Designed for football players who demand speed and agility on artificial ground surfaces, the Nike Air Zoom Mercurial Vapor XVI Academy AG provides exceptional responsiveness and grip. Its core benefit is the innovative Zoom Air unit, delivering enhanced energy return for explosive movements. While optimized for AG pitches, its specialized design means performance may vary on other playing surfaces.
Zoom Air Cushioning: An integrated Zoom Air unit in the soleplate engages with every step, providing responsive cushioning and optimizing energy return to help you feel faster and more explosive.
AG-Specific Traction: Features a lightweight soleplate with hollowed-out studs of varying sizes, specifically engineered for superior grip, stability, and quick directional changes on artificial ground.
Lightweight NIKESKIN Upper: Constructed from a pliable NIKESKIN synthetic material, the upper wraps the foot for lightweight comfort, support, and an exceptional close-to-ball feel.
Enhanced Ball Control: The NIKESKIN upper incorporates chevron texturing in the Mercurial's trademark pattern, enabling precise dribbling and improved control to evade opponents.
Speed-Focused Stability: The combination of the lightweight soleplate and specialized AG studs provides the necessary stability for high-speed play and sudden shifts in direction.
Player Endorsed: Part of the Mercurial range, endorsed by elite players such as Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sam Kerr, and Ada Hegerberg.
Exceptional Responsiveness: Zoom Air unit delivers noticeable energy return, aiding quick acceleration and explosive movements.
Optimized AG Grip: Specialized stud configuration provides excellent traction and stability specifically on artificial turf.
Lightweight & Comfortable: NIKESKIN upper offers a snug, supportive fit without unnecessary bulk, enhancing overall comfort.
Superior Ball Feel: The pliable upper and chevron texturing bring you closer to the ball, improving touch and control.
Durable for Intended Use: Built to withstand the demands of play on artificial ground surfaces.
Surface Specific: Primarily designed for artificial ground, these boots may not offer optimal performance or durability on natural grass or other surfaces.
Initial Feel: Like many new boots, they might require a short break-in period to fully conform to your foot shape for ultimate comfort.
Exceptional Responsiveness: Zoom Air unit delivers noticeable energy return, aiding quick acceleration and explosive movements.
Optimized AG Grip: Specialized stud configuration provides excellent traction and stability specifically on artificial turf.
Lightweight & Comfortable: NIKESKIN upper offers a snug, supportive fit without unnecessary bulk, enhancing overall comfort.
Superior Ball Feel: The pliable upper and chevron texturing bring you closer to the ball, improving touch and control.
Durable for Intended Use: Built to withstand the demands of play on artificial ground surfaces.
Surface Specific: Primarily designed for artificial ground, these boots may not offer optimal performance or durability on natural grass or other surfaces.
Initial Feel: Like many new boots, they might require a short break-in period to fully conform to your foot shape for ultimate comfort.
The Nike Air Zoom Mercurial Vapor XVI Academy AG football boots are engineered to maximize your performance on artificial pitches. The standout feature, the Zoom Air unit, is strategically placed to absorb impact and then spring back, providing an immediate energy boost with each stride. This translates directly into quicker bursts of speed and more explosive changes of direction, crucial for forwards, wingers, and midfielders.
The AG-specific soleplate with its unique hollowed-out studs is a game-changer on artificial turf. Unlike boots designed for natural grass, these studs are configured to penetrate and release efficiently from synthetic surfaces, preventing stud pressure and ensuring consistent grip. This allows players to make sharp cuts, rapid pivots, and quick turns without slipping, maintaining balance during high-speed maneuvers.
Players will appreciate the lightweight NIKESKIN upper. It molds to the foot, creating a sensation of being 'closer to the ball' than ever before. This direct touch, combined with the chevron texturing, significantly enhances ball control. Dribbling becomes more precise, passing more accurate, and shooting more powerful, as you feel every contact with the ball. The boots are ideal for players who rely on their speed, agility, and precise ball handling to dominate the game.
Lacing: Ensure boots are laced snugly but comfortably to optimize fit and support. Experiment with different lacing patterns if you experience pressure points.
Break-in: Like all new football boots, a short break-in period is recommended. Wear them for light training sessions or shorter periods initially to allow the materials to adapt to your foot shape.
Playing Surface: These boots are designed specifically for Artificial Ground (AG) surfaces. This includes 3G and 4G artificial pitches. They are not ideally suited for natural firm ground (FG), soft ground (SG), or indoor (IC) surfaces, where their performance and durability may be compromised.
Gender/Age: Designed for adult males. However, fit and style are often suitable for any player that matches the size.
Sizing: Available in UK adult sizing (e.g., UK 8.5). Ensure you choose the correct size for optimal fit and performance.
Cleaning: After each use, especially on artificial pitches, brush off any loose dirt and rubber pellets. Wipe the boots clean with a damp cloth. For stubborn dirt, a mild soap solution can be used.
Drying: Always allow your boots to air dry naturally at room temperature. Do not use direct heat sources like radiators or tumble dryers, as this can damage the materials and adhesive.
Storage: Store your boots in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Using shoe trees can help maintain their shape and absorb moisture.
Odor Control: If odors develop, remove insoles and air them out. You can also use shoe deodorizers or sprinkle baking soda inside the boots overnight.