Adidas Developed Potentially Revolutionary Leather-Free Upper Material
In July 2022, we exclusively reported that Adidas would not be using kangaroo leather for the next-generation Adidas Copa Pure football boots. Now, former Adidas designer Marc Illan has revealed something very interesting - he and his team had developed a potentially revolutionary leather-free material for the boots that was ultimately not used.
Adidas Use No Calf Leather Instead of Kangaroo Leather for Next-Generation Copa Pure
Adidas has made the decision to no longer use kangaroo leather for their Copa line of football shoes, opting instead for calf leather. This change mainly came as a response to concerns surrounding the environmental impact and animal welfare issues associated with the production of kangaroo leather.
However, the Three Stripes were close to stopping using leather completely.
Adidas Designers Found "Suitable Alternative" to Stop Use of Leather At All
Marc Illan, a former Adidas designer, claims that he and his team had developed a leather-free alternative, but the company decided not to use it in the end.
Marc Illan says that their "team was able to find a suitable alternative to kangaroo leather that not only meet the performance requirements of a football shoe but also has a lower environmental impact and is humanely produced".
Marc Illan also showed off some early virtual prototypes of the leather-free next-generation Adidas Copa Pure football boots.
Unfortunately, this material was not used on the shoes, and instead, the shoe uses calf leather.
In the end, opted for calf leather. Marc Illan does not completely agree with the decision to still use leather but shows his satisfaction that Kangaroo leather is no longer used.
I am not here to defend this material choice, but still is a great achievement that Adidas has STOPPED USING KANGAROO LEATHER IN THEIR FOOTBALL SHOES. And that is something we should all celebrate.
It remains to be seen if Adidas will stop using leather for their Copa football boots in the near future.
What do you think of Adidas still using leather for their football boots? Let us know in the comments below.
Vintage Football Shirts
from Cult Kits
2014/15 Arsenal Ramsey #16 Home Shirt (XXL) Puma
2022/23 Manchester United Sancho #25 *BNWT* Authentic Home Shirt (XXL) Adidas
1988/90 Umbro #1 GK Template Shirt (L)
2019/20 AC Milan *BNWT* Red Stadium Jacket (Multiple Sizes) Puma
2001 Brent And Colleagues For England
2008/09 Germany Klose #11 Home Shirt (M) Adidas
1990/93 England Away Shirt (L) Umbro
2003/04 Vicenza De Martin #22 *Match Issue* Home Shirt (XL) Biemme
1998 Les Bleus Home Shirt 'France' (Multiple Sizes) Dreamers
2006/08 South Korea Ji Sung #7 Home Shirt (M) Nike
Neymar to Retain Brazil No. 10 Shirt for 2026 World Cup
The debate over Brazil’s most iconic shirt number has been officially settled ahead of the 2026 World Cup. It has been confirmed that Neymar will retain the famous No. 10 jersey for the upcoming tournament in North America.
Following a lengthy period away from the national team due to injury, questions had naturally arisen regarding the future of the prestigious shirt. During Neymar's prolonged absence, the Brazilian No. 10 was shared among the squad's other attacking stars. Both Vinicius Junior and Raphinha have donned the historic number in recent international fixtures.
Despite their growing influence and status within the Seleção, both players have willingly stepped aside out of respect for the veteran forward. Highlighting the squad's unity on the matter, Vinicius Junior openly addressed the situation, stating clearly that the shirt "obviously belongs to Neymar."
Earlier rumors suggested that Neymar might adopt the No. 13 jersey.
Do you agree with the decision to keep Neymar in the No. 10 shirt, or was it time to pass it on to a younger player like Vinicius Junior? Let us know in the comments below.
Barcelona 26-27 Home Kit - 11 New Pictures
Footy Headlines can now leak 11 new pictures of the Nike Barcelona 26-27 home kit. Although it is a fake, the design is identical to the real one.
The kit features a unique design with three shades of red and three shades of blue in each stripe, paying tribute to the renovated Camp Nou's exterior.
Liverpool 26-27 Home Kit Water Bottle Released
The official Liverpool FC online store has released an interesting "LFC 26/27 Home Water Bottle".
The design of the water bottle mirrors the home kit. The front of the bottle also displays the Liverbird crest and the current Standard Chartered sponsor logo - however, it lacks the Adidas logo and looks very offset. They should have placed logos differently...
The text "Liverpool FC 26-27" is printed on the bottle in the new official Liverpool font.