The new Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly III’s were dropped (or carefully placed, seeing as they are $399.99) on my desk this morning. First thinking they were a gift for all the hard work I put in here, I was quickly corrected and told they are being released for pre-order. So going from extreme jubilation to moderate dismay, I decided I would review them for you guys.
Let’s Get Physical
Despite the poor reference to a 1970’s pop icon, these Superflys do have some of the most advanced features to ever hit the pitch. Flywire technology is used on the upper to create a better fitting shoe while keeping the weight down to an astonishing 8.3 ounces, which is about 235 grams for you Metric aficionados out there (regardless of the language, they are extremely light). A carbon fiber constructed sole plate gives the shoe excellent stability and avoids that annoying crease line created at the base of the laces by repeated bending of the toe. These boots also come with Adaptive Traction Technology. In Layman’s terms, this shoe has two studs that adjust their height (giving or taking about 3mm) depending on the surface you are running on. When you are on hard surfaces, the studs retract with the pressure of your foot allowing for a more even traction. If you happen to be on soft or wet surfaces, the studs extend from the shoe, creating a better gripping surface for your feet. This is one of the most advanced and brilliantly designed shoes I’ve ever had in my hands…and on my feet.
Fit and Feel
When I first put this shoe on, I wasn’t very confident that it would fit my wide feet. And while this doesn’t feel like a house slipper on my foot, it does comfortably hold them. There is a little tightness near the balls of my feet, however the longer I walk around the SoccerPro digs, the more comfortable I become in them. So like most cleats, it may take a few practices to break them in. The sizing runs pretty accurately, as I wear a size 11 in most cleats and fit nicely into a size 11 or 11.5 in the Superflys. Is it possible to find a more comfortable shoe? Yes, of course; however, the feel is not a negative aspect of this shoe and should not hinder you in purchasing it.
Celebrity Status?
The Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly has been, and is currently; being worn by some of soccer’s best and brightest. Didier Drogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Franck Ribery have all graced this boot with their presence, while its official on-pitch launch was shared between Mesut Ozil and some guy in a Cristiano Ronaldo jersey (rumor has it he’s pretty good). While United States’ Midfielder Clint Dempsey and Brazilian soon-to-be-superstar Neymar have both been seen in versions of the Mercurial Vapor Superfly, this boot is taking a strangle-hold on the soccer cleat market through its massive celebrity endorsements. That’s like getting Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp to all endorse the same hair gel.
Overall, these shoes are exceptional for elite players. With attributes designed to specifically enhance your game, the Superflys are an elite shoe. However, for an elite shoe you have to pay an elite price, and I just don’t think they are worth the $400. There are other, cheaper versions which I would definitely check out if the high price tag is too much for you.
Written by: Wil, in the presence of shoe royalty, soccerprose.com
