They say creativity has no confines whatsoever. And as we speak of football, the players along with the manufacturers are always on a run when it comes to gloating their new customizations. 2019, especially, has seen a major turnaround in the context, with all the Pumas or Adidas or Nikes going extreme for the athletes in their roster.
The evolution of football boots has been on a high given the extremity the sport demands from its athletes. And all that coupled with the worldwide prestige further forces the manufacturers to usher the designs to its very best. Having said that, we take you on an exciting journey where you will be the bystanders of some of the best customized boots the sport has ever seen.
Bakary Sako’s manga collection:
Sako, who is now deemed as an undisputed king of customized boots, has time and again showed his astounding choices on the field. The ‘Manga Collection’ he owns is just sublime, to say the least. Right from the Dragon Ball Z artwork to Naruto’s portrait, the Crystal Palace midfielder has left no stone unturned. The designer behind this artistry, however, is a Paris-based artist Pierre Navarro, who customizes Sako’s Mercurial Superfly IV boots to mere perfection.
Have a look:
Neymar’s ‘Speed Freak’ collection:
Based on the blueprint of his basic Mercurial Vapor 13 design, Nike decided to honour Neymar with an NJR 'Speed Freak' design, which also carries a personal message on the heel. The design, as we speak, is inspired from the motorsport aesthetics and the fact that it features a chequered flag outline on the swoosh design perfectly depicts their idea.
A combination of black, red and chrome, every colour has its own significance. As for the silver colourway, it is dedicated to Neymar’s friend, Lewis Hamilton, who drives for Mercedes – also known as the Silver Arrows.
Ronaldo’s Mercurial Superfly CR7 SE:
Ronaldo’s Serie A triumph in his first year in Italy was duly rewarded by Nike who went on to announce a new Mercurial Superfly CR7 SE, inspired by the traditional Juventus’ black and white colourway on front, while a golden finish on the outsole.
‘CR7STIANO’ is imprinted across the boot, while his initials – CR7 – covers the tongue of it. As for the product, Nike have released just 2019 pairs worldwide.
View this post on InstagramVery happy to have scored the goal 600 in my career with these beautiful boots!!👍🏽⚽️
Ada Hegerberg’s Special Edition Ballon d'Or PUMA Boots:
2018 Ballon d’Or winner, Ada Hegerberg received a special edition custom ONE boots by PUMA as a gift for her achievement. After receiving the honour last year at the ceremony, Hegerberg concluded her speech by saying, “I want to end with a message to all young girls in the world: Believe in yourselves.” Thus the manufacturers imprinted the message on the quarter, while her name and the Norwegian flag also finds a place on the other side.
Ada Hegerberg Special Edition Ballon d'Or #PUMA Boots - Following her historic win at this year’s awards, the Olympique Lyon and former Norway striker received her own custom gold PUMA ONE boots featuring the message “Believe In Yourself” on the side. #NewLevels #PUMAFootball pic.twitter.com/lZwDx33thS
— Football Fashion (@footballfashion) December 15, 2018
Surrounded by gold throughout, the design also features a black collar on it. And unlike all of the other Puma releases, this pair won’t available in retails.
Aubameyang’s Black Panther:
Adding to an already fascinating list of breathtaking boot designs, Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang brought home a ‘Black Panther-themed’ "Black Lux" Nike Mercurial Superfly VI earlier this year.
Instagram Embed:
Designed by Handmade Customised Footwear Designer SWithADot, the boot featured a half-and-half portrait of the striker and the Avenger, Black Panther. The other side saw ‘Gabon Panther’ written over it coupled with his squad numbers for Arsenal (14) and Gabon (9).
Feature image courtesy: Instagram / Neymar Jr
