Black & Pink Nike Mercurial Vapor XI 2016-17 Boots Revealed

Nike has unveiled a black and pink Nike Mercurial Vapor XI as the first 2016-17 offering to follow on the super-bold Euro 2016 colorway. Officially labeled as 'Black & Pink Blast', the second Nike Mercurial Vapor 11 football boot colorway are available in-store from July 5, 2016.

Nike launched the current version of the Mercurial Vapor, the Nike Mercurial Vapor X, ahead of the 2014 World Cup. The new Nike Mercurial Vapor 11 soccer cleats stay true to their predecessor for the most part, while there's also a next-gen Nike Mercurial Vapor V, for those who prefer a heightened sockliner.

Nike Mercurial Vapor XI - Black / Pink Blast

This is the new black and pink next-gen Nike Mercurial Vapor 11 soccer boot.

Almost entirely black, the stunning second paint job for the new Nike Mercurial Vapor 11 comes with striking logos in pink. This includes the lateral Mercurial writing, the Swoosh and ACC logo on the integrated tongue and the large outline Swoosh on the side and front of the black and pink Nike Mercurial Vapor XI 2016-2017 cleats.

The sole plate of the 'Black / Pink Blast' Nike Mercurial Vapor 11 soccer boots is also completely black bar a pink Swoosh, while the lower part of the studs is semi-transparent. Another outline Swoosh is present on the inside of the new Nike Mercurial Vapor 11 boots. Unlike on the first colorway, the all-new 'speed rib' structure along the sides of the all-new Nike Mercurial Vapor 11 football boots is not highlighted visually.

Made for ultimate ball control at high speed and impeccable traction, the black and pink Nike Mercurial Vapor 11 2016-17 soccer cleats introduce the all-new, aforementioned 'speed rib' structure on the upper. Designed to be the new trademark element of the Nike Mercurial silo, the ribs are placed on the upper of the next-gen Nike Mercurial Vapor 11, as well as the new Nike Mercurial Superfly V cleats. They work towards improving lockdown and touch on the new 'Black and Pink Blast' Nike Mercurial Vapor XI 2016-2017 boots.

Other than that, the Nike Mercurial Vapor 11 Euro 2016 boots largely echo the look of their predecessors, including both the unique one-piece upper construction and a similar, ultra-thin Teijin microfiber upper. The upper of the next-gen Nike Mercurial Vapor football boots again features Nike's ACC (All Conditions Control) technology.

Anyway, the next-gen Nike Mercurial Vapor 2016-2017 boots also come with a totally new outsole, both in shape and stud configuration and alignment. All of the new studs used on the black Nike Mercurial Vapor 11 2016-17 cleats have the same shape, but are rotated in different directions to offer the improved traction on firm-ground surfaces.

In terms of on-pitch player support, some of Nike's most high-profile players are wearing the new Nike Mercurial Vapor 11 boots since June. The list includes the likes of Douglas Costa, Eden Hazard and Luka Modric. The black and pink Nike Mercurial Vapor 11 boots are not expected to receive on-pitch support, however.

Available from July 5, 2016, the black next-gen Nike Mercurial Vapor XI football boots retail at €220 ($230, £180).

Do you like the black and pink Nike Mercurial Vapor XI 2016-17 football boots from the Pitch Dark collection? Drop us a line below.