The Nike Mercurial Dream Speed series was launched back in the latter half of 2019, arriving as a disruptive special edition for Nike’s elite players, fronted by Cristiano Ronaldo. Now, five years on, the series wraps with the launch of the ninth edition.
The Nike Mercurial Dream Speed series was announced back in 2019 as an exploration of speed, interpreted through a series of unique designs that would be unveiled one at a time over several seasons. Inspired by the journeys of the game’s fastest players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, and Sam Kerr, and with a heavy influence from the Portuguese superstar in particular, the series has progressed through five years and nine editions, with the curtain finally falling on the series with the latest release this week. And so what else to do other than bask in the glory of all nine editions as we take a look back at the now complete Mercurial Dream Speed collection.
Inspired by the fastest players in the game and taking design cues from blueprints, the first Nike Mercurial Dream Speed edition outlined technical details found in a Mercurial schematic such as perforation patterns, registration marks, crop lines, colour codes, a scale ruler, and other graphic elements that show how the boot was built. It was a bold opening to the series, featuring iridescent flashes throughout, most notably on the big and bold 'MDS 001' graphic that wrapped round the heel.
The second iteration of the Mercurial Dream Speed delivered a juicy slice of summery vibes as it took to the pitch in a citrus-infused colourway, the transition of colours representing the various frequencies of light. It featured the speed of light (299,792,458 meters per second) embedded within the outline of the Swoosh, while the gradient dotted design on the upper took inspiration from the iconic Mercurial Vapor III.
Inspired by the pure speed of the game, Nike launched the third drop from their Mercurial 'Dream Speed' series, with a design packed with graphic elements that characterised quickness. The busy design featured, among other things, a predominantly forward facing chevron band that pointed the way, a wavy net pattern that represented the rippling effect made when a goal is scored, a dotted pattern on the grid of the inner heel to denote formations used by winning teams across the years, as well as the famous safari print. Phew!
Featuring a design that’s inspired by space shuttle re-entry capsules descending at hypersonic speeds, the Mercurial Dream Speed 004 landed in March 2021. Typical low earth orbit re-entry speeds are near 17,500 mph, and that speed creates incredible energy caused by friction, resulting in a heat of 1500 degrees Celsius with well-known visible effects. And that’s where the look for the Dream Speed 004 came from, bursting with colour in a nice contrast to the MDS003. There's also a nice checkered flag added on the forefoot and heel, just so you know it's fast, in case you missed it.
Dropping back in February 2022, MDS 005 was created to the exact specifications of Cristiano Ronaldo, and the design inspiration came from his most powerful tool— the mind. According to Ronaldo – and who are we to argue – a calm mental state means strong decision making, so the boot plays with that in the "Barely Green/Volt/Electro Purple" colourway, slowly transitioning from a tranquil green into commanding hues of turquoise and purple, demonstrating the power generated by a restful aura. Not quite seeing the link to speed as clearly as with the other entries, but just assume it's there and leave it at that.
The sixth version in the line and the first in the Air Zoom generation of Mercurial, the MDS 006 arrived in a bright and breezy “Cobalt Bliss/Black/Fuchsia” colourway. Layered digital tones with metallic and colour shifting finishes added depth and vibration to the distorted floral graphic. That’s right, we said floral, because this one took inspiration from flowers as a symbol of giving the elite players that will wear it the credit they deserve and honouring those who have helped them along the way.
Inspiration for the “Light Crimson/Pale Ivory/Bright Mandarin” colourway of the MDS 007 came from the boots Ronaldo wore in his prime, such as the launch edition of the Mercurial Vapor IV (in which he scored his first Manchester United hat trick, at home to Newcastle), and further colourways of that line. The colour fades from red to orange, with white accents, such as the Swoosh, bordered by black. Black also features on the repeating plus, or x graphic across the heel.
Looking to motivate and inspire, the MDS 008 arrived in February 2024 under the mantra that "challenges and setbacks happen to everyone, but it’s how we choose to respond to them that defines us. Greatness isn’t given, but by focussing on your dreams you can find the strength to breakthrough." In colour psychology, green symbolises energy, positivity and visibility, and so it was here that Nike turned.
Rounding out the series in style, Nike dropped the latest and last instalment in the Mercurial Dream Speed franchise with the MDS 009. It arrived in a “Barely Green/Metallic Gold Coin” colourway, with the distorted midfoot pattern representing breaking through barriers. The blue elements encourage mind flow and performance, while the orange promotes concentration and creativity. Then, as a nice final flourish, the Swoosh features the signature Dream Speed logo repeated in gold as a nod to goals and trophies.
Shop the Nike Mercurial Dream Speed 009 at prodirectsport.com/soccer
