Creative Soccer Culture

Closer Look At The Nike Mercurial 'Dragonfly'

The Nike Mercurial Superfly 8 and Mercurial Vapor 14 ‘Dragonfly’ editions officially drop worldwide today. The psychedelic “White/Metallic Silver/Dark Raisin” colourway, that’s inspired by a computer motherboard, features a specially numbered design that calls out each of the boot’s 7 key components.

The new Nike Mercurial Superfly 8 and Mercurial Vapor 14 ‘Dragonfly’ editions were revealed back on the 19 January, but despite being seen on the feet of some of the biggest players in the game through the last week, in true tease fashion they have only become available to buy today. With the official drop we take a closer look at what the boot has to offer. With a design that’s been led by athlete insight, the boot takes on four areas of focus…

Those four areas of focus are fit, touch, traction and style. Starting with fit, the new Mercurial features an upper that feels like a natural extension of the foot, and that ties in with the touch aspect, for which it offers a natural touch, helping maintain control at high speeds. And talking of those high speeds, a redesigned soleplate lends directly to the traction of the boot. Then there’s the style; brighter, lighter and feeling faster all round.

With these in mind, the design of the new Mercurial draws on the natural geometry of a Dragonfly’s wing as guide to driving maximum efficiency with minimal weight. This results in a lightweight, efficient boot stripped to seven key components, each literally numbered on the upper, and they are: 

1. Avail Q Lining = Premium Microfibre that forms to your foot

2. Speed Band = Forefoot lockdown to maximise first step speed

3. Vamp Lining = Lightweight cushioning precisely where your need it

4. Toe Reinforcer = Anatomical shape for a barefoot feel

5. Speed Collar Package = Soft foam to minimise friction

6. Speed Wings = Medial speed icons

7. Flyknit = Adaptability for a close fit

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The boot introduces a new Vaporposite upper that combines a grippy grid mesh with premium lining for ball control at high speeds. Underfoot the Nike Aerotrak plate brings responsiveness for quick cuts and acceleration.

The bright launch colourway is made up of a digital psychedelic palette, inspired by a computer motherboard, which pays homage to iconic Mercurials over the past 23 years.

Pick up the Nike Mercurial Vapor XIV and Superfly VIII 'Dragonfly' at prodirectsoccer.com

Author
Daniel Jones

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