Ballon d’Or Special: The Best Football-Inspired Shoes That Have Been Released So Far This Year
Celebrating the crème de la crème of personal football awards.
It is Ballon d’Or week and we just witnessed Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder, Rodri, picking up the crème de la crème of personal football awards last night. While social media spaces are in a frenzy about who should have won it (*coughs Vini. Jr*), brands have been capitalizing on the rise of the blokecore culture. This year alone, major brands like Nike, adidas, and PUMA have delved into their archives and pulled out classic football boot models, transforming them into everyday shoes. These kicks are not just for the pitch but also for the streets, capturing the essence of the beautiful game in every step.
Nike
Nike has become an integral force in the football scene, shaping the sport both on and off the pitch. Their innovative product designs, strategic marketing campaigns, and influential collaborations with top players have solidified their position as a global leader in football apparel and footwear.
Early this year, Nike surprised everyone by reintroducing the Tiempo model, incorporating Air Max Plus technology. The Swoosh brand has already released three colorways, with rumors of a new Ronaldinho (2005 Ballon d’Or winner)-inspired Air Max Plus Tiempo on the horizon.
In the middle of the year, Nike collaborated with Bode to bring back the Astro Grabber in two colorways, a silhouette originally designed in the ’70s. While Nike has focused on footwear, they’ve also tapped into nostalgia with the re-release of the 1998 Brazil jersey, aligning with the growing blokecore trend. Take a look at the best Nike football-inspired shoes released so far below.
adidas
adidas, an iconic football brand, has consistently delivered. The classic Samba silhouette, inspired by football, has been reimagined in various colorways and collaborations, including with 8-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, appealing to both football fans and sneaker collectors. The Gazelle, another iconic adidas model, has also received a football makeover, with teams like Manchester United and Real Madrid releasing special editions featuring premium materials and bold branding.
Clubs with a history in the yesteryears of European competitions have also been given the football-inspired shoes treatment. Last week, Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, and Aberdeen each received exclusive club-themed SPZL makeovers. These limited-edition shoes feature unique designs inspired by the British clubs’ rich history.
During the Euros in June, brands like SNS and Overkill partnered with adidas to create modern footwear interpretations of classic football silhouettes. Explore the comprehensive list of football-inspired adidas shoes below.
PUMA
PUMA, renowned for its bold designs and collaborations with football stars, like Neymar Jr. and Memphis Depay has also joined the fray.
Unlike Nike and adidas, PUMA has taken a different approach to elevate the blokecore trend. The once-forgotten PUMA Avanti has been revived thanks to Rihanna’s Fenty collaboration. As Rihanna transitions to a more casual style, she has reimagined the Avanti with football-inspired colorways and materials, capturing the essence of the sport while infusing her signature style. The silhouette blends performance and fashion, reflecting Rihanna’s influence on both the music and fashion industries, while maintaining its football roots. Take a look at some of the colorways below!
As we celebrate the Ballon d’Or week, the excitement surrounding football-inspired sneakers continues to grow. These stylish and innovative creations not only celebrate the beautiful game but also provide sneaker enthusiasts with the opportunity to showcase their passion for football through their footwear choices.
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