[Skip to main content](https://www.nike.com#skip-to-content)
- [](https://www.nike.com/ca/jordan)
- [](https://www.converse.com)
- [Find a Store](https://www.nike.com/ca/retail)
- [Help](https://www.nike.com/ca/help)
[Help](https://www.nike.com/ca/help)
- [Order Status](https://www.nike.com/ca/orders/details/)
- [Dispatch and Delivery](https://www.nike.com/ca/help/a/shipping-delivery)
- [Returns](https://www.nike.com/ca/help/a/returns-policy)
- [Size Charts](https://www.nike.com/ca/help/a/size-charts)
- [Contact Us](https://www.nike.com/ca/help/#contact)
- [Privacy Policy](https://agreementservice.svs.nike.com/rest/agreement?agreementType=privacyPolicy&uxId=com.nike.commerce.nikedotcom.web&requestType=redirect)
- [Terms of Sale](https://agreementservice.svs.nike.com/ca/en_gb/rest/agreement?agreementType=termsOfSale&uxId=com.nike.commerce.nikedotcom.web&country=CAN&language=en-gb&requestType=redirect)
- [Terms of Use](https://agreementservice.svs.nike.com/rest/agreement?agreementType=termsOfUse&uxId=com.nike.commerce.nikedotcom.web&requestType=redirect)
- [Send Us Feedback](https://www.nike.com#site-feedback)
- [Join Us](https://www.nike.com/ca/membership)
- [Sign In](https://www.nike.com/ca/register)
[](https://www.nike.com/ca/)
- [Men](https://www.nike.com/ca/men)
- [Highlights](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/new-mens-3n82yznik1)
- [New Arrivals](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/new-mens-3n82yznik1)
- [Best Sellers](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-best-76m50znik1)
- [Nike Elite Backpack](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/bts-backpacks-735xp)
- [Triple Black](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-black-shoes-90poyznik1zy7ok)
- [ACG](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-acg-93bsdznik1)
- [Streetwear Clothing](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-lifestyle-clothing-13jrmz6ymx6znik1)
- [SNKRS Launch Calendar](https://www.nike.com/ca/launch/upcoming)
- [Sale](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-sale-3yaepznik1)
- [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-shoes-nik1zy7ok)
- [All Shoes](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-shoes-nik1zy7ok)
- [Lifestyle](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-lifestyle-shoes-13jrmznik1zy7ok)
- [Running](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-running-shoes-37v7jznik1zy7ok)
- [Basketball](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-basketball-shoes-3glsmznik1zy7ok)
- [Jordan](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-jordan-shoes-37eefznik1zy7ok)
- [Training & Gym](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-training-gym-shoes-58jtoznik1zy7ok)
- [Soccer](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-football-shoes-1gdj0znik1zy7ok)
- [Sandals & Slides](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-sandals-slides-fl76znik1)
- [Clothing](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-clothing-6ymx6znik1)
- [All Clothing](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-clothing-6ymx6znik1)
- [Tops & T-Shirts](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-tops-t-shirts-9om13znik1)
- [Pants & Tights](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-trousers-tights-2kq19znik1)
- [Hoodies & Sweatshirts](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-hoodies-sweatshirts-6riveznik1)
- [Shorts](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-shorts-38fphznik1)
- [Jackets & Vests](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-jackets-gilets-50r7yznik1)
- [Sport](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-performance-3k7dgznik1)
- [Running](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-running-37v7jznik1)
- [Training](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-training-gym-58jtoznik1)
- [Basketball](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-basketball-3glsmznik1)
- [Soccer](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-football-1gdj0znik1)
- [Golf](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-golf-23q9wznik1)
- [Tennis](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-tennis-ed1qznik1)
- [Skateboarding](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-skateboarding-8mfrfznik1)
- [Football](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-american-football-3hj8mznik1)
- [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-accessories-equipment-awwpwznik1)
- [All Accessories](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-accessories-equipment-awwpwznik1)
- [Socks](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-socks-7ny3qznik1)
- [Bags & Backpacks](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-bags-backpacks-9xy71znik1)
- [Hats & Headwear](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mens-hats-visors-headbands-52r49znik1)
- [Women](https://www.nike.com/ca/women)
- [Highlights](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/new-womens-3n82yz5e1x6)
- [New Arrivals](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/new-womens-3n82yz5e1x6)
- [Best Sellers](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-best-5e1x6z76m50)
- [NikeSKIMS](https://www.nike.com/ca/nikeskims)
- [Triple Black](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-black-shoes-5e1x6z90poyzy7ok)
