Update: Footy Headlines can leak 6 more new images of the next-gen Nike Mercurial Superfly 11.
Update: Footy Headlines can now leak the first image of the next-generation Nike Mercurial Vapor 17 boots in the pink colorway. It reveals that Nike will differentiate the Superfly and Vapor also with the design - the gradient of the Superfly goes from the back to the front, while the Vapor goes from bottom to top.
Update: We now also get a first look at the next-generation Nike Mercurial Vapor 17 football boots, in an Air Max 95-inspired colorway. They are the lightest-ever Mercurial in history with an Atomknit upper. Thanks to @waytoogeeeeekedup for the image.
The next-generation Nike Mercurial 2026 soccer cleats are no less than a revolution.
The Nike Mercurial Vapor and Superfly are going to be fundamentally different boots again from the 2026 World Cup and the next-gen launch, with distinct materials and tech after years of being largely the same. We first revealed this in November 2025, and now the leak confirms it.
Nike Mercurial Soccer Cleats
Superfly & Vapor - the collar of the Superfly is gone, and both cleats have different tech again.
The next-generation Mercurial Superfly 11 and Vapor 17 boots mark the biggest changes to the speed boot line in over a decade. Both versions have different tech again, after sharing the exact same features except for the collar height for 10 years.
Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 2026 Soccer Cleats
Here are the new Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 football boots.
The Nike Mercurial Superfly XI 2026 soccer cleats return to a low-cut collar for the first time since 2014, marking the end of Nike's Dynamic Fit collar era on the Superfly.
Also, for the first time ever, the Nike Mercurial Superfly 2026 football boot features a new FlyWeave Ultra upper designed to provide a contained yet thin touch on the ball.
Nike has upgraded the responsiveness with a forefoot Air Zoom unit built for long-sprint acceleration. The Air Zoom chamber now includes three additional studs for improved traction during explosive movements. A ZoomX foam sockliner has been added to deliver extra energy return with each step.
The first leaked Nike Mercurial Superfly 2026 soccer boots have a vibrant pink-to-white gradient - the colorway is similar to the Euro 2012 edition.
The Mercurial Superfly XI is engineered for explosive acceleration and lockdown, targeting players who rely on pace and agility. The removal of the collar represents a major shift in Nike's speed boot philosophy after more than a decade of Dynamic Fit technology.
Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 - Features
- FlyWeave Ultra upper for a contained yet thin touch
- Forefoot Air Zoom unit for long-sprint responsiveness
- Three additional studs on the Air Zoom chamber for improved traction
- Low-cut collar returning for the first time since 2014
- ZoomX foam sockliner for added energy return
- Built for explosive acceleration and lockdown
- Price: around $300
- Release date: May 2026
Nike Mercurial Vapor 17 Soccer Cleats
The Nike Mercurial Vapor 17 football boots are all about speed - they are the lightest Mercurial in history. To achieve this, they introduce several key innovations focused on reducing weight while maintaining performance.
Concretely, the Nike Mercurial Vapor 17 soccer boots feature an Atomknit upper providing a lightweight, close-to-ball feel. Nike has developed an all-new FlyLight plate that is both thinner and stronger than previous versions, contributing to the boot's featherweight construction.
The leaked colorway comes in silver and black with a gradient effect, taking inspiration from the Air Max and 2006 Mercurial.
According to the leaked specifications, the Vapor 17 is 20% lighter than the previous Vapor generation, representing a significant reduction in weight. The soleplate uses rounded chevron studs designed for faster cuts and directional changes, optimizing traction for explosive speed.
The entire design philosophy centers on speed and responsiveness, pushing the boundaries of how light a performance football boot can be while delivering the precision and touch expected from the Mercurial line.
Nike Mercurial Vapor 17 – Features
- Lightest Mercurial in history
- Atomknit upper for a lightweight, close-to-ball feel
- All-new FlyLight plate, thinner and stronger than previous versions
- 20% lighter than the previous Vapor generation
- Rounded chevron studs for faster cuts and directional changes
- Featherweight construction focused on speed and responsiveness
The new Mercurial Superfly XI/Vapor XVII soccer boots from Nike are set to be available from May 2026.
What do you think of the collar-free design for the Mercurial Superfly 2026? Do you like the Vapor 17, the lightest in history of the silo? Let us know in the comments below, and have a look at the Boot Calendar for all Nike football boot releases and leaks.