Nike Mercurial Vapor cleats: These cleats are one of the most popular types among professional athletes for their unparalleled combination of speed, comfort, and durability. The highlight is their lightness, only 190 grams to allow you to play fast without getting tired after a long session, of course. According to a study conducted by Nike, lighter footwear can increase sprinting speed by 4-5% — perfect for players that rely on speed to get away from defenders.
The other high-performance aspect is the Flyknit upper, which gives the feel of a sock in that it forms to the natural shape of the foot. This design creates a snugger fit that minimizes blisters or discomfort even with hours of play. This is a slightly more durable construction thanks to the Vaporposite upper that fuses Flyknit with a synthetic coating but still remains flexible. One of the big names that have often settled for these cleats is Cristiano Ronaldo, who prefers the responsive fit that allows him to stay fully in control when the match heats up.
The cleats also provide a responsive, cushioned midsole to absorb shock and reduce impact on the feet and joints. This technology is important for reducing the unpleasantness of long match-ups. In a recent 2023 report, players donning the Vapor reported 25% less lower limb discomfort than what was seen in players wearing traditional cleats. The soft is coupled with the performance stud layout of the cleats to ensure traction and stability without sacrificing comfort.
Nike’s anti-clog bible traction technology, which is used in most of its shoes, helps gain traction and keep players quick and glued to the ground in the most game-changing moments, both dry and soggy. The distribution of the studs on the cleat works to distribute the pressure evenly and reduce any hotspots while still offering more support going throughout the match. Heavily-laden with explosive pace, Kylian Mbappé swears by the Vapor for its stability and control in high speed.– Jason Siu
Combine all of these components, from the light construction of the cleat to the Flyknit upper to the cushioned midsole to the traction, and the Nike Mercurial Vapor becomes about as cutting-edge and functional a cleat as you can get for top-flight athletes.