Soccer Cleats 101 Soccer Cleats News and Reviews
When it comes to detailing, Nike went all in on the Mercurial Vapor “Speed Freak”, as they looked to create a design that captures the energy of Neymar’s personality. Inspired by his love of motorsport, the design matches the Brazilian’s affinity for speed both on and off the pitch. It isn’t that tough to connect with the aesthetics of the auto-racing design, a nod to his speedy style of play. Nike has gone with a vibrant metallic silver upper and red/black checkered flag pattern, which runs from the soleplate up along the medial side to capture the look. .
But, it is the heel area where the design takes on some all important next level detailing. On both sides, Nike has loaded up on content that connects to the personized aspects of Neymar’s career. For example, the legendary number 10 that he wears with the Brazilian national team. You also get several iconic Nike logos, as well as graphics from past boot models and some of Neymar Jr.’s personal mantras (“Sonho Dourado,” “Alegria,” “IV,” “Shhh”). This is also another clear example of the detailing Nike can now create on different style boots, really honing in on the individualized design of a release.
Alex Pickett, Product Lead for Nike Global Football, explains; “We looked at how motorsport generates high energy on their cars. We took key elements of Neymar’s life – whether that’s his number for Brazil or the tattoos that he has on his body – and we combined the chequered racing flag with the Brazil flag to create this icon on the heel to represent his love of motorsport and his love of his country coming together.”
Find all boots in the latest Neymar signature line-up available at soccer.com.
