Nike Mercurial Vapor XII Neymar “Meu Jogo” Boot Review: Design, Fit, and Performance

Neymar’s special edition “Meu Jogo” Mercurial Vapor 360 debuted during the 2018 World Cup, featuring a canary yellow colorway meant to reflect his expressive style. This review covers the key elements of the Vapor XII silo, including design details, upper construction, fit, and on-pitch performance.

Neymar Signature Release

Neymar first wore the “Meu Jogo” boots in Brazil’s World Cup group match against Mexico, where he scored a goal and recorded an assist in a 2-0 win. The colorway uses a Brazilian-style canary yellow with an underfoot graphic that highlights the 360 construction. “Meu Jogo” translates to “my game,” referencing Neymar’s commitment to playing his own way.

“I got here because of my football. If football brought me to where I am, if it made me conquer the things I did, then I don’t need to change.” – Neymar

🚨Unboxing the latest signature Neymar Vapor 12 Elite. Who likes yellow boots? 💛 - #nike #nikesoccer #neymar #njr #psg #brasil #soccercleats #vapor 12 #mercurial #nikevapor #newboots #nikefootball #unboxing A post shared by SoccerCleats101 (@soccercleats101) on Aug 27, 2018 at 3:15pm PDT

Mercurial Superfly vs Mercurial Vapor

The main difference between the Mercurial Superfly and Vapor models is the dynamic fit collar. The Superfly features a higher collar, while the Vapor uses a low-cut Flyknit collar. Outside of that, the two boots share the same style, fit, feel, and performance characteristics. The low-cut Flyknit collar on the Vapor provides a classic feel that is easy to adjust to, with a slightly constrictive fit that locks the foot in place without discomfort.

Visual Elements

The design is clean and detailed. The primary canary yellow upper is mixed with gold flakes that create a subtle shimmer effect. The same gold appears on the heel, where a series of arrows point toward the front of the boot. The heel design has a trippy appearance that catches attention.

Underfoot, the soleplate features a metallic chrome finish with a liquid bronze look. The mixed arrow effect continues on the dynamic soleplate, adding to the overall aesthetic.

Breaking In and Comfort

These boots do not provide immediate comfort. The upper material is slightly stiffer than expected, and the undulated soleplate has a racing-style feel. It is important to wear them around the house and during training sessions to allow the materials to loosen up gradually. Rushing into a match on first wear is not recommended.

360 Flyknit Upper

The full Flyknit upper wraps under the boot, held together by a single line of stitching along the spine of the soleplate. Despite expectations of a pliable knit, the material feels more like a synthetic that requires break-in. This is intentional—the design locks the foot in place and eliminates unwanted movement. Nike’s All Conditions Control (ACC) is embedded into the Flyknit rather than applied as an outer layer, removing additional skin while maintaining weather resistance.

Touch, Control, and Shooting

Embedding ACC into the Flyknit eliminates a layer but initially makes the upper more rigid, which reduces natural ball feel. After a few wears, the material loosens and the issue diminishes. Micro-texturing across the Flyknit provides extra traction on the ball, visible in clear horizontal lines toward the toes. This texturing helps increase control at top speed and aids in adding swerve or power to shots. The additional surface area allows the player to wrap the foot around the ball for spin, and the texturing through the strike zone can add a little extra ping on powerful strikes.

Traction and Soleplate

The insole features undulation similar to the Superfly VI and Superfly V, part of Nike’s dynamic internal system that creates a racing-seat-like fit. The split soleplate chassis and Chevron studs are designed for explosive speed and sharp deceleration.

How Do They Fit?

Compared to previous Mercurial releases, this boot is more accommodating and slightly wider for a broader audience. However, the silhouette remains sleek and aerodynamic. For a medium/wide fit, the forefoot offered enough space without impacting performance. Wide-fitting players should try them on before purchasing, as the fit may not be comfortable for everyone.

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