With the news that adidas have unleashed their new version of the iconic Predator boot, Nike aren’t one to be left behind and have released their new boot – inspired by their Air Max brand.
Mining the 1990s for inspiration is in vogue right now with adidas breathing life back into their legendary boot once worn by such greats as Zidane and David Beckham, but now refitted and redesigned to be worn by the likes of Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Now Nike have done the same, however they’ve taken their cue, not from a classic boot, but from a much loved trainer.
Nike has combined the Air Max Plus with one of football’s most recognizable boots, the Nike Mercurial Superfly. The first thing that jumps out about Nike’s latest boot is the colourway. This unique blend of colors is actually an homage to 1998’s ‘Voltage Purple’ drop.
With a new generation of superstars leading the way for boot manufacturers, Nike have once again enlisted their A-lister, Kylian Mbappé. The PSG and French superstar have already been spotted wearing the new boots in training and have posed with them on his Instagram account. The Nike Air Max Plus has been a much sought after shoe for years and it celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 2023 with some special drops including the F.C. Barcelona x Patta Culers del Mon collaboration.
The new collection merges the famous design of the Air Max with the silhouette of the Nike Mercurial Superfly and coats the boot in that unique purple and black colorway. A notable and curious alteration for the Superfly sees the Tn from the shoe replaced on the boot with a Zm.
However, despite the excitement around the boot it seems some fans have struggled to get a hold of them. Sizes have been selling out fast since the drop but in response to the Nike Football account on X, formerly Twitter, fans have been lamenting their failure to get a pair. One poster, @usua1990s, said: “Dont (sic) see anything on nike app”, while some fans were angry over pairs being snapped up to then be sold on for profit.
X user @SaulForbes said: “On eBay already for a profit….ridiculous” while @SFG_soccer replied saying: “Over 300 pairs on eBay already”. A poster with the username @mini_nino11 simply asked: “Where????”. However, despite the rush to secure a pair they are available in most adult sizes on Pro:Direct Soccer in various versions. You can get the new boot here.