Nike Have Changed Their Football (Boot) Strategy
If you have followed the season and have had an eye on the player's boots, you surely have noticed that most Nike players have been wearing the same boot since the start of the campaign. This is no accident but planned by Nike as part of their new strategy in soccer.
Nike Have Reduced Numbers of Football Boot Colorways & Releases
Just 10 years ago, in the 2011-12, Cristiano Ronaldo and many other players did wear around eight different boots during a season. For CR7, seven of his boots were regular releases, while one was a signature edition.
Nike did release new colorways every month some years ago
In fact, the maximum of football boots was released around 2016. In the second half of 2016, Nike did release nine colorways for the "Hypervenom 2.5" alone - a new paint job every three weeks.
In the 2021-22 season so far, Nike have only released one main boot collection - the Motivation Pack. It has been worn by Nike players since the start of the season.
Haaland and many other Nike players have been wearing the same boots in every match of the 21-22 season so far
For Nike, this means they do not have to send new boots to their players every month. For players, it means that they do not have to break into new shoes every 6 weeks.
Nike are still releasing some special releases but not far as many as in the mid-2010s. The Swoosh also completely ditched the Women's boot colorways that came out up to four times a year.
We expect Nike's second "main pack" to be the "Recharge Collection" that will be released in November 2021. In total, Nike will bring out three or four main collections in the 2021-22 season.
Adidas' strategy is to release around 4 main packs per season as well as special packs that are worn by select star players. Puma's strategy is similar as Adidas'.
We see more kit releases than in the past
Meanwhile, all brands are releasing more football kits and other football gear related items than before. PSG is getting four kits every year (and many other Nike teams 4th kits), Adidas are releasing special-edition kits for all the big teams (Humanrace, Teamgeist) and Puma are doing so as well (BALR, Street Soccer, King).
Nike have "lost" many famous footballers
Nike have also not extended the contacts with many (expensive) players, rounding off their new strategy in football. The latest one seems to be Jorginho.
Good or bad? What do you think of players wearing the same colorway for more than one or two month again? Do you think the trend toward more and more football kits will stop? Comment below, check out more boot stats on Football Boots DB and boot leaks and releases in the Boot Calendar.
Alexis Vega Wears Old Nike Mercurial Vapor 12 Jordan x PSG Boots
Mexican international Alexis Vega caught the attention of boot enthusiasts by lacing up in a unique pair of pink Nike Mercurial Vapor 12 Jordan x PSG boots. The Toluca forward chose the bold footwear for the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, stepping onto the pitch for the inauguration scenario in a design that perfectly fits the current trend of vibrant football boots. Big thanks to @abcdefutbol.
Originally launched in 2018 as part of the highly successful collaboration between Jordan Brand and Paris Saint-Germain, the Mercurial Vapor 12 is now a rare sight in professional matches. Vega's choice of the eye-catching pink edition highlights his personal preference, with the boots reportedly being among his all-time favorites.
2026 World Cup Sleeve Badge Now Available in England Store
Most 2026 World Cup sleeve badges are currently not available for purchase separately; they are only offered as an add-on that is pre-applied to online jersey orders. However, they are now available with the England 2026 World Cup jersey and can be ordered through the team's official online store.
Viktor Gyokeres Sticks to Lucky Old-Gen Nike Mercurial Vapor 16 'Mad Ambition' Boots
Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres has developed a superstition regarding his football boots, choosing to stick with an older colorway of the Nike Mercurial Vapor 16. Despite Nike releasing several newer packs, the forward continues to wear the Mad Ambition edition. He considers this specific pair to be his lucky boots due to his prolific goalscoring form while wearing them. Big thanks to @abcdefutbol.
Interestingly, Gyokeres has been spotted testing and warming up in newer Nike Mercurial releases. However, when it comes to the actual matches, he consistently reverts to his trusted Mad Ambition Vapor 16s. This practice of wearing new boots during warm-ups but relying on a comfortable, proven pair for competitive play highlights how important gear familiarity and superstition can be for a striker.
Uruguay Requests FIFA 'Legacy' Patch for Muslera's 2026 World Cup Kit
The Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) has formally requested that FIFA allow goalkeeper Fernando Muslera to wear the special 'Legacy' patch on his jersey sleeve during the 2026 World Cup. The patch is designated for players who have participated in five or more World Cup tournaments, a milestone Muslera is reaching with his inclusion in the 2026 squad.
Muslera was initially excluded from receiving the patch by FIFA because he did not register any playing time during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, despite being part of the official squad. His previous World Cup appearances came in 2010, 2014, and 2018. The AUF is now pushing for his recognition alongside other five-time tournament veterans such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Manuel Neuer, and Luka Modrić.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper is expected to start in Uruguay's opening match of the 2026 World Cup. If FIFA approves the request, Muslera's jersey will feature the 'Legacy' patch, marking his long-standing service to the national team across five different World Cup campaigns.
Spain 2026 World Cup Climacool Pre-Match Jacket Turns Heads
Spain's 2026 Climacool pre-match jacket, designed by Adidas for the 2026 World Cup, has caught the attention of fans and media alike. Worn by the players ahead of their matches in the tournament, the jacket has sparked a strong reaction online.
The Adidas Spain 2026 pre-match jacket features the usual design but with the striking, glossy Climacool look.
The Adidas Climacool 2026 World Cup Climacool jacket is not available to buy - Adidas only offers the regular version.
Thibaut Courtois Wears Special World Cup Golden Glove Patch
Following the introduction of special FIFA player patches for the 2026 World Cup, Thibaut Courtois has been spotted wearing a special Golden Glove patch on his Belgium kit, commemorating his award-winning performance at the 2018 tournament.
The new initiative by FIFA allows past award winners, including recipients of the Golden Boot, Golden Ball, and Golden Glove, to display their historic individual achievements directly on the sleeves of their national team shirts.