Soccer Wars: Adidas TUNIT Interchangeable System Vs. Nike Mercurial Vapor
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.
In the TUNIT system you have an opportunity to create your boot from scratch, right down to the sole. If you have ankle or foot trouble, you can insert an orthotic sole especially designed for Adidas right into the boot. If the weather causes your foot to sweat inside the shoe, you can purchase a ClimaCool upper designed to wick away excess moisture from your shoe. And if you wish to throw on some cleats designed for a muddy playing surface, all you have to do is insert the key into your chassis, tune it a few times and away you go.
My Experience With the Cleats in Question
While my playing days are long over, I’m now a youth soccer coach at a high-profile club in Salt Lake City. A player of mine who is a shoe enthusiast to put it mildly (he owns more than 50 pairs of cleats) offered to try out both pair and already owned the Merucurial Vapor. He also suffers from ankle and heel problems and so the opportunity to try out both pairs of cleats was a no-brainer.
His Verdict
After purchasing both pair, he had mixed reactions, as expected. Though he has played in Nike Mercurial Vapor cleats for six months and likes them a lot, he has still suffered from foot problems, particularly in the ankle. He said he did notice a difference in his ankle injury once he put on the orthotic sole offered in the Adidas TUNIT system. After several weeks of playing he said he still prefers the Mercurial Vapor, however. This is due to the lightweight, versatile movement of his game and if he were in more of a defensive role he would likely switch to the TUNIT, primarily for its versatility as a shoe.
He also said he would consider the TUNIT if the weather was uncooperative or just plain too hot. The Mercurial boots do not offer the same cleat options as the TUNIT; they are molded studs. And for just hanging out he said he has to stick with the Mercurial 365 series, because in his words, the shoes are just “tight with the ladies.” I’ll take his word for it, however, it’s safe to say from his reaction that the Mercurial is for attackers like Thierry Henry and Landon Donovan, while the TUNIT may be for players who need to be more versatile in their game and who like more variety in their boots.
Did You Know?
The Adidas TUNIT system has uppers specially designed for all 32 teams that played in the recently completed 2006 FIFA World Cup? That’s right; Choose from the red, yellow and green of Ghana with team-specific logos or go with a fan favorite, such as the light blue and white of Argentina. If you already have the TUNIT system, then all you need to do is plug the upper into your chassis, slap on the cleats preferred with your stud key and you are ready to wear a Limited Edition, once-in-a-lifetime boot you will never forget.
For Nike enthusiasts, you can also customize your playing experience with stickers displaying your favorite number and nation or icon. Let everyone know who you are and show them what you have got on and off the field.
Resources
For a complete, professional analysis of soccer cleats, go to www.soccer.com on the Internet or visit your local soccer shop today.
