Soccer Cleats 101 Soccer Cleats News and Reviews
Over the past few months, we saw the Nike ‘Progress Pack’ be worn in the knockout stages of both the men’s and women’s Champions League. They became the colorway to be worn toward the end of the season, especially this Mercurial Superfly 8 edition, as players looked to make an impact in the biggest games. We wanted to take one more look at the silo up-close before Nike moves on to the next generation
Visually, the off white upper features blueprint style print that highlights key areas of the boot. Nike has engineered this version of Superfly with the minimal amount of materials possible, so players can feel lights on their feet for 90 minutes. The stripped-down Flyknit upper delivers a distraction-free feel, while reducing weight in the process. Around the forefoot, Nike implemented a new Speed Band to keep your foot locked in the boot and and ready for all important moments when you need to accelerate at speed.
Find the Superfly “Progress Pack” at SOCCER.com.
A top layer called “Avail Q”, a new microfiber application that adds a tactile surface, is used across the upper for better ball control at high speeds. This falls right in line with what you expect from the iconic speed silo, allowing you to keep the ball close to your foot with an enhanced level of feel.
Nike use a Dynamic Fit collar around the ankle to keep you locked in during games. It has plenty of stretch, so they are not difficult to get on foot like some other DF boots have been in the past. There is also an interior heel cushioning for secure, game-long comfort, while NikeGrip technology on the insole prevents your foot from sliding around. Out of the box, the fit is surprisingly forgiving and easy to wear, definitely a little unexpected for a Mercurial release!
Underfoot, Nike use a forward thinking Nike Aerotrak 2 soleplate that is all about speed, with specially designed grooves for explosive acceleration. Chevron studs provide instant multidirectional traction for quicker cuts at high speed on firm ground surfaces. I’ve worn them on both FG and Turf with positive results,you get a natural feel and level of traction through play. The best boots are the ones you don’t have to think about during play (they don’t distract) and that is how I found them to be.
In terms of weight, this edition of Superfly drops in at a lightweight 7.2oz, which falls in line with most recent Superfly releases. The only difference is the modifications to this version, these are definitely the best performing version we’ve seen in several generations.
In terms of fit, they are a Mercurial release, so you won’t be surprised to hear the design is narrow compared to other Nike boots on the market. But, I’d actually rate them as being more accommodating through the forefoot than previous Mercurial releases. Having a knit material through the lacing really adds that extra stretch as you put them on. It means that more players will be able to consider them as their next boot option! Consider them as a true to size option length wise, with a comfortable medium width that stretches to suit a medium-wide fit comfortably.
And if you need anymore reason to like them, they come with one of the best boot bags I’ve seen Nike include with recent releases. It features a multi-dimensional Mercurial logo with iconic Swoosh, just like what is found on the lateral and instep of the actual boots.
Find pairs available at SOCCER.com.