- [Studio Fleece](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-nike-studio-fleece-5e1x6zs531)
- [ACG](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-acg-5e1x6z93bsd)
- [SNKRS Launch Calendar](https://www.nike.com/ca/launch/upcoming)
- [Sale](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-sale-3yaepz5e1x6)
- [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-shoes-5e1x6zy7ok)
- [All Shoes](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-shoes-5e1x6zy7ok)
- [Lifestyle](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-lifestyle-shoes-13jrmz5e1x6zy7ok)
- [Running](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-running-shoes-37v7jz5e1x6zy7ok)
- [Basketball](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-basketball-shoes-3glsmz5e1x6zy7ok)
- [Training & Gym](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-training-gym-shoes-58jtoz5e1x6zy7ok)
- [Soccer](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-football-shoes-1gdj0z5e1x6zy7ok)
- [Sandals & Slides](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-sandals-slides-5e1x6zfl76)
- [Clothing](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-clothing-5e1x6z6ymx6)
- [All Clothing](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-clothing-5e1x6z6ymx6)
- [Tops & T-Shirts](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-tops-t-shirts-5e1x6z9om13)
- [Leggings & Pants](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-trousers-tights-2kq19z5e1x6)
- [Hoodies & Sweatshirts](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-hoodies-sweatshirts-5e1x6z6rive)
- [Skirts & Dresses](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-skirts-dresses-5e1x6z8y3qp)
- [Jackets & Vests](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-jackets-gilets-50r7yz5e1x6)
- [Shorts](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-shorts-38fphz5e1x6)
- [Bras](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-sports-bras-40qgmz5e1x6)
- [Matching Sets](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-matching-sets-clothing-2lukpz5e1x6z6ymx6)
- [Sport](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-performance-3k7dgz5e1x6)
- [Running](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-running-37v7jz5e1x6)
- [Training](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-training-gym-58jtoz5e1x6)
- [Soccer](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-football-1gdj0z5e1x6)
- [Basketball](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-basketball-3glsmz5e1x6)
- [Golf](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-golf-23q9wz5e1x6)
- [Tennis](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-tennis-5e1x6zed1q)
- [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-accessories-equipment-5e1x6zawwpw)
- [All Accessories](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-accessories-equipment-5e1x6zawwpw)
- [Socks](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-socks-5e1x6z7ny3q)
- [Bags & Backpacks](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-bags-backpacks-5e1x6z9xy71)
- [Hats & Headwear](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/womens-hats-visors-headbands-52r49z5e1x6)
- [Kids](https://www.nike.com/ca/kids)
- [Highlights](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/new-kids-3n82yzv4dh)
- [New Arrivals](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/new-kids-3n82yzv4dh)
- [Best Sellers](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-best-76m50zv4dh)
- [Nike Elite Backpack](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/bts-backpacks-735xp)
- [Triple Black](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-black-shoes-90poyzv4dhzy7ok)
- [Fleece](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-fleece-4xh6qzv4dh)
- [Back to School](https://www.nike.com/ca/back-to-school)
- [Sale](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-sale-3yaepzv4dh)
- [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-shoes-v4dhzy7ok)
- [All Shoes](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-shoes-v4dhzy7ok)
- [Big Kids (7-15 years)](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/older-kids-shoes-agibjzv4dhzy7ok)
- [Little Kids (3-7 years)](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/little-kids-shoes-6dacezv4dhzy7ok)
- [Baby & Toddler](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/baby-toddlers-kids-shoes-2j488zv4dhzy7ok)
- [Lifestyle](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-lifestyle-shoes-13jrmzv4dhzy7ok)
- [Running](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-running-shoes-37v7jzv4dhzy7ok)
- [Basketball](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-basketball-shoes-3glsmzv4dhzy7ok)
- [Sandals & Slides](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-sandals-slides-fl76zv4dh)
- [Clothing](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-clothing-6ymx6zv4dh)
- [All Clothing](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-clothing-6ymx6zv4dh)
- [Tops & T-Shirts](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-tops-t-shirts-9om13zv4dh)
- [Shorts](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-shorts-38fphzv4dh)
- [Pants & Tights](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-trousers-tights-2kq19zv4dh)
