Designed for speed-focused footballers, the Nike Air Zoom Mercurial Vapor XVI Academy AG delivers an untouchable feel on artificial ground thanks to its responsive Zoom Air cushioning and specialized traction. While optimized for unparalleled acceleration and grip on AG surfaces, it's crucial to note these boots are specifically engineered for artificial grass and may not perform optimally on other pitch types.
Zoom Air Unit: Integrated into the soleplate, this responsive cushioning unit provides increased energy return with every stride, helping you maintain speed and agility throughout the match.
AG-Specific Traction: Features hollowed-out studs of varying sizes, designed to provide superior stability and grip on artificial ground surfaces, facilitating quick directional changes and bursts of speed.
Lightweight NIKESKIN Upper: A pliable, minimalist synthetic upper that wraps the foot for exceptional comfort and support, bringing you closer to the ball for enhanced touch and feel.
Chevron Texturing for Control: The signature Mercurial texturing on the upper aids in precise dribbling and ball control, allowing you to evade opponents with confidence.
Optimized for Artificial Ground: Specifically engineered for performance on artificial grass pitches, ensuring optimal grip, stability, and responsiveness on this surface type.
Professional Endorsement: Part of the Mercurial range, endorsed by elite players such as Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sam Kerr, and Ada Hegerberg, reflecting its high-performance design.
Exceptional energy return and responsiveness from Zoom Air cushioning
Superior grip and stability specifically on artificial ground (AG) surfaces
Lightweight design for enhanced speed and agility
Close-to-ball feel for improved control and precision dribbling
Comfortable and supportive fit from the NIKESKIN upper
Soleplate is specifically designed for artificial ground; not suitable for natural grass or other surfaces
Info needed: Potential break-in period for optimal comfort
Info needed: May not offer the same level of protection as heavier, more padded boots
Exceptional energy return and responsiveness from Zoom Air cushioning
Superior grip and stability specifically on artificial ground (AG) surfaces
Lightweight design for enhanced speed and agility
Close-to-ball feel for improved control and precision dribbling
Comfortable and supportive fit from the NIKESKIN upper
Soleplate is specifically designed for artificial ground; not suitable for natural grass or other surfaces
Info needed: Potential break-in period for optimal comfort
Info needed: May not offer the same level of protection as heavier, more padded boots
The Nike Air Zoom Mercurial Vapor XVI Academy AG football boots are engineered to maximize your speed and agility on artificial turf. The integrated Zoom Air unit is the heart of its responsiveness, providing a noticeable spring in your step as you push off, helping you accelerate quickly and sustain high speeds. This energy return is crucial for outrunning defenders and reaching the ball first.
On the pitch, the AG-specific traction with its varied, hollowed-out studs shines. This design ensures you maintain stability during explosive movements and allows for sharp, quick directional changes without slipping. Whether you're cutting past an opponent or pivoting to receive a pass, the grip keeps you firm. The lightweight NIKESKIN upper molds to your foot, offering a 'second-skin' feel that enhances ball touch. This close connection to the ball, combined with the chevron texturing, provides the precision needed for intricate dribbling and accurate passing, allowing you to weave through defenses and maintain control in tight spaces. These boots are built for players who prioritize explosive speed and precise control on artificial grass.
Lacing: Ensure the boots are laced snugly but comfortably, allowing for full foot movement without excessive pressure points. Experiment with different lacing techniques to find the best fit for your foot shape.
Break-In Period: Like most performance football boots, a short break-in period is recommended. Wear them for light training sessions or casual use before competitive matches to allow the NIKESKIN upper to mold to your foot for optimal comfort and performance.
Surface: These boots are exclusively designed for Artificial Ground (AG) surfaces. The stud pattern is optimized for synthetic turf pitches, providing specific grip and durability for these conditions. Do not use on natural grass (firm ground, soft ground), indoor courts, or street surfaces, as this can damage the boots and increase risk of injury.
Cleaning: After each use, especially on artificial ground, brush off any loose dirt, rubber pellets, or debris from the upper and soleplate. Use a damp cloth with mild soap to wipe down the NIKESKIN upper. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
Drying: Allow boots to air dry naturally at room temperature. Do not expose them to direct heat sources (like radiators or direct sunlight), as this can cause the materials to crack or shrink. Stuffing them with newspaper can help absorb moisture and maintain shape.
Storage: Store boots in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Consider using a boot bag to protect them from dirt and damage during transport.
Inspection: Regularly check the studs for excessive wear or damage. While durable, AG studs can wear down over time depending on pitch conditions and usage.