Nike is the most well-known sports brand, offering high-quality sports equipment and goods. Their standout item is football boots, loved by both top players and millions of amateur football enthusiasts.
The company’s history
Nike started on January 25, 1964, as Blue Ribbon Sports, founded by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman. In 1971, the brand changed its name to Nike, inspired by the Greek goddess of victory, Nike. Since then, it has become a leading and successful company in making and selling sports shoes, clothes, and gear.
‘the NIKE’, 1971
Nike began producing football boots in the mid-1970s. The first notable pair, the Nike Waffle Trainer, was adapted for football and came out in 1972. However, the following decades saw remarkable success in the field of football gear.
In 1994, Nike launched the first-ever football boots collection called Mercurial. It became popular for being lightweight and innovative. Since then, Nike has become a leading brand in football footwear.
The Nike Mercurial line
Nike Mercurial
One of the most recognized and popular among high-level players is the Nike Mercurial boot line. Known for their lightweight design, these boots are perfect for players aiming for speed and agility. The boots feature a distinctive design with vibrant and contrasting lines and colors, made from synthetic fabric, providing excellent lightness and helping to maintain shape during the game.
The Nike Mercurial R9 was made for speed-focused players. Lightweight and designed for better manoeuvring, the first version featured blue and white colors that stood out on the field. In this model, Nike introduced the Nike Air technology for the first time, providing cushioning and comfort during the game.
These boots became legendary and remain popular among collectors and football enthusiasts. They represent an entire era in the history of football boots.
Below are several key moments in the history of this model.
Nike Mercurial R9
was the first boot made for the famous Brazilian player Ronaldo during the 1998 World Cup in France. They garnered significant attention due to their innovation and originality.
Nike Mercurial Vapor III
was launched for the 2006 World Cup in Germany and quickly became a popular choice among players.
Nike Mercurial Superfly
was made for the UEFA Champions League in 2009. ‘Superfly’ means it uses advanced materials for a lightweight and comfortable feel.
Nike Mercurial Vapor
was introduced before Euro 2012 and became popular among numerous players, including Cristiano Ronaldo.
Players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and more often choose Nike Mercurial models for their lightness and performance.
The Nike Tiempo line
Nike Tiempo is well-known for its durable and comfortable football footwear, made with high-quality materials to withstand heavy use.
Nike Tiempo football boots come in various materials, colors, and technologies, depending on the version. Many models feature high-quality leather for the upper, offering a choice between soft and comfortable natural options or next-generation synthetics for good ball control and playing comfort.
The color palette ranges from classic black and white choices to vibrant and expressive designs.
Nike Tiempo is known for being comfortable, thanks to high-quality materials and thoughtful design. The leather upper allows players to move accurately and swiftly.
The manufacturer used different technologies, like a specially designed sole for better grip and cushioning to lessen the impact on the foot.
In the history of this lineup, there are interesting moments to discover.
- The first model was released before the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the USA. They were classic black and white boots with a leather upper
- In 2005, Nike launched the Nike Tiempo Legend boots for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. They used high-quality leather with an improved design to enhance ball control.
- Before the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, Nike introduced the Nike Tiempo Legend with an adaptive leather upper.
- The Nike Tiempo Legend 8 came out before the 2019 Women’s World Cup, known as ‘New Lights’, for its bright and expressive colors.
Numerous football stars and teams use (or used) this lineup in their games, including prominent players such as Andrés Iniesta and Francesco Totti.
Nike produces many football boot models, and over the years, they’ve had successful and reliable lines. The company’s philosophy still impresses professional football players today.
Nike football boots museum
