'Melon' isn't a colour we see a helluva lot of in the 'sphere – it'd certainly make for a pretty anaemic edition of Colourway Corral, if we ever tried squeezing its available nectar out into a feature. And that's a damn shame, because its punch is proven in an effervescent new duo of Nike Mercurials from the Swoosh and French football superstar Kylian Mbappé.
The Mercurial line of football cleats is described by Nike as 'scary good', and when you look at the lineup of luminaries who call Mercurials their muse it is actually pretty terrifying: Sam Kerr, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Vini Jr all join Mbappé as devotees. The performance-focused series has been at the bleeding edge of technological innovation and design since its launch in 1998, but the two models in Mbappé's new 'Melon' camp – the Vapor 16 Elite and Superfly 10 Elite – were born just last year. This gen's major upgrade came in a Gripknit upper, complementing the forefoot Air Zoom bubble, wavy traction pattern for inhuman grip, and embiggened memory foam pod in the heel. The primary difference between the Vapor 16 and Superfly 10 is the latter's extended Flyknit ankle collar, for those players seeking a more locked-in feel.
Both of Mbappé's new editions come in the 'Melon Tint/Igloo/Neo Turquoise' colourway, though the hues are decidedly brighter on the Vapor 16. Mbappé's minimalist 'KM' branding hits both pairs' lateral heels, with curving linework moving from the boots' fluid graphics straight into the upper's knit stitching. The boots' Swooshes, 'Air Zoom' and 'Mercurial' branding, and cleat-tips are daubed in bright blue, and insoles bear the official 'DESIGNED TO THE EXACT SPECIFICATIONS OF KYLIAN MBAPPÉ' stamp and signature – just in case you thought it was all lip service.
The Kylian Mbappé x Nike Mercurial Collection drops October 16, 2025, through Nike's site and select football retailers. The Vapor 16 Elite will set you back $295 clams, while that extended ankle collar pushes the Superfly 10 up to $305.
For more Mbappé, check out our round-up of the Parisian prince's best sneaker moments.
