nike mercurial vapor x ag with dark blue and white red

• HYBRIDTOUCH synthetic leather material for premium softness, light weight and performance
• Highly elastic ENERGYSLING element in upper for stability and energy return
• Pre-molded protection pads in toe and heel area to help protect you in any tackle
• Superstrong protective mesh layer in rearfoot area for high protection
• Highly elastic ENERGYPULSE outsole element for increased energy output; miCoach compatible
• TRAXION? 2.0 FG stud configuration for maximum grip and acceleration on firm natural pitches
• Imported

Given their penchant for neon coloured football boots like the Mercurial Vapor IV Citron Berry and the Blaze Orange T-90 Laser II, it was something of a surprise to hear Nike announce that their intention was to have all their players playing in black football boots for the first couple of months of the new season.

Nikes Back to Black range

Back when Footy Boots first broke this story in July there was a massive difference of opinion some seemed to disagree with the move, and were obviously looking forward to seeing Nikes newest models in glorious techinolour; whereas others welcomed the nod to the old-school, grateful for giving their tired eyes a rest.

From an analytic point of view; this was always going to happen. One of the big manufacturers was going to hit a point where there they couldnt do anything more with the colouring on boots until the introduction of new models a colourway critical mass if you like. This has probably come sooner than expected as with the advent of services like NikeiD, many people can just go out and buy the boots in the colours they want.

Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly

But have Nike made a bad move in terms of timing by launching their Back to Black campaign?

The dawn of a new season is one of the key times in the football equipment market with players of all levels and ages making their mind up and taking the plunge on a new pair of boots for the next 9 months, so surely as a company youd want your product to be as obvious and bold as possible?

Looking at some of the prominent goal scorers from this weekends EPL action, Jermain Defoe, Emmanuel Adebayor ??? and Wade Elliott were all playing in a blistering blue adidas combo- Defoe Adebayor in the f50is and Elliott in adiPure.

The striking adidas f50i

Other brands are going against Nike and moving away from black boots in a bid for getting noticed. Umbro are pushing the new White/Red Speciali (being sported by the rejuvenated Darren Bent), Under Armour are being represented by Danny Murphys White Dominate Pros and Peter Crouch is giving Puma plenty of camera-time in gold v1.08s.

Umbros latest Speciali

Interestingly, from a scientific point of view the most apparent colour to the human eye on the visible light spectrum is Green; however given the contrast to the grass that the beautiful game is played on very few green boots make it to market (only the Unseen Green Puma v1.06 and f50.8s in Slime Green spring to mind)!

So, while Drogba, Rooney and Robinho were honouring their sponsors wishes by lacing up in Nikes darkest, perhaps it players like Keane, Torres, Bendtner and Carlton Cole who opted for the more vibrant shades wholl be doing them the biggest favour!

Whats your opinion? No-ones going to think Nike are going to be in financial trouble over this move, but do you think theyve made their football boots a little less attractive to buyers? Or, do you think that as long as Rooney, Drogba co keep bagging goals thats all the motivation people need to buy Nike boots? Let us know!

The N98 track jacket with woven crest applied to left chest with satin stitch down at left chest. Direct embroidery #3 Swoosh design trademark at right chest. Silicone print team graphic at center back. Woven label at back side neck.

Body: 310g. 100% polyester (100% recycled) circular knit interlock.