Nike Mercurial Superfly 9

Mercurial Superfly 9

Nike’s legendary Mercurial football boot has been around since the late 1990s. In the decades since its introduction, it has been designed to help the world’s greatest players do what they do best: attack with pace and score goals. In 2022, the brand released a new version of the shoe based on the same principles – the Nike Mercurial Superfly 9.

The biggest innovation on the Mercurial Superfly 9 is the Zoom Air unit in its sole. This bouncy three-quarter-length airbag was specially created to fit into the streamlined soleplate of this Nike football boot, where it provides responsiveness and comfort. It is surrounded by tri-star and blade-shaped studs that facilitate swift movements in all directions, all the while offering excellent grip so that the player can press the defence with freedom and confidence. The arrangement of the heel studs brings stability during sudden stops and quick turns, while the Pebax material used to make the soleplate is durable, lightweight and slightly flexible, so it supports the natural movement of the foot.

Accompanying this high-tech sole unit is a Vaporposite+ upper made from thin layers of tough Flyknit fabric. The inner layer, known as the ‘speed cage’, provides a secure connection between the upper and the sole, thus helping to hold the foot firmly in place. Meanwhile, the outer layer has a textured surface and a coating of All Conditions Control, which offers a tacky feeling against the ball for outstanding touch and control. Thin and lightweight, this performance outer has a high-top profile and a redesigned shape that gives an enhanced fit and great lockdown.

The Nike Mercurial Superfly 9 is known for being worn by some of the fastest and most skilful players, one of whom is Frenchman Kylian Mbappé. The superstar forward has become the face of the Mercurial in recent years, and in 2022, he collaborated with Nike to produce the unique Dark Beetroot colourway of the Superfly 9. Along with this, he was given a special Metallic Copper design, which he wore while scoring a memorable hat-trick at the World Cup Final in Qatar. In 2024, the Superfly 9 was involved in a collaboration with the Air Max Plus that resulted in a distinctive Voltage Purple colourway featuring the iconic palm-tree-inspired overlays. Later that year, the vibrant Mad Brilliance Pack appeared on the feet of players like Portugal's Ronaldo at the Euro 2024 tournament.

Constructed for speed and agility, the Mercurial Superfly 9 represents the height of Nike’s sporting technology, from its groundbreaking Zoom Air soleplate to its streamlined upper. Combined with the vast range of striking designs available, this makes it a highly desirable football boot for any modern player.