Nike and Off-White’s Virgil Abloh are set to launch a brand new collaboration, this time on the football pitch.

The Nike Mercurial Vapor 360 x Virgil Abloh will be released in extremely limited quantities on March 31, the same day PSG teen superstar Kylian Mbappé debuts the pair on the pitch.

In a recent statement by Nike, Virgil Abloh explains the design intent behind the striking shoe which appears in predominantly orange.

“For this Mercurial, I was interested in bridging the gap between foot and eye coordination,” says Abloh. “All the dots on the boot represent an optimal place to strike the ball.”

Visibly, blue dots appear on the part of the boot where most strikers would use to curl a shot. A smaller white dot is placed on the outer foot.

Of course, the boot does more than just inform its wearer on where he or she should hit the ball. In Abloh’s words, he hopes the design of the boot can serve as a message to its wearer’s opposition.

“Design is a powerful tool, as it communicates energy and a message, and it offers a unique capacity to make someone do a double take on-pitch — I feel like it would be intimidating to see this boot,” Abloh explained.

Off-White’s signature styling, including labels for “KNIT”, “LOGO” and “FAST AF” appear in various areas of the footwear.

On the medial side, the shoe also features the now iconic “Off-White for Nike” text box branding which has been a staple of the duo’s collaborations.

The boots will come in a custom box and shoe bag that share the same aesthetics as the striking cleats.

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