- [Matching Sets](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-matching-sets-2lukpzv4dh)
- [Sport](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-performance-3k7dgzv4dh)
- [Running](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-running-37v7jzv4dh)
- [Soccer](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-football-1gdj0zv4dh)
- [Basketball](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-basketball-3glsmzv4dh)
- [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-accessories-equipment-awwpwzv4dh)
- [All Accessories](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-accessories-equipment-awwpwzv4dh)
- [Socks](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-socks-7ny3qzv4dh)
- [Bags & Backpacks](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/bags-backpacks-9xy71)
- [Hats & Headwear](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-hats-visors-headbands-52r49zv4dh)
- [Sport](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/performance-3k7dg)
- [Running](https://www.nike.com/ca/running)
- [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/running-shoes-37v7jzy7ok)
- [Clothing](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/running-clothing-37v7jz6ymx6)
- [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/running-accessories-equipment-37v7jzawwpw)
- [Vomero](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/zoom-vomero-running-37v7jz7gee1)
- [Pegasus](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/pegasus-running-37v7jz8nexh)
- [Structure](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/zoom-structure-running-1sytgz37v7j)
- [ACG](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/acg-running-37v7jz93bsd)
- [Training](https://www.nike.com/ca/training)
- [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/training-gym-shoes-58jtozy7ok)
- [Clothing](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/training-gym-clothing-58jtoz6ymx6)
- [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/training-gym-accessories-equipment-58jtozawwpw)
- [Metcon](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/metcon-training-gym-3yxqsz58jto)
- [Nike Pro](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/nike-pro-training-gym-3cqxfz58jto)
- [Basketball](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/basketball-3glsm)
- [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/basketball-shoes-3glsmzy7ok)
- [Clothing](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/basketball-clothing-3glsmz6ymx6)
- [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/basketball-accessories-equipment-3glsmzawwpw)
- [Jordan](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/jordan-basketball-37eefz3glsm)
- [Kobe](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kobe-pgd6)
- [Ja](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/ja-morant-4m5h1)
- [Lebron](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/lebron-james-7y57x)
- [NBA](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/nba-teams-1vofi)
- [WNBA](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/wnba-6ef6n)
- [Soccer](https://www.nike.com/ca/soccer)
- [Cleats & Shoes](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/football-shoes-1gdj0zy7ok)
- [Clothing](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/football-clothing-1gdj0z6ymx6)
- [Gear](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/football-accessories-equipment-1gdj0zawwpw)
- [National Team](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/national-team-football-1gdj0zav9de)
- [Club Team](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/football-club-football-teams-1gdj0z6fu9q)
- [Jerseys & Kits](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/football-kits-jerseys-1gdj0z5l6ka)
- [More Sports](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/performance-3k7dg)
- [Golf](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/golf-23q9w)
- [Tennis](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/tennis-ed1q)
- [Baseball](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/baseball-99fch)
- [Skateboarding](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/skateboarding-8mfrf)
- [Football](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/american-football-3hj8m)
- [Jordan](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/jordan-37eef)
- [Highlights](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/new-jordan-37eefz3n82y)
- [New Arrivals](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/new-jordan-37eefz3n82y)
- [Jordan Retro Collection](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/jordan-retro-collection-85a3h)
- [AJ1](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/jordan-1-aj85g)
- [Jordan Streetwear](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/jordan-lifestyle-clothing-13jrmz37eefz6ymx6)
- [SNKRS Launch Calendar](https://www.nike.com/ca/launch/upcoming)
- [Sale](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/sale-jordan-37eefz3yaep)
- [Shoes](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/jordan-shoes-37eefzy7ok)
- [All shoes](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/jordan-shoes-37eefzy7ok)
- [AJ1](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/jordan-1-shoes-aj85gzy7ok)
