In 2014, Nike introduced Magista and Mercurial Superfly, the first football boots to incorporate Nike’s groundbreaking Flyknit technology. These boots were designed to provide the ultimate fit, touch and traction for specific styles of play. The Magista is crafted for creative, unstoppable playmakers. The Mercurial is built for explosive speed.
Over the past year, these boots have contributed to brilliant displays of football on pitches all over the world, including Mario Götze’s game-winner on the sport’s biggest stage. But football isn’t just played on grass pitches with eleven players a side; it’s played by small-sided crews on the turf of Mexico City, in the cages of Berlin, the streets of São Paulo and everywhere in between. While the size and surface of the game may vary, the attributes of the players are the same.
Today, Nike introduces NikeFootballX, featuring remixed MagistaX and MercurialX boots designed with small-sided style and surfaces in mind.
“NikeFootballX merges Nike's pinnacle boot technology with design elements unique to small-sided football,” says Max Blau, VP Nike Football Footwear. “We’ve met with small-sided players all over the world and they want the same performance benefits Magista and Mercurial provide, but with outsoles and colorways unique to their game.”
NikeFootballX boots feature recycled Nike Grind rubber on high abrasion and drag areas for enhanced durability. Cushioning against hard surfaces has also been taken into consideration. MagistaX features a responsive Lunarlon midsole while MercurialX has low-profile Phylon cushioning. Both boots will be available in indoor court (IC) and turf (TF) versions with outsoles that cater not only to the relevant surface, but the underfoot play prevalent in small-sided football.
"The popularity of football exceeds the amount of space available to play it,” says Blau. “Small-sided is increasingly the form of the game young players are introduced to and it’s where their style emerges.” The remixed MagistaX and MercurialX carry an “X” as a nod to the combined number of players in a game of five-a-side. Both boots will debut in the “Street” colorway, inspired by the footballers Nike’s design team met with who play at night by streetlight. The boots feature a stealth black geometric graphic that is reflective under the lights.
The MercurialX and the MagistaX will be available exclusively via the Nike Football App on March 30. The boots will be available on nike.com on April 1.
Photo caption: Nike Unveils NIKEFOOTBALLX
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