Soccer Cleats 101 Soccer Cleats News and Reviews
We wanted to take another up-close look at the first boot in the new Mercurial Dream Speed series, a range of boots designed for the needs of the fastest football players on earth. Each boot that will be released in the series will feature a unique design that is an interpretation of speed, unveiled one at a time during the next several seasons. This is the first edition, and we also now have the second version of Dream Speed available.
Under the wildly vivid Blue Void/Metallic Silver/White upper colorway lies the top performing Nike Mercurial Superfly 7 Elite. This is the latest edition of Superfly, a tech heavy boot that features a 360-degree high-tenacity Flyknit yarn around the upper. Added to that, a new ultra-thin NikeSkin overlay gets you closer to the ball for high-speed maneuvers. This is a Mercurial that is softer and more form-fitting than previous versions, a lot more pliable on foot.
Flip them over and you will find an improved, more reactive soleplate that provides a higher energy return with each step. Nike has created a new Aerotrak zone along with a slightly stiffer chassis to help supercharge traction.
Available on sale right now at soccer.com.
The Design In Detail
The first Nike Mercurial Dream Speed edition follows the theme of the DNA of speed. It outlines technical details found in a Mercurial Superfly schematic, such as perforation patterns, registration marks, crop lines, color codes, a scale ruler and other graphic elements that show how the boot is built. The bold blue colorway takes cues from blueprints.
With a metallic finish, subtle sparkling laces and a magnified faded Swoosh on the Superfly’s upper, the boot embodies movement even when it’s standing still. A 10A and 73P code stand for the colors white and barely volt, respectively, the two hues displayed across Nike’s logo. On the lateral side of the heel, a 001 logo shines with an iridescent finish, signaling the first iteration of the series. The 44.7 km/h speed next to the strike zone represents a dream speed for any footballer.
As is the case with the entire Mercurial series, these are designed to fit tight. And they do! You need to be ready for a snug and secure fit, with the entire boot wrapping your foot like a cocoon. Your foot will be locked down inside, with an upper that is slightly more rigid than you’d expect from a yarn style material. And underfoot, the soleplate has an incredible snapback and a little extra stiffness to help as you push off the ground at speed.
In reality, the Superfly 7 is a boot designed for a specific type of player. For most players that are interested in them, you are more than likely well aware of how they fit and feel on foot. And as a result, I think you know what to expect as you step into this latest edition.
Find the first edition of Dream Speed on sale right now at soccer.com.
