Just a Copy? Introducing the First High-End Football Boot of Chinese Brand XTep
Is this just a copy of the Adidas X Football Boots? Chinese brand XTep, who are well known as the kit supplier of Spanish La Liga club Villarreal, have released their first-ever high-end soccer cleat. The boots were presented by former AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko. Let's get into the XTep Blade 1 Football Boot.
XTep Blade 1 Football Shoes - Black / Grey / Yellow
This is the launch colorway of the XTep Blade 1 Soccer Shoe.
Combining the main color black with different shades of grey and striking yellow applications, the first-ever XTep Soccer Cleat boasts a unique but understated all-over graphic print. The most remarkable element of the shoes is the yellow collar that wraps around the ankle. It's a design that is classy but still outstanding.
On the heel area is XTep's logo, and the sole plate also boasts the logo of the Chinese company.
Tech-wise, the XTep Blade 1 Soccer Shoe strongly reminds us of the Adidas X Boot. The boot features a collar that is almost identical to the one of Adidas' Chaos boots, whereas the synthetic upper comes with a Honeycomb structure that seems to be very similar to the one of the first-gen Nike Hypervenom and the New Balance Visaro Boot.
The sole plate of the XTep Blade 1 Soccer Boot is very standard and just comes with conical studs, made for AG surfaces.
XTep Blade 1 Football Shoes - Grey / Pink
This is the alternative XTep Blade 1 launch paint job.
Combining different shades of grey and black with pink logos and applications, the second XTep Blade I Football Boots Colorway boasts a much more bold look than the first colorway.
The XTep Blade 1 Football Shoe retails at 599.00 Chinese Yuan (80 Euro, 80 USD, 60 GBP) and is already available in China. Lower-tier models of the boot are also available.
What's your verdict on the XTep Blade 1 Football Boot? Let us know in the comments section below.
Colombia 2026 World Cup 1992 EQT Retro Collection "Leaked"
As for other nations, Adidas will release a Colombia 2026 World Cup retro apparel collection. It was already worn by the popular Colombian band Morat.
Based on the Adidas EQT 1992 block design, the Colombia 2026 World Cup retro collection boasts giant 3 stripes in yellow, blue, and red, on a navy / white base.
Weymouth FC Restores Historic Crest as Part of New Visual Identity
Weymouth Football Club has unveiled a restored version of its historic crest, presented with the caption "Restored, not replaced." The update keeps the badge instantly recognizable while refining it for greater clarity, sharpness, and versatility in modern applications. This approach avoids a full redesign in favor of preserving the traditional elements that fans associate with the club.
The restored crest sits at the core of a broader visual identity refresh announced by the club. Additional elements include new wordmarks for flexible communication, a secondary WFC shield logo, and a Jubilee Anchor mark that connects the club to local Weymouth symbols such as the Jubilee Clock and pavilion anchor. The primary crest will feature on upcoming team kits and official materials.
Club statements highlight the work as a way to standardize assets and safeguard the identity long-term. The changes maintain continuity with the badge's long-standing design while improving its overall presentation across digital and physical uses.
Ezeta and Daniel Norris Reveal New Tivoli Calcio Logo
Italian creative sports brand Ezeta has officially presented a brand-new logo for Tivoli Calcio 1919. Designed in collaboration with graphic designer Daniel Norris, the updated crest aligns perfectly with Ezeta's established reputation for blending modern design aesthetics with deep local history, providing the Italian side with a highly bespoke and culturally resonant identity.
The newly unveiled emblem intricately weaves several of the city's most recognizable historical landmarks and symbols into a single, cohesive design. The crest prominently features a traditional eagle, the historic Rocca Pia fortress, a classic three-arched bridge, and the flowing waters of the Aniene River. These carefully chosen elements have long safeguarded the historical identity of Tivoli, and their inclusion ensures the club's badge remains deeply connected to its geographical roots.
According to Ezeta, the updated logo was specifically created to celebrate the city's rich heritage and highlight the pride of the local "Tiburtini" people.
What are your thoughts on this new crest for Tivoli Calcio 1919 designed by Ezeta and Daniel Norris? Let us know in the comments below.
Leaked: Official Look at Nike x Palace England Jacket and Boots
Following the announcement of the highly anticipated England x Nike x Palace World Cup collection, we have the first detailed images, courtesy of sneaker insider @vladieboi.
The image shows a striking full-zip Enfland Palace track jacket paired with matching pants. The tracksuit features a two-tone grey and silver colorway, dominated by a geometric, repeating cross pattern that serves as a subtle, stylized nod to the St. George's Cross. The defining detail, however, sits on the right chest: a bespoke co-branded logo that sees the iconic red Nike Swoosh slicing directly through the famous Palace Tri-Ferg emblem, sitting opposite the traditional England national team crest.
Also visible is a pair of retro-inspired Nike x Palace footwear. Bearing a strong resemblance to classic heritage silhouettes like the Nike Premier, the black shoes feature a nostalgic fold-over tongue adorned with bold red "PALACE" text and a small white Swoosh. The boots come with a cage, making it easy to wear them on the streets.
What are your thoughts on the co-branded logo and the retro-styled boots in this Nike x Palace England collection? Let us know in the comments below.
River Plate Unearth Previously Unknown 1914 Crest
Argentine giants River Plate have officially unveiled a previously undiscovered crest from 1914. The historic emblem was revealed by the club's Museum, Trophies, and History Department as part of their 125th-anniversary celebrations. With the official recognition of this newly found design, the total number of crests used throughout River Plate's extensive history has now risen to 24.
The vintage logo features a circular shape characterized by striking Art Nouveau typography, perfectly reflecting the popular artistic trends of the early 20th century. This unique piece of footballing heritage was discovered on an original membership card belonging to Esteban Fortunati, the club's fourth-ever member and a key figure who served as vice president and treasurer during their formative years. The historic document was recently brought to the River Plate museum by his great-granddaughter, Florencia Gilardón, allowing the club to officially preserve the forgotten emblem.
This discovery offers a rare glimpse into the early visual identity of River Plate, showcasing a completely different aesthetic long before their iconic "CARP" monogram became a globally recognized symbol.
How do you think this circular 1914 Art Nouveau crest compares to River Plate's modern badges? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Hertha Berlin Announces Sparda-Bank Berlin as New Front-of-Shirt Sponsor
German 2. Bundesliga side Hertha BSC has officially announced a new front-of-shirt sponsorship agreement. Starting July 1, the logo of Sparda-Bank Berlin will feature prominently across the chest of the club's kits. The cooperative bank is stepping up its involvement with the capital city club, having already served as Hertha's official sleeve sponsor during the previous campaign.
The new primary sponsorship contract is set to run for four seasons, keeping Sparda-Bank Berlin on the front of the shirts until the end of the 2029-2030 season. This long-term agreement marks the official end of the club's relationship with previous main sponsor Checkcars24, whose branding will no longer appear on the club's uniforms. Checkcars24 did not pay Hertha for more than half a year, which led to the end of the deal.
Hertha Managing Director Peter Görlich praised the expanded partnership, highlighting the bank's strong regional roots and the proven success of their existing relationship. According to the club's official press release, the new deal will extend far beyond matchday visibility, with both parties committed to tackling specific social initiatives over the next four years. These upcoming community projects will include promoting financial education, supporting partner clubs in the Brandenburg region, and funding campaigns in the fight against cancer.