Nike is unveiling Sam Kerr’s first Player Edition model of the Mercurial football boot, which reflects her tenacious attacker’s mentality and deep Australian roots while celebrating her long-held status as one of the game’s most iconic athletes.
Sam’s Player Edition boot, which debuts alongside her first collection of performance apparel and sportswear, stands as a tribute to her 11-year journey as a professional footballer, showcasing the intensity she brings to the pitch and her enduring love for her hometown of Perth. Sam’s new Mercurial also represents her drive, alongside Nike, to uplift the next generation of female footballers — raising the standard of the game so all athletes know their names belong on boots.
“Through the creation process it was always important that the boot tell my story: how a kid from East Fremantle got this far by following her dreams,” says Sam, referencing her upbringing in suburban Perth, the capital of Western Australia.
The boot brings forward the industry-leading performance expected from Mercurial in a design that features a light, neutral palette inspired by the sand of Australia’s beaches. Vibrant pops of teal, pink and orange symbolize the ocean, sunsets and rocks that remind Sam of home, while her “Consistent” mantra adorns the upper in a unique tattoo style, alongside nods to her on-pitch position (“Forever Forward”) and hometown identity (“Perth Swagger”).
“The colors of the boot are what I think of when I think of home: Perth’s ocean and sunsets,” says Sam. “It’s a reminder of where I’m from.”
A stripe down the toe of Sam’s Player Edition is inspired by Cathy Freeman, the iconic Australian sprinter who famously wore a one-piece Nike bodysuit while taking gold in the 400-meter run 25 years ago in Sydney. At the top of the stripe is a call to Cathy’s 2000 Olympic win; at the bottom are the Roman numerals XX, a reference to Sam’s jersey number.
Further, the boot includes references to pivotal seasons throughout Sam’s career: her 2009 debut with the Matildas, 2017 Golden Boot and landmark 2020 Chelsea FC campaign. The sock liner also includes messages to inspire the next generation of footballers to embrace their true selves on and off the pitch, with the phrase “Be who I am” on one foot and “Be who you are” on the other.
In an additional nod to Sam’s commitment to the next generation, her signature is emblazoned on the heel, ensuring every athlete has a signed pair.
Debuting alongside Sam’s Player Edition boot are a Nike Field General sneaker and oversized fleece hoodie that pay homage to her game and style. The sneaker complements the color palette and design elements of the Mercurial boot, incorporating personal messages on the upper and tongue, along with Sam’s signature at the ankle. The front of the hoodie features understated design elements such as a teal embroidered Swoosh, XX logo and SK signature, while the back is bold and playful — sporting the phrases “Be Who I Am, Be Who You Are,” “Golden in 2017,” “You Just Never Know” and “Me vs The World.”
Both pieces pair with a performance top and short that incorporate the color palette of Sam’s Player Edition model, reinforcing the collection’s cohesive visual identity and Sam’s connection to her Australian roots.
Sam’s Player Edition of the Nike Mercurial Superfly and her performance apparel and sportswear collection will be available in Australia beginning August 28. The boot, performance apparel and sportswear will be available globally at nike.com and select retail locations September 2.