The Ultimate Speed Boot?
The Nike Mercurial Vapor 16 is one of the most impressive boots I have ever worn. Since the Mercurial line first appeared in 1998, it has always been the symbol of speed. With the Vapor 16, Nike has taken the series to another level.
Price: $270 USD
* Professional players wearing the Vapor 16: Vinícius Júnior, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rodrygo, Cole Palmer, Federico Valverde, Robert Lewandowski, Alejandro Garnacho, Luka Modrić.
* Best for: Players with narrow-to-medium feet who prioritize speed, want a lightweight synthetic boot, and value consistent grip and a buttery touch.
* Recommended positions: Forwards, wingers, wingbacks, fullbacks.
Upper – 9.5/10
The upper of the Vapor 16 uses Nike’s revolutionary Gripknit technology, first introduced in January 2023 on the Phantom GX and Phantom Luna, and now also featured on the Phantom GX2 and Luna 2.
- The upper combines coated yarns (for stickiness) with uncoated high-tenacity yarns (for structure and balance).
- Compared to the Phantom GX2 and Luna 2, the Vapor 16’s Gripknit feels a bit less sticky—which I personally prefer, as it doesn’t feel overdone.
- The best word to describe it? Buttery.
- The heel is built with Atomknit (a steamed and stretched version of Flyknit) and the collar is Nike’s classic Flyknit.
The upper is simply amazing—consistent in wet or dry conditions. The only reason it’s not a 10/10 is the oversized Nike swoosh that covers some of the Gripknit surface.
Flyknit collar, Atomknit, Gripknit and branding all shown here.
Fit – 8.5/10
The Vapor 16’s fit is more universally appealing compared to the Vapor 15. It’s wider and roomier than past generations of Mercurials, which used to have an extremely narrow, speed-focused shape
- Most players will like the updated fit.
- Traditional Mercurial fans may miss the old “hardcore speed” streamlined style.
- Heel lockdown feels lacking at first (especially for players with narrow heels), but improves as the boot molds to your foot.
- You can fix the initial heel slippage by using the runner’s loop lacing or wearing grip socks.
- Wide-heeled players won’t have much of an issue.
Sizing tip: Go half a size up, or even a full size up from your regular Nike size.
Touch – 9.9/10
The touch is nearly flawless, and it’s only frustrating that it isn’t a perfect 10. Gripknit was the missing piece on the Vapor 15, and now that it’s here, the control feels incredible.
- Slightly grippy, but never sticky.
- Consistent and precise, even in rain.
- The only thing stopping this from being 10/10 is that there just isn’t enough Gripknit—too much branding covers the upper.
Outsole (AG Version) – 8.5/10
The AG outsole shines on high-quality 4G artificial pitches, but struggles on lower-quality 2G and 3G turf.
- Conical studs provide smooth rotation.
- Air Zoom bag technology now features added fins for responsiveness.
- On 4G, it’s fantastic. On 2G/3G, the studs are simply too long.
Outsole (AG version)
Verdict – 9.7/10
The Nike Mercurial Vapor 16 is a massive improvement over the Vapor 15, mainly because of the addition of Gripknit. This technology completes the package: speed, buttery touch, and a more modern fit.
Even if you have slightly wide or flat feet, I’d highly recommend trying them out.
Final Word
- Wide-footed players → look at the Phantom line.
- But if speed and touch are your game → the Vapor 16 is your weapon.
I play in a youth club league and have been playing football for 4 years. This review is based on my personal experience and ratings after actually wearing and testing the Vapor 16.
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