Nike Mercurial Vapor IX – The Latest Rumours
With 2013 just around the corner, there's one boot launch on everyone s mind. In the new year, Nike will unveil the eagerly anticipate Mercurial Vapor IX. For months the rumour mill has been looking ahead to the Nike Vapor IX. So what can we expect from Nike's ninth generation Mercurial Vapor?
Whether you're a Vapor fan or not, there's no escaping the hype and buzz that follows each release. For 2013, it's expected to be bigger than ever as Nike take one step close to the landmark Vapor X. Get all the latest info on the Nike Mercurial Vapor IX here.
Release Date - For the Vapor VIII, Nike left it until March before unveiling the boot to the world. This time around though, they won't keep us waiting quite as long. Expect to see the Mercurial Vapor IX launched worldwide mid to late January.
Upper -We're expecting the Nike Mercurial Vapor IX to arrive with a completely new and re-engineered upper. From the prototype imagery we've gathered of the boot's upper, you can see the design has been reworked, taking inspiration from the surface of a golf ball. This will increase the friction between boot and ball, offering an enhanced touch. As with all Nike football boots, the Vapor IX will feature an ACC enhanced upper. 
Design - For the Vapor VIII, Nike offered little in terms of graphics. This stripped-back feel was a step in a new direction for the Mercurial line and proved popular with Vapor fans. For the Mercurial Vapor IX, Nike are likely to step it up a gear. Bolder, more dynamic colourways will be met with larger branding across the heel instep. The toe swoosh will be the same size as the Vapor VIII, but we're expecting Nike to lose the instep swoosh.
Weight - Don't expect any changes here. When it comes to weight, Nike have put all of their efforts into the GS that will continue into 2013. The Vapor VIII became Nike's lightest Mercurial Vapor at 185g. We're predicting the Vapor IX to hit the same mark. Not the lightest boot in the world, but a weight that won't leave any Vapor fans complaining.
Outsole - For the outsole, Nike will employ the same lightweight and durable sole-plate as the Vapor VIII, consisting of two layers of glass fibre fused together for a flexible forefoot. There were suggestions that Nike would return to the use of carbon fibre across the mid-sole - this was an idea tested during the early design stages, but one that is unlikely to make the final production. An SG Pro Plate will continue to be made available.
Lead Athletes - As always, Cristiano Ronaldo will take centre stage in launching the Nike Mercurial Vapor IX. Fresh from landing his signature CR Vapor VIII, Ronaldo will front one of the two launch colourways from January. Neymar will also play his part, before making a possible departure from the Mercurial in the Spring *watch this space*. Other athletes including Theo Walcott, Mario Gotze, Eden Hazard and others will all play a key part in the launch of the Vapor IX.
Stay tuned to SoccerBible in the new year for all the latest news on the Nike Mercurial Vapor IX football boots. Let us know what you'd like to see from the next generation Vapor. Join the conversation online, on Twitter and on Facebook.
