Ten things you should know about the radically new Flyknit Nike Mercurial Superfly IV Football Boots.
In the whirlwind of the Nike Mercurial Superfly IV launch you may have missed the occasional detail. We've attended an epic launch event in Madrid with Cristiano Ronaldo and spoken to Nike Football Design Director Denis Dekovic. Now we've broken down the Mercurial Superfly IV to the ten most essential points that you need to know.
Availability: The Mercurial Superfly is available to pre-order from May 26 and is on sale from June 12, the same day as the 2014 World Cup kicks off in Brazil.
The weight: A UK Size 8.5 tips our scales at exactly 200g. That's 45g lighter than the previous Superfly and just a few grams lighter than the current Mercurial Vapor IX boot.
The price: The new Superfly IV (FG) will be priced at around £230.00, which is £50.00 cheaper than previous Superfly editions. Nike say they have reacted to customer feedback by dropping the previous £280.00 price-tag of their top-tier speed boot.
The sizing: The Mercurial Superfly IV is a true to fit size. If you're a 9.5 then get a 9.5. On initial fit they don't appear to be ridiculously narrow so players with wide feet will be accommodated.
More blades means more speed: Nike have evolved the Mercurial traction system by adding more blades to the heel for quick penetration and quick release. The heel features two additional blades and the forefoot one extra blade, which was specifically requested by Cristiano Ronaldo during the development phase.
Adapted Brio Cables: The Brio Cables are knitted directly into the upper of the boot and are locked into the outsole. By connecting this tendon-like support to the heel the Superfly acts like a slingshot that helps maximise a players' acceleration.
More flexible carbon fibre: Nike have introduced a new full length, two-layer carbon chassis in place of the three layered chassis used on previous Superfly boots. Based on pro player feedback from past Superfly generations, the reduction has resulted in a softer plate that is more responsive and flexible.
A new three-knit Flyknit weave: Designed to put less materials between the foot and the ball to enhance a players' touch and create a more natural ball feel.
Different to the Magista: The Superfly IV uses a different last to the Magista Obra to ensure the Mercurial Superfly is as close to the foot as possible. Both top-tier boots have a NIKESKIN treatment across the Flyknit upper and use Brio Cable technology, which on the Superfly is applied differently to create a fit that is noticeably more locked-down.
On pitch: Players are expected to start training in the Mercurial Superfly when they meet up with their national teams ahead of the World Cup. The boots will be in competitive action when the tournament kicks off proper on June 12th but you may well get a cheeky preview of them in the international friendlies leading up to the main event.
What are your thoughts on the new Nike Mercurial Superfly IV? Have you accepted the mid-cut design? Let us know in the comments.
