Nike Mercurial Vapor 8: What Went Wrong?

The Mercurial Vapor series is the most prestigious line by Nike. Having suffered a slight downfall with the Superfly's, Nike was looking to regain their spot at the top of the boot market. But what went wrong with the Vapor 8, supposedly their "comeback" boot?

 As you can see from Bryan Massa's boot (semi-pro soccer player), the Vapor 8 certainty has a design flaw. The idea and concept of the Vapor 8 was great, but a lot of players have been complaining that it doesn't perform as the Vapors are expected too. This article is solely based on observation, for I haven't had the chance to test the boots.


Red Flags
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of durability issues in the Vapor 8 is the back two studs. When I first saw the boots, I wondered how the two studs in the back would work, and more importantly, how they would hold up. This has obviously been a problem for some, greatly illustrated by Bryan Massa's pair.

The other issue that many players have faced is with the durability of the upper. I've seen multiple videos displaying the separation between the upper and the soleplate.

Seperation (sorry for bad quality)

 The upper also has been said to rip and scuff easily, as shown below.

Scuffing and small tear

The studs have also been reported to wear quite easily, even after only a few training sessions. Not quite as bad as the stud falling off, but still not good.

Minor damage to the studs

All in all, the Vapor 8 has had a rough start. This is similar to the start that the Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly 1 had, with many players having the boots rip in game.

Luis Fabiano Superfly tear

Didier Drogba Superfly rip

  Just as Nike had to make changes to the Superfly 1, they will definitely need to make changes to the Vapor 8.  With the new leather finish on the Euro 2012 edition, will the Vapor 8 be rid of it's ugly tendencies? One can only wonder how Nike has kept up with the numerous amount of returns. Hopefully the Vapor 9 (leaked pictures already on the internet) will pave a new path for the Mercurial Vapor series. Time will only tell.