Mark from Harwich asks:
Dear Ransacker, everywhere I go people seem to be talking about the new Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly. I’ve got a pair of Nike Total 90s and although I’ve been wanting to upgrade for a while, is all of the fuss worthwhile? I realise as football boot technology goes, this is another step on the ladder, but is it really going to make me play better on a cold Sunday morning?
Boot Boffins answer:
It cannot be doubted that the Superfly is a superb boot, Mark. As you say, Nike have upped their game once more and produced a cleat that is right at the very forefront of sports science. You’re looking at such features as:
- high-strength threads that act like cables on a suspension bridge
- composite upper packages that holds those threads and the roof of the boot in close unison
- a lightweight traction sole plate
- a carbon fibre chassis for ultimate speed
- Teijin Synthetic Skin for firm fit
- minimal internal heel counter for very fast players and to counterbalance the offset of quick bursts of acceleration
… and a price-tag of £225!
Frankly, you’re paying a lot of money for this boot. Whether that is worthwhile ultimately translates into two points:
(a) whether the boot helps you play the game better, and
(b) whether the psychology and the aspirational values behind the boot will help you play the game better.
There are obvious justifications to answer yes to both of these questions, but going from an already impressive boot such as the Total 90 to the Nike Superfly is, in essence, like leaving Celtic to join Rangers. Or vice versa. It’s a move for the sake of it, and realistically it’s not going to have a tremendous impact on your game because you’re already at the top of it (or, at least doing as much in your power to play at the highest level).
As for the technology behind the boot, well… while we can’t doubt that what Nike says is true, every boot has inner suspension rods – that’s the very nature of fabric and the strands that hold it together. And as for carbon fibre, don’t they make aircraft out of that?
Ultimately, it’s a great boot, and make no mistake. But if you think it’s going to make you play like Cristiano Ronaldo, think again, because there’s only one guy who can truly hit the heights of Manchester United’s finest, and that’s me!
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About the author
James is an experienced football journalist who edits two leading Premier League club mags. He has worked for Sky Sports and is endlessly complaining about shin splints. And Mark Lawrenson. His favourite boot is the Adidas Predator Powerswerve. Although it's rumored that he once owned a pair of Nicks boots!
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