The Mercurial Vapor is, without a doubt, one of the most famous and sought-after football boots in the world. It is difficult to talk about football and goals without mentioning this range. It comes as no surprise that this is one of the best-designed and best-made boots to date. However, as with any football boot – whether current or from previous generations – this range also has its strengths and areas for improvement. It may be one of the best-selling football boots in the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s the ideal choice for every player on the planet.
Every player has a different foot type and specific characteristics they look for in their boots. That is why there is constant competition to create the best possible boot and meet the needs of as many footballers as possible around the world. With this in mind, today we are going to analyse and compare the Mercurial Vapor with the Furon V6 Pro: two boots that are very similar in concept, but with a few differences that could set them apart.
Nike Mercurial Vapor XIII
The upper of these Nike boots features a one-piece, 360-degree construction. This design allows the boot to mould perfectly to the shape of the foot and follow the player’s every movement. The Flyknit upper in this new generation has been redesigned to offer a virtually new feel: softer, more comfortable and able to accommodate even players with slightly wider feet.
The NikeSkin finish on the Flyknit section, combined with ACC technology, ensures that players wearing these Nike Mercurial Vapor boots maintain excellent grip throughout all aspects of the game, even in the most challenging weather conditions. The two-piece modular outsole provides support and stability during accelerations, changes of pace and explosive movements, whilst also offering confidence during sudden stops. An outsole designed for an elite speed boot such as the Nike Mercurial Vapor.
New Balance Furon V6
To analyse this boot in depth, we’ll start with its shell, which features the new FIT WEAVE technology – a knit designed to offer a combination of lightness, comfort and a snug fit. This material delivers a feel very similar to that of the Flyknit used in the Vapor range. The combination of Fit Weave and Hydraskin improves insulation in the inner part of the boot, offering a sense of protection and fit comparable to that provided by NikeSkin in the Vapor range.
One of the most significant changes in this new generation can be found in the midfoot area of the boot. This section has been completely redesigned and incorporates several significant innovations. For example, the internal tongue has been removed and replaced with Hyper-Lock technology, which also allows the lacing area to be raised slightly to improve the fit. The collar area has also been redesigned and follows the same style as some of the top boots from rival brands. This area is made from a very soft and flexible knit which, according to New Balance, retains all its fit and support properties.
When we look at the outsole, we find one of the major developments in this generation of the Furon. NB Football has opted for a completely revamped construction, designed to compete with the best speed boots on the market. The outsole features 11 triangular studs, a configuration that does not seek to reinvent the concept, but rather to offer effective and balanced performance. The result is an outsole that provides excellent traction and stability during key movements such as explosive bursts of speed, sudden stops and changes of direction. All these features make the Furon a very serious alternative to the Nike Mercurial Vapor, offering performance capable of competing at the very highest level and representing excellent value for money.
