Speed Football Boots - Nike Mercurial Vapor V Abyss/White 31/03/09

  An all new colour of the latest addition to Nike's Mercurial range, there is a new set of Vapor V boots ready to hit the shelves. Get the full SoccerBible low-down on these football boots now...   When the new Vapor V was launched earlier this year, we ran an in-depth feature on the new technologies and design features the new boot had to offer. We noted that on first impressions, you'll be forgiven for thinking that not much had changed from the Vapor IV. This new release naturally retains all the technology - including Flywire - and flips the colour scheme of the first release to offer a more subdued yet still unique football boot.   Above: Flywire panel on the instep of the Vapor V   The Vapor V was developed with the help and feedback from some of the world's top footballers, including Pato, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robinho and Didier Drogba. The Flywire technology fits snugly into a medial panel on the instep of the boot, and allows for more flexibilty and adaptability to the wearer's foot. Even though these were designed with the pro's, your foot will fit just as comfortably and precisely when you slip on a pair. Grabbing the laces and pulling the upper tighter only increases the fit of the boot and you can feel the Flywire technology working to wrap around your foot - vital for players who want extra support and fit.     This new Vapor V continues with a Teijin synthetic upper which is lighter and thinner than the Vapor 4 - but this doesn't make it any less flexible or responsive. The boot is engineered with this material as it allows greater moulding to the shape of the wearer's foot. The lace cover remains also, using a stretchy Daewoo synthetic material to create a very clean striking area. One of the main feedback points from the developement of this boot was where the players touch and control the ball at speed, and this has resulted in Nike creating a "speed touch area" at the front of the boot (roughly wear the swoosh sits) designed to carry more grip and ball feel.     The Mercurial Vapor V weighs in at 230g (for a US size 9) and is available in fixed firm ground sole plate. The studs on the Vapor V are made from direct injected TPU and are arranged in the now familar speed traction layout. Excellent traction and grip is essential to beating defenders to the ball and getting the most from acceleration, and this is where the new Vapor excels.   This new colour Vapor V will launch on May 1st 2009, and is expected to retail at £130 GBP. The boot can be pre-ordered from April 1st 2009, with some Premier League players expected to start wearing the new colour option over the coming weeks.     The Abyss/White colour way will be complimented by a full series of take downs including new colours of Talaria, Steam and Veloci levels boots. Ideal if your budget doesn't stretch to a pro or elite level option, and you can still get the look and feel of the fastest boots around for a fraction of the price. Expect the Talaria's to retail around £75, Steams at £55 and Veloci series should be available for £40 (all GBP). Of course there will be junior sizes available in these three tiers as well to pre-order from April 1st for a May 1st retail release.