Frozen Legacy: Nike Teases New Cryoshot Silhouette Inspired by R9 Classic

Legacy Frozen in time.

Nike have just took to Instagram to teas what could be one of its most intriguing launches of the year: the Nike Cryoshot. A brand-new silhouette, the Nike Cryoshot looks to merge the history and heritage of their football boots into a new lifestyle release.

Alongside this teaser, Nike have posted a few more cryptic Instagram posts related to the upcoming Champion League Final which also use this de-icing motif. Could this suggest that Nike may have even more planned for this weekend?

While Nike is keeping full details under wraps, the Cryoshot clearly draws lineage from the iconic Mercurial R9, famously worn by Ronaldo during the 1998 World Cup and the first Mercurial boot ever released. That DNA is apparent in the wave details across the upper and the standout colourway they've chosen to showcase.

This latest release seems to continue a recent trend of football-boot-inspired footwear making its way into streetwear. The recent re-launch of the T90s spring to mind, as does the adidas Predator Megaride which shares a similar exaggerated style to the Nike Cryoshot.

Given the timing and coordinated visuals with the Champions League Final, all signs point to some big news dropping this weekend. What other nostalgic Nike Football releases would you like to see the Swoosh brand revisit?

Debuted by the owner of Corteiz Clint, a pair of the Mercurial R9 Cryoshot can be seen hanging from his neck, a homage to the infamous photo of Ronaldo Nazário at the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Here we can see a clearer image of the boot-hybrids, with mini stud lugs and herringbone traction providing the new basis of the outsole. However also visible is the white Nike "SAMPLE" lettering stamped onto the lining, suggesting that these might not be the 100% accurate to the final version which will hit retailers later this year.

Also revealed via Clint's story was a collaborative Patta edition in "Black Orange", suggesting that the Cryshot is in for a slew of colourways we have yet to see. Which brand would you want to see partner up on the hyrbid Mercurial, let us know over at our socials!