Ahead of the upcoming release of a new generation Nike Mercurial, let's take a look back through one of the best boot collections of all time.

1, 1998 - Nike Mercurial - The first boot built for speed.

Initially known as Tiempo Ultra Light and the Ronaldo Ultra speed, the first Nike Mercurial was engineered with Ronaldo's starting velocity in mind.

Made with ground-breaking tech, the KNG-100 upper acted like leather, but didn't absorb water the way natural fabrics did and was even thinner and lighter than traditional leather - how good!

And finally, the look. According to Nike, it made an impact, with blue and yellow on Ronaldo's feet.

2, 2002 - Mercurial Vapor - From the road to the pitch.

If Nike's first idea for the Mercurial line was to create it as a track spike for the pitch, the third iteration was created to last a 90-minute sprint and deliver the perfect foot-to-ground feel for fast players.

Weight loss was the goal. So, to achieve this, everything from glue to stitching thread was weighed. A new anatomical last created around the natural shape of the foot relieved pressure and brought the player closer to the plate. 

Nike went for all speed, in the boot's look too. Interestingly, parts of the design were inspired by some of the fastest cars in the era of the 2002 Mercurial Vapor. 

3, 2008 - Mercurial Vapor SL - Something outrageous!

A new CEO brought new ideas, new challenges in 2006. This new designer would instruct every single design team within Nike to create something outrageous with absolutely no design limitations.

Up for the challenge, Nike Football somewhat reinvented the Mercurial's lightweight speed concept by constructing the latest silhouette entirely out of carbon fibre, weighing in at just 185 grams. The boot's components came from all over the globe too, making the Mercurial SL a product of the global game. 

4, 2009 - Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly - Fit Perfected.

What does the athlete want? This is what Nike asked themselves. The challenge was on to design a boot that had everything, but looked like less. So, Nike created the lightest and fastest boot they have ever made.

A composite upper package sing an ultra-thin Teijin skin exterior and Nike Flywire locked the foot in place. This finely tuned shell ensured the best possible fit and most amazing feel for the ball. For the first time, Nike left their Flywire visible, offering the first Vapor Superfly a sleek yet high-tech look.

5, 2010 - Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly II - Cat-like reflexes.

Inspired by a the cheetah, ready for an upcoming FIFA World Cup, the Mercurial Superfly II turned the question of speed into a question of traction.

Direct input from Cristiano Ronaldo had a enormous impact on how this boot turned out. It included Nike SENSE technology, a supposed innovation where the studs would extend and retract by millimetres) offering speed and traction. Designed for the 2010 South African World Cup, the boot was given Elite Series makeup, where premium speed was made possible with reduced weight.

To its look, where a Mach Violet and Total Orange caught the eyes of the world, a scheme that Nike says was chosen after research into what colours best stimulate peripheral vision in different conditions. 

6, 2012 - Nike Mercurial Vapor III - Barely there.

A new addition to the line. Concentration was shifted to acceleration towards the ball as well as maintaining a good touch on the ball at high speed.

A new boot meant modern technology. Flexible fibreglass for the outsole lead to more traction. Fast-in, fast-out ground penetration became one of the boot's most desired features alongside the contoured last offering a natural foot shape. Nike managed to nail the launch colourway, making it bright and so damn attractive.

7, 2013 - Nike Mercurial Vapor IX - Retooled for ultimate control.

With everything else sorted, Nike set upon creating the new Mercurial with complete control for the player.

ACC (All Conditions Control) featured for the first time, providing a consistent feel in wet or dry conditions as well as Speed Control with a texture similar to a golf ball. A light plate with two distinct glass pieces offered increased flexibility and twin studs for an ultra-responsive boost with traction in every direction.
 
CR7's Mercurial Vapor IX edition was painted with neon colours, complimented nicely by a Safari print on a textured upper. 

8, 2014 - Nike Mercurial Superfly IV - A slingshot for the foot.

A SOCK?! Yep, that's a sock. This version of the Mercurial was designed for the player who is always a step ahead of his marker.

A new knit style was seen with Nike Flyknit technology on the upper. The mid-top Dynamic Fit Collar supposedly improved the connection between player and boot. The foot became locked to the boot's core, with a full-length carbon plate for efficient transfer of power through the ground. 

Released for the 2014 Brazil FIFA World Cup, the Superfly held the Dynamic Fit Collar, just like the Magista. A bright peach colour grabbed the attention of so many, making the release the favourite for some. 

9, 2016 - Nike Mercurial Superfly V - Four firsts raise the bar again.

The idea behind this one? Unleash a player's full speed potential, creating the ultimate expression of Mercurial.

The gap that once existed underfoot was no more, with engineers utilising a new anatomical plate that mapped the natural contours of the player's foot. The boot came with a 40-percent lighter soleplate, that was even stronger and more responsive than previous models. 

The aesthetic potential of the Mercurial Superfly V is best articulated by CR7's series of special edition colourways.

Something big is dropping. 08.02.18. Stay tuned to FTBL for more.