- [Basketball](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/jordan-basketball-shoes-37eefz3glsmzy7ok)
- [Golf](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/jordan-golf-shoes-23q9wz37eefzy7ok)
- [Football](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/jordan-american-football-shoes-37eefz3hj8mzy7ok)
- [Clothing](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/jordan-clothing-37eefz6ymx6)
- [All clothing](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/jordan-clothing-37eefz6ymx6)
- [Jordan Brooklyn](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/air-jordan-1-brooklyn-clothing-6ymx6zmxtk)
- [Hoodies & Sweatshirts](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/jordan-hoodies-sweatshirts-37eefz6rive)
- [Tops & T-Shirts](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/jordan-tops-t-shirts-37eefz9om13)
- [Shorts & Pants](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/jordan-trousers-37eefzadl0l)
- [Kids](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-jordan-37eefzv4dh)
- [All Kids Products](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/kids-jordan-37eefzv4dh)
- [Big Kids (7–15 years)](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/older-jordan-37eefzagibj)
- [Little Kids (3–7 years)](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/little-jordan-37eefz6dace)
- [Baby & Toddler](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/baby-toddlers-jordan-2j488z37eef)
- [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/jordan-accessories-equipment-37eefzawwpw)
- [All Accessories](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/jordan-accessories-equipment-37eefzawwpw)
- [Hats & Headwear](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/jordan-hats-visors-headbands-37eefz52r49)
- [Socks](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/jordan-socks-37eefzuwr3)
- [NikeSKIMS](https://www.nike.com/ca/nikeskims)
- [All Shoes](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/nikeskims-shoes-b2asdzy7ok)
- [NikeSKIMS Rift](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/nikeskims-shoes-b2asdzy7ok)
- [All Clothing](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/nikeskims-b2asd)
- [Bras](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/nikeskims-sports-bras-40qgmzb2asd)
- [Shorts](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/nikeskims-shorts-38fphzb2asd)
- [Tops & Tanks](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/nikeskims-tops-t-shirts-9om13zb2asd)
- [Leggings](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/nikeskims-tights-leggings-29sh2zb2asd)
- [Jackets](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/nikeskims-jackets-5sac5zb2asd)
- [Accessories](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/nikeskims-accessories-equipment-awwpwzb2asd)
- [Shop by Colour](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/nikeskims-b2asd)
- [Phoenix](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/nikeskims-brown-557pqzb2asd)
- [Cobalt](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/nikeskims-blue-8hfx3zb2asd)
- [Ivory](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/nikeskims-white-4g797zb2asd)
- [Obsidian](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/nikeskims-black-90poyzb2asd)
- [Shop by Fabric](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/nikeskims-b2asd)
- [Satin Shine](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/nikeskims-nikeskims-shine-aq8qbzb2asd)
- [Studio Stretch](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/nikeskims-nikeskims-studio-stretch-admbqzb2asd)
- [Seamless](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/nikeskims-nikeskims-seamless-6lh4szb2asd)
- [Matte](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/nikeskims-nikeskims-matte-5s3enzb2asd)
- [Airy](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/nikeskims-nikeskims-airy-5c1qqzb2asd)
- [Stretch Nylon](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/nikeskims-nikeskims-stretch-nylon-7sut9zb2asd)
- [Stretch Knit](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/nikeskims-nikeskims-stretch-knit-21jwlzb2asd)
- [NikeSKIMS Guides](https://www.nike.com/ca/nikeskims)
- [NikeSKIMS Lookbook](https://www.nike.com/ca/nikeskims-lookbook)
- [NikeSKIMS Bra Guide](https://www.nike.com/ca/nikeskims-bra-guide)
- [NikeSKIMS Fabric Guide](https://www.nike.com/ca/nikeskims-collection-guide)
- [Back to School](https://www.nike.com/ca/back-to-school)
Cancel
Cancel
Popular Search Terms
[](https://www.nike.com/ca/favorites "Favourites")[](https://www.nike.com/ca/cart "Bag Items: 0")
[Shop New Arrivals](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/new-3n82y)
[Explore SNKRS Drops](https://www.nike.com/ca/launch/upcoming)
## Inspiration
- [Latest](https://www.nike.com/ca/stories)
- [DNA](https://www.nike.com/ca/stories/dna)
- [Coaching](https://www.nike.com/ca/stories/coaching)
- [Athletes\*](https://www.nike.com/ca/stories/athletes)
- [Community](https://www.nike.com/ca/stories/community)
- [Culture](https://www.nike.com/ca/stories/culture)
- [Innovation](https://www.nike.com/ca/stories/innovation)
- [All Stories](https://www.nike.com/ca/stories/all)
Inspiration
# Never Done Making Moves
##### Department of Nike Archives
The Mercurial created a new era of football, where "fast" is more than a player attribute, it's a lifestyle.
