With the introduction
of Flyknit to soccer equipment, the world truly seemed to have entered into a
new era of possibilities. An absolutely amazing creation, Flyknit has a stretch
to create a flawless fit while having the structure necessary to be used on an
area that needs so much support while still allowing free movement. Enter
Nike’s Magista Obra and the mercurial Super Fly IV: two boots that have
turned the boot world on its head. While the review for the Obra came
from the expert down-under, I have been handed the task of (somehow)
describing the SuperFly IV. Has Nike been able to blend Flyknit and a revived
boot legend to make an amazing boot?
THE
LOOK
With several colorways
on the market, Nike has made sure that the SuperFly will appeal to any
sensibility. A blackout version for the more conservative boot enthusiasts, and
the pink launch/electric green SE/laser orange SuperFly for those that
like a bit more “pop” from their boots. The huge “NIKE” emblem from the Vapor
IX has gone by the wayside and we have gotten back to simply two Nike Swoosh
symbols on the boot. All of the releases so far look great, but there will
definitely be a colorway that meets your standards.
The biggest change in
the look will be the, that extends up to the ankle. Admittedly, certain
colors will look odd mixed with certain socks, but the collar is an unmissable
addition when looking at these boots. Albeit it more of a conversation starter
than an attractive addition, it gives no doubt (even from across the pitch)
which boots you are wearing. If you do not like drawing attention to your feet,
these boots are not for you.
THE
TOUCH
The most daunting task
of this review: actually explaining what it is like to use the SFIV. The newest
SuperFly is the closest thing to wearing a second-skin that you can have. While
other boots might have thinner uppers, the way that the Flyknit conforms to
your foot immediately upon placing your foot in the boot is unmatched outside
of the current Flyknit options. While the previous statement may have some
running back to their worries about differentiating the SF and the Obra, the
similarities stop fairly quickly. The SF is one layer of the Flyknit with a uniform
thickness throughout the entirety of the boot. No added padding and the same
material spread everywhere across your foot brings an amazing touch to your
time on the ball. While protection is sacrificed in the name of close touch,
the trade-off feels worth it after getting used to the SF.
No shooting elements
or grippy textures means that every strike, pass, or movement with the ball
feels extremely pure. While most boots that brag about a “barefoot feel” tend
to do so because of the thin nature of the upper, the SF pulls this off through
a combo of a thin upper and an unmatched ability to wrap around your foot.
Despite not being a huge fan of boots typically tossed into the “speed”
category, I fell in love with the SFIV. Where the Vapor X felt very sticky upon
the first few wears, the SuperFly allows the ball to move against the upper
without getting stuck under your feet easily.
Striking with the SF
has a noticeable zip to it as the ball quickly flies off of your foot. With no
extra padding or shooting elements, you feel the ball as it pings away from
your foot. Bringing the ball out of the air or passing also provides immediate
response and, with the thin nature of the laces, is meant to be as close to a
perfect experience as soccer boots can currently provide. Considering what Nike
was hoping to achieve with this boot, it seems difficult to imagine them
releasing something better than this on the first go around. When you have the
laces tight and get secure inside the SuperFly, nothing out there is comparable
on the market.
THE
FEEL
The one negative area
for me with the SuperFly IV and one area where I would advise caution is
the break-in. Despite the boot having two different consistencies of Flyknit to
form tightly to your foot (stretchy around the top/lace-area of your foot to
allow stretch for different foot sizes and tight everywhere else to let the
laces do their work), the heel lining caused some big-time blisters. Made from
a smooth rubbery material, this boot is best broken-in in spurts instead of
long sessions. Having tested a few pairs already to help me with this review,
playing in them until you feel possible blisters warming up is the best way to
go. The initial SF saw me wearing them for long training sessions right away,
and I have never had heel blisters as big. However, once this boot is
broken-in, it fits like a dream.
In regards to the
dynamic fit collar, it takes a bit of getting used to. However, the experience
is an enjoyable one once the initial odd feeling wears off. While I would never
imply that a good fitting boot without the collar does not fit well, the SF has
an extra level of integration with your foot/leg that aids the fit and the
experience. While the collar does not provide any real extra protection, the
sensation of a seamless transition from the area of your leg outside the boot
to the area inside is astounding. While not for everyone, this set-up will make
believers out of many skeptical wearers.
The soleplate on the
SuperFly sees a return to carbon-fibre, but the stiffness of past SF’s has
definitely been shelved. The dual studs in the heel have also been replaced by
a four stud set-up, while the forefoot studs hearken back to early Mercurial
boots instead of more recent ventures. In harder pitches and even a few soggy ones,
there was no slippage and the set-up allows you confidence on your feet while
providing great traction and push-off for any type of movement your game
requires. Couple the studs with the locked-in sensation from the Brio cables in
the upper and you will experience great movement on any firm ground pitch. As
with any FG boot, the SF in this stud set-up is not made for artificial
surfaces. However, Nike have made sure that their latest innovation is
available in any stud pattern you may need, so shop accordingly.
THE
VERDICT – WHO’S WEARING IT – BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
While no other boot in
the world may split opinion like the SuperFly, I have quickly found myself
returning to Nike’s current headline boot. Even with a few blisters along the
way, the quality of the boot shines through after the break-in and will have me
proclaiming its success from the mountaintops. If you have the opportunity to
shift into this boot, you will definitely find it is an experience unlike any
other. If all the information above appeals to you, then the experience should
be glorious. While Nike makes sure to keep their premier athletes in their
premier boots, we would be remiss to not mention that these beauties are worn
by CR7 himself, Alexis Sanchez, and a host of other professionals at
the highest level.
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