The Boot Blog

With the introduction of the Nike Mercurial Vapor IV, Nike brought along another model for this campaign. The Nike Mercurial Vapor SL (Super Light). More expensive than the Vap IV ($100 more, retail $299), the Vap SL offers higher quality product with its super light carbon fiber sole plate. The carbon fiber chassis gives the Vap SL much needed strength and allows it to be one of the lightest boots ever made (210g). A very slick lace cover has been added to the Vap line for a clean strike zone. The carbon fiber doesn’t end on the sole plate, it also sneaks up behind your heel to make sure your heel stays in place when making those quick cuts and sprints.

Every aspect of the design signifies speed. At the toe of the boot, you can see exactly what Nike intends with this deadly boot.

A closer look at the checkered carbon fiber chassis allows you to see the source of the strength of the boot. While adding strength, the boot did not sacrifice weight.

The carbon fiber heel allows Nike to cut down even more weight off the boot. A little here, a little there, and you have one of the quickest boots ever.

We cannot forget the Nike Mercurial Vapor IV. The newest in a line of classic boots may be the best one to date. With a fiber composite sole and patented Vapor Traction System, the Vap IV gives you traction and speed. Injected TPU heel wrap with a glass fiber insert and lateral heel pods provides extra strength and protection. At 230g, the Vap IV is only 20g heavier but $100 less (retail $199). You can see assassins such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Didier Drogba sport these boots as they terrorize defenses.

A closer look at the fiber composite sole and Vapor Traction System.

The heel wrap that will keep you in place as you break ankles and necks.

You can purchase these boots at Pro-direct Soccer, World Soccer Shop, and Eurosport.