Nike Air Zoom Mercurial Vapor XVI Elite x AM95 SE FG
Speed meets style in a flash of colour. Celebrate the Air Max 95’s 30th anniversary with Nike Air Zoom Mercurial Vapor 16 Elite x AM95 SE FG football boots in White/Black. Back in the day, superstar footballers would arrive in the AM95, then pull on Mercs to master the pitch. Now, united by Nike Air, the two footwear icons come together in a single design, as this special edition decks out the Vapor with the distinctive wavy layers and lowercase logos of the legendary trainer.
Fine-tuned for responsiveness, the next-gen Merc features a cascading wave of traction at the forefoot, which engages more of the Zoom Air unit when your foot meets the ground to generate increased energy return.
It’s simple but effective: spreading out the contact area maximises the effect of Zoom Air and keeps you faster for longer. Plenty of grip too – the biggest of the wave studs is the same height as Nike’s traditional middle studs, and you’ve got the evolved chevron and blade studs working in tandem for quick directional changes.
Then there’s the lightweight, minimalist upper, which combines multiple knit technologies in a design that brings you closer to the ball than ever before. It’s the thinnest Merc upper to date, made up of just three layers. Flyknit provides the comfort, Atomknit the support, and Gripknit – that’s right, the Merc has Gripknit now – the control.
If you’re not familiar with Gripknit, it’s a sticky, pliable, weather-resistant yarn that enhances boot-to-ball connection and ensures your touch stays consistent in any situation. When you’re dribbling at high speed, it helps you manipulate the ball with superior accuracy to evade opponents – ideal for Mercurial players.
Boot Class = Elite
The best of the best. Elite football boots are the boots professional players wear on-pitch, made using the highest quality materials and featuring the latest technologies and innovations. The premium option for players who demand the best possible performance from their boots.
Mercurial Vapor
Destroying defences since 1998, the all-conquering Nike Mercurial is the Swoosh’s flagship speed boot.
It began with the prime example of explosive pace: R9, Ronaldo. His OG signature boot, the Nike Mercurial R9, was created to make him – and anyone else that wore it – faster. Its lightweight, synthetic construction set the trend for boot design, and the same superfast concept lives on in today’s modern Mercs.
From the iconic Vapor I to the gamechanging Superfly IV and the much sought-after Vapor Flyknit Ultra, the Mercurial series counts some of the most popular boots of all time among its ranks. They’ve been worn by some of the world’s best players, too, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Eden Hazard, Ada Hegerberg, and Didier Drogba joining R9 in the Mercurial hall of fame.
If you’re new to the Mercurial, here’s the vital thing to know: there are now two main variations. The Vapor, which is a low-cut boot, and the Superfly, which has an ankle collar. Some players prefer the more traditional, streamlined fit of the Vapor, while others appreciate the additional support and sock-like feel provided by the Superfly. It’s a personal choice.
Nike tend to debut their most cutting-edge tech in the Merc, so whichever you choose, if you want the fastest boots with a Swoosh that money can buy, you’re in the right place.
Nike
Nike’s mission is “to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world”. For decades, their boots have done exactly that, being seen on the feet of amateur and professional players alike, all around the globe.
Starting with “The Nike” back in 1970, the Swoosh’s designs have always led the way when it comes to combining style and performance.
Their modern range includes the ever-popular Mercurial for speed, as worn by the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vini Jr, along with the precision-focused Phantom, which is Erling Haaland’s weapon of choice. Then there’s the Tiempo, now available in two forms: the Maestro and the Ligera. The Maestro’s for unpredictable creators and dynamic dribblers, while the Ligera offers reliability and consistency for the game’s metronomic passers. Or, if you prefer a more traditional boot, the Premier is your go-to option.
Nike offer boots for all types of surface and levels of play, including their exclusive Anti-Clog editions with soleplates designed specifically for wet, muddy pitches.
