The Nike Mercurial Vapor VI hit the markets a few weeks back through a huge Nike media campaign. It was Cristiano Ronaldo who was centerpiece in announcing the new range and the initial Violet color that the boot would be released in. Since that time, there has been much speculation about the performance and comfort level of the Vapor VI, with many wondering if it is in fact worth the huge sum that you have to fork out to get a pair. I actually received a pair before their release date, but have taken the past 3 weeks to completely test them out beyond just breaking them in. For testing, I wore a size 9US for several running only sessions, 3-4 training sessions and 3 games.
Breaking In
Straight off the bat, you are going to need a few sessions in these before they are ready for game time! I started off with a few simple jogging/fitness sessions without the ball to get them started. I followed this up by only wearing them in the first half of the initial game that I wore them in. But to be honest, they still needed some additional breaking in. I have heard reports of people blistering pretty easily from wearing the Nike Vapor VI straight out of the box and into a game. Be warned! Fortunately, I haven’t encountered any blistering from them at any stage. My main concern with how these break in is the glass fiber composite sole-plate as it seems to be stiffer than normal sole plates. This will loosen up over time.
Style
Nike has chosen to keep a pretty similar design on the VI to its predecessor the V. There are also some new additions that need to be
noted. First off is the lace cover that is now about a half inch lower, giving you a little more room to tighten your laces (although this is still a problem – see negatives.) You can now get down to around the 4th lace hole. Next up is the use of the Nike signature Swoosh, which on the VI is larger and runs right up around the front of the boot. Another difference is the addition of a see through sole-plate that allows you to clearly see the glass fiber composite underneath. The biggest difference is obviously the color.
Color=Violet
How Nike came about choosing the color has an interesting story behind it. When doing some research for the VI release, Nike spoke to Didier Drogba who stated that when he wore the bright colored version of the V series, other players seemed to pass him the ball more – he felt that his shoes played a role in this. So, Nike researched what colors were more visible on a green soccer pitch and came up with the current Violet design. They felt that Violet stood out more than any other color on a green pitch, giving it the added benefit of allowing other players to notice you more easily thanks to your cleats. Does it work? Unfortunately it does, this information comes from most of my teammates who said that you can’t help but see the cleats when they look up the field. This is especially true when playing games under lights. (I say unfortunately because this means we are in store for more crazy colors in the future. I am a fan of more subtle colors)
Technology
To make it clear, there is no Flywire technology used in the Vapor VI. This has caused huge debate across forums and blogs, and I have had many emails asking if there Flywire used. After the trouble encountered with the V series, and its delayed release, Nike chose to completely eliminate it from the new range. Instead they have gone with using a glass fiber composite chassis to decrease the cleats weight. They have also taken a pretty unique step with the blades, by cutting out a triangular center, again eliminating unnecessary weight. And the final difference is the addition of a special grip area at the forefront of the cleat. These groves are designed to give extra traction on take-off and increase your ability to be dynamic on the first step. It is difficult to tell if this actually helps, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to have it there in case it does!
Negatives
I have two specific negatives that I think Nike need to improve on. First is the sole-plate and how stiff it was to break in. I understand that the purpose of the new sole-plate is to eliminate weight, but I would rather the cleat be 1.0oz heavier and a lot more comfortable. It seems like Nike are trying to prove a point with turning weight into the number one priority, but if you ask most professional athletes, it is difficult to differentiate weight differences. the second thing is the lace cover, which again hinders your ability to get to the laces. In fact, it took me a while to actually get these boots on. The insole is designed with an added element of grip, so my sock got three quarters of the way in…and stopped moving! It took me a while to loosen up the laces and get my foot in. But then i had to try tighten the laces again. If the more expensive Superfly II is designed with no lace cover, why should the Vapor VI have a lace cover?
Summary
After all is said and done, I was decently happy with the performance of the Vapor VI. One thing that really impressed me is the fact that they offer a decent amount of protection for a cleat that weighs in at a decently light 8.0oz. And after breaking them in, they do have a pretty impressive comfort level. The color is pretty funky, but it serves its purpose on the field and grows on you, but there will be some slagging involved from your teammates! If you are considering buying a pair, you need to be ready to allow a few weeks for them to break in, time is everything with these boots!
(*boots supplied for review by soccer.com)
hi bryan,
did you feel any significant difference in terms of weight between the adizeros and vapor vi?
