Mercurial or Furon?

With the launch of the New Balance Furon V6 Pro in early 2020, it seems we finally have a rival for the world-famous Nike Mercurial Vapor. Today, we’ll analyse and compare these two speed boots to see if they really are a worthy rival to the American brand’s boots.

25 May 2020 - Written by David del Río

The Nike Mercurial Vapor football boots are, without a doubt, one of the most famous and sought-after football boots in the world. It is hard to talk about football and goals without mentioning the name of these boots. It is no secret that we are dealing with what are perhaps the best-designed and best-made football boots to date. However, like all football boots that exist today, or that have ever existed, this boot has its ups and downs, as well as its pros and cons. It may even be the best-selling football boot in the world, but that doesn’t mean it is the object of desire for every player on the planet.

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Which one is the best speed boot?

Every player’s foot and the feel they seek from their boots is a world apart from everyone else’s, which is why there is fierce competition to create the best boot of all time—one that also suits the widest possible range of athletes worldwide. With that in mind, today we’ll be analysing and comparing the Mercurial Vapor range with the Furon V6 Pro range. These boots are very similar, but with a few key differences that set them apart.

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Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII

The upper of these Nike boots features a 360-degree one-piece construction. This ensures the boot fits perfectly around the entire foot and adapts to every movement we make. The new-generation Flyknit fabric has been redesigned so that the upper is now almost entirely new; not only is it much softer, but it also allows players with slightly wider feet to wear these Mercurials without any issues.

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The NikeSkin finish on the Flyknit section, which is also treated with ACC technology, ensures that players wearing these Nike Mercurial Vapor boots continue to enjoy optimal grip in every aspect of the game; at all times, even in the most adverse weather conditions. The two-piece modular outsole adds support and stability to any action or burst of speed, even during the most sudden stops. A perfect outsole for world-class speed boots, just like Cristiano Ronaldo’s boots.

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New Balance Furon V6

To analyse this boot in detail, we’ll start with the upper, where the American brand’s designers have incorporated the new FIT WEAVE technology, a revolutionary fabric that places much greater emphasis on lightness and comfort. A material that is in no way comparable to the Flyknit used in the Vapor. The combination of Fit Weave and Hydraskin helps to completely insulate the boot internally, in the same way we have already done with Nike’s leather.

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One of the main changes in this new generation of boots compared to the previous one is found in the central area, which has been redesigned with significant modifications. For example, the internal tongue has been removed and replaced with Hyper-Lock technology, which has also made it possible to slightly increase the loop area in this new stability zone. The sock area has also been redesigned and is now similar to that found in some of the top boots from rival brands. This area is made from a very soft and pliable knit, which, according to New Balance Football, does not compromise on any of its properties when it comes to securing the boot.

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When we look at the outsole, it’s clear that this is where NB Football has invested the most in this version, as it features a completely new outsole that rivals the best competing brands. 11 triangular studs. A sole similar to many others, but one that fully fulfils its purpose, which is to provide immense support and stability during starts, sudden stops and changes of pace. All these details make the Furon a genuine and solid alternative to the hugely popular Vapor, both in terms of performance and value for money.

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