The Nike Cryoshot Mercurial Vapor R9 “Varsity Royal” releases in Summer 2026 for $210, reimagining the Mercurial Vapor boots Ronaldo wore during the 1998 World Cup under Nike’s new Cryoshot collection. The end result is a hybrid shoe that features the upper of the Mercurial Vapor R9 and the Cryoshot sole.
Quick Facts
Nike Cryoshot Mercurial Vapor R9 “Varsity Royal”
Color: Varsity Royal/Varsity Maize-Metallic Silver
Release Date: Summer 2026
Style Code: IQ8160-400
Price: $210
Where to Buy: SNKRS
More Info: Nike Release Dates
Ronaldo’s 1998 World Cup boots have been sitting in Nike’s archives for nearly three decades, and apparently someone finally decided they were too good to keep locked away in a warehouse somewhere in Oregon. The Nike Cryoshot Mercurial Vapor R9 “Varsity Royal” releases Summer 2026 for $210, taking the Mercurial Vapor boots R9 wore during that infamous tournament and converting them into lifestyle footwear you can actually wear without tearing up your ankles on concrete.
Ronaldo Nazário, known as R9, entered the 1998 World Cup as the world’s best player at age 21. He had won the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1996 and 1997. Nike signed Ronaldo in 1996, making him a centerpiece of their football marketing as they competed against Adidas for dominance in the sport.
The 1998 World Cup in France became one of football’s most dramatic tournaments, culminating in Brazil’s loss to the host nation, France, in the final. During the match, he wore the Mercurial Vapor R9, which is considered one of the best soccer boots ever made.
The Mercurial Vapor R9 becomes the first announced Nike Cryoshot model. As for the look, it features Varsity royal and silver as the primary colors, covering the upper that forms the shoe’s base. This blue directly references Brazil’s national team colors, specifically the blue often used as an accent color on Brazilian kits during the 1990s. Metallic silver overlays create contrast against the royal blue mesh. Silver was prominent in late-90s footwear design, appearing on numerous Nike models from that era.
Varsity maize Swooshes reference Brazil’s primary yellow color, creating a direct connection to the national team’s iconic kits. Yellow and blue together instantly evoke Brazilian football in a way that’s recognizable even to casual observers. Additionally, it features Cryoshot tooling on the midsole with a translucent finish.
More Nike Cryoshot Releases
Nike Cryoshot Mercurial Vapor R9 Varsity Royal Release Date
The Nike Cryoshot Mercurial Vapor R9 “Varsity Royal” will be released in Summer 2026 at select Nike Sportswear retailers and online via Nike.com. The retail price is $210. Make sure to check back for more info. Below, you can see more photos for a closer look.
Bottom Line
Converting the Mercurial Vapor R9 into the Cryoshot interests me because it acknowledges Nike’s football heritage in a market that’s been dominated by basketball and running shoes. Football boots have distinctive aesthetics that could appeal to sneaker buyers if executed properly, and the R9 connection provides compelling story beyond just “we made a shoe inspired by cleats.”
The translucent tooling concerns me because it’s either going to look premium and well-executed or cheap and plasticky depending on material quality and manufacturing precision. Translucent midsoles done poorly look like budget shoes regardless of actual price, while high-quality translucent materials create that technical, premium aesthetic Nike wants. The difference comes down to execution details that aren’t apparent until the actual product releases.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Cryoshot line is Nike’s new hybrid design series that merges elements from performance footwear, especially football boots, with lifestyle sneaker construction. It allows archival designs like the Mercurial Vapor R9 to be reimagined for everyday wear.
Yes. Multiple classic soccer boots will be released as hybrids using the Cyroshot sole. Some will be collaborations.
Info: Sneaker Market RO, brandon1an