Nike Soccer/Football Cleat Models 2022: What Does It Mean | Club, Academy, Pro, Elite | Vapor vs. Superfly

 With all the new Mercurial Nike is making in 2022, there's a lot of confusion about the model names and differences. There are 4 models that Nike is releasing. Club, Academy, Pro, Elite. There is also Mercurial Vapor and the Mercurial Superfly. 

Mercurial Superfly vs. Mercurial Vapor

The Superfly and Vapor have almost no difference. The Superfly is just a high-cut boot, while the Vapor is a low-cut boot. The Superfly is slightly more expensive than the Vapor. This means that players that want some ankle security with their cleats should pick the Mercurial Superfly. People that just want the traditional cleat style should pick the Mercurial Vapor.

Nike Club Mercurial Superfly

The Nike Mercurial Club Cleats are Nike's lowest takedown on the Mercurial series. It is basically a knock-off of the better cleats. It contains the same silhouette but all the technology is different. The price for this is $70. For $70 it is a bit overpriced boot, because of the quality, although one plus point is that it still contains a minimal version of the Nike Zoom Air technology. This cleat is mainly for recreational soccer players or players who are very minimal.

Nike Academy Mercurial Superfly

The Nike Mercurial Academy soccer cleats are one better than the Club cleats. It has a soleplate that resembles Nike's top model better. It also has Nike's Zoom Air technology. It provides a NikeSkin Mesh upper which is pretty good other than the fact that you don't get much lockdown. It has a higher quality than the Club's but doesn't fit a competitive player. This boot is mainly for recreational players who don't play every day but at least once a week. Starting at $95 it is slightly overpriced, but not too bad. It is a very good starting Mercurial cleat.

Nike Pro Mercurial Superfly

The Nike Pro Mercurial is a very solid cleat priced way lower than the top model. This boot suits a competitive player's needs and is basically the same thing as the Elite model, but does not carry over some features. The Nike Pro Mercurial cleats have a secure lockdown feeling due to the fact of Nike's flyknit technology. It has the same soleplate as the Elite but might not have the exact same quality. The comfort is nearly the same as the Elite. This boot also carries the Zoom Air technology like the others. You'll have to compromise the cleat's outer as it is different than the Elite model. The Pro features NikeSkin. The price of this cleat is $150. 

Nike Elite Mercurial Superfly

This cleat is the top-of-the-line Mercurial cleat at the moment. It provides a very secure feeling with some great traction. It provides you with ACC. ACC means All Conditions Control. Your cleat will be the same no matter the weather. It also is the only mercurial in 2022 to have Vaporposite outer. Nike says that it has a better grip on the ball when you're running at high speeds. This cleat also features the Nike Zoom Air Bag. Nike claims that it gives you more propulsive energy and quicker response on the field. The cleat is suitable for professionals and very serious players that have the money to buy it. The boot is very overpriced at $275. That's $125 more than the pro model.