The main difference between the Nike Mercurial Vapor and Superfly is that the design and fit. With the Vapors tipped to weigh in at around that 190g mark, it’s a lightweight shoe designed for maximal speed, something that a lot of the lightweight players out there will enjoy. Conversely, the Superfly features a more aggressive fit, employing a high-performance Dynamic Fit collar that extends over the ankle. This collar adds extra support and stability, especially when you change directions quickly. The Vapor gives a more traditional low-cut feel while the Superfly’s sock collar is designed to help lock the foot in place to prevent slippage inside the boot at high speeds.
Both cleats have a very similar construction with Flyknit upper offering flexibility and responsiveness from Nike. But what makes the Superfly different is its coupling of Flyknit material with an even more structured, tight-fitting collar that offers a bit of extra support around the ankle, well-suited to players who want a little more stability. Instead, the Vapor uses Flyknit to extract the maximum performance and comfort from the design, opening it up a bit more to create a more breathable and, albeit slightly heavier, shoe.
Both models also use a similar soleplate technology to boost acceleration and traction on firm ground. Both Vapor and Superfly pack the same stud configuration delivering fantastic propulsion for short bursts, though the Superfly tends to deliver marginally better energy return through its more advanced carbon fiber soleplate. Although the Vapor stud pattern is also good, it is generally more suited for short, explosive jumps.
While both of these models are designed for speed, the Superfly is typically selected by those who appreciate the additional ankle support and a more locked-in fit, as exemplified in the footwear choices of elite players like Cristiano Ronaldo. The Vapor, conversely, is lightweight — a feature appealing to those who crave speed and comfort more than extra ankle protection, like Kylian Mbappé.
Nike Mercurial Vapor is a great option for anyone wanting a cleat that will give them speed but not at the cost of comfort. For additional information on this cleat, see Nike Mercurial Vapor.