While Nike Mercurial Superfly cleats are made to last and perform, the lifespan of these shoes ultimately depends on how you use them, how do you take care of them, and the type of surface you play on. Usually, the life of the cleats can be seen for 6 months to a year in terms of regular use; this may differ for players who regularly practice or play games. The performance of a cleat remains at optimum level for 8 — 12 months max with regular use (a few times a week) before the wear & tear of the soleplate & upper gain the visible results of time.
The Nike Mercurial Superfly is durable, attribute to the high-quality materials like the Flyknit upper and the carbon fiber soleplate. Flyknit is a technical, featherlight, breathable fabric, but synthetic fabrics can wear out over time, and excessive use in dirty environments can leave marks. While the purpose-built carbon fiber soleplate focuses on speed and traction, it is a very durable soleplate, but also has a tendency to lose its durability faster when it comes into contact with artificial turf or any abrasive surfaces. After around 100-120 hours of play, many players say the traction and feel of the cleats begin to go away, but the performance of the cleats is still good for recreational playing well past that mark.
How well a player maintains their cleats can go a long way with the cleats durability. Things like regularly cleaning the cleats and storing them properly can help lengthen their life. Likewise, stay off surfaces that they were not made for (do not play on hard concrete, your only doing the cleats a disservice and they will deteriorate faster). According to a study commissioned by the footwear company, storing soccer cleats correctly in a cool, dry area can prolong their lives by as much as 15%.
For months on end, some of the world’s most famous athletes, such as Kylian Mbappé and Neymar, wear the Nike Mercurial Superfly in professional soccer, but they say they usually change their cleats every 6 months of heavy wear to keep the cleat’s performance level up. Thus, the Nike Mercurial Superfly cleats are built with a high-quality structure to last longer, but the time frame for the lifespan will vary from usage, care, and terrain. If you’re a player who needs cleats that perform over time, the Nike Mercurial Superfly is still a go-to.