The first rumors of a “football Patta” were already circulating at the end of 2025. With the 2026 World Cup taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico, brands are going all-in with their tributes to the world’s biggest sport. The Patta x Nike Cryoshot Mercurial Vapor 16 Elite FG ‘Waves’ is a strong example of that.
Waves
For this upcoming release, the signature ‘Waves’ motif returns once again. The wavy mudguard first appeared in 2021 on the Nike Air Max 1 'Monarch', the first colorway in what would become a long-running series. On Air Max Day, today, March 26, the ‘Wave’ also returns on the Nike Air Max 1 '87 White & Hyper Crimson'.
Beyond the Air Max 1, the wavy mudguard also appeared on the Nike Air Max 90, with two colorways released last year. Now, for the first time, the mudguard appears on a football boot. The Nike Mercurial Vapor 16 Elite FG is arguably one of the most recognizable cleats among football enthusiasts.
The Nike Mercurial Vapor 16 Elite FG arrives in the familiar ‘Noise Aqua’ colorway, the second colorway from the ‘Waves’ collaboration. Its upper is constructed from silver-toned Flyknit/Gripknit material. Beneath the sole sits an iridescent plate fitted with firm-ground studs, designed to provide optimal traction on natural grass.
This is not the only colorway expected from the collaboration. During last year’s “boots-only summer” trend, another Patta x Nike Cryoshot Mercurial surfaced in black, silver and orange. No official release date has been announced for that pair yet.
Release
Check out the images of the Patta x Nike Mercurial Vapor 16 Elite FG ‘Waves’ below. And don’t forget to set your alarm for the release of the Nike Air Max 1 '87 White & Hyper Crimson', dropping today.
As always, keep an eye on the Sneakerjagers news page for updates.