Last updated: 19 August 2025
4 min read
In the weeks before Brazil stepped onto the Stade de France pitch in 1998 for football's biggest tournament final, their star 21-year-old striker Ronaldo Nazário (R9) debuted a pair of silver, blue, and yellow boots that had never before been seen in the sport: the Mercurial. With its extremely lightweight feel and striking national-team colourway, the shoe, like the player it was designed for, was about to revolutionise the game.
The Merc was a revolution for Nike. Before the Mercurial, boots were heavy, unwieldy. Designer Peter Hudson, who designed the 2002 Mercurial Vapor, would go on to compare the boots available at the time to "farm equipment". The Merc was something lighter, sleeker, faster, taking design cues from racing cars instead of sport equipment.
The name "Mercurial" came from Greek mythology, a subject the boot's creators looked to for inspiration. They considered the name "Ultravelox" at first, before lightning struck former creative writing major Tim Smith one day on the commute home from work. "Mercurial" popped into his mind and immediately he was taken with it.
"One of the definitions is 'quickly changing in nature', which is perfect, because if you look at Ronaldo, he's walking around, waiting for the right moment to strike", Smith said. "And then when he strikes, he's a different player. He has uncanny acceleration".
Known for his breakneck speed and aggression towards the goal, R9 personified the Merc. He not only brought skill and swagger to the pitch, he became the living embodiment of Mercurial, wearing the line constantly and testing prototypes with Nike directly.
## "We made a shoe that was so different to what anybody had ever seen before and it was absolutely fantastic. … That was when we showed the world we're not just in the game—we're taking it to a different place".
—Dave Daly, former Nike Football leader
## "We made a shoe that was so different to what anybody had ever seen before and it was absolutely fantastic. … That was when we showed the world we're not just in the game—we're taking it to a different place".
—Dave Daly, former Nike Football leader
Like many of our products, the Merc's design was rooted in athlete insight. In the 1990s, we signed Italy's and Brazil's national football teams to a sponsorship deal. And because we were working with the best players in the world, we knew we had to develop footwear that could keep up with them. And that story began with R9. We started crafting a shoe designed specifically for Brazil's emerging star at the time, aptly dubbed "O Fenômeno".
Nike Football worked with Advanced Product Engineering—a precursor to Nike's Innovation Kitchen—to gather insights from elite under-17 teams for the project. The result was a colourful boot engineered for speed with a lightweight feel and stainless-steel studs. The Merc featured synthetic leather, the first appearance of the material in a high-profile shoe. The use of synthetic leather unlocked the colour possibilities of the boot, while also ensuring speed, flexibility and a lightweight build.
The Merc raised the bar for how a football boot could look, feel and move. As we look back on our history, we're reflecting on the Merc's legacy and how it fits into the future of our product engineering. Like R9, we're moving towards new heights with speed and purpose, taking product insight directly from athletes to push performance to the next level.
