Nike Jr. Mercurial Vapor 16 Pro

As a stepdad, I’m always looking for ways to support my stepson—whether that’s helping with homework, coaching from the sidelines, or simply making sure he has the gear he needs to play his best. These Nike Jr. Mercurial Vapor 16 Pro cleats turned out to be one of the best purchases we’ve made this season. He’s 10 and just starting to really find his stride on the soccer field. As soon as he laced these up, you could see the change in his confidence. The cleats are lightweight but feel durable, and they gave him that “pro player” look he’s always admired. He said he could cut and sprint without slipping, even on damp grass, and the fit was snug but comfortable—not too tight around the toes like some others we’ve tried. What stood out to me as a parent was the quality. The material is solid, the grip on firm ground is excellent, and the colorway (we got the bright crimson/black version) turned heads on the field—he actually wanted to show them off to his teammates. That alone was worth the price. Seeing him excited, not just to play, but to feel like he belonged out there? That’s everything. Sizing was true to fit—he’s between sizes and we sized up slightly, which worked out perfectly. No complaints of blisters or discomfort after two back-to-back weekend games. And clean-up was surprisingly easy after a muddy match. Bottom line: These cleats didn’t just improve his traction—they gave him a confidence boost that every young athlete deserves. If you’re a parent or stepparent looking for a solid investment for your kid’s game, these are absolutely worth it.

[Name removed] is a high level athlete. Footwork is big part of Jiu Jitsu, so we try to incorporate other sports like soccer into his training to bolster every aspect of his game. [Name removed] is (7) and wears a size 1Y (roughly). These Nike Jr Mercurial Vapor Cleats fit perfectly in 1Y. They’re definitely a little tight/narrow, but I feel they “broke in” quickly. You may struggle to get them on at first, but once you get them on they flex/maneuver well. The cleat length is great for digging into the ground and helping you move with ease and transition between running and stopping. Like any sport or challenge it shouldn’t be easy. When [Name removed] laces up its full go to the max. He ran these all afternoon trying to perfect his game. We will be using these all summer!

Sleek and lightweight, these cleats slip on like socks and look very nimble and cool on the field. Laces seem purely decorative as they don’t tighten the shoes. Length of shoe runs long for the size. Comfortable. Just wish unnecessary laces were eliminated so there’s no risk of them untying during play.