Mat,
The adiZeros do alot lighter than the Vapor VI, the Superfly is much closer in weight to the adiZero.
hi bryan im a striker and my game focuses around my speed but can't decided between the vapor vi and the adizero. Which cleat do you think is more beneficial all around?
Jack,
Both are good options! The Adizero is particularly useful if you are looking to add a little extra speed to your game, while the Vapor VI (which are also lightweight) offer a little more protection. I would recommend reading both reviews side by side to work out which has more attributes that suit your game!
Just for advice anyone having problem with breaking in the sole, just take it out and bend it around with your hands. Also DONT LEAVE THESE CLEATS WET if you leave them wet they start to feel to soft and kinda loose. always clean them up when your finished
hi!i just want to know is t90 laser 3 is good or mercurial????????
Hey Brian,
I was looking at the nike id options for the vapor VI, and i saw that there was an option for no lace shroud. Do you think that that would be a better option?
they to me are a good shoes but are not good for people with wider feet only if they mold them
I would like to ask that, will the upper changed it shape after some time? as im a previous mercurial talaria user and the upper tends to be "too soft" and eventually the shape kinda distorted..
I have these, in the world cup edition, I agree with everything Brian has said other than the sole plate. I don't know is I'm just used to something stiff like that or what, but mine were playable strait out of the box. The lace cover is kinda annoying, I can't tighten my boots how I want them. But other than that I feel these are spot on.
How would I put new laces on this boot?
Hello bryan,
another question, would you recommend this or the vapor 5? these are much more expensive but i was said that the vapor 5 are less durable? hope that you will give me your advice asap as i really need it.
thanks a lot
Does anyone know if they are releasing new colorways soon?
Oi Bryan(nice name!), i would like to know what you think about these in comparison to the mecurial miracles– i mean since the superfly is already ruled out due to price, and the lace cover seems to look like a significant nuisance, would it be better to just go with the miracle? i noticed you say they perform very well in your review.
@Brian,
Miracles are a great option for players on a budget – I would much rather 3 pairs of Miracles than 1 pair of Superflys!
Hey Bryan, I've heard that the 6s have a grainy/silky material on outside part of the boot. Will this diminsh the feel and touch of the boot to the ball? Also I have a medium to wide foot with flat feet should I order 1/2 size up or down ?
@Jonny,
The VI offer good feel and touch, nothing to worry about there. In terms of size they fit pretty true to size, a wide foot might need a half size up but it really depends how you fit in other boots.
I know
love it
Just bought the Superfly VI over the weekend & wore them straight into a match that was raining. Coming from the Adizeros these were WAY more comfortable & I felt the studs offered more grip on the grass.
The truly fit true to size & I received One blister but that's expected. Honestly I will be still with these cleats for a very very long time.
Bryan, Thanks for all your great reviews & updates on other soccer gear. I hop on this site at least once a day because its so great.
Hey brian, the new vapor VI’s are basically the same weight as the miracles, and aren’t the miracles the same boot as the vapor V’s? I don’t like the lace cover either so would you say the miracles would be a better option for me?
To anyone wondering if they should get the vapor or the adizero after owning both, I give the edge to vapor vi. Better shooting, more comfortable once broken in, and MORE PROTECTION. the weight difference is a ton in your hand but honestly when you get out on the pitch and play, it's not that big if a difference and the added protection is very nice.
@1214gooner
The Miracles are the same as the Talarias – not the Vapor V. Basically, the Miracles are the cheaper version but they still offer huge quality, especially in terms of price. They are worth it if you like the look and are on a budget.
I'm looking for a cleat that will last atleast a season (or maybe even two) and that offers good protection. Would this be a good choice?
Where do i get Nike Mercurial Vapor VI's?
where are vapors made?
@Andrey: I have a pair in the WC colourway and they are made in Bosnia.
Anyone has any techniques to put them on easily? Short of greasing the boot.. The darned lace 'shroud' is getting on my nerves!
True to size works best – but for a little extra space a half size would not hurt. it is always better to have a little space rather than having them too tight!
Brian I am deciding between a pair of vapor v’s vs a pair of vii. I already have owned 4 pairs of vapor 6 and have 1 superfly 2 currently. Is the vapor v good terms of touch? Also which of the three (5,6,7) gives you more bounce in your step? Pls reply if u can. Big fan!! Thanxs
My doctor said my arthritis will be cured in about a mOnth and some weeks and when im cured i want to get back into playing i found these shoes for $130 and i like these a lot. Im not so sure if i should get these are there any better shoes i can get at around the same price??? Or do you recommend i stik with getting these?