[Shop Mercurial](https://www.nike.com/ca/w/mercurial-football-shoes-1gdj0z3rauvz4f1bz5e1x6znik1zy7ok)
Originally published: 31 May 2022
## Related Stories
- 
[](https://www.nike.com/ca/a/rebels-are-never-done-prefontaine)
# Department of Nike Archives
# Rebels Are Never Done
- 
[](https://www.nike.com/ca/a/never-done-challenging-convention-circa-72)
# Department of Nike Archives
# Never Done Challenging Convention
- 
[](https://www.nike.com/ca/a/never-done-iterating-pegasus-running-workhorse)
# Department of Nike Archives
# Never Done Iterating
- 
[](https://www.nike.com/ca/a/never-done-rising-rise-of-womens-football)
# Department of Nike Archives
# Never Done Rising
- 
[](https://www.nike.com/ca/a/never-done-questioning-nsrl)
# Department of Nike Archives
# Never Done Questioning
Resources
[Find a Store](https://www.nike.com/gb/retail/)
[Nike Journal](https://www.nike.com/ca/stories)
[Become a Member](https://www.nike.com/ca/membership)
[Feedback](https://www.nike.com/ca/#site-feedback)
Help
[Get Help](https://www.nike.com/ca/help)
[Order Status](https://www.nike.com/ca/orders/details/)
[Shipping and Delivery](https://www.nike.com/ca/help/a/shipping-delivery)
[Returns](https://www.nike.com/ca/help/a/returns-policy)
[Payment Options](https://www.nike.com/ca/help/a/payment-options)
[Contact Us](https://www.nike.com/ca/help/#contact)
[Reviews](https://www.nike.com/ca/help/a/reviews)
Company
[About Nike](https://about.nike.com/)
[News](https://news.nike.com/)
[Careers](https://jobs.nike.com/)
[Investors](https://investors.nike.com/)
[Sustainability](https://www.nike.com/ca/sustainability)
[Resources](https://www.nike.com/gb/help)
[Find a Store](https://www.nike.com/gb/retail/)
[Nike Journal](https://www.nike.com/ca/stories)
[Become a Member](https://www.nike.com/ca/membership)
[Feedback](https://www.nike.com/ca/#site-feedback)
[Help](https://www.nike.com/ca/help)
[Get Help](https://www.nike.com/ca/help)
[Order Status](https://www.nike.com/ca/orders/details/)
[Shipping and Delivery](https://www.nike.com/ca/help/a/shipping-delivery)
[Returns](https://www.nike.com/ca/help/a/returns-policy)
[Payment Options](https://www.nike.com/ca/help/a/payment-options)
[Contact Us](https://www.nike.com/ca/help/#contact)
[Reviews](https://www.nike.com/ca/help/a/reviews)
[Company](https://about.nike.com/en)
[About Nike](https://about.nike.com/)
[News](https://news.nike.com/)
[Careers](https://jobs.nike.com/)
[Investors](https://investors.nike.com/)
[Sustainability](https://www.nike.com/ca/sustainability)
Canada
- © 2026 Nike, Inc. All rights reserved
- [Terms of Use](https://agreementservice.svs.nike.com/rest/agreement?uxId=com.nike.commerce.nikedotcom.web&agreementType=termsofuse&requestType=redirect)
- [Terms of Sale](https://agreementservice.svs.nike.com/rest/agreement?uxId=com.nike.commerce.checkout.web&agreementType=termsofsale&requestType=redirect)
- [Company Details](https://www.nike.com/ca/help/a/company-details)
- [Privacy & Cookie Policy](https://agreementservice.svs.nike.com/rest/agreement?agreementType=privacyPolicy&uxId=com.nike.commerce.nikedotcom.web&requestType=redirect)
- [Privacy & Cookie Setting](https://www.nike.com/gb/guest/settings/privacy)
## Africa
- [__Egypt__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/eg/)
- [__Morocco__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/ma/en/)
- [__Maroc__
\
Français](https://www.nike.com/ma/)
- [__South Africa__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/za/)
## Americas
- [__Argentina__
\
Español](https://www.nike.com.ar)
- [__Brasil__
\
Português](https://www.nike.com.br)
- [__Canada__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/ca/)
- [__Canada__
\
Français](https://www.nike.com/ca/fr/)
- [__Chile__
\
Español](https://www.nike.cl)
- [__Colombia__
\
Español](https://www.nike.com.co)
- [__México__
\
Español](https://www.nike.com/mx/)
- [__Peru__
\
Español](https://www.nike.com.pe)
- [__Puerto Rico__
\
Español](https://www.nike.com/pr/)
- [__United States__
\
English](https://www.nike.com)
- [__Estados Unidos__
\
Español](https://www.nike.com/us/es/)
- [__Uruguay__
\
Español](https://www.nike.com.uy)
- [__Latin America__
\
Español](https://www.nike.com/xl/)
## Asia Pacific
- [__Australia__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/au/)
