Update: Bayern Munich players Robert Lewandowski and Jamal Musiala tested what is strongly expected to be the next-generation Nike Mercurial Zoom 2022 cleats. Lewandowski trained in the Vapor (low collar) version, Musiala in the Superfly (collar).
Mbappé & Rashford Wear All-New Next-Gen Zoom Mercurial Boots
Bayern's Lewandowski & Musiala Test Next-Gen Nike Zoom Mercurial Boots
The images of Bayern's training give us the best look at the totally new upper of the 2022 Zoom Mercurial. The stealth look reminds us a bit of carbon - it might be the first Mercurial football boot with Nike Flyprint.
Update: We can leak the name and colorway of the launch edition of the Nike Zoom Mercurial 2022 football boots. The first Nike players have trained in the next-generation Nike Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9 and Vapor 15 boots (Mbappe & Kimpembe).
The next-generation Nike Mercurial 2022 soccer cleats are set to bring a lot of innovations.
The launch edition of the next-generation Nike Mercurial is part of the "Next Level" Pack, Nike's first on-pitch collection for the 22-23 season.
Next-Gen Nike Mercurial 2022 Soccer Cleats - Next Level Pack - Yellow Strike/Sunset Glow/Volt Ice - First-Ever Mercurial With Air Zoom
The next-generation 2022 Nike Mercurial boots are called "Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9/Zoom Mercurial Vapor 15". This highlights the main innovation of the boot - the integration of Nike Air Zoom.
The launch edition of the Nike Zoom Mercurial 2022 football boots combines 'Yellow Strike' with 'Sunset Glow' and 'Volt Ice'. Nothing about the visual design is known yet but we expect it to be clean and modern.
Nike showcased a Zoom Mercurial concept boot shortly before COVID-19 "took over"
In fact, Nike already showcased a Nike Air Zoom Mercurial concept football boot in February 2020, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic completely "took over".
The Nike Air Zoom Mercurial cleats worn by Mbappe and Kimpembe appear to be quite different from the concept boots showed off almost two years ago.
All-New Nike Air Zoom Mercurial Boot - To Be Never Launched?
The Nike Air Zoom Mercurial concept boot was built around a full-length articulated Zoom Air bag that provides a unique underfoot sensation and enhanced energy return. To achieve this, the internal boot chassis was transitioned to the plate, leaving only the sockliner between the foot and the Zoom Air bag for maximum effect.
The Nike Zoom Mercurial was intended to be launched for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, in August 2020
“We started with a full-length Zoom Air bag and visualized what it would look like if the Air bag kept growing up the sides and enveloped the boot,” says Jeongwoo Lee, Senior Design Director, Nike Football. “This led to the creation of an upper so translucent, varying the hues of the internal sockliner drastically impacts the external appearance of the boot.”
In contrast to old Zoom shoes and experiments, the modern iteration of football Air is not about cushioning so much but about responsiveness.
The 2022 Nike Zoom Mercurial could be also the first-ever Nike soccer cleat with a Nike Flyprint upper.
Flyprint is Nike’s first 3D-printed textile upper in performance footwear and debuted on the Nike Zoom Vaporfly Elite Flyprint, worn by marathoner Eliud Kipchoge.
Flyprint could make its debut in football
The Flyprint method allows designers to translate athlete data into new textile structures. The Air Zoom Mercurial’s Flyprint upper is lighter and more breathable than Nike's previously employed textiles, while still coated with All Conditions Control (ACC) to battle the elements.
The Nike 2022 Zoom Mercurial will be again available as Superfly and Vapor edition - Zoom Mercurial Superfly 9/Zoom Mercurial Vapor 15.
Nike Zoom Mercurial 2022 - Features
- Again available as Superfly & Vapor versions
- Air Zoom bag
- Possibly first football boot with Nike Flyprint upper, instead of Flyknit
- Launch collection: Next Level
- Launch colorway: Yellow Strike/Sunset Glow/Volt Ice Price: around USD 275 (EUR 275, GBP 230)
- Release date: around July 2022
The Nike Zoom Mercurial 2022 soccer cleats launch in mid-2022, possibly in July 2022. The launch edition is part of the "New Season" collection, called "Next Level" for 22-23.
Do you look forward to seeing the Nike Zoom Mercurial 2022 football boots? Comment below.