Soccer Wars: Adidas TUNIT Interchangeable System Vs. Nike Mercurial Vapor

In terms of soccer cleats, the Adidas TUNIT is getting the same kinds of publicity that accorded the Reebok PUMP system more accolades than it deserved. Its brethren only in boot, the Nike Mercurial is slowly making its claim as the top boot among footballers with its lightweight yet distributable microfiber upper and comfortable foot last.

Though both are expensive in terms of price, both boots have unique benefits not seen in other shoemakers or in boots. For example, the TUNIT system is the only boot of its kind to allow players to design or redesign their boots specific to the ground on which they are playing. This starts at the sole of the shoe, works its way to the cleats themselves, wends on to the chassis of the boot and finishes at the upper, giving the player four different ways they can shape the boot according to their comfort level and preference.

In contrast the Nike Mercurial was worn by a good majority of players in the just completed 2006 FIFA World Cup, including Footballer of the Year Ronaldinho and American star Landon Donovan. It’s easy to see why players like the big R and Landon prefer the boot to the TUNIT, since it is lightweight and claims to give players added acceleration. Both are fast and both probably need the added speed to get around burly defenders who would rather they not put the ball in the net.

Both series have few competitors, though some may argue the Mercurial has more. If you look at the Mercurial you can see that its lacing system is not unlike the older Adidas Copa Mundial and Puma King boots. You can also see, that like its older counterparts, it has a large playing surface. There are few layers on which a player can strike the ball and in some ways this is good, particularly for attacking players. It is light though strong enough to withstand repeated wear and tear and is form fitting.