We showed you some sneak peaks into the brand new pair of Ronaldo Nike Superfly II Safari yesterday as they were being prepared to be launched. I’m back today with all of the technical and historical information behind this boot, as well as a new line of pictures in HD showing Ronaldo’s new boots in all of their glory.
MADRID, Spain (October 28, 2010) — Global football star Cristiano Ronaldo today with Nike launched the CR Mercurial Vapor SuperFly II boot. Inspired by Ronaldo’s lightning speed and effortless style off the pitch, the CR Mercurial Vapor SuperFly II combines high-performance innovation and heritage of the Nike Safari print.
Nike originally introduced the print on the Air Safari running shoe in 1987, and the unexpected aesthetic transformed performance footwear design. At the time, trailblazing Nike designer and father of the Air Jordan series Tinker Hatfield began exploring non-traditional materials, patterns and colors to use in athletic footwear and conceived the now legendary ostrich-skin print.
The limited-run Air Safari quickly sold out and gained an ardent following for its striking design. Now the iconic print is back — this time on the feet of one of the best players in the world. The updated print has a stylized look, wrapping the entire boot and laces for a bold effect. Ronaldo’s signature CR Mercurial Vapor SuperFly II represents the first time the print has been applied to performance football footwear.
“The Air Safari showed that you can create an athletic shoe that is beautiful and different without forgoing high-performance utility”said Hatfield, VP of Creative Design at Nike. “It helped individuals make a personal style statement whether they wore it on a run or out at night.”
The game’s fastest player demands a boot that not only reflects his personal style but also delivers superb traction and responsiveness. The CR Mercurial Vapor SuperFly II features the unique NIKE SENSE adaptive traction system where designers created a pair of adaptive studs in the forefoot that can extend and retract by up to 3mm, based on ground conditions and pressure exerted by the player.
Directionally positioned blades maximize cutting and allow for quick changes of direction, while secondary toe traction provides added toe-off power for those first critical steps. The result is a boot that enables greater speed in all directions.
Nike Flywire, a lightweight composite that forms the upper, increases range of motion while locking the foot to the sole plate, ensuring maximum transfer of energy from the foot to the ground. The carbon composite chassis keeps the player close to the ground for improved stability and responsiveness.
“The CR Mercurial Vapor SuperFly II makes a statement on pitch and the Safari print expresses my style”said Cristiano Ronaldo. “Combined with incredibly light and responsive performance the boot gives me everything I need to elevate my game.”
In another nod to speed, the boot’s arresting Safari print is overlaid with a tonal chevron pattern that is illuminated in certain light. Designed to appear as a flash in a player’s peripheral vision, the reflective graphic can improve player awareness on pitch.
The CR Mercurial Vapor SuperFly II also gives consumers exclusive access to training insights from top players and coaches through Nike Football+. Each pair of boots comes with a unique user code to unlock insider tips and Master Speed training content.
Working with top football athletes, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Nike footwear developers and designers hit upon a key insight in the development of Mercurial Vapor SuperFly II: speed is critical from the very first step. Players require immediate acceleration to capitalize on space and scoring opportunities. Designers leveraged Nike track and field innovation and drew inspiration from track spikes. In track spikes, traction is focused at the toe area to help runners maximize velocity with each step, as the toe is the last part of the foot to touch the ground.
This exploration led to the development of NIKE SENSE adaptive traction technology. Designers created a pair of adaptive studs in the forefoot that can extend and retract by up to 3mm, based on ground conditions and pressure exerted by the player.
Directionally positioned blades maximize cutting and allow for quick changes of direction, while secondary toe traction provides added toe-off power for those first critical steps. The result is a boot that enables greater speed in all directions.
The CR Mercurial Vapor SuperFly II upper blends principles of lightness and strength to provide just enough structure and support without adding weight that can slow players down. Nike Flywire, a lightweight composite that forms the upper, increases range of motion while locking the foot to the sole plate to ensure maximum transfer of energy from the foot to the boot to the ground. The carbon composite chassis provides a strong, lightweight platform and keeps the player close to the ground for improved stability and responsiveness.
In another nod to speed, a tonal chevron pattern overlaid on the Safari print is illuminated in certain light. Designed to appear as a flash in a player’s peripheral vision, the reflective graphic can improve player awareness on pitch.
Cristiano Ronaldo will debut the CR Mercurial Vapor SuperFly II on pitch November 7 during “El Derbi” which features Madrid’s premier football teams. The boot will be available at retail globally beginning November 15.
Specifications:
-Next-generation Nike Flywire technology in a streamlined upper for a lightweight, stronger, more dynamic fit
-Anatomically correct, contoured speed last mirrors the shape of the foot for an enhanced fit and feel
-Lightweight perforated sockliner for superior low profile cushioning and support while reducing cleat pressure for comfort
-Strategically configured blades for superior footing and quick cuts in any direction
-Toe-off traction for bursts of speed
-Pressure-activated Adaptive Traction Technology at forefoot for superior grip and acceleration on a variety of field conditions
-Firm-ground molded studs (FG) for use on short-grass fields that may be slightly wet, but rarely muddy
-Weight: 8.3 oz.
You can pre-order your pair from Kitbag, by clicking the image below:
What do you think about them?
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