Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts and catching the latest movies. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
With the World Cup in North America in 2026, fashion brands have begun to prioritize and focus on their soccer releases, not only for off-the-pitch lifestyle wear but also through performance footwear. For Nike, they've brought back a boot made famous by some of the game's greatest players in the early 2000s, the Nike Mercurial Vapor 1, dropping a pair worn by Ronaldo and another by Cristiano Ronaldo. A third original colorway from the silhouette's 2002 run is coming back — Shock Orange.
The same upgraded performance features from the other two recent retros of the Nike Mercurial Vapor 1 appear on this Shock Orange colorway. As for the color palette, the leather upper is coated in shock orange with accenting pops of white on the Swoosh, heel, and sockliner. More hits of orange find a home on the lace set.
Inside the sneaker, a custom insole reads “Created to the exact specifications of Cristiano Ronaldo” alongside the number “14082002,” which nods to the date Ronaldo made his professional debut for Sporting CP (August 14, 2002). Technical aspects of the cleat include Air Zoom cushioning and updated traction via the studs on the outsole.
The Nike Mercurial Vapor 1 RGN Shock Orange will release on May 19, 2025, through Nike and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men’s sizing, the retail price is $300. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via Nike
