Reliving Brazil’s historic FIFA World Cup 2002 campaign, Nike reissues the iconic Mercurial Vapor 1 RGN SE “Chrome Lime”. Famously worn by the legendary R9 himself, Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, this 1-to-1 reissue celebrates a football boot that has since transcended the leather and rubber that it is. We know that the avid football fans are eager to get their hands on this R9 Vapor 1 retro, so whether these boots are for a kick about in the park, tearing up your local five-a-side tournament or the grass pitches of the premier league, do not wait around on this drop.
Originally designed by Peter Hudson this Vapor 1 remake comes in at under 200 grams and no longer features the NikeSkin upper from the original but instead a variation of FlyTouch from the Legend 10 series, giving you the same levels of comfort you may think you remember from the 2002 iteration. This RGN or 'Regeneration' edition uses the outsole from the Vapor 16 Elite with the addition of the Zoom unit in the heel and Air unit in the forefoot. Arguably the best colourway from the OG Vapor 1 series thanks to Ronaldo's top tier performances in them during the semi-finals and finals of the 2002 Japan World Cup, there is no better way to start off the RGN versions. The mini-tongue is also back bearing the R9 insignia, a beautiful design element that echoes a stripped back take on the football boots that came before it, ones that designer Peter Hudson once deemed 'Farm Equipment'.
The Vapor 1 Regen arrives in an oldschool orange and cardboard Nike shoe box, along with a chrome numbered hang tag and Total 90 boot bag, giving you that special unboxing feel you once had when you were younger. Some football boot fanatics have been complaining about the wider ankle opening which takes away from the boot's lock-down sensation, that being said we recommend going true to size by picking your standard Nike football boot size.
The R9 Nike Boots will be landing on the 9th of December via the Nike website along with other UK retailers such as Pro Direct Sports. Rumoured to be dropping in limited quantities, you can find out where to get your hands on the Nike Mercurial Vapor 1 RGN SE “Chrome Lime” by keeping it locked to The Sole Supplier!
