With a major international tournament on the horizon there's an expectancy from Nike to do something a little different, and the Swoosh has delivered once again. For the 2012 European Championships Nike players will be wearing the 'Nike Clash Collection', championed as always by the Mercurial range which will be sporting this White/Solar Red colour combination.
In recent years for major tournaments, we've seen the Nike World Cup Elite pack and the black leather EC08 boots, all designed to unify Nike players on pitch. Now, to celebrate what promises to be an exciting summer of football, the ‘Nike Clash Collection’ will be worn by some of the world’s best players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Andres Iniesta, Wayne Rooney and Gerard Pique.
The individual boots are sparked by specific color finished with a white toe upper to create a distinctive yet common theme across the collection. Each chosen color reflects the expression and playing style of each boot, with the Mercurial Vapor VIII featuring a Solar Red for explosive speed.
“The clash of traditional white with very modern and youthful colors will make a really powerful and disruptive statement on pitch,” said Andrew Caine, Nike Global Creative Director for Football Footwear. “The Nike Clash Collection delivers highly engineered boots with sharp color contrast reflecting the clash of rivalries and competition we will see this summer. We’re celebrating that with distinctive and stand out color.”
Apart from the colourful and stand-out look, what's noticeable about the new upper is the new material Nike are using for the EC12 Mercurial Vapor football boots. Increasing comfort and ball feel, the new synthetic material is more leather-like not just in appearance but in feel. The material has also been treated to perform in wet conditions, and provide a grippy surface when wet. This will of course come as quite a surprise to many Vapor fans who might just have got used to the new Teijin synthetic material of the launch Vapor VIII.
The 'Clash Collection' Nike Mercurial Vapor VIII football boots retain most design features from the Mango launch boots, which were redesigned to create a snug upper while locking down the foot and preventing unwanted movement. Nike's new Anatomic Last takes the fit of the boot to a new level of support and stability, with this effect enhanced by a more minimalist and softer heel counter, maximizing both comfort and fit.
The new Nike Mercurial Vapor 8 football boots deliver the ultimate in fit, touch and traction. A combination that has established the Mercurial as one of the greatest speed boots of all time. Nike recognise the modern game is played on a fine line and that one slip could be the difference between success and failure - traction is everything.
The new Pro-Plate has been a big feature of the Vapor 8, and the Euro 2012 boots feature the same design with twin studs at the back of the boot, allowing for a quick release from the turf and the asymmetric design of the stud configuration delivering an explosive start. Sharper blades have been introduced to the Nike Mercurial Vapor VIII football boots, to allow for game changing acceleration.
You will be able to pre-order your pair of the new 'Clash Collection' White/Solar Red Nike Mercurial Vapor VIII football boots from May 14th at selected retailers. Expect to see Nike's latest release debut in the Champions League final ahead of the European Championships on 19.05.12. The boots will retail worldwide for around £150 GBP / $220 USD / €180.
Now you've had your SoccerBible first-look at the new 'Clash Collection' Nike Mercurial Vapor VIII football boots, let us know what you think! Share your thoughts with the SoccerBible community online, on Twitter and on Facebook.
