Nike Mercurial Superfly V & Vapor XI (2016): The Next Generation of Speed

Bootsfinder
Oct 3
2 min read

Released date - 2016

Nike Tiempo Legend Ronaldinho R10 football boot collection — Nike Mercurial Superfly V Spark Brilliance launch in 2016

Introduction:

In mid‑2016, Nike unveiled the Superfly V and Vapor XI, ushering in the next era of Mercurial football boots. These weren't just iterative updates—they were a leap in lightweight design, traction, and aerodynamic aesthetics. Designed to give footballers an edge in acceleration and fit, the 2016 Mercurials reset the benchmark for modern speed boot tech.

Design & Performance Advancements

Superfly V

Ground-up lightweight redesign: the Superfly V shed grams compared to its predecessor while improving fit.
Fully integrated Flyknit upper with ACC for a seamless, sock‑like fit that adapts to the foot.
Revised carbon-fibre Aerotrak plate with low-profile studs optimized for rapid acceleration.
Fake sock silhouette was sleeker and more breathable than earlier versions.

Vapor XI

A stripped-down version with a fast, streamlined upper and minimalist aesthetic.
Fine-gauge mesh upper with Flywire caging, plus nike skin layer, offering firm lockdown and ball feel.
Combined FlyFrame carbon plate with ultra-thin profile for traction without weight.

Colourways & Iconic Designs

Nike launched both silos in multiple high-impact colourways for the 2016/17 season:

Fast AF Pack – Total Orange / Black / Volt
Spark Brilliance Pack – Crimson / Volt / Black (Euro 2016 tribute)
Time to Shine Pack – Blues, oranges and silver across all silos
Academy Pack – Black, Black and more black

Each design was more than visual—it reflected the speed, aggression, and innovation within the Mercurial DNA.

Players & Pitch Presence

These boots launched alongside elite athletes including:

Cristiano Ronaldo – Superfly V
Neymar Jr. – Vapor XI
Eden Hazard (orange), Alexis Sánchez (spark brilliance)

They featured prominently across Champions League and Euro 2016 fixtures, including opening group games and crucial knockout ties. Ronaldo’s use of the Superfly V set the tone for the autumn of 2016.

Neymar in his "written in the stars" version of the Vapor XI

RRP at Launch

Superfly V Elite: ~£250
Vapor XI Elite: ~£220

These launch prices positioned both as premium performance boots, reflecting Nike’s top-tier materials and technology.

Check out Nike's "Switch" advert in celebration of these boots:

Nike also released some special edition Vapors - specifically for Neymar - which were also very coveted - this includes the written in the stars, puro fenomeno and BHM versions.

BootsFinder’s Take

The Superfly V and Vapor XI era represented a turning point in Mercurial evolution. Nike streamlined weight, enhanced fit, and refined aesthetics—all without sacrificing the aggressive DNA the silo is built on. While Superfly V became the flagship, many collectors cherish the Vapor XI for its minimalism and speed-first mindset.

These models still hold strong among nostalgic fans and gear hunters, especially when found in Fast AF, Spark, or Academy kits.