Mercurial Vapor Mk1 | The Original Chrome R9 - Football News

With the launch of the Nike 2014 Mercurial Vapor IX Fast Forward '02 Editions we're taking a look back at the iconic boot that inspired the design. Launched in 2002 as the first generation Mercurial Vapor and worn by Ronaldo, the chrome MVI played a pivotal role in chapter one of the famous Mercurial Vapor series.
 

The chrome/lime Mercurial Vapor I boots were only worn by Ronaldo in the semi-final of the 2002 World Cup against Turkey and final against Germany in South Korea/Japan. Scoring once in the semi and twice in the final itself, Ronaldo gave the Mercurial Vapor iconic status and even now remains as one of the most memorable Mercurials of all time.

In the lead up to the 2002 World Cup there were no plans from Nike to lace R9 up in an exclusive boot, but plans were in place to supply the chrome Vapors to whichever of their stars shone brightest going into the latter stages of the tournament.

El Fenomeno had visited Nike in Oregon prior to the World Cup and expressed a desire to wear them from the group stage but Nike rejected the idea in favour of waiting to see if the likes of Henry and Totti out performed the Brazilian. They didn't, Ronaldo was unplayable and bagged himself his boots (along with his R9 logo added to the tongue) ahead of the semi final with Turkey in Saitama, Japan.





The powerful influence from Ronaldo and Nike on the consumer was clear to see. The chrome/lime Mercurial Vapor I's hit the shelves on general sale with Nike producing just 4600 pairs, 800 of which landed in the UK and were snapped up within 2 hours at Nike Town in London.





At the time of release, the Mercurial Vapor I was the lightest boot on the market with several key innovations. The Vapor upper was made of a thin, lightweight synthetic material, which Nike claimed was thinner and stronger than any kangaroo leather. The boot also featured an external heel counter as well as an outsole inspired by track sprint spikes. Rubbing on the heel was a problem issue with players at the time but Nike have gone on to eliminate any distractions as the Vapor line has progressed.

The re-release had us immediately reaching for the archives to pluck out the originals and 12 years on they wouldn't look out of place on today’s pitches - they certainly scrub up better than the box they came in.

What are your memories from the chrome/lime Nike Mercurial Vapor I boots? Did you have a pair? Let us know which Mercurial Vapors you've owned. Join the conversation online, on Twitter and on Facebook.