MARKETING OR QUALITY? - Nike Zoom Mercurial Vapor 16 Elite vs Mizuno Alpha

You don't need me to tell you that the latest Nike Mercurials are good. And even if they weren't good, which is currently not the case by the way, Nike would probably still be able to convince people to buy them. They have always been incredible at marketing their products, especially the ones as tech forward as the Mercurial series. But what about quality? Are there better football boots out there that we just don't hear about?

In today's video we compare the extremely popular Nike Zoom Mercurial Vapor 16 Elite to the extremely underrated Mizuno Alpha. Made in Japan quality versus millions of marketing dollars! What are the differences between them, and which one might be better for you?

[jelangr]

for me mizuno alpha still the best speed boots.
I've tried other brand speed boots, nothing feel as great as Alpha. and the durability is 💯

[khelgarironfist]

Alphas all the way due to fit, comfort and touch. Got both elite and MIJ and they are the only speed boots of today i'd wear, being a leather fan. Elites are even better imo.

[anonymoustv]

I prefer the Vapors tbh, 320 is a ridiculous price

[more]

I got both, i would love to say that the mercs come close, but they don’t. For me, as much as mercurials are “tight-fitting”, they’re nowhere near the shaoe of the alphas. Mercs look like a baguette, they got a very tight forefoot and then you have a uselessely wide midfoot and (mainly) heel section. I got narrow feet, and to me, even if they technically should be, the mercs are not a boot for narrow-footed people. The technology on them is crazy, and that’s why I absolutely hate the fact that the shape feels so off

[tn]

The price of the MIJ Alpha's is just plain ridiculous. Especially given that you can get the elites for around half the price. I don't agree that the touch feels similar. The sponge cage in the alpha really helps with the dampening and structure. The Vapors on the other hand are the thinnest and raw-est boots I have used. Zero dampening. The upper is a lot softer as well, but I feel that the structure suffers greatly because of it. Running around in it feels spongy. Both are suitable for wide feet.

[leembat]

Josh, you've GOT to review a pair of Adler's.

[fredlee]

I was going to go to the store tomorrow for a new pair of boots.
My candidates were Nike Vapor 16, Puma Ultra 5, and Mizuno Alpha.
What a time for a video like this to drop!

[SL]

I have the alpha turfs. They are crazy light.

[Rofoforo]

I've worn a variety of boots over the past few years (mercurials, x, predator, to name but a few).
Got a pair of alpha elites last year and can safely say they are the best fitting boots I've owned. Nervously went a half size down but glad I did. By far the most durable of all boots I've tried in recent years

[AshWright]

Disagree with the soleplates, Vapor 16 felt very spongy after a couple of sessions, I like the idea of it but seems like the air unit just compresses to much like when you wear some thick foam running shoes, 6/10 soleplate for me.

Where with the alpha oh boy are they good!! The karvo plate really keeps you light on your toes, good rigidity and overall an excellent sole plate for both FG and AG.

Also the weight difference is skewed as the length would be different, as I wear a us11.5 in Nike and a us10.5 in Mizuno as the actual length is the same.

[MercurialCarlos]

i own both and the mercs are miles better. best vapors we’ve had in years.

[similingun]

Josh, will you be getting the Vapor 16/Superfly 10 in the Cosmic Speed colourway? they are so sick!

[sergiowrey]

I'd love to see an unozero review someday!

[similingun]

weird that the Alpha i actually went up half a size and it fits very nicely. the Vapor 16 is true to size yes.

[SanIldeBaby]

Can't compared these 2. Mercs look great and they'll forever be iconic, but they're stiff and - unlike Josh - I really don't think they give you any 'barefoot' feel at all. If you're wearing Mercs, you're gonna know you are. Mizunos really are like socks, especially once you break them in

[samuraibri]

I have the alpha elite in AG and I LOVE the stud pattern. I get good grip and I also feel like I am not locked into the pitch.

I also love the extra lace hole. I generally have trouble getting adequate lockdown in my boots and the lace hole makes a world of a difference.

I actually don’t care for the grippy liner, but it’s something I can look past.

[okokaloha]

What size should I go for on the mizuno I got 10.5 on the Vapor perfect fit but I try an alpha 10.5 was way to big so should I go 10 or 9.5?

[DSTRYAH]

I really need your help. Is the predator 2024 league boot a good option for a midfielder? I really want the extra grip but the league version is so different from an elite one. I'm just wondering if they atleast provide enough grip or are there way better options?

[Tshewang-nf]

adidas copa 2 pure, advancement pack please