Revolutionary | Next-Gen Nike Mercurial 2026 Boots Info Leaked: Vapor & Superfly Finally Split Again

Update: Footy Headlines can exclusively reveal new details about the next-gen Nike Mercurial 2026, confirming that the Vapor 17 and Superfly 11 will once again be fundamentally different boots. After years of sharing the same upper and plate, Nike is separating the two models with distinct materials, tech packages, and on-pitch identities.

Next-Gen Nike Mercurial 2026 Soccer Cleats

The next-generation Nike Mercurial 2026 football boots end the 12-year standard Flyknit era, replacing it with new construction methods across the silo.

Footy Headlines has no leaked images of the next-generation Nike Mercurial soccer cleats yet, but we already know the most important tech features - and they more than hint at the biggest revolution for the Mercurials in a decade.

Most importantly, the Nike Mercurial Vapor and Superfly will be different boots again - previous generations were the same except for a low-cut (Vapor)/high-cut (Superfly) collar.

Nike Mercurial Vapor 17 Football Boots – Atomknit & FlyLight Plate

The Nike Mercurial Vapor 17 2026 soccer cleats are Nike's lightest Vapor ever, built around an ultra-thin Atomknit upper (which is actually built on Nike Flyknit) that wraps the foot in a high-tension, featherweight layer designed for clean ball contact and a tight, responsive fit.

The new FlyLight soleplate is even thinner and stronger than previous versions, contributing to a boot that is around 20% lighter than the outgoing model. The stud layout remains chevron-based but is reshaped for quicker directional changes, giving the Vapor its most aggressive agility profile in years.

Nike Mercurial Vapor 17 – Features

• 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
• Designed as the lightest Mercurial Vapor ever

Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 – Air Zoom & FlyWeave Ultra

The Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 soccer cleat takes a different path. It returns to a low-cut collar for the first time since 2014, opening up more ankle mobility while keeping the signature Superfly lockdown feel.

The upper switches to FlyWeave Ultra, a tightly woven material made to balance containment with a thinner touch surface.

The plate retains Nike’s forefoot Air Zoom unit but introduces an updated structure with three extra studs on the Air Zoom chamber for added bite when accelerating. The Superfly also receives a ZoomX foam sockliner, the brand’s most responsive cushioning.

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

The Biggest Mercurial Update Since 2014

This is the first time since 2018 that the Vapor and Superfly aren’t just collar variations of the same boot. Instead, each model has its own tech identity.

The difference between Flyweave (Superfly) and Atomknit (Vapor) lies in their development and application: Flyweave is a separate, supportive weaving technology from Nike, while Atomknit is an advanced and lighter version of Flyknit technology, where the yarns are steamed and stretched.

The Vapor and Superfly apparently also have different sole plates. The Vapor's FlyLight plate is all about lightweight, whereas the Superfly comes with Air Zoom and ZoomX for that extra spring, but with a bit more weight.

– Vapor = extreme lightness + direct touch

– Superfly = explosive spring + structured fit

Nike will launch both models in June 2026, set to be worn at the 2026 World Cup.

Are you excited to see Vapor and Superfly become different boots again? Do you look forward to the first leaks? Let us know in the comments.