- [__中国大陆__
\
简体中文](https://www.nike.com.cn/)
- [__Hong Kong__
\
English](https://www.nike.com.hk/)
- [__香港__
\
繁體中文](https://www.nike.com.hk/)
- [__India__
\
English](https://www.nike.in/)
- [__Indonesia__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/id/)
- [__Japan__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/jp/en/)
- [__日本__
\
日本語](https://www.nike.com/jp/)
- [__대한민국__
\
한국어](https://www.nike.com/kr/)
- [__Malaysia__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/my/)
- [__New Zealand__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/nz/)
- [__Philippines__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/ph/)
- [__Singapore__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/sg/)
- [__台灣__
\
繁體中文](https://www.nike.com/tw/)
- [__ไทย__
\
ภาษาไทย](https://www.nike.com/th/)
- [__Vietnam__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/vn/)
## Europe
- [__Österreich__
\
Deutsch](https://www.nike.com/at/)
- [__Austria__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/at/en/)
- [__Belgien__
\
Deutsch](https://www.nike.com/be/de/)
- [__Belgium__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/be/en/)
- [__Belgique__
\
Français](https://www.nike.com/be/fr/)
- [__België__
\
Nederlands](https://www.nike.com/be/)
- [__Bulgaria__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/bg/)
- [__Croatia__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/hr/)
- [__Česká republika__
\
Čeština](https://www.nike.com/cz/)
- [__Czech Republic__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/cz/en/)
- [__Danmark__
\
Dansk](https://www.nike.com/dk/)
- [__Denmark__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/dk/en/)
- [__Finland__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/fi/)
- [__France__
\
Français](https://www.nike.com/fr/)
- [__Deutschland__
\
Deutsch](https://www.nike.com/de/)
- [__Ελλάδα__
\
ελληνικά](https://www.nike.com/gr/)
- [__Hungary__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/hu/en/)
- [__Magyarország__
\
Magyar](https://www.nike.com/hu/)
- [__Ireland__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/ie/)
- [__Israel__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/il/)
- [__Italia__
\
Italiano](https://www.nike.com/it/)
- [__Luxemburg__
\
Deutsch](https://www.nike.com/lu/de/)
- [__Luxembourg__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/lu/en/)
- [__Luxembourg__
\
Français](https://www.nike.com/lu/)
- [__Netherlands__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/nl/en/)
- [__Nederland__
\
Nederlands](https://www.nike.com/nl/)
- [__Norway__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/no/en/)
- [__Norge__
\
Norsk](https://www.nike.com/no/)
- [__Polska__
\
Polski](https://www.nike.com/pl/)
- [__Portugal__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/pt/en/)
- [__Portugal__
\
Português](https://www.nike.com/pt/)
- [__Romania__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/ro/)
- [__Россия__
\
Русский](https://www.nike.com/ru/)
- [__Slovakia__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/sk/)
- [__Slovenia__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/si/)
- [__Espanya__
\
Català](https://www.nike.com/es/ca/)
- [__España__
\
Español](https://www.nike.com/es/)
- [__Sweden__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/se/en/)
- [__Sverige__
\
Svenska](https://www.nike.com/se/)
- [__Schweiz__
\
Deutsch](https://www.nike.com/ch/)
- [__Switzerland__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/ch/en/)
- [__Suisse__
\
Français](https://www.nike.com/ch/fr/)
- [__Svizzera__
\
Italiano](https://www.nike.com/ch/it/)
- [__Türkiye__
\
Türkçe](https://www.nike.com/tr/)
- [__United Kingdom__
\
English](https://www.nike.com/gb/)
## Middle East
- [__Saudi Arabia__
\
English](https://www.nike.sa/en/home)
- [__المملكة العربية السعودية__
\
العربية](https://www.nike.sa/ar/home)
- [__United Arab Emirates__
\
English](https://www.nike.ae/en/home)
- [__الإمارات العربية المتحدة__
\
العربية](https://www.nike.ae/ar/home)
- [__Qatar__
\
English](https://www.nike.qa/en/home)
- [__دولة قطر__
\
العربية](https://www.nike.qa/ar/home)
- [__Kuwait__
\
English](https://www.nike.com.kw/en/home)
- [__الكويت__
\
العربية](https://www.nike.com.kw/ar/home)