There are football boots, and then there is the Nike Mercurial Superfly 1.
When it debuted in early 2009, it wasn‘t just another boot—it was Nike’s most advanced football design to date, a revolutionary carbon-fiber masterpiece that redefined what speed on the pitch could look and feel like. It was also the boot Cristiano Ronaldo laced up during the peak of his first Manchester United reign and his early Real Madrid years, cementing its place in boot folklore.
Now, more than fifteen years later, the Superfly 1 returns. This isn‘t a simple retro reissue—it’s a remake. Dressed in a stunning Metallic Gold Star / White colorway, Nike has fused the legendary 2009 upper with the cutting-edge soleplate of the modern Mercurial Vapor 16/Superfly 10, creating a boot that honours the past without sacrificing a single ounce of present-day performance.
We got our hands on a pair. Here‘s our full unboxing and first-look review.
The Unboxing Experience
There’s something sacred about opening a box that contains a piece of football history. The moment you lift the lid, the Metallic Gold Star upper catches the light like a World Cup trophy. This isn‘t a boot that blends into the background—it demands attention.
The first thing you notice is the Flywire technology. Those exposed cables running across the lateral side of the boot are the exact same visual signature that appeared on the original 2009 Superfly 1, and they’ve been faithfully recreated here. They aren‘t just for show—they were inspired by suspension bridge cables, designed to provide lightweight, adaptive support without adding bulk.
Holding the boot, it’s surprisingly light. The upper is soft and pliable, with a subtle texture that suggests excellent ball feel. The modern soleplate beneath is finished in a dazzling metallic chrome effect that complements the gold upper perfectly. Even the insole carries a special touch: “CR7” branding and the words “Made for Greatness” greet you as you prepare to slip your foot inside.
Visuals & Aesthetics
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The Metallic Gold Star / White colorway is nothing short of breathtaking. The gold upper isn‘t a flat, gaudy finish—it’s rich and nuanced, shifting in tone depending on the light. Against this golden canvas, the crisp white Nike Swoosh provides a clean, elegant contrast that feels both classic and contemporary.
The Flywire cables run diagonally across the forefoot, rendered in white and metallic silver, adding visual texture and breaking up the gold in the most iconic way possible. On the heel, the “CR7 Mercurial” logo is embossed in subtle silver lettering—a quiet nod to the man who made this silhouette legendary.
Flip the boot over, and the soleplate steals the show. The metallic chrome finish is mirror-like, catching reflections and turning every step into a visual statement. It’s bold, unapologetic, and perfectly fitting for a boot built for a player who has spent two decades redefining greatness.
Tech Specs: Nostalgia Meets Modernity
The genius of this remake lies in its hybrid construction. Nike has taken the soul of the 2009 Superfly 1 and given it the engine of a 2026 elite performance boot.
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Upper (Retro): The upper faithfully recreates the look and feel of the original Superfly 1, including the signature Flywire cables that provide adaptive midfoot support. The low-top silhouette deviates from the high-cut Dynamic Fit collars of recent Mercurial generations, returning to the clean, unrestrained ankle freedom that defined the original.
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Soleplate (Modern): Beneath the retro upper lies the soleplate from the current Mercurial Vapor 16 / Superfly 10. This modern chassis features a 3/4-length Air Zoom unit for explosive propulsion and responsive cushioning, plus a wavy herringbone outsole pattern for superior traction and rotational agility.
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FG Configuration: The Elite FG soleplate is optimised for firm natural grass surfaces, offering a hybrid stud arrangement that balances linear acceleration with quick directional changes.
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Special Details: The insole is printed with “CR7” branding and the motivational phrase “Made for Greatness”, adding a personal, collector-friendly touch.
On‑Foot Feel
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Slipping into the Superfly 1 CR7 Remake is a surprisingly familiar experience—even if you’ve never worn the original. The low-top cut leaves the ankle completely free, a refreshing departure from the sock-like collars that dominate the current boot market. There‘s a sense of liberation here, a reminder that speed doesn’t always need to be locked in from every angle.
The Flywire cables engage immediately as you lace up. They pull the foot into a secure, supportive embrace without creating pressure points. The upper itself is soft and responsive, offering excellent ball feel right out of the box.
The modern soleplate is where the magic happens. The 3/4-length Air Zoom unit delivers that characteristic pop with every stride—not mushy, but propulsive. Whether you‘re pushing off for a sprint or planting for a sharp cut, the responsiveness is immediate. The metallic chrome finish on the soleplate isn’t just for looks; the underlying traction pattern offers reliable grip on firm grass surfaces.
This is a boot that feels both nostalgic and cutting-edge—a rare combination that will appeal to collectors and serious players alike.
Verdict
The Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly 1 CR7 Remake Elite FG is more than a retro release. It‘s a love letter to one of football’s most iconic boots, executed with the respect and technical precision that a legend deserves.
For collectors, the Metallic Gold Star / White colorway is a stunning addition to any CR7 lineup. For players, the fusion of a classic upper with a modern Air Zoom soleplate delivers genuine on-pitch performance. It‘s a boot that looks like 2009 and plays like 2026—and that’s exactly what a remake should be.
Rating: 9.5/10
Available in extremely limited numbers at Pro Soccer UK.
