Quick Facts
- The Nike Cryoshot Mercurial Vapor R9 OG comes out of a long-running football boot factory in Montebelluna, Italy, where generations of footwear craftsworkers have designed and produced the world’s best cleats
- Now, after a year of searching for the ideal translucent midsole material, the same factory that first crafted the Mercurial Vapor R9 is back with a modern take on the shoe that will find its place in the stands instead of on the pitch
- The Nike Cryoshot Mercurial Vapor R9 OG will be released Summer 2026
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The World Cup is bringing the soccer world to the US, Canada, and Mexico this summer, but in anticipation of the global tournament, Nike took its soccer department overseas to Italy for a new take on an iconic silhouette. Freezing the iconic Mercurial Vapor R9 in a block of metaphorical ice, the Nike Cyroshot program was able to preserve the classic cleat look in a new, street-ready silhouette.
Keeping the Cleats, Without a Spike
The Nike Cryoshot Mercurial Vapor R9 OG comes out of a long-running football boot factory in Montebelluna, Italy, where generations of footwear craftsworkers have designed and produced the world’s best cleats. Now, after a year of searching for the ideal translucent midsole material, the same factory that first crafted the Mercurial Vapor R9 is back with a modern take on the shoe that will find its place in the stands instead of on the pitch. Preserving the iconic silver and blue colorway, the Cryoshot lets you see the cleats through the midsole, without feeling the spikes underfoot.
“Football boots exist on this interesting spectrum of memento and performance equipment,” says Michele Galasso, Nike Lead Footwear Developer in Italy. “It’s reserved for the pitch. Over time, once you stop playing, it turns into a beautiful piece of memorabilia, like a museum piece. We wanted it to be possible to wear these boots every day.”
Nike Cryoshot Mercurial Vapor R9 OG Release Details
The Nike Cryoshot Mercurial Vapor R9 OG will be released Summer 2026 through Nike and select retailers in-store and online. Available in unisex sizing, the retail price is set at $210. Expect to see a ton of Cryoshots, both inline and collaboration, over the coming months. For all the latest Nike news and drop info, download the Sole Retriever App.
Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com
