adidas Predator vs. Nike Mercurial vs. Puma Future
2023 is set to be a massive year for fresh designs and game-changing football boots.
Adidas have dropped the Predator Accuracy, Nike have already launched their next-gen Mercurials and Puma have improved their arsenal with the latest Future.
Frankly, they are three incredible options that we’re excited to tell you more about. Because we understand, boot releases can be a tad confusing.
It’s a three-way standoff between the big guns and their flagship models. And they’re all out here offering something different.
Even though it may sound like a ‘taken it too far’ sci-fi crossover movie, Predator vs. Mercurial vs. Future is an important battle from where we see it.
If you’re not sure where to put your hard earned cash this season, we’re here to break down and compare each model for you.
In a rush? Jump straight to the breakdown:
Fit & Comfort | Touch & Control | Soleplates & Traction | Design & Style | Pricing & Takedowns
Predator, Mercurial & Future: what are they?
You may have no clue as to what we’re talking about when we say those three words. And that’s understandable.
New boot releases are ten a penny these days, which means some of them are bound to slip under your radar. Like prime Messi to his man-marker.
We’re talking about three flagship football boot models from the leading brands in the sportswear world: adidas, Nike and Puma.
Adidas’ Predator Accuracy was released in February 2023. Existing since 1994, this is the 20th release from adidas’ long history of Predator boots.
The Nike Mercurial Vapor 15 and Superfly 9 models were launched back in July 2022, overtaking the earlier 14 & 8 models, respectively. Mercs have been around since 1998 and are one of the best Nike boots around. Never forget R9.
Puma’s latest Future design was released in December 2022. It’s the 10th edition from a popular line of Future models since 2018. And it takes over from the Puma Future Z.
That’s the simple top-level summary taken care of, so let’s get that shovel out and dig a little deeper…
Predator Accuracy vs. Mercurial Vapor/Superfly vs. Future
Separating these boots isn’t going to be easy, but you’re probably not going to buy all three. That’s unless you’re really caught up in the hype. And loaded.
Each boot has its strengths and weaknesses, so your choice will likely come down to your own playing style and which qualities you find most important in a boot.
OK, it’s time to throw them all in the ring together and see how they stack up.
PLEASE NOTE: we’re only comparing the premium (most expensive) versions of each boot. That’s the Predator Accuracy ‘.1’ & ‘+’, the Mercurial Vapor/Superfly ‘Elite’ and the Future ‘Ultimate’.
Check out our guide on cheap vs. expensive boots to learn more about takedown models.
Fit & Comfort
Predator Accuracy
Moving away from their usual narrow build, the Accuracy has more of a regular fit than we’ve seen in previous Mutator, Freak and Edge Predators.
The laced versions (mid-cut ‘.1’ and low-cut ‘.1 Low’) both have ample room and overall comfort is delivered by a two-piece Primeknit collar and synthetic HybridTouch uppers (50% recycled).
Lace closure on those two models helps to secure the lockdown you want, rather than leaving it to luck with the laceless ‘+’ version. Which as you’d expect, is naturally a little tighter.
Mercurial Vapor/Superfly
The Nike Mercurial range has never had a laceless option, and this trend continues with the Vapor 15 and Superfly 9.
A ¾ Nike Zoom Air unit has been added to both these models, delivering underfoot comfort far and above anything else on the market.
The fit is fairly slim on both versions, but the Superfly 9 with its Dynamic Fit sock collar (the only difference between Vapor & Superfly) is particularly tricky for players with wider feet.
Future
Puma’s major pull comes from the FUZIONFIT360 uppers on the Future, it wraps the foot snug inside a dual mesh, stretch-knit lightweight material. It’s cosy.
That upper is overlaid with PWRTAPE, which supports key areas of the foot whilst adding durability. As is popular now, it’s available in either mid-cut or low-cut constructions.
For wide-footed players, these are the best Puma boots available. There’s space in the toe box and the lacing is highly adaptable. If you want, you can even remove them and go laceless!
READ | The complete guide to adidas' boot range.
Touch & Control
Predator Accuracy
As it always has been, the adidas Predator is built for touch and control. After all, it’s the quintessential midfielder’s boot.
The Accuracy includes 3D rubber elements (similar to the earlier Freak) on HybridTouch uppers, which do help to cushion, grip and swerve the ball with ease.
Every version of Accuracy has ample surface area for clean control and the instep strike zone is increased, thanks to slightly offset lacing (the sock collar is offset on the laceless ‘+’).
Mercurial Vapor/Superfly
Nike invented Vaporposite+ upper material for the Vapor 15 and Superfly 9 models. This is the grid-like, grippy mesh material that makes ball control a doddle, in any conditions.
If the Predator is #1 for midfielders, then this is #1 for forwards. The lightweight feel and sticky uppers will have you dribbling as if it’s glued to your toes.
A little thinner than most modern boot silos, it’s a feeling which may be an acquired taste. But if you’ve enjoyed Mercurials over the years, they won’t be a worry for you.
Future
As we mentioned earlier, the FUZIONFIT360 upper on the Puma Future is comfortable. But it’s also covered in engineered 3D textures for improved ball control.
With a focus on passing, dribbling and finishing, top players are beginning to recognise the quality of the Puma Future. Ask Neymar, for example.
The feel on the ball is very good, with the boot’s overall shape offering plenty of surface area instep, outstep and forefoot.
READ | The complete guide to Nike's boot range.
Soleplates & Traction
Predator Accuracy
An overlooked part of buying new football boots is the soleplate and the traction from it. But the truth is, most modern boots are now advanced enough to cope with any pitch.
