
Nike Mercurial Vapor II
For forwards and wingers who play on wet natural grass, these Mercurial SG boots prioritise low weight and bitey traction so you feel faster off the mark than in regular firm‑ground cleats.
If you play on soft, wet natural grass and need boots that help you turn speed into space, a pair of soft‑ground football boots is the quick fix. These Mercurial Vapor II SG cleats pair a low‑profile, speed‑focused last with a soft‑ground studplate and lightweight cushioning to keep you agile and confident when the pitch is muddy. ## What makes it worth it The Mercurial Vapor II is built around a soft‑ground (SG) soleplate that gives aggressive bite on wet natural turf — that setup is what lets forwards push off cleanly in heavy conditions. The listed foam midsole plus Air cushioning adds a touch of comfort underfoot without the bulk most running‑style midsoles bring, which preserves the boot’s responsiveness. Finally, the Vapor family’s low‑cut, speed‑first silhouette keeps weight down and reduces drag, a design point Nike and independent boot roundups repeatedly highlight for players who need quick acceleration. ## Where it falls short The Mercurial lineage runs narrow and haste‑focused, so if you have wide feet expect a snug, sometimes frustrating fit, and some customer reports on retail listings note mixed durability (especially around the sole on older reissues). Also, SG studs need more care and aren’t suitable for firm artificial surfaces, so these aren’t an all‑pitch everyday shoe. If you’re a pacey attacker who plays regularly on soft natural grass, buy these; if you mostly play on firm pitches, 3G/turf or need a roomier fit, look at FG/AG or wider‑fit alternatives instead.
£141.62
Buy nowBuy if
You play regularly on soft natural grass and need lightweight, fast‑feeling boots that give aggressive grip for quick accelerations.
Skip if
You mostly play on firm or artificial surfaces or have wide feet, because SG studs and the narrow Mercurial last will feel wrong for those situations.
What we found
Surface (stud type)
Soft‑ground (SG) — long studs for wet natural grass
Cushioning
Foam midsole with Air cushioning
Outsole traction
Durable traction-focused SG outsole
Weight / Design
Low‑profile, lightweight Mercurial design
Fit
Low‑cut, snug (narrow) fit typical of Mercurial line
Ready to buy?
£141.62