

The Mercurial Vapor XIII is the next in line to get the ‘Future DNA’ treatment, in which current performance boots pay homage to classic designs, with Nike wrapping it in the OG Superfly “Max Orange/Metallic Silver” colourway from 2009, bringing back glorious memories of prime Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Future DNA Pack debuted last week with the Phantom VSN II suited up to look like the OG Hypervenom launch that was worn by Neymar seven years ago ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. For the second instalment, Nike look to the heritage of the Mercurial line, taking the design of the original Superfly from 2009, and wrapping it round the current Mercurial Vapor, providing yet another perfect blend of nostalgia and performance.

Upon its release, the Mercurial Superfly was the lightest, fastest iteration of the Mercurial line at the time, and for the first time on a boot, it incorporated next-generation Nike Flywire technology in a streamlined upper. The purpose of this technology was to serve as a second skin, offering a lightweight yet stronger, more dynamic fit. It also housed a carbon fibre soleplate that reacted to the need for speed with strategically-configured blades for superior footing and quick cuts in any direction. The start of a legacy, and also the perfect boot for CR7 ahead of a decade of dominance that commenced soon after with his signature line; a worthy addition to the ‘Future DNA Pack’.

Paying homage to that original, the Mercurial Vapor XIII adopts its “Max Orange/Metallic Silver” colourway, combining it with modern upgrades such as the addition of high-tenacity yarns on the upper – an elevated version of the Nike Flywire technology used on the original – which keeps the boot from stretching. The 2020 iteration also has All Conditions Control to prevent the boot from being porous. You can expect to see Leroy Sane making his long-awaited return from injury in these. Proper iconic vibes linked up with modern performance, and this is just the second in the four pack launch. Stay tuned to see what other treats Nike has in store...