Pink cleats are everywhere at the World Cup; here's why
Major brands released special World Cup editions as players wore similar bright boots, and FIFA kept referees in traditional black Adidas shoes.
- Pink cleats are dominating the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with major manufacturers including Nike, Adidas, Puma, New Balance, and Skechers equipping athletes with vibrant footwear across North America.
- Nike's Odinga Nimako said athlete feedback drove the decision, noting pink helps "amplifying confidence" while standing out against green grass for television viewers.
- Ben Warren, founder of BW Boots UK, observed that different brands are releasing boots in nearly identical colors, making it difficult for fans to identify specific players on the pitch.
- Despite the trend, Argentina captain Lionel Messi wears Adidas' "El Ultimo Tango" boots accented with gold, while United States player Christian Pulisic sports Puma's blue-star design.
- Industry insiders expect the pink trend to fade when manufacturers refresh color schemes around the end of July, as players fulfill contractual obligations to wear new seasonal designs.
13 Articles
13 Articles
The feet of the World Cup were invaded by pink. Although Nike justifies this with contrast to the field, logic fails at one point: the lawn was always green.
Until the end of the twentieth century, colored football boots were completely taboo. Now, most players at the World Cup wear bright pink football boots. How did that evolution unfold?
Forget about the pink Barbie – welcome to the hot pink summer of the World Cup. Livaković's team matched the official shirts during the Saudi Arab match against Uruguay this week, as well as the ices worn by players from Croatia and England, reports The Guardian. Tens of other people wore pink to brands like Nike, Adidas, Puma and New Balance. As the GQ recently observed: "Whereever you look, the ices are pink: fluorescent pink, light pink, fucs…
The choice of colors (or color) by the best known brands in the world is drawing attention. But everything has a motive.
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