The Predator Accuracy contains FacetFrame technology, which is more of a power asset than a traction one. Its split outsole is built to deliver added strength behind laced strikes.
Adidas’ soleplate options are standard, with firm ground (FG), soft ground (SG), artificial ground (AG), astro turf (TF) and indoor court (IC) available.
Mercurial Vapor/Superfly
The FG soleplate of the Vapor and Superfly contains ‘toe-off’ directional tri-studs which aid acceleration and quicker turns.
Lightweight build structure on the Nike Mercurial helps to improve traction and responsiveness, giving you a better chance to change direction and shimmy past startled defenders.
Alongside the FG model, both the low-cut Vapor and high-cut Superfly are also available in SG, AG, TF and IC options.
Future
The main event with the outsole of the Future is the Dynamic Motion System (DMS). Created to help provide a foundation for unpredictable changes of direction and bursts of speed.
This is an updated version of the first DMS, containing a more stable heel and a more flexible forefoot area. It’s all about sharpness and agility.
The Puma Future (both low-cut and mid-cut) is available to buy in Puma’s patented mixed soleplate FG/AG, SG, MG (multi-ground), TF and IC models.
READ | The complete guide to Puma's boot range.
Design & Style
Predator Accuracy
Looks are subjective, so we’re telling you what we think. Feel free to use the images to judge for yourself. But in our humble opinion, the Accuracy is one of the best adidas boots that we’ve seen for a while.
It uses nostalgic touches from the 1998 Accelerator. Namely, the angled stripes that continue through the soleplate, plus accenting on the heel.
For us, it looks best in the clean, modern laceless model. The original ‘Shock Pink’ colourway would’ve been better as red, but that’s just being picky.
No doubt about it, this is a great looking boot. And depending on how well it performs on the big stages, it may go down in history. You heard it here first.
Mercurial Vapor/Superfly
One of the most recognisable boot models in history has a hard time reinventing itself year-on-year. But this season’s Mercurial refresh is unbelievably eye-catching.
The whopping ‘Air’ graffiti tag on the instep may put a few people off, but it’s a massive pointing finger towards Nike’s first ever use of Zoom Air tech in its football boots.
After all, this is the boot which made Erling Haaland turn down adidas and even ditch his trusty Vapor 14s. For that alone, they can’t be ignored.
As always, some colourways will be more attractive than others. This beautiful game is made for individuals though, so you’re sure to find something you love.
Future
The Future is somewhat Marmite of the football boot world. You either love it or you hate it. Puma is known for boldness, and the Future is testament to that motto.
They’ve experimented with just about every colour on the spectrum for their boots, and this one is no different. Orange, blue, yellow, red. You name it, they’ve tried it.
In terms of shaping, for us the low-cut version is less aggressive and therefore easier on the eye. The zig-zag on the upper is odd, but it’ll tickle the fancy of more outlandish players.
If you’re the one who doesn’t like to follow the crowd, then the Future is going to be the one for your game. Turns out, Neymar is right on brand.
Pricing & Takedowns
Predator Accuracy
All new releases of premium adidas Predator Accuracy models will set you back £200+ (RRP), with the laceless ‘+’ coming in £50 more expensive (due to increased manufacturing costs).
You’re getting top tech for that money, but what if your game isn’t on the elite level? Well, as with all adidas boots, there are takedown models available for less.
The ‘.2’ is the second tier and it packs a healthy amount of tech that will perform comfortably throughout any grassroots players’ season.
Further down the pecking order, you’ve got the ‘.3’ and ‘.4’. These are usually synthetic and lacking tech to shout about. They’re built mainly for casual players and kids.
The four takedown tiers of adidas Predator Accuracy span from £40 - £250.
Mercurial Vapor/Superfly
No surprises here, the RRP of the ‘Elite’ models of Nike Mercurial will cost you £260 (RRP) (Superfly) and £245 (Vapor 15). Yes, it’s a serious investment in your game.
Be aware, you’re only going to get Vaporposite+ upper tech in the premium ‘Elite’ model. That’s a big one to miss out on, if you opt for cheaper takedowns.
However, you will still get Zoom Air tech in the ‘Pro’ takedown, which is the second tier of the Mercurial. The ‘Pro’ has more than enough for weekend footballers to perform.
The lowest levels of Mercurial are the ‘Academy’ and ‘Club’ options. And like the Predator, they’re reserved for more casual ‘ballers and little ones.
The price range across the four Mercurial takedown tiers goes from £40 - £260.
Future
Coming in the cheapest of the premium offerings, the Puma Future ‘Ultimate’ will have you spilling £200 (RRP) and £190 for the ‘Low’ version.
There are also a smattering of special edition Futures which tend to retail around £230-£250. Fine, if you’re a known worshipper of Neymar.
Like Nike, Puma’s second tier takedown is named ‘Pro’. With it you’ll get the older FUZIONFIT+ uppers (still very good), but the Dynamic Motion System outsole and PWRTAPE stay.
Step down to cheaper ‘Match’ and ‘Play’ levels, then you’re looking at a fairly basic setup. Albeit, a very durable and cost-effective one for both adults and kids.
Puma Future prices range from £40 - £200 for the standard releases across four takedown tiers.
Phew. Take a breather, because that was a lot of information! We hope it’s helped you decide on your next pair to take on to the field.
If you’re looking for the cheapest online prices for every boot we’ve mentioned, you’ll find them on our football boots page.
If you prefer one brand over another after reading our guide, then you can easily browse adidas boots, Nike boots or Puma boots too.
We compare money-saving deals daily from trusted retailers like Pro:Direct, Lovell Soccer, JD Sports and leading brands like Nike, adidas and Puma.
