As a parent you want your child to always have the opportunity to reach their potential. When you think of “potential” on the soccer field you have to put Cristiano Ronaldo on the short list of players that have achieved excellence. He has amazing speed, finesse and strength. His soccer talent and his charismatic smile are recognized all of the world. There is no question why Nike launched his distinctive CR line of soccer gear. With every iteration of the CR7 moniker we are becoming more and more impressed with Cristiano.

Nike Mercurial CR Vapor for Youth

That brings us to the Youth CR Vapor IX launched this Spring 2013. It is the young player’s version of the elite level cleat Cristiano himself will use when he takes the field for Real Madrid. Graphically identical to the adult version, the youth CR7 Vapor features a bright splash of total crimson across the top and then bands of navy blue and volt until the bottom half of upper in a bright white. The Nike Swoosh has a speckled total crimson/volt texture along with a blurred gradient to make it look like you are a player in motion. The backheel has a few details to check out. The “Love To Win. Hate To Lose.” icon is placed next to Cristiano’s #7 in a bright volt. Just to the right of the 7 is the Mercurial mark from Nike. With an MSRP of $115 the Youth CR Mercurial Vapor could be considered an investment for a parent. What are you really getting with the kid’s vapor? Is it worth it? I don’t mean to skip to the chase but the short answer is ‘yes’ it is worth it. Here’s why…

  • Teijin synthetic upper (huh?) – The material in the upper of the shoe is the same Teijin synthetic used in the men’s fit counterpart. It is very soft and works very well for most players to create a snug fit while allowing enough flex in the material to feel good on your feet. Note: The youth Vapor doesn’t have the ACC treatment of the men’s version. 
  • Style for miles! – There is no difference in the cosmetic appeal of the shoe from the shoe worn by Mr. CR7.
  • The Outsole (a.ka. the cleats) – Modeled after the men’s fit cleat and a full-length lightweight TPU plate. That means you get a lightweight, firm yet flexible cleat that grips in every possible direction you run.

Love to Win. Hate to Lose. The CR icon on the heel.

The Youth version of the Vapor does have a lot of great features and you will notice the quality when comparing it to the Youth Victory or Veloce. I do have to break the bad news to you. There isn’t a free shoe bag in the box with the Youth Vapor. Ouch. Nike has to find every way it can to make this shoe a price that is palatable for a youth player… no bag.

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Ultimately, you do get the best of the best for a youth shoe with the CR7. I appreciate the way Nike doesn’t skimp on the quality of youth cleats. It leverages the technology and benefits of the men’s fit as much a possible. And, you get an identical looking shoe from the pro-level cleat used by magical players… or the magical player, Cristiano Ronaldo.

5 / 5 stars     
 

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